This week we are introducing changes to the way in which we disseminate information so that we can more effectively and expeditiously provide summaries of salmonid passage at the weir. The result should be shorter and more frequent summaries sent to the group, with details available at our website for those that are interested .

These changes are necessary because the previous newsletter format was prone to formatting errors among recipients that use different operating and e-mail systems. From this point forward, we will only send out short e-mail messages to the group that provide a brief summary of Chinook passage numbers and weekly events.

Weir Update

Between September 10 and October 24, 2004, a total of 1,154 Chinook have passed the Stanislaus River weir. A total of 1,010 fewer fish have passed the weir this year than in 2003 during the same time period.

So far this season, we have observed an increase in the number of carcasses found on top of, or in the vicinity of, the weir. Thirteen carcasses were observed on or immediately below the weir since September 10, compared to last season when only two carcasses were recovered during approximately the same time period. We discussed the issue with CDFG and prepared a brief review of events and the potential reasons for increased mortality.