CalTrout News
We’re excited to welcome Bill Matsubu, Ph.D., to CalTrout as our new North Coast Regional Director. Based out of our Arcata office, the North Coast region spans the northern third of California’s coastline — home to some of the state’s most important salmon and steelhead rivers.
Restoration work in the region focuses on three priority watersheds: the Eel River, Elk River, and Redwood Creek. Alongside this work, the team leads a robust science portfolio in collaboration with partners including Cal Poly Humboldt and UC Berkeley.
Bill steps into this role with a strong foundation already in place, leading a portfolio of more than 10 active projects. This work builds on the leadership of former North Coast Regional Director Darren Mierau, who now serves as head of CalTrout’s newly established Science Department.
Bill holds a Ph.D. in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences from the University of Washington and a B.S. in Fisheries Biology from Cal Poly Humboldt. His background includes research on a diverse range of species, habitat types, and ecosystems — from estuaries and coastal waters to inland rivers — through roles in academia, Tribal programs, and applied conservation work. Bill has worked across Washington, Oregon, and California, bringing a mix of scientific research and on-the-ground restoration experience. He’s happiest out in the field and is always looking for an excuse to spend more time near the water. At CalTrout, he’s excited to keep learning and contributing to the recovery of rivers and fisheries across the North Coast.
“I am most looking forward to working alongside a passionate team to advance meaningful, on-the-ground restoration projects that benefit both fish and communities and contributing to projects that make a real difference,” said Bill. “I am excited to build new partnerships across the North Coast and continue learning from others doing this work. And, of course, any opportunity to spend more time around fish doesn’t hurt.”
“Bill brings the kind of experience that really matters for this work — a strong scientific foundation paired with time in the field and across diverse partnerships,” said Darren Mierau. “The North Coast has an incredible portfolio of projects underway, and I’m excited to see Bill build on that momentum, strengthen relationships across the region, and continue advancing solutions that benefit both fish and communities.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Bill to CalTrout at such an important moment for the North Coast,” said Curtis Knight, CalTrout Executive Director. “His background reflects exactly where our work is headed — integrating science, restoration, and community collaboration to drive lasting recovery. With Bill leading the region and Darren stepping into our new Science Department, we’re well positioned to scale our impact and deliver meaningful results for California’s rivers and fisheries.”
Recent successes in the region reflect the scale and impact of this work — from the completion of the Prairie Creek Floodplain Restoration Project at ‘O Rew, to the Baduwa’t Estuary Restoration Project on the Mad River, the Cedar Creek Barrier Removal Project, and the Bull Creek Floodplain Restoration Project. Upcoming efforts on the North Coast include restoration of the Elk River estuary, with construction slated to begin this summer, and a key component of the broader Elk River Recovery Program; Cannibal Island restoration, at the mouth of the Eel River; and restoration of the Redwood Creek estuary.
The North Coast team also leads the Eel River Conservation & Restoration Program, a watershed-wide effort that integrates science, restoration, and community engagement to guide long-term recovery. That work extends from large-scale planning to on-the-ground action. On the South Fork Eel River, CalTrout collaborates with academic partners, the Wiyot Tribe, and others to lead a salmon and steelhead monitoring program and invasive species suppression effort. The inaugural Eel River Expo, hosted by CalTrout in partnership with the Rotary Club of Eureka, brought community members from all over the watershed together to celebrate restoration progress.
One of the most significant priorities ahead is advancing the removal of the Eel River dams — part of a broader statewide effort by CalTrout to address aging infrastructure that no longer serves its original purpose and continues to harm the health of our rivers. After years of planning and coordination, the project is now moving through key regulatory and licensing processes, marking meaningful progress toward one of the largest dam removal efforts in the country. Dam removal is expected to begin as early as 2028.
This work represents a generational opportunity to restore some of California’s most important river systems — and to ensure its salmon runs can thrive for generations to come.
