Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Protecting Juvenile Salmonids From Gull Predation Using Wire Exclusion Below Hydroelectric Dams, John E. Steuber, Mikel E. Pitzler, J. Gary Oldenburg

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Predation by ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarenis) has been identified as a significant threat to migrant steelhead and salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) smolt in the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Bird predation appears highest immediately below hydroelectric facilities. Installation of overhead wire/cable exclusion systems over the tailrace area of 12 dams has been completed to reduce gull predation. Data collected from 1 of the facilities as well as observations from other dams indicate that overhead wire/cable exclusion systems are effective in reducing predation by gulls.