Snorkeling bio technician Tyler Brownell emerges from underwater at Rossmore Bar. 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Seeing a dry-suited man face-down in the shallows, American River hikers could be excused their alarm. 

The snorkeler is Tyler Brownell, one of a biological team surveying salmonid habitat in the river. “I often get startled reactions,” Brownell told this reporter. “And dogs go crazy at the sight of me.”

Employed by Cramer Fish Sciences, Brownell and fellow technicians partner with the Sacramento Water Forum. They identify places where small-fry salmonids shelter to prepare for their migration to the Pacific Ocean.  Because the American River has been greatly altered – first by gold diggers, then by dams – Chinooks and steelhead face reproductive challenges.

Over the last 18 years, Water Forum contractors have poured many tons of gravel into the shallows to rebuild lost spawning beds. Project locations have included Nimbus Basin (Gold River), Sailor and Sacramento Bars (Fair Oaks), Ancil Hoffman Park (Carmichael) and River Bend (Rancho Cordova).

Additional projects have carved out hospitable backwaters, where baby fish are protected from predators and strong currents while they grow big enough for their big swim.  

“Habitat for adult and juvenile salmon is limited in the American River,” explained Water Forum program manager Erica Bishop. “Snorkel surveys focus on gathering information about juveniles.”

To identify small-fry hangouts, the Cramer snorkeling team has been fish-counting since salmon eggs began hatching in February.  Surveys will end in June and resume next February.  Data will indicate fish numbers, what youngsters are eating and where they congregate.

“Along with other physical analysis, Cramer’s data tells us where restoration efforts might be most effective,” said Bishop.

“Our future projects might include new side channels, floodplain lowering and revegetation. The juveniles like to gather in shallows where water moves slower; where they can feed and grow. Vegetation is important. Plants provide shade and bring bugs for little fish to eat.”

“We perform post-project monitoring,” Bishop explained. “All the way from Nimbus Basin to River Bend Park, we’re seeing juveniles in habitats we’ve restored. We know our projects are effective. 

“We’re excited to have best available data -- specifically from this river -- to use in ways that benefit a species. Salmon lived their cycle for millions of years, then humans made changes contributing to their decline. The Water Forum’s mission is to improve their chances of success.”

Snorkel surveys are funded by the Sacramento Water Forum and the Bureau of Reclamation. Learn about this agency at www.waterforum.org.