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
Study and Evaluate Bull Trout Populations in North Shore Tributaries of the Columbia River in the Bonneville Pool

BPA project number   5513600

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
WDFW / Yakama Indian Nation

Sponsor type   WA-State/Local Agency

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

BPA technical contact   ,

Biological opinion ID   

NWPPC Program number   10.5A.6

Short description
This study will provide data necessary for assessing the status of bull trout populations living in the tributaries to the Bonneville Reservoir in Washington and developing management plans for these populations.

Project start year   1997    End year   Phase II - 2000, Phase III - ongoing

Start of operation and/or maintenance   2001

Project development phase   Implementation

Section 2. Narrative

Related projects
10.5A Study and Evaluate Bull Trout Populations. 10.5A.2 is a similar project to assess bull trout status, life history, habitat needs, and limiting factors in southern subbasins of the Columbia River.

Project history
N/A

Biological results achieved
N/A

Annual reports and technical papers
N/A

Management implications
N/A

Specific measureable objectives
A specific measurable objective in the study is a 95 percent confidence interval on the presence and absence of bull trout populations in the subbasins. Other specific measurable objectives will be to compare the genetic make up of stocks found with each other and stocks outside the study area; determine the amount of suitable bull trout habitat available in the tributaries; and determine limiting factors for bull trout production.

Testable hypothesis
A. Null Hypothesis: No suitable bull trout habitat exists in the study area.
Alternate Hypothesis: Suitable bull trout habitat exists in the study area.
B. Null Hypothesis: Bull trout will not be present at densities greater or equal to 0.25 fish/100m in suitable habitat.
Alternate Hypothesis: Bull trout will be present at densities greater or equal to 0.25 fish/100m in suitable habitat.
C. Null Hypothesis: Bull trout populations in the study area are not genetically distinct from each other and from stocks outside the study area.
Alternate Hypothesis: Bull trout populations in the study area are genetically distinct from each other and from stocks outside the study area.

Underlying assumptions or critical constraints
Bull trout are an indigenous species to the Columbia River system. It appears most of these populations are currently small and isolated. To date, only cursory information exists on the presence of bull trout in the Wind, Little White Salmon, and Klickitat Rivers. It is believed there is some movement in the mainstem Columbia between tributaries.

Methods
The study is designed into three phases: Phase 1 - 12 months, develop a study plan and methodology for testing hypothesis. This phase would also consist of field testing methodology and preliminary sampling. Phase 2 - 36 months, would be field sampling to collect data for testing hypothesis. A final report with management recommendations would be completed. Phase 3 would be to implement the management recommendations and plans.

Brief schedule of activities
The proposed project would begin in October 1997. It is broken into three phases. Phase 1 would last 12 months. During this time, development of the study plan and methodology for testing hypothesis would take place. This would include field testing and preliminary sampling. Phase 2 would begin in October 1998 and last 36 months. During this time, field sampling would be conducted to collect data for testing hypothesis. A final report would be written with management recommendations. Phase 3 would begin after Phase 2, which would be implementation of the management recommendations and plans.

Biological need
Bull trout were once abundant in the Columbia River Basin. Population levels have declined or disappeared in many areas, thereby, raising concerns about long term sustainability of the species in its historic range. This study will determine the abundance of juvenile and adult bull trout and the limiting factors for their continued existence in the tributaries above Bonneville Dam. A management plan will be written to protect and enhance bull trout populations in the project area.

Critical uncertainties
It is unknown what the historic levels of bull trout were in the Columbia River and its tributaries. It is also unknown to what extent bull trout moved in the Columbia River Basin or out of it as anadromous fish.

Summary of expected outcome
The following information is expected to be gathered: 1) where bull trout currently exist in the project area; 2) the genetic make up of bull trout in the project area and how they compare to other stocks; 3) the amount of suitable bull trout habitat available; and 4) what the limiting factors are for bull trout production. In addition, a management plan will be developed for the study area.

Dependencies/opportunities for cooperation
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will be conducting this project with the Yakama Indian Nation as a joint study.

Risks
No known risks.

Monitoring activity
Monitoring activity will be done cooperatively by the Yakama Indian Nation and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Section 3. Budget

* 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   $143,400