By Susan Maxwell Skinner, photos by Susan Maxwell Skinner ● Published in the Carmichael Times
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) – Seeing a dry-suited man face-down in the shallows, American River hikers could be excused their alarm.
The snorkeler is Tyler Brownell, one of a biological team surveying salmonid habitat in the river. “I often get startled reactions,” Brownell told this reporter. “And dogs go crazy at the sight of me.”
Employed by Cramer Fish Sciences, Truett and fellow technicians partner with the Sacramento Water Forum. They identify places where small-fry salmonids shelter to prepare for their migration to the Pacific Ocean. Because the American River has been greatly altered – first by gold diggers, then by dams – Chinooks and steelhead face reproductive challenges.
Over the last 18 years, Water Forum contractors have poured many tons of gravel into the shallows to rebuild lost spawning beds. Project locations have included Nimbus Basin (Gold River), Sailor and Sacramento Bars (Fair Oaks), Ancil Hoffman Park (Carmichael) and River Bend (Rancho Cordova).
Additional projects have carved out hospitable backwaters, where baby fish are protected from predators and strong currents while they grow big enough for their big swim.
“Habitat for adult and juvenile salmon is limited in the American River,” explained Water Forum program manager Erica Bishop. “Snorkel surveys focus on gathering information about juveniles.”
To identify small-fry hangouts, the Cramer snorkeling team has been fish-counting since salmon eggs began hatching in February. Surveys will end in June and resume next February. Data will indicate fish numbers, what youngsters are eating and where they congregate.
Continue reading the full story and see photos of the Cramer Fish Sciences snorkel team in action in the Carmichael Times here.