The Kings River Fisheries Management Program is gearing up for its annual fish “check in.”
The program is seeking volunteers over 18 to assist biologists Nov. 18, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 to conduct its annual fish population survey. Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.
Each date will start from a different location along the Kings River.
Nov. 18, Avocado Side Channel near Avocado Lake, 3625 N. Piedra Rd. Piedra
Dec. 2, Wildwood near Trout Lake
Dec. 3, Greenbelt on Piedra Road near Green Belt park
Detailed directions will be sent to volunteers upon registering for a date. Equipment and lunch will be provided for volunteers each day.
The survey provides critical insight into the balance, biodiversity and health of the fish in the lower Kings River and ensures the ecosystem is thriving.
Biologists and volunteers will use electrofishing equipment, which shocks but does not harm the fish, to collect and examine fish, collecting data such as size, density, the fish’s condition and the variety of fish in the river.
SJV Water went with volunteers three years ago and produced a video on how it all works.
The Kings River is home to rainbow trout, bass, catfish and carp.
The program is in collaboration with Kings River Conservation District, Kings River Water Association and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and aims to improve and enhance the lower Kings River and its fish habitat.
The program offers other educational events such as the trout release, another popular annual event and a monthly river cleanup.
Interested persons are encouraged to contact Lori Werner, an environmental resource analyst for the program at 559-237-5567 #122 or lwerner@krcd.org.
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