200751300 - Eelgrass enhancement and restoration in the Columbia River Estuary through innovative site selection and planting techniques
Sponsor: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Short description: Strong flows in the Columbia River likely limit the success of eelgrass seed dispersal and new plant establishment. We propose using innovative site selection techniques to identify 5-10 areas suitable for eelgrass enhancement, plant, and monitor success.
Location: Lower Columbia province, Columbia Estuary subbasin
Budgets: FY08: $180,394 | FY09: $72,400
Primary species:
Anadromous: All Anadromous Salmonids
Objectives
| Objective | Description | Subbasin plan | Strategies |
| 1. Enhance eelgrass habitat in selected sites | Increase survival of juvenile salmonids and provide refuge for other aquatic species through eelgrass restoration at 5 or more pilot sites | Lower Columbia | Mainstem Amendment Strategies: Enhancement of wetlands; Planting riparian and aquatic plants at appropriate locations Subbasin Planning Strategies: EH.S3 Protect functioning habitats while also restoring habitats to properly functioning conditions |
| 1a. Identify areas fit for eelgrass enhancement | Identify sites suitable for eelgrass enhancement or restoration through GIS analysis, remote sensing, and numerical modeling coupled with field research results. | Lower Columbia | See objective 1 (This is a sub-objective) |
| 1b. Enhance eelgrass habitat in selected areas | Complete initial site pre-assessment and plant eelgrass in 5 selected sites | Lower Columbia | See objective 1 (This is a sub-objective) |
| 1c. RM &E: Evaluate eelgrass enhancement success | Monitor and evaluate success of eelgrass restoration pilot project. | Lower Columbia | See objective 1 (This is a sub-objective) |
Narrative
Recommendations
- ISRP: Innovative, On-The-Ground, Highly Justified
- Council: Fundable
- BPA: Fundable