- In May 2008 WSF completed installation of the two tracking dishes that collect sunlight and the fiber optic cables that bring that natural light under the dock.
- In June 2008 the University of Washington started snorkel surveys and underwater video monitoring of juvenile salmon behavior. Surveys and monitoring are expected to continue through August of 2008.
- A report of preliminary findings from the first year of the study is expected in the Winter of 2008.
Project Overview
Studies have shown that structures like ferry docks cast shadows over the waters near shore and affect the migration of juvenile fish. Because the small fish are used to bright water, they avoid the dark areas and maneuver around the structures, driving them into deeper water where they are more likely to become prey for other fish and birds.
To counter this effect, WSDOT Ferries Division, in partnership with the University of Washington and Battelle’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), has begun a research project at the Port Townsend Ferry Terminal to look at ways to reduce the impact of overwater structures on juvenile salmon. A fiber optic lighting system has been installed to introduce light underneath the dock and researchers will conduct surveys to analyze changes in juvenile salmon behavior in response to the lighting.
Why is WSF doing this project? Overwater structures play an important role in Puget Sound, Washington as part of WSDOT ferry terminal operations, but previous studies have shown that the light limitations from these overwater structures impacts the migration of juvenile salmon. This study is being conducted to look at ways to mitigate these impacts and guide future overwater structure designs in ways that reduce impacts on salmon.
Project Objectives This research will help us to better understand the effects of overwater structures on juvenile salmon and how to mitigate those effects on future projects.
Project Timeline May 2008 – July 2008: Conduct snorkel surveys and video taping
July 2008 – October 2008: Analyze data and determine if modifications should be made to the lighting system or lighting arrangement
November 2008 – February 2009: Modify lighting system based on findings
March 2009 – June 2009: Conduct second year monitoring
Fall 2009 – Final report expected
Funding Funding for this project is provided by Washington State Planning and Research (SPR) appropriations and WSF capital projects. SPR is providing $200,000 and WSF is providing $100,000 is coming from WSF capital projects that will require mitigation for new overwater structures and therefore will directly benefit from the findings of the research.
Useful links WSDOT
study on the impacts of overwater structures on juvenile salmon:
www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/648.1.pdf
University of Washington – School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences:
www.fish.washington.edu/Battelle’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory:
www.pnl.gov/ Contact: Shawn Devine
WSF Customer and Community Relations
2901 3rd Ave., Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 206-515-3771
Email:
devines@wsdot.wa.gov