Real Time Data Monitoring Salmon Populations in Drought-Stricken Pacific Northwest

"By closely monitoring river temperatures during a hot summer, the Nisqually Tribe has been able to make quick decisions to protect fish health," according to an article on the Northwest Treaty Tribes website.

"The tribe has deployed six temperature monitors throughout the [Nisqually River] watershed. 'Tribal staff regularly download data from the monitors to give tribal and state co-managers a clear picture of temperature conditions,' said David Troutt, natural resources manager for the tribe."

Water temperature is of critical importance to the health and survival of salmon. If the water is too warm, juvenile salmon expend too much energy and can starve. Warm water also spreads disease. Low snowpack this year in the Pacific Northwest has required the Nisqually to be especially vigilant, shutting down weirs and diversion dams when necessary on different stretches of the river.