Clallam creeks to run red for salmon

Published 12:01 am Monday, September 17, 2012

PORT ANGELES — Creeks west of Port Angeles are expected to run red sometime this week as part of a study on the effect of habitat changes on salmon.

Scientists with the state Department of Ecology will release a red, fluorescent dye into Deep Creek and East Twin and West Twin Creeks west of Port Angeles, if the weather permits it.

The dye is harmless and dissipates quickly, Ecology said, adding that it doesn’t affect humans, fish or wildlife health in any way at the very low concentrations used for such scientific study.

The effort, which is funded by the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board, will help researchers measure the speed of water through the stream reach.

“This effort is important because it’s used to determine if actions to restore salmon habitat are working,” said Stephanie Estrella, a scientist with Ecology’s environmental assessment program who will conduct the work.

The creeks, which flow into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, are part of several experimental, watershed-scale evaluations that receive intensive monitoring to help environmental scientists understand how salmon and trout respond to current approaches to restore habitat.

Habitat improvements include adding woody debris and protecting natural streamside areas.

Ecology has received permission to access the sampling sites, the department said.

Researchers will track the plume of the dye with fluorometers, which measure dye concentration in the water.

Tracking speed of the dye from upstream to downstream allows researchers to calculate how long it takes for water to travel through the stream reach.

The information will be incorporated into calculations to help scientists understand the creek’s overall water quality.