Steelhead

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Steelhead Life History

Life cycle of Salmon and Steelhead [1]

Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Monterey Bay Region are listed as "Threatened" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and occupy many rivers and streams flowing into the Monterey Bay. O. mykiss are distinct among salmonid species because the are both facultativly anadromous and iteroparous. Anadromous fish are those that spend most of their life in the ocean and spawn in freshwater. Iteroparous fish are that can reproduce multiple times in their life. O. mykiss also have populations which reside in freshwater and are called rainbow trout. [2]. The photo to the right represents the life cycle of salmon and steelhead.

Critical Habitat

A "critical habitat" must be designated for species listed under the ESA. A critical habitat is an area that is essential habitat for the existence of a species. Areas designated as critical habitat are subjected to increased regulations to limit degradation of the health of the environment. This helps to ensure that the species listed under the ESA is not heavily impacted by changes made within their habitat. [3]

Steelhead Management Challenges

There is great variability in age of Steelhead emigration and return age, along with the probability of repeat spawning. There are 32 identified possible life history trajectories for Steelhead which presents a great challenge for managing the species [4]. Changes in freshwater conditions due to water management or climate change may alter demographic rates along with the current life history trajectories, sending fish on alternative trajectories with radically different demographic results [2].

Links

Steelhead in the Salinas Watershed

Steelhead in the Monterey Bay Region

Disclaimer

This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.
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