Description of work: Weekly collection of field data along local streams
Requirements of volunteer: Ability to work independently. Must be able to visit pools on assigned streams once each week, operate simple electronic measuring instruments, and keep clear data records
Time frame: June - September 2008, approx. 1.5 hours per week
Number of volunteers needed: 3+
Location: San Juan Island (Garrison) and Orcas (West Beach, Buck Bay, Doe Bay)
Supervisor: Russel Barsh, director and ecologist, KWIAHT
Funding Source: Salmon Recovery Funding Board
Additional information on stream monitors:
Kwiaht and the Wild Fish Conservancy have found native cutthroat trout in seven San Juan County streams (six on Orcas, and one on San Juan). Our local cutthroat spawn in March-April, and many if not all the juveniles spend their first summer in small pools in their natal streams. What kinds of conditions can these young fish survive? Kwiaht is recruiting Beach Watchers to monitor dry-season conditions in a small number of pools where juvenile cutthroat were seen in 2007-2008. Stream monitors will measure stream flow, pool depth, water temperature, dissolved oxygen and dissolved solids every week, from July through September (or first significant fall rain): roughly 1.5 hours per week. Stream monitors will also take monthly water samples for chemical analysis, and when available, can help Kwiaht ecologist Russel Barsh use underwater video to confirm the presence and behavior of the fish. At least one Beach Watcher will be assigned to each stream; two Beach Watchers can share responsibility for the same stream if they would like to work together.
