BPA Fish and Wildlife FY 1997 Proposal

Section 1. Administrative
Section 2. Narrative
Section 3. Budget

see CBFWA and BPA funding recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Title of project
Genetic Analysis of Snake River Salmonids

BPA project number   5501900

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
IDFG

Sponsor type   ID-State/Local Agency

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

 NameWill Reid
 Mailing addressIdaho Department of Fish and Game
600 S. Walnut, Box 25
Boise, ID 83707
 Phone208/334-2598

BPA technical contact   , EWN

Biological opinion ID   

NWPPC Program number   10.5B.2

Short description
Develop and implement a comprehensive genetic sampling program for native salmonids in the Snake River and tributaries upstream of the Hell’s Canyon Dam complex.

Project start year   1997    End year   2001

Start of operation and/or maintenance   0

Project development phase   Planning/Implementation

Section 2. Narrative

Related projects
9990054 - Snake River Native salmonid Assessment. The genetics work is a component of the overall Snake River salmonid assessment project. The work will occur simultaneously.

9501400 - Resident Fish Loss Assessment. The data collected in the genetics project will be used as the basis for the loss assessments. It will be an integral part of determining what fisheries resources remain intact and will be used along with the overall salmonid assessment project and the loss assessment project to begin mitigating for hydropower losses.

Project history
Develop a genetic profile of native salmonid populations in the Snake River and tributaries upstream of the Hell’s Canyon Dam complex.

Determine the genetic purity of native salmonid populations in the Snake River and tributaries upstream of the Hell’s Canyon Dam complex.

Biological results achieved

Annual reports and technical papers

Management implications

Specific measureable objectives
Develop a genetic profile of native salmonid populations in the Snake River and tributaries upstream of the Hell’s Canyon Dam complex.

Determine the genetic purity of native salmonid populations in the Snake River and tributaries upstream of the Hell’s Canyon Dam complex.

Testable hypothesis
The remaining wild, native salmonid stocks in the Snake River basin upstream of the Hell’s Canyon Dam complex have not been impacted through genetic introgression of hatchery stocks.

Underlying assumptions or critical constraints
The current genetic analyses are discreet enough to determine the degree of purity.

METHODS: Response must include 1) brief experimental design including a description of equipment, techniques and materials; 2) statistical analysis; 3) type and number of fish to be used.

Methods include the capture (with electrofishing or traps) and preservation of large enough samples of all species in all streams (~ 50-100 fish/species/stream) in order to get statistically valid results. Sampling will take place at the same time as the Snake River salmonid assessment is conducting population estimates. The specimens will be sent to a lab for either starch - gel electrophoresis or preferably DNA analysis.

Methods
Methods include the capture (with electrofishing or traps) and preservation of large enough samples of all species in all streams (~ 50 - 100/species/stream) in order to get statistically valid results. Sampling will take place at the same time as the Snake River salmonid assessment is conducting population estimates. The specimens will be sent to a lab for either starch - gel electrophoresis or preferably DNA analysis.

Brief schedule of activities
1997 - Develop a detailed experimental design and work plan with the cooperators. Incorporate or coordinate this project with #9990054 - Snake River Salmonid Assessment. Conduct a literature search to determine where data is lacking. Begin collecting samples for analysis.

1998 - 2001 - Collect samples, send to lab, write up results

Biological need
The majority of native salmonid stocks in the Snake River basin are weak. This project will help identify where pure strains of native salmonids still exist so proper action can be taken to protect them and remove the threats to their long term existence.

Critical uncertainties
One critical uncertainty is if there are any genetically pure populations of native salmonids left in the Snake River basin upstream of the Hell’s Canyon Dam complex. Another is if the genetic analyses are discreet enough to identify pure stocks.

Summary of expected outcome
The expected outcome is the identification of genetically pure stocks of native salmonids in the upper Snake River basin and actions that will protect and enhance these stocks.

Dependencies/opportunities for cooperation
The project is a multi-agency project that will be coordinated with and responsibilities shared among IDFG, the Sho-Ban Tribes, the Sho-Pai Tribes, ODFW, and the Burns - Paiute Tribe.

Risks
The native salmonid stocks are too weak to justify or otherwise allow for the collection of 50 - 100 specimens/stock.

Monitoring activity
Monitoring would include periodic collection and genetic analysis (e.g. once every 5 years) after the initial analysis to check for introgression. Snorkeling and electrofishing would also be conducted to look for and eliminate sources of genetic contamination.

Section 3. Budget

Data shown are the total of expense and capital obligations by fiscal year. Obligations for any given year may not equal actual expenditures or accruals within the year, due to carryover, pre-funding, capitalization and difference between operating year and BPA fiscal year.

Historic costsFY 1996 budget data*Current and future funding needs
(none) New project - no FY96 data available 1997: 47,800
1998: 125,000
1999: 125,000
2000: 125,000
2001: 125,000

* For most projects, Authorized is the amount recommended by CBFWA and the Council. Planned is amount currently allocated. Contracted is the amount obligated to date of printout.

Funding recommendations

CBFWA funding review group   Resident Fish

Recommendation    Tier 2 - fund when funds available

Recommended funding level   $47,800