Ecofish Research Ltd.
202 – 250 Dogwood Street
Campbell River, B.C. V9W 2X9
Phone:
778-346-3933
[email protected]
www.ecofishresearch.com
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
FILE:
Debbi Stanyer, Brookfield Renewable Energy Group
Harlan Wright, Dip. Tech., and Matt Thornton, B.Sc., Ecofish Research Ltd.
December 13, 2016
1085-22
RE:
Summary of fisheries monitoring completed on the Kokish River in 2016
This memorandum summarizes the ongoing fisheries work carried out in 2016 with respect to the
Kokish River Hydroelectric Project. Work was conducted by Ecofish Research Ltd. (Ecofish) and
MJ Lough Environmental Consultants Ltd. (MJL) for Kwagis Power Limited Partnership (Kwagis)
to meet the requirements for Year 3 of the Project’s Operational Environmental Monitoring Plan
(OEMP; Lewis et al. 2014).
A summary of the data collected from the 2016 monitoring of adult fish migration and abundance is
provided below (Section 1). We have also provided an overview of the 2016 monitoring survey
effort for juvenile fish abundance (Section 2), headpond habitat suitability and fish abundance
(Section 3), instream flow (Section 4), water quality (Section 5), invertebrate abundance (Section 6),
and stream geomorphology (Section 7). Detailed reports for each of the above will be included as
supporting material to the OEMP.
1. ADULT FISH MIGRATION AND ABUNDANCE
Snorkel surveys were conducted along three sections of the Kokish River during the 2016 winter
and summer fish migration periods (Map 1, Table 1). The number of adult fish counted during
snorkel surveys is provided in Table 2. A histogram of fish numbers counted within each survey
section is provided for individual fish species in Figure 1 to Figure 7.
Table 1.
Snorkel survey locations for adult fish migration and abundance monitoring
in Kokish River.
Location
Start Point
Finish Point
Description
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
KM 4.4
KM 8.4
KM 12.0
KM 0.0
KM 4.4
KM 8.4
Bottom of Lower Canyon to Estuary
Lower Canyon
Outlet of Ida Lake to top of Lower Canyon
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Page | 1
Map 1.
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Juvenile Fish Migration Snorkel Survey Sections in the Kokish River.
Page | 2
A total of 6 surveys were conducted in Section 1 between February 24 and April 27, 2016 to assess
winter Steelhead abundance. To assess summer Steelhead and salmon species migration, eight
surveys were conducted in Sections 1 and 3 from June 14 to August 11, 2016. Three full river
surveys were conducted in late July, mid-August, and near the beginning of October to assess the
abundance of early-run salmon species and summer steelhead. Surveys on October 18 and
November 1, 2016 targeted Chum and late-run Coho salmon in Section 1.
In addition to the snorkel surveys, underwater video monitoring was conducted at the fishway
located at the project intake. Two cameras were installed; one at the upstream exit of the fishway,
and one at the midway point of the fishway. Video footage confirmed successful passage of
Steelhead and Coho. Video data is being reviewed to estimate the total number of fish that migrated
upstream.
The peak count of winter Steelhead occurred on April 19, 2016 when a total of 3 fish were observed
in Section 1. Low counts of winter Steelhead may have been attributed to higher than normal water
temperatures resulting in early spawning, and overall low abundance in 2016. The peak count of
summer Steelhead was recorded during the full river survey carried out between August 23 and 25,
when a total of 54 fish were observed in Sections 1, 2, and 3 (Figure 1). Of those 54 fish, 36 were
observed above the intake (11.4 km). This was the second highest count in 8 years of data exceeded
only by 39 Steelhead counted above the 11.3 km falls in September 2008.
The peak count for Coho Salmon occurred on a full river swim conducted from October 3 to 5,
2016, when a total of 210 adults were observed in Sections 1, 2, and 3 (Figure 2). During that survey,
19 adult Coho were observed upstream of the falls. The Kokish River Community Hatchery took a
total of approximately 20 adult Coho for broodstock in November, when they swam into the
Bentley Side Channel following high flow events in early November (Kollman, pers. comm. 2016).
Surveys from July to the end of August, 2016, targeted early run Coho, which are known to migrate
further upstream than the fall run (Lough and Hay 2009). Between August 23 and 25, 2016, a total
of 114 Coho were observed (Figure 2), including 6 upstream of the falls.
A peak count of 224 Chum Salmon was observed in Section 1 on November 1 (Figure 3). The
majority of these fish were observed downstream of the Powerhouse, and in the Bentley Side
Channel. Addition Chum Salmon migrated into the Kokish during high flows in November, as
noted by members of Kokish River Community Hatchery (Kollman, pers. comm. 2016).
Sockeye were observed in low abundance, with a peak count of 8 individuals observed in Section 1
on August 11, 2016 (Figure 4).
Pink Salmon were less abundant than what was observed in past years. During the full river swim
conducted between August 23 and 25, 2016 a peak count of 102 Pink were observed in Section 1
(Figure 5). Pink salmon were not collected for broodstock by the Kokish Community Hatchery in
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Page | 3
2016; this was due to low abundance and fish being distributed in upstream pools where crews were
unable to capture them by seine net (Kollman, pers. comm. 2016).
A peak count of two Chinook Salmon was observed during three separate surveys between August
11 and November 1, 2016 (Figure 6). During this time period only one fish was observed in Section
3. All other Chinook were observed in Section 1.
Peak counts of resident and anadromous trout and char species in all sections combined were: 14
Cutthroat Trout and 131 Dolly Varden during a full river swim conducted between August 23 and
25, 2016; and 3 Rainbow Trout observed on 4 separate swims occurring between February 24 and
July 20, 2016 (Figure 7). The Rainbow Trout observed were predominantly stream resident, or
adfluvial fish which drop down from Ida and Bonanza lakes. Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden
were likely anadromous fish that may spawn in Section 1 of the Kokish River or its tributaries.
1085-22
Page | 4
Table 2.
Date
24-Feb
17-Mar
23-Mar
12-Apr
19-Apr
27-Apr
14-Jun
14-Jun
20-Jun
21-Jun
28-Jun
29-Jun
06-Jul
06-Jul
13-Jul
14-Jul
19-Jul
20-Jul
27-29-Jul
27-29-Jul
27-29-Jul
03-Aug
04-Aug
10-Aug
11-Aug
23-25-Aug
23-25-Aug
23-25-Aug
03-05-Oct
03-05-Oct
03-05-Oct
18-Oct
01-Nov
1085-22
Summary of adult fish observed during 2016 snorkel surveys in the Kokish
River.
Section
ST
CO
CM
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
3
3
1
1
3
1
3
1
3
1
2
3
1
3
3
1
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
1
2
0
0
1
3
2
2
1
10
1
2
2
2
4
0
9
2
14
5
8
23
0
36
36
4
6
3
45
0
4
17
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
0
1
0
4
18
44
38
32
20
137
53
10
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
6
0
0
4
224
Fish Observed
CH
SK
PK
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
1
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
8
6
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
15
0
77
0
0
70
0
0
66
102
18
0
30
0
0
3
1
CT
RB
DV
0
1
0
1
1
3
3
0
6
0
0
0
7
0
4
0
4
0
1
0
0
6
0
0
9
13
1
0
9
1
0
5
7
3
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
2
0
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
0
0
1
0
0
51
100
31
0
40
12
0
1
24
Page | 5
Figure 1.
Number of adult steelhead observed during snorkel surveys in Kokish River
during 2016.
Figure 2.
Number of adult Coho observed during snorkel surveys in Kokish River
during 2016.
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Page | 6
Figure 3.
Number of adult Chum observed during snorkel surveys in Section 1 on
Kokish River during 2016.
Figure 4.
Number of adult Sockeye observed during snorkel surveys in Section 1 on the
Kokish River during 2016.
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Page | 7
Figure 5.
Number of adult Pink observed during snorkel surveys in Kokish River
during 2016.
Figure 6.
Number of Chinook Salmon observed during snorkel surveys in the Kokish
River in 2016.
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Page | 8
Figure 7.
Number of adult Cutthroat, Rainbow, and Dolly Varden observed during
snorkel surveys in Kokish River during 2016.
2. JUVENILE FISH ABUNDANCE
Sampling for juvenile fish was conducted on dates between August and October 2016 to support the
Year 3 monitoring requirements of the OEMP. The fish monitoring focused on assessing the
standing stock of juvenile Steelhead and Coho Salmon within the diversion reach of the Kokish
River. Sampling was also undertaken in the Tsulton River, where control reaches had been selected
and monitored during baseline and Year 1 and 2 surveys. Electrofishing was used as the primary
method for enumerating fry (age 0+), and snorkel surveys were used as the primary method for
enumerating parr (age 1+ and 2+). Below is a summary of the 2016 survey effort.
2.1. Juvenile Electrofishing
Electrofishing was conducted at 15 sites in the Kokish River (impact) and 11 sites in the Tsulton
River (control) (Map 2 and Map 3); the sampling site locations and sampling dates for the Kokish
and Tsulton rivers are presented in Table 3 and Table 4, respectively.
In the Kokish River, single pass electrofishing was conducted in ‘open’ sites (i.e., without the use of
stop nets) ranging in area from 396 to 1,503 m2. Mark-recapture was conducted in a subsample of
sites to determine capture efficiency. The Tsulton River was sampled using closed site multi-pass
1085-22
Page | 9
removal method (rather than open site mark-recapture). The Tsulton River is much smaller than the
Kokish and therefore, it is feasible to net-off entire habitat units.
Using previously collected fish habitat data, fish densities can be calculated within specific
mesohabitat types (i.e., pool, riffle, glide, cascade) across the entire sampling reach in each stream to
estimate the standing stock of steelhead fry and parr, and Coho Salmon Fry. This analysis is
underway and will be presented in the Year 3 OEMP reporting.
Table 3.
Electrofishing sites on the Kokish River during 2016.
Site
Sampling
Date
Mesohabitat
Type
River km (from
mouth)
KOK-DVEF01
KOK-DVEF04
KOK-DVEF05
KOK-DVEF06
KOK-DVEF07
KOK-DVEF08
KOK-DVEF09
KOK-DVEF10
KOK-DVEF12
KOK-DVEF13
KOK-DVEF14
KOK-DVEF15
KOK-DVEF16
KOK-DVEF17
KOK-DVEF18
2016-08-17
2016-08-16
2016-08-16
2016-08-16
2016-08-16
2016-08-16
2016-08-17
2016-08-17
2016-08-24
2016-08-24
2016-08-24
2016-08-24
2016-10-06
2016-08-12
2016-08-12
Riffle
Riffle
Glide
Riffle
Riffle
Glide
Cascade
Cascade
Riffle
Riffle
Cascade
Riffle
Riffle
Cascade
Glide
10.5
2.3
2.5
2.7
2.8
2.8
6.9
7.0
7.8
7.8
7.9
11
2.3
7.2
7.3
1085-22
UTM (Zone 9 U, NAD 83)
Easting
Northing
654943
650648
650798
650827
650843
650884
652750
652823
653299
653321
653399
655029
654963
653042
653111
5593241
5598396
5598241
5598055
5597872
5597961
5595020
5594945
5594486
5594447
5594398
5592757
5593000
5594900
5594847
Page | 10
Table 4.
Site
Electrofishing sites on the Tsulton River during 2016.
Sampling
Date
Mesohabitat
Type
River km (from
mouth)
TSL-EF02 2016-09-25
Riffle
TSL-EF03 2016-09-26
UTM (Zone 9, NAD 83)
Easting
Northing
3.2
648562
5597086
Glide
3.5
648321
5596860
TSL-EF06 2016-09-15
TSL-EF07 2016-09-24
Riffle
Glide
2.1
2.7
648988
648745
5597944
5597470
TSL-EF08 2016-09-15
TSL-EF09 2016-09-14
Riffle
Glide
2.3
2.0
648910
649053
5597792
5598044
TSL-EF10 2016-09-14
Glide
1.9
649140
5598041
TSL-EF11 2016-09-25
Pool
3.0
648603
5597193
TSL-EF12 2016-09-25
Glide
3.3
648454
5597021
TSL-EF17 2016-09-24
Glide
2.8
648701
5597389
TSL-EF22 2016-09-15
Glide
2.5
648817
5597597
2.2. Juvenile Snorkel Surveys
Snorkel surveys were completed to enumerate age 1+ and 2+ steelhead in the Kokish and Tsulton
rivers. Surveys included a total of 18 sites in the Kokish River and 15 sites in the Tsulton River (Map
2 and Map 3). The snorkel survey sites locations and sampling dates for the Kokish and Tsulton
Rivers are presented in Table 5 and Table 6. In a subsample of sites on both streams, fish were
marked with visible hook tags the night prior to each survey, and ‘re-sighted’ the following day to
establish an observer efficiency rating.
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Page | 11
Table 5.
Snorkel sites in the Kokish River during 2016.
Site
Sampling
Date
Mesohabitat
Type
River km (from
mouth)
KOK-DVSN01
KOK-DVSN02
KOK-DVSN03
KOK-DVSN04
KOK-DVSN05
KOK-DVSN06
KOK-DVSN07
KOK-DVSN08
KOK-DVSN09
KOK-DVSN10
KOK-DVSN11
KOK-DVSN12
KOK-DVSN13
KOK-DVSN14
KOK-DVSN15
KOK-DVSN16
KOK-DVSN17
KOK-DVSN18
2016-08-16
2016-08-16
2016-08-24
2016-08-24
2016-08-17
2016-08-17
2016-08-16
2016-09-29
2016-09-29
2016-08-24
2016-08-25
2016-08-25
2016-10-05
2016-10-05
2016-10-06
2016-10-06
2016-08-12
2016-08-12
Glide
Cascade
Glide
Riffle
Glide
Cascade
Glide
Riffle
Glide
Glide
Pool
Glide
Pool
Cascade
Pool
Riffle
Cascade
Glide
8.0
8.1
10.3
10.2
7.1
7.0
7.4
2.4
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
1085-22
UTM (Zone 9 U, NAD 83)
Easting
Northing
653450
653564
654797
654757
652897
652868
653129
650733
650687
650605
654930
654704
652555
652572
654910
654963
653042
653111
5594422
5594521
5593407
5593454
5594887
5594908
5594778
5598339
5598387
5598546
5593311
5593566
5595168
5595155
5593065
5593000
5594900
5594847
Page | 12
Table 6.
Site
Snorkel sites in the Tsulton River during 2016.
Sampling
Date
Mesohabitat
Type
River km (from
mouth)
UTM (Zone 9, NAD 83)
Easting
Northing
TSL-SN06 2016-09-25
TSL-SN07 2016-09-15
Pool
Glide
3.1
2.7
5597143
5597470
2016-09-25
2016-09-15
TSL-SN11 2016-09-25
Pool
3.3
5597004
2016-09-25
TSL-SN12 2016-09-25
TSL-SN15 2016-09-23
Glide
Glide
3.3
2.7
648454
5597452
5597021
2016-09-23
TSL-SN16 2016-09-23
Pool
2.8
5597399
2016-09-23
TSL-SN17 2016-09-24
Glide
2.8
5597389
2016-09-24
TSL-SN18 2016-09-23
Glide
3.1
5597166
2016-09-23
TSL-SN19 2016-09-07
TSL-SN20 2016-09-07
Glide
Glide
2.5
2.4
5597619
5597732
2016-09-07
2016-09-07
TSL-SN21 2016-09-14
Pool
2.4
5597684
2016-09-14
TSL-SN22 2016-09-15
TSL-SN23 2016-09-23
Glide
Glide
2.5
2.5
5597597
5597595
2016-09-15
2016-09-23
TSL-SN24 2016-09-24
Glide
2.9
5597339
2016-09-24
TSL-SN25 2016-09-14
Pool
3.9
5597991
2016-09-14
3. HEADPOND HABITAT SUITABILITY AND FISH ABUNDANCE
The construction of the intake weir at river kilometer 11.4 resulted in the creation of a ~14,000 m²
headpond upstream of the weir. The construction of the headpond in the Kokish River has the
ability to alter the mesohabitat composition and habitat suitability. This is mainly due to the potential
loss of riffle-glide habitat and the creation of slower moving pool habitat. Post-construction habitat
and fish abundance surveys were completed in the headpond, upstream of the Project intake during
early August 2016. This work included snorkel surveys and instream flow study transects following
similar methods to those used during baseline sampling in 2012 and Year 1 and 2. Juvenile fish
abundance was estimated using mark-resight snorkel surveys, where juvenile fish were captured and
marked with visible hook tags during a single night snorkel and re-sighted during two day time
snorkel surveys on subsequent days. Ten snorkel surveys were also completed to assess adult fish
abundance in conjunction with Adult Fish Migration monitoring presented in Section 1. Five
instream flow study transects that were established during the baseline and Year 1 and Year 2
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Page | 13
sampling were resampled during 2016. Data collected at each transect included depth, velocity and
substrate. A comparative analysis will be conducted as part of the Year 3 OEMP reporting
requirements, to to identify changes in juvenile abundance, density, and distribution, as well as
relative abundace and distribution of adult salmonids associated with habitat changes from the
headpond.
4. INSTREAM FLOW
Hydrometric stations have been established on the Kokish River to provide real-time, instantaneous
flow data. The three locations include Kokish River downstream of the intake, Kokish River
upstream of the powerhouse, and Kokish River downstream of the powerhouse. The uppermost
site, located below the intake, is the compliance point for monitoring Instream Flow Release and
diversion ramp rates. The station upstream of the powerhouse provides information on flow
attenuation and travel time through the diversion reach. The downstream station is the compliance
point for monitoring ramping downstream of the powerhouse. Station servicing and discharge
measurements are collected at different flows during the year, and an annual hydrology report will be
produced to detail the status and present stage and discharge data for each hydrometric station.
5. WATER QUALITY
Water sampling was conducted during the winter, spring, summer and fall seasons during 2016 to
assess whether changes in water quality as a result of project operations are adversely affecting
productive capacity for fish. Monitoring sites (n=4) are situated in upstream, diversion, downstream
locations. Water quality parameters assessed included dissolved oxygen, total gas pressure, turbidity,
total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, specific conductivity, total alkalinity, pH, total
phosphorus, ortho-phosphorus, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. A tailrace monitoring site was also
established specifically for total gas pressure monitoring.
Water temperature is monitored with the installation of continuous temperature recorders installed
in the East Fork Kokish River and Bonanza River, upper and lower diversion reach, Tributary 27,
the downstream reach below the powerhouse, and in the headpond. In the headpond, nine
temperature loggers were installed that were evenly spaced across the full width of the channel. Air
temperature loggers were also installed in the vicinity of the intake and powerhouse to facilitate
modeling and analysis of the effects of change in water flow on water temperature. Water
temperature monitoring will determine project effects on stream temperature and assess whether
these effects will affect growth, survival, or reproductive success of Kokish River fish populations.
6. INVERTEBRATE DRIFT
Monitoring of invertebrate drift is required for the Project due to the high fisheries values within the
diversion reach, and their reliance on invertebrates as a source of food. Invertebrate drift sampling
1085-22
Page | 14
was conducted mid-August and late September 2016 at the same four sites sampled during baseline
surveys. These include two upstream control sites located in the East Fork Kokish River and in the
Bonanza River below Ida Lake, one site in the lower diversion reach upstream of the Powerhouse,
and one site downstream of the Powerhouse. At each site, five drift nets were deployed in unison
across the channel to sample the aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate drift for a minimum of four
hours. Invertebrate samples were preserved and submitted for laboratory analysis to determine
taxonomic identification, density, and biomass. The results from the 2014, 2015 and 2016
operational sampling will be compared with baseline data to determine if project operations have
caused a change in the invertebrate drift abundance, biomass and/or species composition.
7. STREAM GEOMORPHOLOGY
Stream geomorphology surveys were undertaken during low flows in October and November 2013
to provide a baseline for sampling during Project operation. Baseline surveys were conducted in the
upstream reach, in the diversion reach, downstream of the powerhouse, and at a control reach in the
East Fork Kokish, outside of the area of Project influence. Within each of these stream sections,
data collection included topographic monitoring, sediment sampling, photographic monitoring, and
spawning gravel surveys.
Following baseline data collection, ongoing assessments of stream geomorphology are required to
ensure that any changes to sensitive habitats are identified. A full stream geomorphology assessment
is required following the first large flood event that occurs after Project commissioning (i.e., the first
1 in 10-year event or greater, as determined by hydrology records at the intake), or at five years after
construction, whichever comes first. In 2016, a 1 in 10-year event did occur and this will trigger a
full stream geomorphology assessment in summer 2017. In the Year 3 monitoring only basic
information on stream geomorphology was collected to identify any major changes to sediment
composition or channel morphology. This survey included photographic monitoring and spawning
gravel surveys in the same locations that were surveyed previously during the baseline study.
8. SUMMARY
This memorandum summarizes the ongoing fisheries work carried out by Ecofish and MJL in 2016
to meet the requirements for Year 3 of the Kokish River Hydroelectric Project OEMP. The study
components include assessments of adult fish migration and abundance, juvenile fish abundance,
juvenile fish migration, headpond habitat suitability and fish abundance, instream flow, water quality
and temperature, invertebrate drift, and stream geomorphology. Field work scheduled to occur
during the winter of 2016/17 includes winter steelhead snorkel surveys, winter water quality
sampling, flow compliance monitoring, and maintenance of the hydrometric stations.
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Page | 15
Yours truly,
Ecofish Research Ltd.
Prepared by:
Reviewed by:
Signed
Signed
Harlan Wright, Dip. Tech.
Adam Lewis, M.Sc., R.P.Bio.
Environmental Technician, Task Manager
Fisheries Biologist/President
Signed
Matthew Thorton, B.Sc.
Environmental Technician
Disclaimer:
The material in this memorandum reflects the best judgement of Ecofish Research Ltd. in light of
the information available at the time of preparation. Any use which a third party makes of this
memorandum, or any reliance on or decisions made based on it, is the responsibility of such third
parties. Ecofish Research Ltd. accepts no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by any third
party as a result of decisions or actions based on this memorandum. This memorandum is a
controlled document. Any reproductions of this memorandum are uncontrolled and may not be the
most recent revision.
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Page | 16
REFERENCES
Lewis, FJA., T. Hatfield, H. Wright, M. Lough, S. Hay, and Xuezhong Yu. 2014. Kokish River
Hydroelectric Project: Operational Environmental Monitoring Plan. Consultant’s report
prepared for Kwagis Power Limited Partnership by Ecofish Research Ltd., February, 2014.
Lough, M.J. and S.E. Hay. 2009. Kokish River Fisheries Studies – 2008. Prepared for Kwagis Power,
Brookfield Renewable Power Corporation, Vancouver, BC by MJ Lough Environmental
Consultants, Nanaimo, BC Revision 2.
Personal Communications
Kollman, K. 2016. Port McNeill Chinook Club, Port McNeill, BC. Personal Communication. Phone
correspondence with Harlan Wright, Ecofish, December 2015.
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PROJECT MAPS
1085-22
Page | 18
Map 2.
Kokish River Juvenile Fish Sampling Sites.
Map 2
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Page | 19
Map 3.
Tsulton River Juvenile Fish Sampling Sites.
Map 3
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Page | 20