FY07-09 proposal 199302900

Jump to Reviews and Recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleSurvival Estimates for the Passage of Juvenile Salmonids Through Snake and Columbia River Dams and Reservoirs
Proposal ID199302900
OrganizationNorthwest Fisheries Science Center
Short descriptionProvide precise measurements of survival of juvenile salmon as they migrate through dams and reservoirs in the Snake and Columbia Rivers and relate to adult returns.
Information transferInformation is provided orally to several groups each year including briefings to NPCC and NMFS Implementation Team, and at AFS and other professional meetings. Annual reports that summarize each year's research are provided to BPA and posted on their web page. Findings are periodically published in peer-reviewed journals.
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
Contacts
ContactOrganizationEmail
Form submitter
William Muir National Marine Fisheries Service bill.muir@noaa.gov
All assigned contacts
William Muir National Marine Fisheries Service bill.muir@noaa.gov
William Muir National Marine Fisheries Service bill.muir@noaa.gov
Tom Ruehle National Marine Fisheries Service tom.ruehle@noaa.gov
John G. Williams NOAA Fisheries john.g.williams@noaa.gov

Section 2. Locations

Province / subbasin: Mainstem/Systemwide / Systemwide

LatitudeLongitudeWaterbodyDescription
From trap sites and hatcheries on headwaters of the Snake and Columbia Rivers above mainstem dams to below Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River.

Section 3. Focal species

primary: All Anadromous Salmonids

Section 4. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishments
2005 Published a NOAA Technical Memorandum "Effects of the Federal Columbia River Hydropower System on Salmonid Populations".
2004 Provided BPA annual report estimating survival through individual reaches and the entire hydropower system.
2003 Provided BPA annual report estimating survival through individual reaches and the entire hydropower system.
2002 Published 3 journal papers on juvenile migration and flow/survival and 1 on juvenile size vs adult returns. Provided BPA annual report estimating survival through individual reaches and the entire hydropower system.
2001 Published three journal articles summarizing survival studies to date. Provided BPA annual report estimating survival through individual reaches and the entire hydropower system.
2000 Provided BPA annual report estimating survival through individual reaches and the entire hydropower system.
1999 Began estimating survival through John Day Dam reach for Hanford Reach subyearling fall chinook salmon. Provided BPA annual report estimating survival through individual reaches and the entire hydropower system.
1998 Published two papers in peer-reviewed journals on statistical techniques used to estimate reach survival. Provided BPA annual report estimating survival through individual reaches and the entire hydropower system.
1997 Extended survival estimates through the entire hydropower system. Provided BPA annual report estimating survival through individual reaches and the entire hydropower system.
1996 Completed flow/survival analysis for spring migrants using modern survival data. Provided BPA annual report estimating survival through individual reaches.
1995 Extended survival estimates through McNary Dam reach and added estimates for hatchery subyearling fall chinook salmon. Provided BPA annual report estimating survival through individual reaches.
1994 Extended survival estimates through Lower Monumental Dam reach and added estimates for juvenile steelhead. Provided BPA annual report estimating survival through individual reaches.
1993 Demonstrated ability to estimate survival through Lower Granite and Little Goose Dam reaches and routes of passage at both dams. Provided BPA annual report estimating survival through individual reaches.

Section 5. Relationships to other projects

Funding sourceRelated IDRelated titleRelationship
BPA 199105100 M&E Statistical Support For Li Our study provides many of the PIT-tagged fish used in their analysis.
BPA 198331900 New Marking & Monitoring Tech We continue to rely on this project to provide the innovations needed to conduct multiple-recapture survival studies in the Snake and Columbia Rivers in a variety of habitats. We provide feedback to the project on the performance of their innovations.
BPA 199602000 Pit Tagging Spring/Summer Chin We utilize fish PIT-tagged from this study to estimate survival from hatcheries through the Snake River, to evaluate SARs based on juvenile migration history, and to help develop estimates of D.
BPA 198910700 Statistical Support For Salmon Our study provides many of the PIT-tagged fish used in their analysis.
BPA 199008000 Columbia Basin Pit-Tag Informa We, like all other PIT tag users in the basin, rely on this project to maintain the PIT tag database.
Other: USACE 2RL4SPTP00 Detection of PIT tags on piscivorous bird colonies in the Columbia River Basin We use the data generated from this study on recovery of PIT tags on bird colonies and relate to reach survival estimates. We also contribute many of the PIT tags later found on the colonies in their surveys.
Other: USACE BPS-00-11 Sampling PIT-tagged juvenile salmonids migrating in the Columbia River estuary The USACE provides 1/2 the funding for this element in our proposal through a cost sharing agreement with BPA.

Section 6. Biological objectives

Biological objectivesFull descriptionAssociated subbasin planStrategy
Estimates survival Provide estimates of survival (with standard errors) for juvenile salmonids (both hatchery and wild) migrating through the Snake and lower Columbia Rivers including estimates of survival from hatcheries and trap sites. None [Strategy left blank]
Evaluate adult returns of PIT-tagged fish Evaluate survival to adult return (SAR) of PIT-tagged fish with different passage histories and sources as juveniles from previous years. None [Strategy left blank]
Operate PIT tag trawl Operate the PIT tag trawl in the Columbia River estuary during the spring and summer smolt migrations. None [Strategy left blank]
Test model assumptions Evaluate the effects of fish health on detection probability and travel time of yearling Chinook salmon. None [Strategy left blank]

Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)

Work element nameWork element titleDescriptionStart dateEnd dateEst budget
Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation Obtain necessary federal (ESA) and state fish handling permits as required. Obtain necessary federal (ESA) and state fish handling permits and submit reports of past activities as required. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $17,232
Biological objectives
Estimates survival
Operate PIT tag trawl
Metrics
Manage and Administer Projects Prepare SOW, and Budget, and Attend Meetings. Prepare SOW and budget each year 90 days before contract expires. Attend required meetings associated with project management. May be required to attend BPA, Council, or CBFWA conferences and workshops. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $133,651
Biological objectives
Estimates survival
Evaluate adult returns of PIT-tagged fish
Operate PIT tag trawl
Test model assumptions
Metrics
Produce/Submit Scientific Findings Report Produce Annual Report Produce and provide an annual report to BPA COTR summarizing results of research each year. 8/1/2007 12/31/2009 $542,453
Biological objectives
Estimates survival
Evaluate adult returns of PIT-tagged fish
Operate PIT tag trawl
Test model assumptions
Metrics
Produce/Submit Scientific Findings Report Produce Status Reports Produce and provide quarterly status reports to BPA COTR regarding significant issues regarding project implementation. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $25,515
Biological objectives
Estimates survival
Evaluate adult returns of PIT-tagged fish
Operate PIT tag trawl
Test model assumptions
Metrics
Analyze/Interpret Data Analyze and interpret PIT tag data collected by the PIT tag trawl. Analyze and interpret PIT tag data collected by the PIT tag trawl. 7/1/2007 10/1/2009 $214,972
Biological objectives
Operate PIT tag trawl
Metrics
Focal Area: Systemwide
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Analyze/Interpret Data Estimate detection probability and travel time for each group. Estimate detection probability using the Single Release Model and travel time for each group as far downstream as possible and compare their performance. 7/1/2007 10/1/2009 $453,590
Biological objectives
Test model assumptions
Metrics
Focal Area: Hydrosystem
Primary R, M, and E Type: Action Effectiveness Research
Analyze/Interpret Data Estimate survival for juvenile salmonids from trap sites and hatcheries to the first dam they encounter, through successive reaches, and the entire hydropower system each year. Estimate survival (with standard errors) for juvenile salmonids from trap sites and hatcheries to the first dam they encounter, through successive reaches, and the entire hydropower system each year using the Single Release Model. 7/1/2007 10/1/2009 $543,071
Biological objectives
Estimates survival
Metrics
Focal Area: Hydrosystem
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Analyze/Interpret Data Evaluate survival to adult return of PIT-tagged fish with different passage histories and sources as juveniles from previous years. Evaluate survival to adult return of PIT-tagged fish with different passage histories (i.e., fish detected at one or numerous dams, transported, never detected at a dam) and sources as juveniles (different hatcheries, traps, streams, tag sites) from previous years. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $453,590
Biological objectives
Evaluate adult returns of PIT-tagged fish
Metrics
Focal Area: Hydrosystem
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Operate the PIT tag trawl Operate the PIT tag trawl during the spring and summer migrations to detect PIT tags from juvenile salmonids as they enter the Columbia River estuary. 4/1/2007 8/31/2009 $1,914,503
Biological objectives
Operate PIT tag trawl
Metrics
Focal Area: Systemwide
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Mark/Tag Animals PIT tag juvenile salmonids and release from a Snake River Basin hatchery. PIT tag juvenile salmonids and release from a Snake River Basin hatchery to evaluate the effects of fish health on detection probability and travel time. 3/1/2007 4/15/2009 $347,541
Biological objectives
Test model assumptions
Metrics
Focal Area: Hydrosystem
Primary R, M, and E Type: Action Effectiveness Research
Mark/Tag Animals PIT tag juvenile salmonids at Lower Granite Dam for survival estimation. PIT tag juvenile wild spring/summer Chinook salmon (up to 20,000), wild steelhead (up to 20,000), and hatchery steelhead (up to 20,000) at Lower Granite Dam each year. 4/1/2007 6/30/2009 $506,645
Biological objectives
Estimates survival
Metrics
Focal Area: Hydrosystem
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Submit/Acquire Data Download juvenile and adult PIT tag detection data from PTAGIS as needed. Download juvenile and adult PIT tag detection data from PTAGIS for juvenile salmonid survival estimation, travel time estimation, and adult return (SAR) estimation. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $16,459
Biological objectives
Evaluate adult returns of PIT-tagged fish
Metrics
Submit/Acquire Data Submit and acquire PIT tag data on fish we tag at Lower Granite Dam and by others at hatcheries, traps, and other sites within the basin. Upload PIT tag data to PTAGIS from fish we tag at Lower Granite Dam. Download PIT tag data from PTAGIS on fish tagged and released at Lower Granite Dam (by us), and from trap sites, hatcheries, and other locations within the Snake and Columbia River Basins. 4/1/2007 10/31/2009 $16,459
Biological objectives
Estimates survival
Metrics
Submit/Acquire Data Upload PIT tag data to PTAGIS. Upload PIT tag data from the two groups tagged at a Snake River Basin hatchery to PTAGIS. 3/1/2007 4/30/2009 $16,459
Biological objectives
Test model assumptions
Metrics
Submit/Acquire Data Upload PIT tag data to PTAGIS. Upload PIT tag data collected by the PIT tag trawl daily to PTAGIS. 4/1/2007 8/31/2009 $16,459
Biological objectives
Operate PIT tag trawl
Metrics

Section 8. Budgets

Itemized estimated budget
ItemNoteFY07FY08FY09
Personnel [blank] $542,500 $558,775 $575,538
Fringe Benefits [blank] $143,763 $148,075 $152,518
Supplies [blank] $42,850 $44,136 $45,460
Travel [blank] $31,500 $32,445 $33,418
Overhead [blank] $360,763 $371,585 $382,733
Other Contract, Utilities, PIT Tags $567,000 $584,010 $601,530
Totals $1,688,376 $1,739,026 $1,791,197
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: $5,218,599
Total work element budget: $5,218,599
Cost sharing
Funding source/orgItem or service providedFY 07 est value ($)FY 08 est value ($)FY 09 est value ($)Cash or in-kind?Status
USACE Pair trawl cost-share $740,100 $740,100 $740,100 Cash Confirmed
Totals $740,100 $740,100 $740,100

Section 9. Project future

FY 2010 estimated budget: $1,844,933
FY 2011 estimated budget: $1,844,933
Comments: 3.0% increase each year for salary grade level increases and inflation.

Future O&M costs: As a regional RM&E program develops over the next several years, the numbers of fish released and release locations in this study may change to suit that effort. This may require additional funds.

Termination date: Unknown
Comments: Estimates of reach and system survival will be needed for the foreseeable future as long as structural and operational changes are made within the hydropower system to gauge success, and are required for BIOP check ins.

Final deliverables:

Section 10. Narrative and other documents


Reviews and recommendations

FY07 budget FY08 budget FY09 budget Total budget Type Category Recommendation
NPCC FINAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Oct 23, 2006) [full Council recs]
$1,688,376 $1,739,026 $1,791,197 $5,218,599 Expense Basinwide Fund
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs]
$1,688,376 $1,739,026 $1,791,197 $0 Basinwide

ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable

NPCC comments: The size and complexity of the project warrant periodic special review. The region is again advised to think about the future of this research and monitoring effort, which is a cornerstone of salmon evaluations in the mainstem of the lower Snake and Columbia rivers. This is a very well prepared proposal that rates high marks for all ISRP review criteria. The ISRP's positive comments on the FY 2000 and FY2003 proposals remain germane. The excellent publication record continues. New for the project since the last review is the evaluation of adult returns of PIT-tagged fish to further understand relationships among adult survival, juvenile survival, travel time, migration timing, and other factors, such as numbers of bypasses or passage routes that juveniles encountered during their downstream migration. This is a natural and worthwhile evolution of project objectives and will continue to keep this project a cornerstone of salmon survival evaluations in the mainstem.


ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable

NPCC comments: The size and complexity of the project warrant periodic special review. The region is again advised to think about the future of this research and monitoring effort, which is a cornerstone of salmon evaluations in the mainstem of the lower Snake and Columbia rivers. This is a very well prepared proposal that rates high marks for all ISRP review criteria. The ISRP's positive comments on the FY 2000 and FY2003 proposals remain germane. The excellent publication record continues. New for the project since the last review is the evaluation of adult returns of PIT-tagged fish to further understand relationships among adult survival, juvenile survival, travel time, migration timing, and other factors, such as numbers of bypasses or passage routes that juveniles encountered during their downstream migration. This is a natural and worthwhile evolution of project objectives and will continue to keep this project a cornerstone of salmon survival evaluations in the mainstem.