BPA Fish and Wildlife FY 1998 Proposal

Section 1. Summary
Section 2. Goals
Section 3. Background
Section 4. Purpose and methods
Section 5. Planned activities
Section 6. Outcomes, monitoring and evaluation
Section 7. Relationships
Section 8. Costs and FTE

see CBFWA and BPA funding recommendations

Section 1. Summary

Title of project
New Marking and Monitoring Techniques for Fish

BPA project number   8331900

Short description
Determine the biological and technical feasibility of using PIT-tag technology to passively obtain information on juvenile and adult salmonids, develop ancillary equipment to expand the PIT-tag system's capabilities to meet BPA and resource stakeholder information and research needs, and develop and evaluate enumeration technology.

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
National Marine Fisheries Service

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

Section 2. Goals

General
Supports a healthy Columbia basin; increases run sizes or populations; adaptive management (research or M&E)

Section 3. Background

Stream area affected

Hydro project   Columbia and Snake River Basin Projects
Project is an office site only   X
Habitat types   Columbia and Snake River Basins

History
BPA initiated a contract with NMFS in 1983 to determine the technical and biological feasibility of applying PIT-tag and associated technology to fishery problems in the Columbia River Basin (CRB) migration corridor. NMFS designed, evaluated, and implemented such a system using a 400-kHz frequency PIT tag. The PIT-tag system in conjunction with ancillary equipment enables data to be passively collected on individual juvenile salmonids at selected locations within the CRB in near real time without handling fish.
The research and development effort of this project has and will continue to result in products that aid stakeholders in assessing the effectiveness of various actions taken to enhance the survival of juvenile and adult salmonids. Specifically, the research and development effort will provide 1) Alternative approaches that will enable fishery researchers and managers to address previously unanswered questions, and to provide accurate reliable data in near real time thus enabling effective decisions to be made regarding actions taken or to be taken; 2) Aid stakeholders in obtaining information required for the management of multiple species in a variety of habitats; 3) Products which can be used in genetic, physiology, behavior, and broodstock research efforts related to endangered species listed under ESA; 4) Products that can be used in obtaining survival and migration timing information on stocks of interest and provide accurate and timely data for evaluating water management strategies and fish passage/collection facilities; and 5) Aid all stakeholders by providing data needed for the management and restoration of salmonid and other fish stocks.
To achieve the above goals, the research and development effort is directed at 1) Refining and evaluating the mechanical operation of 2- and 3-way PIT-tag separation systems used to direct fish to predetermined locations; 2) Completion of the stand-alone multi-purpose computer program used in connection with fish diversion systems that direct fish to predetermined locations, control timed sub-samples, and collect PIT-tag data; 3) Development and evaluation of pass-by (horizontal and vertical) PIT-tag interrogation systems e.g., flat-plate PIT-tag interrogation system; and 4) Determining the performance of prototype 134.2-kHz PIT-tag interrogation systems that could replace the current 400-kHz PIT-tag interrogation system in the CRB.

Biological results achieved
The biological studies associated with the PIT-tag project have been conducted in the laboratory, in the field under controlled conditions, and in the field under natural conditions. In the laboratory we have been able to determine 1) A suitable anatomical area for PIT-tag placement within salmonids that is acceptable from a biological and human standpoint; 2) The minimum size juvenile salmonid that could be effectively tagged with the PIT tag; 3) Host tissue response to the tag; 4) The effect of the tag on growth and survival for various age groups of fish; 5) Tag wound healing rate and disease occurrence from tagging; 6) Tag effect on swimming performance of parr, transitional, and smolted salmon; 7) Effect of electromagnetic fields produced by the PIT-tag interrogation system on the biology of salmon and a surrogate fish, Medaka; 8) Predator avoidance of tagged fish; and 9) PIT-tag retention in various sizes and species of salmonids in relation to traditional tags and marks.
In the field under controlled conditions we have determined: 1) Reaction of predators to PIT-tagged and traditionally marked and tagged fish in both clear and turbid water; 2) The growth, survival, and tag retention of several species of salmonids held for extended periods in both fresh water and sea water; and 3) The behavior of PIT-tagged juvenile salmonids to various geometry and colors of PIT-tag interrogation passageways.
In the field under natural conditions we have determined: 1) Return rate, tag retention, size at return, and timing of PIT-tagged coho salmon released to the wild; 2) Overwinter survival (recapture rate) of coho salmon released to the wild in relation to coded wire tagged and other traditionally tagged and marked fish; 3) The reaction of naturally migrating coho salmon to electromagnetic field produced by an underwater PIT-tag interrogation system ; and 4) The behavior of fish ascending fish ladders using video equipment.
Activities that support the CRB PIT-tag system and consequently indirectly enhance the salmon recovery effort includes the following ancillary systems development: 1) PIT-tag injectors both hand-held and semi-automatic; 2) A computer based PIT-tag data entry station; 3) Rectangular slide-gate fish diversion system; 4) 2- and 3- way fish diversion systems; 5) The first computer program for recording PIT-tagged fish passing through interrogation units at dams; 6) The first rectangular, round, and flat-plate PIT-tag interrogation systems for juvenile salmonids; 7) The first adult salmon PIT-tag interrogation units; 8) The first underwater towed PIT-tag interrogation system; 9) The first CRB PIT-tag data base; 10) The first computer controlled juvenile fish diversion system; and 11) First multi-tasking computer program for controlling fish separation, subsampling, and data collection.

Project reports and papers
Brannas, E., H. Lundqvist, E. Prentice, M. Schmitz, K. Brannas, and B. Wiklund. 1994. Use of the passive integrated transponder (PIT) in a fish identification and monitoring system for fish behavior studies. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 123:395-401.
Flagg, T.A., and E. F. Prentice. 1988. The PIT tag system and its suitability in sockeye salmon. Sockeye culture workshop, Ketchikan, Alaska. Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game. p 8.
Maynard, D. J., D. A. Frost, F. W. Waknitz, and E. F. Prentice. 1996. The vulnerability of marked age-0 steelhead to a visual predator. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 125:330-333.
McCutcheon, C.S, E.F. Prentice, and D.L. Park. 1994. Passive monitoring of migrating adult steelhead with PIT tags. N. American J. Fish. Manage. 14:220-223.
Peterson, N. P., E. F. Prentice, and T. P. Quinn. 1994. Comparison of sequential coded wire and passive integrated transponder tags for assessing overwinter growth and survival of juvenile coho salmon. N. Am. J. Fish. Manage. 14:870-873.
Prentice, E. F. 1990. A new internal telemetry tag for fish and crustaceans. NOAA Technical Report NMFS 85. Proceedings Fifteenth U.S.-Japan Meetings on Aquaculture. Albert Sparks (editor). p 9.
Prentice. E. F., T. A. Flagg, and C. S. McCutcheon. 1987. A study to determine the biological feasibility of a new fish tagging system. Report to Bonneville Power Administration, Contract DE-179-83BPII982, 109 p. plus Appendixes. (Available from Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Blvd. E., Seattle, WA 98112-2097.)
Prentice, E. F., T. A. Flagg, and C. McCutcheon. 1990. Feasibility of using implantable passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags in salmonids. Am. Fish. Soc. Symp. 7:317-322.
Prentice, E. F., T. A. Flagg, C. McCutcheon and D. Brastow. 1990. PIT-tag monitoring systems for hydroelectric dams and fish hatcheries. Am. Fish. Soc. Symp. 7:323-334.
Prentice, E. F., T. A. Flagg, C. McCutcheon, D. Brastow and D. Cross. 1990. Equipment, methods, and an automated data-entry station for PIT tagging. Am. Fish. Soc. Symp. 7:323-334.
Prentice. E. F., D. Maynard, S.L. Downing, D. A. Frost, M. S. Kellett, D. A. Bruland, P. SparksMcConkey, F. W. Waknitz, R. N. Iwamoto, K. McIntyre, and N. Paasch. 1994. A study to determine the biological feasibility of a new fish tagging system, 1990-93. Report to Bonneville Power Administration, Contract DE-179-83BPII982.
Prentice, E. F. and D. L. Park. 1984. A study to determine the biological feasibility of a new fish tagging system. Report to Bonneville Power Administration, Contract DE-AI79-83BPII982, 38 p. plus Appendix.
Prentice, E. F., D. L. Park, T. A. Flagg, and C. S. McCutcheon. 1986. A study to determine the biological feasibility of a new fish tagging system. Report to Bonneville Power Administration, Contract DE-179-83BPII982, 79 p. plus Appendixes.
Prentice, E. F., C. W. Sims, and D. L. Park. 1985. A study to determine the biological feasibility of a new fish tagging system. Report to Bonneville Power Administration, Contract DE- I 79-83BP 1 1982, 34 p. plus Appendixes.

Adaptive management implications
This work represents the continuation of several research projects that address the transition from a 400-kHz to a 134.2 kHz International Standards Organization (ISO) -based transponder/ transceiver system, the development and evaluation of associated technology that can be used to identify both smolts and adult salmon, and the development and evaluation of ancillary equipment for passive data collection and diversion of fish. The continued development of the PIT tag and ancillary equipment will further expand the systems capabilities to address issues expressed in both the Biological Opinion for operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System and the proposed Snake River Salmon Recovery Plan.
The research and development effort of this project has and will continue to result in products that aid stakeholders in assessing the effectiveness of various actions taken to enhance the survival of juvenile and adult salmonids. Specifically, the research and development effort will provide: 1) Alternative approaches that will enable fishery researchers and managers to address previously unanswered questions, and to provide accurate reliable data in near real time, enabling effective decisions to be made; 2) Aid stakeholders in obtaining information required for the management of multiple species in a variety of habitats; 3) Products which can be used in genetic, physiology, behavior, and broodstock research efforts related to endangered species listed under ESA; 4) Products that can be used in obtaining survival and migration timing information on stocks of interest and provide accurate and timely data for evaluating water management strategies and fish passage/collection facilities; and 5) Aid all stakeholders by providing data needed for the management and restoration of salmonid and other fish stocks.
To achieve the above goals, the research and development effort is presently directed at: 1) Refining and evaluating the mechanical operation of 2 and 3-way PIT-tag separation systems used to direct fish to predetermined locations; 2) Completion of the stand-alone multi-purpose computer program used in connection with fish diversion systems that direct fish to predetermined locations, control timed sub-samples, and collect PIT-tag data; 3) Development and evaluation of pass-by (horizontal and vertical) PIT-tag interrogation systems e.g., flat-plate PIT-tag interrogation system; and 4) Determining the performance of prototype 134.2-kHz PIT-tag interrogation systems that could replace the current 400-kHz PIT-tag interrogation system in the CRB.
The present project focuses on products that remotely and non-intrusively direct and collect information on juvenile PIT-tagged fish as they pass specific interrogation points. Future development efforts should focus on the interrogation of PIT-tagged adult fish and the passive collection of other types of information (i.e., length and physical condition) on PIT-tagged fish. In addition, products should be developed that non-intrusively collect information (i.e., numbers, size, physical condition, and species) on non-tagged fish. Such systems would reduce fish handling and stress, provide accurate reliable information in near real time, reduce overall cost of information gathering, and enable managers to better evaluate the effectiveness of stock restoration efforts.

Section 4. Purpose and methods

Specific measureable objectives
1) Develop and evaluate a 2-way and 3-way side-to-side fish diversion system and improve the performance and reliability of the 3-way rotational PIT-tag fish diversion systems used to direct fish to predetermined locations.
2) Complete the stand-alone multi-purpose computer program used in connection with fish diversion systems that direct fish to predetermined locations, control timed sub-samples, and collect PIT-tag data.
3) Continue to develop and evaluate the 400-kHz flat-plate (pass-over) PIT-tag interrogation system used at Bonneville Dam.
4) Develop a 134.2-kHz flat-plate (pass-over) PIT-tag interrogation system for Bonneville Dam.
5) Develop horizontal and vertical 134.2-kHz pass-by PIT-tag interrogation system for a variety of applications .
6) Determine the performance of prototype 134.2- kHz PIT-tag transceiver systems at a dam that could replace the current 400-kHz PIT-tag system used in the CRB.

Critical uncertainties
None

Biological need
This work represents the continuation of several research and development tasks that address the resource stakeholders need for accurate reliable information that is assessable in near real time. Present work focuses on determining the technical feasibility of a 134.2- kHz International Standards Organization (ISO) tag/transceiver system and associated technology that can be used to identify both smolts and adult salmon, the development of ancillary equipment, and the resulting products' effect on fish. The continued development of the PIT tag and ancillary equipment will further expand the system's capabilities to address issues expressed in both the Biological Opinion for operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System and the proposed Snake River Recovery Plan.

Hypothesis to be tested
1) New and old versions of fish diversion systems used to direct fish to pre-determined locations are equal in performance and reliability.
2) New and old stand-alone multi-purpose computer program used in connection with fish diversion systems to direct fish to predetermined locations, control timed sub-samples, and collect data are equal in performance.
3) The 400-kHz flat-plate (pass-over) PIT-tag interrogation system developed for Bonneville Dam will operate and detect 400-kHz PIT-tagged juvenile salmonids at the sane efficiency level as in 1996.
4) The prototype 134.2-kHz flat-plate (pass-over) PIT-tag interrogation system developed for Bonneville Dam will read 134.2-kHz PIT-tags.
5) The prototype 134.2-kHz vertical and horizontal pass-by PIT-tag interrogation systems will read 134.2-kHz PIT-tags.
6) The performance (tag reading ability and reliability) of the 134.2-kHz system at a dam is equivalent to that of the existing 400-kHz system.

Methods
The PIT-tag research and development effort is composed of both biological and mechanical work elements. Biological oriented studies use standard scientific protocol and fish husbandry techniques as needed. All studies are replicated and data subjected to appropriate statistical tests. When fish are required in studies, proper permits are obtained. Study results are reported at workshops, in BPA reports, and in the scientific literature.
Those projects which are non-biological in nature use the expertise of mechanical and electrical engineers, fabricators, machinists, and computer programmers. Design drawings are often prepared that are later altered as the prototype equipment is fabricated and evaluated. All systems are judged against a set of evaluation standards. The evaluation process takes place in both the laboratory (dry-testing) and field (wet-testing). Modifications are made as indicated through the testing program. Once alterations-are made, the systems are re-evaluated. Resource stakeholders are solicited for their comment and are provided an opportunity to examine the systems at various steps during development.

Section 5. Planned activities

Constraints or factors that may cause schedule or budget changes
None

Section 6. Outcomes, monitoring and evaluation

SUMMARY OF EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Expected performance of target population or quality change in land area affected
1) Develop and improve performance and reliability of PIT-tag diversion systems used to direct fish to predetermined locations. The development work will result in a suite of fish diversion systems that will address a number of research and monitoring needs within the CRB in addition to reducing the need to handle and stress fish.
2) Completion of the stand-alone multi-purpose computer program used in connection with fish diversion systems and other tasks will result in a reduction in the number of computer programs and independent control systems; a centralized computer controlled systems that will provide overall better system and information reliability; and flexibility for future research and management needs.
3) Continue to develop and evaluate the 400-kHz flat-plate (pass-over) PIT-tag interrogation system used at Bonneville Dam. This system will provide near real-time data from PIT-tagged fish during the 1997 field season.
4) Develop a 134.2-kHz flat-plate (pass-over) PIT-tag interrogation system for Bonneville Dam. This system will enable PIT-tagged fish to be interrogated after the conversion to the 134-kHz system takes place in the CRB.
5) Develop horizontal and vertical 134.2-kHz pass-by PIT-tag interrogation system for a variety of applications. This effort could result in technology that will enable resource stakeholders to obtain near real-time, accurate PIT-tag information on fish in areas not currently possible ( i.e., adult fish ladders, small streams, down stream migrant channels, etc.). In addition, these tools may enable fish to be interrogated with little or no dewatering.
6) Determine the performance of prototype 134.2-kHz PIT-tag transceiver systems at a dam. The new system could replace the current 400-kHz PIT-tag interrogation system used in the CRB. This effort could result in all current PIT-tag interrogation systems in the CRB being replaced with more reliable, accurate, and less costly PIT-tag systems.

Contribution toward long-term goal
Reliable passive (non-intrusive) cost efficient monitoring and information gathering technology that will enable resource stakeholders to obtain accurate reliable information in near real-time. This technology is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of various stock recovery programs and needs.

Indirect biological or environmental changes
If accurate, reliable non-invasive data collection systems can be developed, then the need for handling or channeling fish in addition to the need for complex fish collection systems may be reduced.

Coordination outcomes
Milestones/dates to end of the project: 1) Continue to develop an interrogation system that separates fish by tag code, thus reducing fish handling and enabling tagged fish to be directed as desired by investigators; 2) Evaluate the feasibility of a pass-by (horizontal and vertical flat-plate) volitional tag interrogation system for small streams, fish collection channels, wet-separators, over fall wiers, and vertical slots in adult fish ladders; 3) Evaluate the feasibility of converting the present PIT-tag system used in the CRB to a system that is compatible with other manufacturers' PIT tags and interrogation equipment (ISO-based system); 4) Interface with stakeholders to ensure the effective transfer of developmental prototype products to operational products; and 5) Develop with BPA both project management and program management plans that allow for effective decision making, effective definition of long term objectives and performance standards.

MONITORING APPROACH
Those projects that are non-biological in nature, use the expertise of mechanical and electrical engineers, fabricators, machinists, and computer programmers. Design drawings are often prepared that are later altered as the prototype equipment is fabricated and evaluated. All systems are judged against a set of evaluation standards. The evaluation process takes place in both the laboratory (dry-testing) and field (wet-testing). Modifications are made as indicated through the testing program. Once alterations-are made the systems are re-evaluated.
Those tasks that have biological components use standard scientific protocol and fish husbandry techniques as needed. All studies are replicated and data subjected to appropriate statistical tests. When fish are required in studies, proper permits are obtained. Study results are reported at workshops, in BPA reports, and in the scientific literature.

Data analysis and evaluation
Tools and systems resulting from these research and development effort will be evaluated using performance criteria established by NMFS and the fisheries community. Data will be subjected to statistical tests and incorporated into test results.

Information feed back to management decisions
Information will be transferred to management and regional resource stakeholders via reports, publications, workshops, and direct contact.

Critical uncertainties affecting project's outcomes
Each task within the project uses development milestones and performance criteria to gauge progress. If problems prevent a milestone from being accomplished in a timely and efficient manner, that task is re-evaluated. If upon re-evaluation no solution can be found to the problems preventing the accomplishment of a milestone, the task is terminated.

Evaluation
1) Review progress reports and publications submitted to BPA.
2) Specific Element: See publication and report list.
3) Attend workshops where task progress is discussed.
4) Specific Examples: Several CRB PIT-tag workshops, program reviews have been conducted to inform resource stakeholders of the progress of research and development tasks.
5) Attend demonstrations of prototype tools.
6) Specific example: In 1996 a demonstration of the first pass-by PIT-tag interrogation system was given at Bonneville Dam.

Incorporating new information regarding uncertainties
If new information becomes available about uncertainties affecting the project, the information is incorporated into the task progress review process.

Increasing public awareness of F&W activities
The technology developed from this research and development effort are being adopted by resource stakeholders on a national and international basis. The public at large is thus becoming aware of the region's efforts to protect, mitigate, and enhance fish and wildlife through the use of these tools.

Section 7. Relationships

Opportunities for cooperation
For the goals of this project to be obtained in a timely and cost efficient manner, the cooperation of all stakeholders is required. This cooperation is obtained through open lines of communication and a common desire to restore the resource. The success of the program to date reflects this spirit of cooperation.

Section 8. Costs and FTE

1997 Planned  $800,000

Other non-financial supporters
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.

How does percentage apply to direct costs
Applies to total direct labor costs only.