| Previous studies have shown fine sediment was removed from spawning beds when salmon dug nests and subsequent sediment deposition can re-clog the nests, which reduces intergravel flow and threatens egg survival. In the intensively logged Cascapédia watershed it is not known if there is enough sediment deposition to re-clog salmon nests. Furthermore, Cascapédia spawning beds are relatively silt-rich, whereas, the effect of fine sediment has been studied in rivers with sand-rich substrate. I evaluated if sediment-epositing events reduced intergravel flow and if these events inhibited egg survival.;During the summer and fall 2001, sediment deposition into clean gravel occurred at rates proportional to the length and dose of suspended sediment transporting events. Based on the results of an experimental sensor, sediment deposition reduced intergravel water velocities. Habitat conditions within artificial salmon nests, however, remained above critical levels for egg survival. Eggs survived (81%) until mid-April, at which time they were at the pre-hatched life-stage. The data suggests that in Cascapédia rivers, egg survival is likely only inhibited if the spring-freshet erodes or clogs the salmon nests. |
