Coastal infrastructure alters behavior and increases predation mortality of threatened Puget Sound steelhead smolts

Abstract

AbstractFundamental movements of migratory species can be substantially influenced by marine habitat disruptions caused by coastal infrastructure. The Hood Canal Bridge (HCB) spans the northern outlet of Hood Canal in the Salish Sea, extends 4.6 m (15 ft) underwater, and forms a partial barrier for steelhead migrating from Hood Canal to the Pacific Ocean. Spatial mark–recapture survival models using acoustic telemetry data indicate that only 49% (2017; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 40%–58%) and 56% (2018; 95% CI = 48%–65%) of the steelhead smolts encountering the HCB survived past the bridge and 7 km to the next array. We studied fine‐scale movements of more than 300 steelhead smolts to understand how migration behavior was affected across the entire length of the HCB and to quantify spatial and temporal patterns of mortality. Individually coded acoustic telemetry transmitters implanted in juvenile steelhead were used in conjunction with an extensive array of acoustic receivers surrounding the HCB to obtain approximations of the path each steelhead took as they encountered the bridge structure. Steelhead survival past the HCB appeared unaffected by tidal stage, population‐of‐origin, approach location, current velocity, or time of day, but was influenced by week of bridge encounter. Behavioral data from transmitters with temperature and depth sensors ingested by predators are consistent with high levels of marine mammal predation. This study confirms the considerable impact of the HCB on Endangered Species Act‐listed steelhead smolt survival, and provides detailed information on the behavior of steelhead smolts and their predators at the HCB for use in planning recovery actions.