LFS Feeding Habits Study

Diet analysis on Longfin Smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) caught in tidally-restored habitats in the Napa-Sonoma Marsh in North Bay and the Alviso Marsh in Lower South Bay will be conducted to assess the potential function of tidal marsh restoration for Longfin Smelt nursery habitat. In addition, zooplankton prey abundance and taxonomic diversity will be assessed where Longfin Smelt were captured. conduct preliminary studies to evaluate salinity tolerance and turbidity requirements in longfin smelt, as well conduct specific studies to assess larval buoyancy (associated with salinity) and feeding (associated with turbidity) needs, towards understanding the basic physiological requirements for this species. This will also facilitate our long term goal of providing basic knowledge needed for the successful development of LFS culture specific protocols and assist with rearing longfin smelt at the FCCL. This research will make significant contributions to our understanding of habitat requirements for longfin smelt recruitment. This information will be valuable for developing recovery plans for the species, and will help the Service in striking a regulatory balance by making informed, science based management decisions that contribute to the recovery of the species.