Photo credit: Rain City Outfitters
The First Research Project of its Kind for Coastal Cutthroat Trout in Hood Canal
In partnership with the Coastal Cutthroat Coalition, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local Hood Canal anglers and guides, we will be conducting groundbreaking coastal cutthroat trout research in the Hood Canal watershed. Coastal cutthroat are one of Washington’s only two wild and native trout species, but unfortunately they remain quite unknown and unstudied. But with the Big Fjord Project, we will soon paint the first picture of what it means to be a cutthroat trout in the Hood Canal.
Throughout the year 2021, WDFW and HCSEG staff will sample cutthroat caught and released by volunteer recreational fisherman for age, genetics, health and condition at pre-determined sample sites throughout Hood Canal to identify biological and environmental indicators that support healthy and abundant cutthroat populations. As part of the final phase of the project, expected to conclude in 2022, HCSEG will coordinate volunteer habitat restoration events with opportunities to plant more than 2,000 native plants at areas the data indicates would provide the greatest benefit to cutthroat populations in Hood Canal.
Studies Uncover Possible Concerns for Coastal Cutthroat.
Research conducted by WDFW and the Coastal Cutthroat Coalition in the South Puget Sound has revealed that threats could be impacting our wild coastal cutthroat trout populations. Designed to be carried out in 3 phases, the Big Fjord Project will help create a full understanding of the issues we are facing with coastal cutthroat and the proper course of action.
Photo credit: Rain City Outfitters
Studies Uncover Possible Concerns for Coastal Cutthroat.
Research conducted by WDFW and the Coastal Cutthroat Coalition in the South Puget Sound has revealed that threats could be impacting our wild coastal cutthroat trout populations. Designed to be carried out in 3 phases, the Big Fjord Project will help create a full understanding of the issues we are facing with coastal cutthroat and the proper course of action.
A Three Phase Project
Study juvenile cutthroat in Hood Canal rivers and streams
Research adult cutthroat in the Hood Canal marine environment
Implement targeted habitat restoration efforts that are reflective of our research
Funding + Partners
This project is funded by NOAA through its Fish Habitat Partnership grant program, which aims to enhance collaboration with the recreational fishing community and support improved habitat, with additional support from the Coastal Cutthroat Coalition and Western Native Trout Initiative. Anglers participating include those from the Bainbridge Island Fly Fishers, Kitsap-Olympic Peninsula Chapter Trout Unlimited, Puget Sound Flyfishers, and South Sound Fly Fishers. Project is in partnership with the Coastal Cutthroat Coalition, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Long Live the Kings.
Funding + Partners
This project is funded by NOAA through its Fish Habitat Partnership grant program, which aims to enhance collaboration with the recreational fishing community and support improved habitat, with additional support from the Coastal Cutthroat Coalition and Western Native Trout Initiative. Anglers participating include those from the Bainbridge Island Fly Fishers, Kitsap-Olympic Peninsula Chapter Trout Unlimited, Puget Sound Flyfishers, and South Sound Fly Fishers. Project is in partnership with the Coastal Cutthroat Coalition, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Long Live the Kings.
Interested in learning more about Coastal Cutthroat and this research?
If you are interested in learning more about this project or other cutthroat work we are supporting, our amazing partners at the Coastal Cutthroat Coalition have an engaging, in-depth presentation available for you and/or your group. We can conduct virtual presentations followed by Q&A’s. If you are interested, please contact:
Photo: Rain City Outfitters