ITEM:		INFORMATIONAL ITEMS/STAFF REPORTS
20.	CARMEL RIVER FISHERY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2013
Meeting Date:			March 18, 2013	Budgeted:	N/A
From:			David J. Stoldt,	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 February 2013, Carmel River streamflow conditions were in decline the entire month, but were adequate for migration of juvenile and smolt stages of steelhead. Adult steelhead migration conditions were impaired the entire month, with mean daily flows less than 61 cubic-feet per second (cfs) as measured at the MPWMD Highway One gage.

During February 2013, the mean daily streamflow recorded at the District’s Carmel River at Sleepy Hollow Weir gaging station averaged 48.1 cfs and ranged from 39 to 60 cfs. Unimpaired runoff at San Clemente Dam (SCD) for the month of February 2013 was 2,685 AF. Unimpaired runoff at SCD for Water Year (WY) 2013, which starts on October 1^st, has totaled 22,628 AF or about 33% of the long-term annual average of 68,756 AF. During February 2013, 0.90 inches of rainfall were recorded at California American Water’s (CAW) SCD. The rainfall total for WY 2013 is 13.53 inches, which is 87% of the long-term Year-To-Date average of 15.56 inches and 63% of the long-term annual average of 21.37 inches.

CARMEL RIVER LAGOON: During February 2013, the lagoon’s water-surface elevation (WSE) ranged from approximately 1.2 to 8.41 feet above mean sea level (see graph below). Continuous flow entered the lagoon all month long, but flow continued to decline from 61 cfs to 35 cfs as measured at the MPWMD Highway One gage. The lagoon mouth opened and closed to the ocean periodically throughout the entire month.

Water quality was sampled on February 28, 2013. During the sampling survey the WSE was approximately 7.3 feet. Water clarity had a dark green tint and visibility was down to 1 meter. Salinity levels across all sites increased with depth, concentrations of 0.7 parts per thousand (ppt) at the surface to maximum concentrations of 26.1 ppt were observed throughout the water column. Dissolved oxygen measurements were not reliable, therefore are not reported this month due to equipment failure. Water temperatures were optimal for steelhead rearing, ranging from 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the water column.

ADULT STEELHEAD AT SAN CLEMENTE DAM: The fish counter and video camera were installed and tested at the ladder in late November 2012. The Lagoon opened to the ocean for the first time this season on December 3, 2012. The first fish recorded over the counter was on December 5, 2012. Through the end of February there have been a total of 111 fish recorded passing the counter, 18 in December, 46 in January and 47 in February.

ADULT STEELHEAD AT LOS PADRES DAM: The fish trap is operational. The first fish observed in the trap was on January 15, 2013. Through the end of February there have been a total of 8 fish recorded in the trap, 3 in January and 5 in February.

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