Biological Monitoring for Fish Restoration Program: State and Central Valley Water Projects

Client: California Department of Water Resources

Project Duration: 2008 - 2013 and 2017 – 2019

Role: Contract Laboratory

·       Phytoplankton Analysis (2008 – 2013 and 2017- Present), 150 – 250 samples per year

·       Zooplankton, Benthic, and Eifaunal Invertebrate Analysis (2018 – 2020), 200 samples per year

EcoAnalysts provides taxonomic identification, enumeration, and measurement of phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic, and epifaunal invertebrate samples collected as part of California Department of Water Resources restoration programs. Restoration programs include: Delta Pumping Plant Fish Protection Agreement (also known as the “Four Pumps Agreement”); Fish Restoration Program Agreement (FRPA); Yolo Bypass Habitat Restoration Program; and, Habitat Expansion Agreement.

The Fish Restoration Program is focused on restoring 8,000 acres of tidal habitat in the Delta and Suisun Marsh to benefit Delta Smelt and 800 acres of low salinity habitat to benefit Longfin Smelt. These actions will also provide benefits for Winter-run and Spring-run Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Green Sturgeon, and other native species. 

Restoration projects include: Arnold Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration Project; Bradmoor Island Tidal Habitat Restoration Project; Prospect Island Tidal Habitat Restoration Project; Tule Red Tidal Habitat Restoration Project; Winter Island Tidal Habitat Restoration Project; Yolo Flyway Farms Tidal Habitat Restoration Project; and, Wings Landing Tidal Habitat Restoration Project.