ITEM:		INFORMATIONAL ITEMS/STAFF REPORTS
26.	CARMEL RIVER FISHERY REPORT FOR MAY 2011
Meeting Date:			June 20, 2011	Budgeted:	N/A
From:			Darby Fuerst,	Program/	N/A
			General Manager	Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			Cory Hamilton	Cost Estimate:	N/A
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: N/A
CEQA Compliance: N/A

AQUATIC HABITAT AND FLOW CONDITIONS: During May 2011, Carmel River streamflow conditions for fish migration were adequate for all life stages of steelhead, with the exception of adult migration. Adult migration was adequate until approximately May 25, where it became marginal as flows declined to below 80 cfs at the MPWMD Highway 1 gage.

During May 2011, the mean daily streamflow recorded at the District’s Carmel River at Sleepy Hollow Weir gaging station averaged 93 cubic-feet per second (cfs) and ranged from 70 to 122 cfs. Unimpaired runoff at San Clemente Dam (SCD) for the month of May 2011 was 5,779 AF. Unimpaired runoff at SCD for Water Year (WY) 2011 to date, which starts on October 1^st, has totaled 92,610 AF or about 134% of the long-term annual average of 68,900 AF. During May 2011, 0.97 inches of rainfall were recorded at California American Water’s (CAW) SCD. The rainfall total for WY 2011 to date is 23.44 inches, which is 109% of the long-term annual average of 21.41 inches.

CARMEL RIVER LAGOON: During May 2011, the lagoon’s water-surface elevation (WSE) ranged from approximately 1.29 to 6.78 feet above mean sea level (see graph below). The lagoons mouth cycled open and closed throughout the month, due primarily to diel tidal influence. The lagoon water quality was sampled on May 25, 2011. During the May sampling, all sites were relatively shallow as the lagoon was still draining during a low tide. Most sites were relatively fresh (low salinity), except for the deepest parts of the south arm, where a halocline at 1-meter depth increased the salinity to 21 parts per thousand. Dissolved oxygen levels were highly variable – anoxic near the bottom mud in the south arm and supersaturated in the north arm. The water temperature in the shallow reaches of both the north and south arms had risen to suboptimal levels for fish survival (63-66 degrees Fahrenheit). In the main body, where fresh water continued to flow through the lagoon, temperatures were 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered optimal for steelhead, but had increased considerably since last month. Water clarity was good to excellent at all sites.

ADULT STEELHEAD AT SAN CLEMENTE DAM: The fish counter and video camera were installed and tested at the ladder on December 6, 2010. The first fish recorded over the counter was on December 20^th. Through the end of May there have been a total of 452 fish recorded passing the counter, 10 in December, 42 in January, 103 in February, 234 in March, 62 in April, and one in May. The end of May typically concludes the end of the adult run. Total for the 2011 season is 452 fish.

ADULT STEELHEAD AT LOS PADRES DAM: The fish trap has been operational since December 2010. The first fish recorded at the trap was on January 14, 2011. Through the end of May there have been a total of 204 fish recorded at the trap, 9 in January, 19 in February, 102 in March, 74 in April, and zero in May. The end of May and the fact that zero fish were trapped likely conclude the end of the adult run. Total for the 2011 season is 204 fish.