Separation by Code
The PIT tag separation by Code (SbyC) program allows researchers to target specific PIT-tagged fish to be separated and diverted to specific locations within a facility. It also allows a default action to target any and all PIT-tagged fish to be routed one way or another in a facility. This is the case at juvenile bypass systems on the Snake River where fish transporation occurs. At Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite dams, a default action is in place that automatically diverts all PIT-tagged fish to be returned to the river, while untagged fish are collected for transportation. Through the SbyC program, researchers can target a group of fish to override that default action and keep a target group of PIT-tagged fish with the untagged fish population.
Other uses for SbyC include diverting fish toward sample tanks for additional hands-on sampling, diverting adult fish into a trap for sampling, or illuminating a light when a PIT-tagged fish is approaching, allowing a facility operator to take a manual action on that fish. SbyC actions can be applied to an entire group of tagged fish, a proportion of that population (e.g. divert every 2 of 5 fish in the target group), or a predefined number of individuals. Both daily and seasonal collection quotas can be set to limit the number of fish sampled. Each SbyC action can be scheduled for a specified number of hours or days, or a specified pattern of days. Multiple populations can be identified and segregated at a given site, with unique SbyC actions assigned to each group at that site.
Researchers who wish to use the PTAGIS SbyC system must complete an online request form to be reviewed by the Fish Passage Advisory Committee (FPAC). If the SbyC project will involve diverting fish to a sample tank, the researcher will need to coordinate with USACE site biologists and the fish facility monitoring program personnel. For more information contact us.
| Facility | Default Action | Possible Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Bonneville Dam Juvenile Bypass | None | Divert target fish into one of two available sample tanks. |
| Bonneville Dam Washington Shore Adult Fish Facility | None | Notify facility operator that target fish approaches, allowing them to take manual action to divert it to sample tank. |
| John Day Dam Juvenile Bypass | None | Divert target fish into one of two availble sample tanks. |
| McNary Dam Juvenile Bypass | None* | Divert target fish into one of two available sample tanks. |
| Lower Monumental Dam Juvenile Bypass | Return PIT-tagged fish to river. | Override default action and treat target fish like untagged fish. |
| Little Goose Dam Juvenile Bypass | Return PIT-tagged fish to river. |
Divert target fish into one of two available sample tanks. Override default action and treat target fish like untagged fish. |
| Lower Granite Dam Juvenile Bypass | Return PIT-tagged fish to river. |
Divert target fish into one of three available sample tanks. Override default action and treat target fish like untagged fish. |
| Lower Granite Dam Adult Fish Trap | None | Divert target fish to the fish trap. |