Fairy Shrimp Surveys

Discover the fascinating world of fairy shrimp and why they matter more than you might think. In California alone, there are six endangered fairy shrimp species, collectively referred to as “listed large branchiopods”. While they may look like, and are in fact related to, the Sea Monkeys that your children raise, these shrimp are highly protected both federally and in the state of California. If your development project is situated in their habitat, specialized fairy shrimp surveys may be required. Learn more about the ecology and habitat of these enchanting creatures here.

SummitWest Environmental is your premier partner in understanding the intricate regulations surrounding vernal pools and fairy shrimp surveys. We specialize in providing comprehensive surveys, including both wet and dry season assessments, to ensure your projects align with regulatory compliance requirements.

Fairy shrimp surveys stand out among wildlife assessments in California due to their distinctive requirements. These surveys involve a twofold approach that matches the shrimp’s life cycle: one set during the active phase when fairy shrimp swim in vernal pools and another during the dormant phase when the pools are dry, and only cysts (or eggs) remain.

If performing protocol-level fairy shrimp surveys, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) mandates that either two wet season surveys or one wet and one dry survey occur.

Many companies overlook this crucial distinction and offer a single wet season survey, which may lead to non-compliance with USFWS regulations and additional costs for clients.

While performing two wet season surveys sounds easier, and may be easier to source as there are more permitted wet season biologists than dry season ones, in the end, this is not the case. Wet season surveys not only come at a higher cost but can also be less accurate. They depend on unpredictable factors like rainfall and water levels in vernal pools, making scheduling a challenge. In contrast, dry season surveys can be conducted year-round in a controlled lab environment, with the only requirement being dry soil.

It’s important to note that authorization to conduct wet season fairy shrimp surveys doesn’t automatically extend to dry season surveys. When an individual receives authorization from the USFWS under Section 10(a)(1)(A) Recovery Permit for a specific species, it typically signifies they have the authority to perform all necessary activities to fulfill protocol-level survey requirements and ensure their clients comply with regulations (see also our Environmental Permitting Services).

However, fairy shrimp surveys introduce a unique challenge because they require two distinct permits for the same species: one for wet season surveys and another entirely separate permit for dry season surveys. While many individuals may hold approvals for wet season surveys in California, this authorization doesn’t automatically grant them approval for dry season surveys. In fact, the number of individuals worldwide sanctioned for dry season surveys in California is extremely limited.

As a result, locating an authorized expert capable of conducting dry season surveys is a remarkable achievement in itself.

For a comprehensive look at the USFWS protocol, you can find the complete details here.

In essence, if a region boasts vernal pool habitat, it’s highly likely that the USFWS will mandate fairy shrimp surveys. Wet season surveys kick off following significant rainfall events in the fall or winter. They continue on a weekly basis until the pool dries. If the pool experiences renewed wet conditions with standing water, the surveys resume. Survey efforts conclude either when the pool remains dry for the season or when an endangered species presence is confirmed. However, if the potential for multiple endangered species exists, surveys may need to persist until all potential species are located or until the pool dries.

Dry season surveys, as the name suggests, occur after the pools have dried up. A specific amount of soil is collected from each pool and transported to a USFWS authorized laboratory. Here, the soil undergoes filtration through sieves customized to match the cyst type being sought. This is “soil processing”. If cysts are discovered, they are either identified under a microscope or, in the case of Branchinecta cysts, subjected to a hatching process, a process called “culturing”. Identifying Branchinecta cysts to the species level necessitates growing them to adulthood.

See also our Wetlands and Waters Services