Eel River SUP Salmon Survey - 10/17/20

Eel River Diary - 10/17/20

Today 8 of us on SUP's executed the first salmon survey of the season along the levee near the Riverlodge in Fortuna.

The focus is about adult anadromous fish that are arriving from the ocean in preparation for their migration to their spawning grounds.  Fortuna, the largest community on the entire Eel River, is in a special position, as these fish and more that will continue to arrive will park along the levee for several weeks.  People will try to poach them, and most will just marvel at their presence as they occasionally break the surface and make themselves visible to onlookers.  I envision a time when our culture will not just acknowledge these animals as a novelty and a remnant of what once was an abundant resource - I see the potential for us to, once again, adopt these magnificent salmon as a gift that could be and should be part of the foundation of our culture here.

I must acknowledge the Wiyot Tribe here.  When I hear speech about Wiyot being the river and the fish and the people - all inclusive - I want that for myself.  That is me.

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I used to share my salmon survey on NCKA, and the past couple of years I've slacked off - it's been busy.  I have intentions of bringing those reports here, and a good place to start is to resume reporting on my current activities.

I'm glad to share this with a community that I know to be conscientious and supportive.  Thanks for that. 

More to come.

Good stuff. Thanks for sharing.

I must acknowledge the Wiyot Tribe here.  When I hear speech about Wiyot being the river and the fish and the people - all inclusive - I want that for myself.  That is me.

This.  This so freakin' much.  This quote actually made me share an NCKA post with my wife and she replied with 💗💗💗.

Thank you so much for your dedication to the stewardship side of our resources.  You are an example to follow, sir.

Thanks for the kind words, Tedski and KPD.

nice work eric.  What's with the magnet tho?

nice work eric.  What's with the magnet tho?

Right where the poachers hang out - they wanted their $5 lure back and ended up losing their $60 magnet!