Monitoring of Adult Abundance and Spatial Distribution for Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon ESU Populations proposal 200725300

FY07-09 proposal 200725300

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal title	Monitoring of Adult Abundance and Spatial Distribution for Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon ESU Populations
Proposal ID	200725300
Organization	Nez Perce Tribe / Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Short description	This project will coordinate ongoing monitoring activities and implement new monitoring where needed to provide data for spring/summer Chinook salmon Snake River ESU populations for ESA delisting decision analysis and effectiveness monitoring.
Information transfer	Information transfer from this project will occur primarily through annual reports posted on the BPA web site and Tribal web site and through professional presentations at American Fisheries Society and other monitoring and evaluation technical meetings. Hard copies of annual reports will be disseminated annually to recovery planners, researchers, and managers to make project information readily available. Data collected by this project will be consolidated in a centralized database that will facilitate access, sharing, and dissemination to co-managers responsible for management and recovery of Chinook salmon in the Snake River basin. Data generated from this project also will provide information on the precision and accuracy of adult monitoring in the basin, which is directly applicable to the monitoring design and modeling analyses conducted by the Collaborative Systemwide Monitoring and Evaluation Project (CSMEP). Adult Chinook abundance information will be used for effective salmon resource management, and data will be made available to NOAA Fisheries for listed species recovery metrics monitoring. Project information will provide a direct measure of the benefit of the NPCC Fish and Wildlife Program and ESA recovery conservation actions. Project data also will be used to assess if wild salmon subpopulations have met recovery and delisting criteria identified by NOAA Fisheries, the Interior Columbia Basin Technical Recovery Team, and salmon managers.
Proposal contact person or principal investigator

Contacts

Contact	Organization	Email
Form submitter
Jon Firehammer	Nez Perce Tribe	fire0983@uidaho.edu
All assigned contacts
Jay Hesse	Nez Perce Tribe	jayh@nezperce.org
Sam Sharr	IDFG	ssharr@idfg.idaho.gov

Section 2. Locations

Province / subbasin: Mainstem/Systemwide / Systemwide

Latitude	Longitude	Waterbody	Description
		Big Creek	DIDSON technology will be implemented in Big Creek to monitor adult escapement.
		Clearwater River	Probabilistic redd count surveys will be implemented in tributaries of the Clearwater River basin
		Snake River	Abundance data from spring/summer Chinook populations across the Snake River basin will be consolidated into a centralized database to track population recovery.

Section 3. Focal species

primary: Chinook Snake River Spring/Summer ESU

Section 4. Past accomplishments

Year	Accomplishments

Section 5. Relationships to other projects

Funding source	Related ID	Related title	Relationship
BPA	198335000	Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery O&M	The Nez Perce Tribe Hatchery Monitoring and Evaluation Project (NPTH M&E) employs weirs in tributaries of the Clearwater River to estimate adult escapement, and conducts redd surveys in tributaries of the Clearwater River to provide indices of adult abundance. For this project, data collected from the NPTH M&E project will be consolidated in a centralized database to facilitate access to spatial and temporal abundance trends for Chinook populations in the Clearwater River subbasin. Data collected from the NPTH M&E project will also be examined to derive fish/redd ratios for monitored populations in the Clearwater River subbasin to determine if a consistent ratio may be used to expand redd counts for populations in the Clearwater River subbasin that do not have direct estimates of adult abundance. In addition, the implementation of probabilistic redd count surveys proposed in this project, in conjunction with the data from the NPTH M&E project, will permit the estimation of separate fish/redd ratios for each spawning ground survey method to evaluate differences in precision.
BPA	198909802	Salmon Studies Id Rvrs NPT	The Salmon Studies Id Rvrs NPT project uses measures of adult abundance to compare spatial and temporal trends between supplemented and non-supplemented populations to isolate effects of supplementation from natural processes. Redd count surveys are conducted in tributaries of the Clearwater River and Salmon River subbasins to provide indices of adult escapement from which comparisons are drawn. The objectives defined for this project are related to those defined for the Salmon Studies Id Rvrs NPT project by providing better estimates of adult abundances through the expansion of probabilistic redd count surveys in tributaries of the Clearwater and Salmon Rivers. Furthermore, data collected from the Salmon Studies Id Rvrs NPT project will be consolidated in the centralized database to facilitate access to spatial and temporal abundance trends for Chinook populations in these subbasins. The Salmon Studies Id Rvrs NPT project data will also be utilized to conduct the analyses proposed in this project in which relationships between redd count and weir-based adult enumeration methods will be examined.
BPA	199107300	Idaho Natural Production Monit	The goal of the Idaho Habitat and Natural Production Monitoring and Evaluation project (INPMEP) is to describe and understand the population dynamics of wild and natural anadromous salmonid populations that spawn upriver of Lower Granite Dam. One of the objectives of the INPMEP is to estimate annual abundances of adult spring and summer Chinook in the Upper Salmon MPG using statistically rigorous monitoring designs. A spatially unbiased probabilistic sampling scheme for redd count surveys is proposed for 2007-2009 in the INPMEP. Estimates of spatial distribution and abundance generated from the probabilistic surveys will be incorporated into a centralized database by this project and used as data points in the regression analyses proposed in our project to estimate fish per redd ratios for populations specific to the Upper Salmon MPG.
BPA	199604302	Johnson Cr Artificial Propagat	The Johnson Creek summer Chinook salmon monitoring and evaluation plan (JCAPE M&E) provides both redd count data and weir-based adult escapement estimates for Chinook in a tributary of the South Fork Salmon River. The JCAPE M&E project also proposes to conduct probabilistic redd count surveys in the Mainstem of the South Fork Salmon River, the East Fork South Fork Salmon River, and the Secesh River in 2007-2009. Data collected from the probabilistic surveys and the weir-based escapement estimates will be consolidated in a centralized database by this project to facilitate access to spatial and temporal abundance trends for Chinook populations in the South Fork Salmon River. In addition, this project proposes to examine the data collected by the JCAPE M&E project to determine if a relatively precise correlative relationship exists between the two monitoring methods that would allow the application of a reliable fish/redd estimate to other populations in the Salmon River subbasin.
BPA	199703000	Listed Stock Adult Escapement	This project is related to the Chinook Salmon Adult Abundance Monitoring project (Formerly 'Listed Stock Adult Escapement) which uses DIDSON technology and underwater video to provide accurate estimates of adult escapement in the Secesh River. This project would complement the Adult Abundance Monitoring project by providing another reference population in the Salmon River subbasin from which the precision of redd counts can be evaluated against a monitoring method that generates more precise estimates of adult abundance. Data collected from the Adult Abundance Monitoring project, in conjunction with the probabilistic redd surveys proposed in the JCAPE M&E project, will be consolidated in a centralized database by this project to facilitate access to spatial and temporal abundance trends for Chinook populations in the South Fork Salmon River. The data will be used by this project to examine the relationship between the abundance estimates for the two different monitoring methods to determine if fish/redd ratios are consistent across populations in the South Fork Salmon River.
BPA	199800702	Gd Ronde Supp Lostine O&M/M&E	The Grande Ronde supplementation Lostine River Monitoring and Evaluation project (Lostine M&E) employs both a weir and spawning ground surveys to estimate adult abundance in the Lostine River. Data collected from the spawning ground surveys and weir-based escapement estimates will be consolidated in a database by this project to generate temporal and spatial abundance trends for Chinook in the Lostine River. In addition, fish/redd ratios derived from the data collected by the Lostine River M&E will be compared to the fish/redd ratios estimated from prospecitve data collected by the proposed NEOH M&E project (#200713200) to evaluate differences in precision resulting from different redd count survey methodologies.
BPA	200301700	Integrated Status/Effect Progr	This project is related to the Integrated Status and Effectiveness Monitoring Program for Salmonids and their Habitat (Salmon River Pilot Studies project) which determines whether innovative methods can be employed to increase the accuracy and precision of adult abundance estimates for Chinook salmon at the subpopulation, population, and major population group scale. The Salmon River Pilot Study intends to assess adult abundance at different spatial scales in the Lemhi River, a tributary of the Upper Salmon River, and in the South Fork Salmon River. This proposal intends to implement DIDSON technology in Big Creek, a tributary of the Middle Fork Salmon River. Thus, this project would complement the adult monitoring proposed in the Salmon River Pilot study by filling a gap in abundance monitoring in the Salmon River subbasin. In addition, this project proposes to determine iprecision of a fish/redd ratio estimated from paired redd count and direct adult enumeration data, for potential estimation of escapement for similar populations that are monitored only by redd counts. Data assimilated from the Salmon River Pilot Study study, in conjunction with this project, would be used to determine if consistent fish/redd relationships exist within each respective subbasin of the Salmon River (e.g., Upper Salmon, Middle Fork Salmon, and South Fork Salmon).
BPA	200303600	CBFWA Monitor/Eval Program	This project is related to the Collaborative Systemwide Monitoring and Evaluation Project (CSMEP), which is a coordinated effort to improve and integrate monitoring and evaluation programs across the Columbia River basin. CSMEP principal goals are to 1) integrate new and ongoing monitoring and evaluation programs for fish and wildlife; 2) document and make available existing monitoring data on listed salmon, steelhead, bull trout and other fishes of concern; 3) assess strengths and weaknesses of existing data to answer key monitoring questions; and 4) design and implement improved monitoring and evaluation methods to inform decisions in the basin. This project specifically pertains to items 3 and 4, which address the need to provide information on the precision and accuracy of current adult monitoring methods, and to use this information to design efficient monitoring and evaluation programs. Adult abundance data collected by this project will contribute to the CSMEP modeling efforts that assess the relationships between monitoring designs, data quality (precision and accuracy), and risk of decision errors. This project proposes to examine the relationship between the precision of adult abundance estimates and monitoring method by analyzing the data that will be consolidated in the centralized database. Relationships between population-specific probabilistic redd counts and escapement estimates will be explored to determine if a reliable fish per redd ratio can be applied across populations specific to an MPG to estimate spawner abundance from redd counts. Result from these analyses will be directly applicable to CSMEP monitoring design work, both in the Snake basin and systemwide.
BPA	198909800	Salmon Studies Id Rvrs IDFG	The Salmon Studies Id Rvrs IDFG project uses measures of adult abundance to compare spatial and temporal trends between supplemented and non-supplemented populations to isolate effects of supplementation from natural processes. Redd count surveys are conducted in tributaries of the Clearwater River and Salmon River subbasins to provide indices of adult escapement from which comparisons are drawn. The objectives defined for this project are related to those defined for the Salmon Studies Id Rvrs IDFG project by providing better estimates of adult abundances through the expansion of probabilistic redd count surveys in tributaries of the Clearwater and Salmon Rivers. Furthermore, data collected from the Salmon Studies Id Rvrs IDFG project will be consolidated in the centralized database to facilitate access to spatial and temporal abundance trends for Chinook populations in these subbasins. The Salmon Studies Id Rvrs IDFG project data will also be utilized to conduct the analyses proposed in this project in which relationships between redd count and weir-based adult enumeration methods will be examined.
BPA	198909801	Salmon Studies Id Rvrs USFWS	The Salmon Studies Id Rvrs USFWS project uses measures of adult abundance to compare spatial and temporal trends between supplemented and non-supplemented populations to isolate effects of supplementation from natural processes. Redd count surveys are conducted in tributaries of the Salmon River subbasin to provide indices of adult escapement from which comparisons are drawn. The objectives defined for this project are related to those defined for the Salmon Studies Id Rvrs USFWS project by providing better estimates of adult abundances through the expansion of probabilistic redd count surveys in tributaries of the Salmon River. Furthermore, data collected from the Salmon Studies Id Rvrs USFWS project will be consolidated in the centralized database to facilitate access to spatial and temporal abundance trends for Chinook populations. The Salmon Studies Id Rvrs USFWS project data will also be utilized to conduct the analyses proposed in this project in which relationships between redd count and weir-based adult enumeration methods will be examined.
BPA	198909803	Salmon Studies Id Rvrs SBT	The Salmon Studies Id Rvrs SBT project uses measures of adult abundance to compare spatial and temporal trends between supplemented and non-supplemented populations to isolate effects of supplementation from natural processes. Redd count surveys are conducted in tributaries of the Salmon River subbasin to provide indices of adult escapement from which comparisons are drawn. The objectives defined for this project are related to those defined for the Salmon Studies Id Rvrs SBT project by providing better estimates of adult abundances through the expansion of probabilistic redd count surveys in tributaries of the Salmon River. Furthermore, data collected from the Salmon Studies Id Rvrs SBT project will be consolidated in the centralized database to facilitate access to spatial and temporal abundance trends for Chinook populations. The Salmon Studies Id Rvrs SBT project data will also be utilized to conduct the analyses proposed in this project in which relationships between redd count and weir-based adult enumeration methods will be examined.
BPA	199902000	Analyze Persistence/Dynamics S	The USFS annually counts and maps Chinook salmon redds, using aerial and ground surveys, to describe spawning habitat distribution within the Middle Fork Salmon River (MFSR) drainage as part of the project entitled ‘Analyze the Persistence and Spatial Dynamics of Snake River Chinook Salmon. Results from the USFS project intend to advance the current understanding of the relationship between landscape characteristics and the distribution, pattern, and persistence of Chinook salmon. This project will coordinate with the USFS to supplement the currently conducted surveys with probabilistic spawning ground surveys in the MFSR. Both of the redd count survey data sets will be incorporated into the centralized database and used in the analyses proposed in this project to compare accuracy of count estimates from different survey methods.
Other: USFWS LSRCP	200107	Lower Snake River Compensation Plan Evaluations Project	As part of the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan Evaluations Project (LSRCP), the Nez Perce Tribe (NPT) collects indices of adult abundance by conducting redd count surveys in the Lostine River, Imnaha River, South Fork Salmon River, and Big Creek. The redd count data collected/assisted by the NPT LSRCP project will be consolidated in the database. In addition, this project proposes to implement DIDSON technology in Big Creek to increase the accuracy of adult escapement estimates and to furnish a standard by which the precision of annual redd counts collected by the NPT LSRCP project may be compared.
Other: USFWS LSRCP	200109	Lower Snake River Compensation Plan Evaluations Project	As part of the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan Evaluations Project (LSRCP), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) collects indices of adult abundance and adult escapement estimates by conducting redd count surveys and operation weirs for populations in the Grande Ronde/Imnaha MPG. The redd count data collected by the ODFW LSRCP project will be consolidated in the centralized database. In addition, fish/redd ratios derived from the data collected by the ODFW LSRCP will be compared to the fish/redd ratios estimated from data collected by the NEOH M&E project to evaluate differences in precision resulting from different redd count survey methodologies.
Other: USFWS LSRCP	[no entry]	Lower Snake River Compensation Plan Evaluations Project	The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) operates weirs on tributaries in the Salmon River drainage to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of salmonid supplementation programs as part of the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP). Biological data and escapement estimates are collected for adult Chinook at weirs on the South Fork Salmon River, the East Fork Salmon River, and on the upper mainstem Upper Salmon River. Data collected from the IDFG LSRCP project will be consolidated in the database to facilitate access to temporal abundance trends for Chinook populations in the Salmon River subbasin. Data collected from the IDFG LSRCP project will also be examined to derive fish/redd ratios for monitored populations in the Salmon River subbasin to determine if a consistent ratio may be used to expand redd counts for populations in the subbasin that do not have direct estimates of adult abundance.

Section 6. Biological objectives

Biological objectives	Full description	Associated subbasin plan	Strategy
Address higher-precision monitoring gaps	Monitoring of adult escapement via structural weirs or passive technologies is currently being conducted or has been proposed for many of the spring/summer Chinook populations across the Snake River basin. However, several subbasins lack current or prospective adult escapement monitoring programs, most notably the Middle Fork Salmon River (MFSR) and upper portions of the Clearwater River. Although redd count surveys are conducted in these subbasins, it is unknown if abundance estimates obtained from these surveys are sufficiently precise to discern viable versus non-viable status. This project proposes to implement DIDSON technology in Big Creek, a representative tributary of the MFSR, to improve the precision and accuracy of escapement estimates for Chinook salmon. Increasing the accuracy of escapement estimates for this population will increase the reliability of a prospective viable designation (Note that the selection of Big Creek is contingent on its feasibility for DIDSON implementation; another population in the MFSR may need to be selected after a site-selection reconnaissance survey is conducted). One problem identified in the Salmon Subbasin Management Plan was that data gaps in the Salmon River basin preclude an informed assessment of status, viability, and recovery of Chinook populations in the subbasin. Strategies to address this problem included quantifying population specific adult abundances, smolt-to-adult rates, and productivities in index streams. Accurate spawner abundance data is required to reliably estimate most of these derived performance measures. The RM&E section of the Management Plan recommended use of index streams to collect accurate and precise adult abundance and productivity data as a direct measure of progress toward meeting ESA delisting targets (p. 121). Consistent with the strategies and objectives listed in the Subbasin Plan, the implementation of DIDSON technology will provide annual estimates of adult escapement for an index population of spring and summer Chinook in the Salmon River basin. Implementing monitoring technology that improves the accuracy and precision of adult abundance estimates would satisfy the strategies by improving the precision of population performance metrics that are used to evaluate status and recovery.	Salmon	Strategies 3C1-3C3: Determine population-specific adult metrics on index streams to address data gaps necessary to measure progress towards delisting and full recovery
Address higher-precision monitoring gaps	The Salmon subbasin plan also identified the need for monitoring of abundance and productivity in populations not influenced by hatcheries, to ensure that they do not decline to perilously low levels. This strategy addressed the problem that insufficient information exists on the size and productivity of small populations in tributary streams, and that more information is required to assess increased extinction risk for small populations. Consistent with this strategy, the implementation of DIDSON technology in Big Creek (which has not been supplemented with hatchery fish) will improve the accuracy and precision of adult abundance estimates, and consequently improve the ability to determine when population size is depressed below conservation thresholds.	Salmon	Strategy 2A1: Protect and monitor abundance and productivity of wild stocks in the subbasin that have not been influenced by hatchery intervention.
Address higher-precision monitoring gaps	The Salmon subbasin management plan suggested establishing index stocks for long-term monitoring of smolt-to-adult (SAR) ratios as biological indices that reflect changes in out-of-basin factors. Consistent with this strategy, the implementation of DIDSON technology in Big Creek, will provide annual estimates of adult escapement for an index population of spring and summer Chinook in the Salmon River basin. Implementing monitoring technology that improves the accuracy and precision of adult abundance estimates will improve the precision of SAR estimates for assisting with effectiveness monitoring of out-of-basin actions.	Salmon	Strategy 1A2: Determine population specific smolt-to-adult return rates (SARs) for anadromous salmonids on a representative set of index streams.
Address lower-precision monitoring gaps	Implementation of basin-wide probabilistic spawning ground surveys will address limitations of single count index surveys that currently are used to monitor populations in the Snake River basin. First, confidence bounds are generated in probabilistic surveys, unlike index surveys where estimates of precision are not generated.. Second, probabilistic surveys provide unbiased estimates of redd abundance, whereas bias associated with index surveys often is unknown. In addition, probabilistic surveys provide unbiased estimates of spatial distribution that are needed to identify changes in the spatial dynamics of spawners (e.g., contraction in distribution or increasing distance gaps among spawning aggregates). Such changes in distribution may signify changes in vulnerability to local environmental perturbations. Various projects currently are proposing probabilistic redd surveys in the Snake River basin. This project proposes to implement probabilistic surveys in the Clearwater subbasin which is not addressed by these other projects. One of the strategies in the Clearwater Subbasin Management Plan included defining and establishing index stocks in the subbasin to evaluate changes in adult abundance and productivity as a response to changes in out-of-basin factors. The long-term monitoring of abundance trends applicable to the Clearwater subbasin is necessary as Chinook populations in the Clearwater River may respond differently to out-of-basin factors than populations in other subbasins of the Snake River. The plan recommended improving and expanding monitoring surveys for adult spawner abundance and distribution in the subbasin. Consistent with the strategies and RM&E objectives listed in the Clearwater Subbasin Management Plan, this project proposes to implement probabilistic redd count surveys in tributaries of the Clearwater River to permit long-term monitoring of spatial and temporal trends in adult abundance for index populations representative of Chinook stocks in this subbasin.	Clearwater	Strategy 2, Objectve A - Define and establish anadromous index stocks within the Clearwater subbasin (comparable to existing Snake River index stocks) to evaluate Clearwater specific adult abundance for assessing out-of-basin factors.
Address lower-precision monitoring gaps	The Clearwater River Subbasin Management Plan also recommended establishing index streams and associated biological indices to evaluate the response of anadromous fish production to in-basin habitat improvement projects. Proposed M&E to achieve these strategies included defining new index areas that are distributed probabilistically, and collecting data on the spatial and temporal changes in adult abundance via redd counts and escapement estimates. Consistent with these strategies, the proposed expansion of probabilistic redd count surveys will establish long-term spatial and temporal abundance trends for representative Chinook populations so that habitat improvement projects may be effectively monitored.	Clearwater	Strategies 3,4; Objective B: Establish a set of index streams and develop indices to evaluate biological responses to habitat improvement projects
Address lower-precision monitoring gaps	The monitoring and evaluating of biological responses was identified as a final strategy for each of the following habitat objectives specified in the Clearwater River Subbasin Management Plan: ensure adequate flow (Objective O), increase connectivity among populations by removing barriers (Objective P), reduce water temperatures (Objective Q) and in-stream sedimentation (Objective S) in spawning and rearing habitats, and improve habitat diversity and complexity (Objective U). Consistent with these strategies, the expansion of probabilistic redd count surveys in tributaries of the Clearwater River proposed in this project will create time series of spatial and temporal abundance trends for Chinook populations that will permit the analysis of biological responses to management actions.	Clearwater	Strategies for Objectives O, P, Q, S, U: Monitor and evaluate outcomes for addressing environmental factors that limit production of anadromous species
Improve the ability to track recovery progress	The RM&E subsection of the management plan section in the Tucannon Subbasin Plan called for a coordinated data management system that would facilitate consistency in data reporting among co-managers, and would permit accessibility to basin-wide monitoring data to track recovery progress. The co-sponsors for this project will work collaboratively with federal, state, and tribal agencies to consolidate and expedite reporting of data on spawner abundance and spatial distribution in standardized databases. The consolidated reporting of adult abundance metrics for spring and summer Chinook populations into a centralized data repository will permit co-managers to quickly retrieve information to support management processes and decisions. Managing agencies responsible for salmon recovery in the basin will be able to track both local and basin-wide changes in abundances to determine if specific populations are depressed below thresholds or approaching viability benchmarks for delisting consideration, and if groups of populations are positively responding to the implementation of basin-wide actions. In addition, improved access to adult abundance data will help managers to evaluate sustainable levels of harvest for recovering populations.	Tucannon	Data management and coordination are crucial to meet regional data accessibility needs (Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation guiding principles and priorities)
Improve the ability to track recovery progress	The RM&E subsection of the management plan section in the Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan called for a coordinated data management system that would facilitate consistency in data reporting among co-managers, and would permit access to basin-wide monitoring data. The co-sponsors for this project will work collaboratively with federal, state, and tribal agencies to consolidate and expedite reporting of data on spawner abundance and spatial distribution for spring/summer Chinook populations in standardized databases.	Grande Ronde	A data information archive is paramount for the ability for resource managers to report recovery success (Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation subsection)
Improve the ability to track recovery progress	The RM&E subsection of the management plan section in the Imnaha Subbasin Plan calls for a coordinated data management system that would facilitate consistency in data reporting among co-managers, and would permit accessibility to basin-wide monitoring data to track recovery progress. The co-sponsors for this project will work collaboratively with federal, state, and tribal agencies to consolidate and expedite reporting of data on spawner abundance and spatial distribution for spring/summer Chinook populations in standardized databases.	Imnaha	A Data Information Archive is paramount for the ability for resource managers to report recovery success (Monitoring and Evaluation subsection)
Improve the ability to track recovery progress	The RM&E subsection of the management plan section in the Salmon subbasin plan called for a coordinated data management system that would facilitate consistency in data reporting among co-managers, and would permit accessibility to basin-wide monitoring data to track recovery progress. The co-sponsors for this project will work collaboratively with federal, state, and tribal agencies to consolidate and expedite reporting of data on spawner abundance and spatial distribution for spring/summer Chinook populations in standardized databases.	Salmon	Data management and information dissemination are critical for an effective monitoring program (Objectives for 'Monitoring and Evaluation' subsection)

Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)

Work element name	Work element title	Description	Start date	End date	Est budget
Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation	Complete the required environmental compliance documents before the implementation of monitoring activities in the Salmon River subbasin	Endangered Species Act permit applications will be prepared annually for streams in which monitoring will be implemented. Permitting requirements will depend upon the results of site specification analysis and anticipated engineering design for the installation of monitoring equipment. It is unknown if the National Marine Fisheries Service will seek an umbrella definition of what environmental analysis may be required for abundance monitoring of listed spring and summer Chinook salmon (NMFS 2000). The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission maintains a Section 10 permit, by and through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, coordinating Tribal activities relative to listed salmon populations. The NMFS has issued a Biological Opinion (NMFS 2000, NOAA Fisheries 2004) on the operation of the federal Columbia River Power System which states that accurate monitoring of index populations of adult Chinook salmon spawner abundance is important to evaluate recovery actions. The proposed activities are thus undertaken to coordinate with the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Endangered Species Act (NMFS 1992) and to monitor recovery actions. Pisces statement of work and Section 10 research permits will be submitted to the BPA’s Environmental Compliance Group. All environmental compliance requirements will be coordinated and completed prior to undertaking research activities in 2007 and will be submitted for 2008 compliance requirements. A Memorandum of Understanding also will need to be prepared between the co-sponsors and the US Forest Service to conduct monitoring activities in wilderness areas in the Clearwater and Salmon river subbasins.	1/1/2007	12/31/2009	$4,540
Biological objectives Address higher-precision monitoring gaps			Metrics
Coordination	Coordinate the implementation of DIDSON-technology with management agencies in the Salmon subbasin	Professional research biologists and salmon managers in the Salmon River subbasin will be consulted for consensus on a feasible population for monitoring using DIDSON methodology. The selected population should represent life-history types unique to Chinook stocks in the MFSR Major Population Grouping to comply with the viability criteria developed by the ICTRT (2005). However, various issues will need to be addressed when selecting an index stock for adult abundance monitoring in the MFSR, including site-specific biological and physical factors that affect the applicability and reliability of the technology. For example, image detection may be obscured in turbulent streams, and may be unreliable in wide streams if resolution is sacrificed for spatial coverage. Image resolution can pose challenges when similar non-target species are present; video validation may effectively address this problem in small areas. Site accessibility and other logistical constraints (e.g., user conflicts, availability of electricity) also contribute to site-selection. Site selection, engineering design, permit planning and appropriate environmental analyses will be coordinated between agencies and land management entities to ensure proper cooperation and compliance.	1/1/2007	12/31/2009	$115,009
Biological objectives Address higher-precision monitoring gaps			Metrics
Coordination	Coordinate the implementation of probabilistic redd surveys with management agencies in subbasins of the Snake River basin	Meetings will be conducted annually, or as needed, with tribal, state, and federal agencies, and independent scientists to coordinate implementation of monitoring activities. Coordination will ensure that monitoring and data collection activities are standardized, that they complement other local research projects, that they supply informative data to region-wide programmatic monitoring networks (e.g., CSMEP), and that they promote ESA recovery planning objectives. The co-sponsors will coordinate probabilistic redd surveys with appropriate agencies to ensure that spatial and abundance metrics are provided annually for all adult spring and summer Chinook populations across the Snake River basin. Coordination with the Washington Department of Fish and Game will support survey coverage in the Asotin and Tucannon subbasins, and coordination with the USFS will support survey coverage in the Middle Fork Salmon River. Funding for on-the-ground redd count survey implementation will be requested by the co-sponsors for populations in the Clearwater River subbasin.	1/1/2007	12/31/2009	$14,286
Biological objectives Address lower-precision monitoring gaps			Metrics
Coordination	Maintain coordination among agencies and funded projects that are responsible for supplying abundance information to the database	The co-sponsors, Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Nez Perce Tribe, will coordinate data collection and reporting activities among the tribes, federal agencies, and state agencies that participate in abundance monitoring for spring and summer Chinook populations in the Snake River basin. Database management activities will ensure that standardized data collection protocols are followed to permit analysis and sharing, and that findings are reported in a timely manner so that data may be quickly incorporated into the centralized database. In addition, the project sponsors will review the populations that are currently being monitored with both low and high precision methods to verify that data are sufficient to adequately assess ESU viability criteria.	1/1/2007	12/31/2009	$21,722
Biological objectives Improve the ability to track recovery progress			Metrics
Manage and Administer Projects	Administer the monitoring of ESU listed populations of spring and summer Chinook across the Snake River basin	Several tasks have been mandated in the day to day administration of project operations. Pisces training will be attended as required and Bonneville Power Administration contracting requirements will be reviewed. Mandated accrual estimate reporting to the Bonneville Power Administration will be completed in June and September. The pisces statement of work will be developed and submitted to the Bonneville Power Administration 90 days prior to contract expiration, and will be coordinated for research sufficiency, management, legal, and policy review. Research, management, and policy level project coordination meetings will be attended with multiple state and regional agencies as required for successful project operation. Department research and administrative staff will meet with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPPC) staff as needed to coordinate BPA funded projects in the three state area. Nez Perce Tribe and Idaho Fish and Game policies and procedures will be adhered to as required (Human Resources, Finance, Resolutions, Administrative Actions, etc.) as will all other policy and personnel directions. Meetings and training will be attended as necessary to ensure policy and management consistency.	1/1/2007	12/31/2009	$101,980
Biological objectives Address higher-precision monitoring gaps Address lower-precision monitoring gaps Improve the ability to track recovery progress			Metrics
Produce Design and/or Specifications	Assess candidate sites for installation of DIDSON technology to monitor Chinook salmon escapement for a population in the MFSR	FY2007 will primarily consist of reconnaissance surveys, consultation with biologists and managers knowledgeable of the MFSR watershed, and a feasibility evaluation to determine which population should receive the DIDSON technology for monitoring adult escapement. This phase will be coordinated with salmon managers. Once the population has been selected, an experienced survey team will determine the location most appropriate for installation (e.g., water depth > 1.0 m; low turbulence; low bed roughness). Subsequently, the engineering phase for design of DIDSON placement and installation will will be completed by a sub-contractor. Completion of the design phase will enable site-specific estimates of the cost for DIDSON installation and operation, as well as required permits and NEPA documentation. This phase should be completed by the end of FY2007.	1/1/2007	12/31/2009	$58,958
Biological objectives Address higher-precision monitoring gaps			Metrics
Produce Plan	Develop implementation monitoring plan for the operation of DIDSON technology for estimating escapement for a populations in the MFSR subbasin	Prior to the installation of the DIDSON, an annual operational plan (AOP) will be prepared that will detail all aspects of operation of the DIDSON monitoring site. The facility would be staffed onsite by qualified personnel for safe daily operation and maintenance of the facility (e.g., debris removal, etc.). In addition, a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan will be developed to monitor the effects of the technology and operational facilities on fish passage and spawning distribution at the selected site in the MFSR.	1/1/2007	12/31/2009	$23,341
Biological objectives Address higher-precision monitoring gaps			Metrics
Produce Annual Report	Produce Annual Report - Annual Report - Reporting Work Elements	Produce Annual report	1/1/2007	12/31/2009	$211,899
Biological objectives Address higher-precision monitoring gaps Address lower-precision monitoring gaps Improve the ability to track recovery progress			Metrics
Produce Pisces Status Report	Produce Pisces Status Report	Submit quarterly reports to superiors. Prepare update reports that are submitted on a quarterly basis within 15 days at end of quarters ending in March, June, September, and December that provides information on project activities for the previous quarter.	1/1/2007	12/31/2009	$4,685
Biological objectives Address higher-precision monitoring gaps Address lower-precision monitoring gaps Improve the ability to track recovery progress			Metrics
Analyze/Interpret Data	Analyze the adult escapement data generated from the DIDSON monitoring technology	Adult Chinook salmon escapement will be determined by manually viewing compressed fish-motion-only DIDSON files and counting fish silhouettes that are greater than 55 cm in length. The DIDSON software maintains a feature that allows length measurement of individual fish images. This size based approach allows identification and enumeration of adult Chinook salmon separate from other fish species moving past the DIDSON monitoring site. Adult steelhead may overlap in size with adult Chinook salmon; verification of differential outmigration and upriver migration timing patterns between the two species should address this uncertainty. Bull trout may also overlap in size with jack salmon. The percentage of bull trout images incorrectly counted as salmon may be estimated using underwater video verification. Daily abundance of adult salmon will be determined as the number of upstream movements minus the number of downstream movements. Daily adult abundance will be adjusted to account for two quantifiable sources of error. First, abundance will be adjusted by viewer efficiency. Using a single fish passage as the sampling unit, viewer efficiency will be determined using a stratified random sample design. Each week, DIDSON files will be randomly selected from any given day and will be read independently by three readers. Reader error will be determined as the number of fish passages recorded by an individual observer divided by a master list of all salmon passages for that day’s DIDSON file, compiled from the three independent readers. The proportions of correctly identified 1) upstream-moving fish and 2) downstream-moving fish , will be applied to each observer’s hourly counts by day for the entire season. Adusted daily abundance counts then will be summed to provide a net upstream movement by hour and day for the migration period. The second source of error results from incomplete sampling as salmon may migrate past the DIDSON monitoring site during periods of equipment downtime. The average fish per hour passage rate (i.e., 0000-0100, 0100-0200 hr etc.) calculated for the entire season will be applied to the date and hour of downtime as an expansion factor. After downtime expansion adjustments are accounted for, the daily net upstream number of salmon will be determined. The 95% confidence interval will be calculated for the downtime expansions and applied to the season wide population estimate.	10/1/2008	12/31/2009	$171,932
Biological objectives Address higher-precision monitoring gaps			Metrics Primary R, M, and E Type: Adult escapement - Status and Trend monitoring
Analyze/Interpret Data	Analyze the redd count data generated from the spawning ground surveys	Redds will be enumerated as an index of spawner abundance via multiple pass spawning ground surveys. For extensive area counts (i.e., index counts), redds will be directly enumerated and summarized as a total number per stream with no estimate of variation. For probabilistic surveys, a stratified index statistical approach similar to the one used by Irvine et al. (1992) will be employed to expand estimated habitat-specific densities to estimate reach-wide redd counts with associated estimates of variation.	10/1/2007	12/31/2009	$5,500
Biological objectives Address lower-precision monitoring gaps			Metrics Primary R, M, and E Type: Redd count indices - Status and trend monitoring
Analyze/Interpret Data	Develop empirical regressive relationships between redd counts and direct adult abundance estimates from population-specific data contained in the database	This project intends to develop empirical relationships that will evaluate whether redd counts can be used as a standard index of abundance for Chinook populations. A significant correlation between higher-precision escapement estimates and lower-precision spawner abundance indices will enable standardized expansion of lower-precision redd count indices to provide abundance measures with estimated precision bounds for populations that are not monitored with direct enumeration methods. Annual redd counts and escapement estimates will be obtained from populations within each subbasin that are monitored using both methodologies and used to estimated statistical regressive relationships for each of the given populations. The slope of this regressive relationship will be equivalent to a fish/redd ratio, but with a point estimate and associated confidence interval. A sufficient number of data pairs for a given population will be required to estimate the relationship. Where available within a population, separate slope estimates will be generated from data from different redd survey methods (index surveys, expansive area surveys, and probabilistic surveys) and compared to examine differences in precision associated with different survey methods.. Residuals from the regressive relationships for each population also will be examined for heteroscedasticity in the variance of the error terms. Variance of observed data points around the fitted line may be greater at low population abundances than at high abundances, indicative of imprecise fish/redd relationships at low population sizes. For subbasins that have more than one population with sufficient data points, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) will be conducted to determine if the regressive relationship between redd counts and escapement is consistent among populations (i.e., fish/redd slope estimates that are not significantly different). Subbasin-specific fish/redd slope estimates will be applied to redd count data to provide escapement estimates with associated confidence bounds for populations in the respective subbasin, and will be incorporated into the centralized database.	1/1/2007	12/31/2009	$2,922
Biological objectives Improve the ability to track recovery progress			Metrics Primary R, M, and E Type: Adult abundance - Status and Trend monitoring
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data	Collection and validation of adult abundance DIDSON data for the selected population in the MFSR subbasin	High frequency DIDSON files will be recorded at seven frames per second, 24 hours per day, and seven days per week to ensure sufficient temporal coverage of the spawning migration. To verify complete spatial coverage, a calibration target will be placed in-stream from the DIDSON unit (surface-to-bottom inclusive) and at the far shore (surface-to-bottom inclusive) whenever the unit is deployed or moved to make certain that the entire water column is observed. During this process, the DIDSON unit will be re-positioned until the calibration target is acquired. Three underwater optical cameras will be installed at the monitoring site to validate DIDSON counts (details are available in Kucera and Faurot 2005). Two of the cameras will overlap to ensure complete coverage of the water column within the validation zone. The third optical camera will ensure that fish passing closely to the first two cameras will be detected. The DIDSON unit and optical cameras will be connected to a topside box; the optical cameras and the DIDSON signal will be multiplexed and recorded on a videotape to ensure their temporal synchronization. DIDSON files will be collected and recorded through use of a laptop computer and an external hard drive, compressed to fish-motion-only periods, and then manually read. Improvements in the automated fish counting software will continue to be developed. Optical camera data will be stored on a VHS T-160 tape that provides 18 hours of continuous coverage at 4.5 frames per second. Videotapes will be read from randomly selected dates for validation purposes. The topside box, DIDSON unit, and optical cameras will be powered by eight 6 volt batteries connected in series, charged daily by a generator. Data collected will include number of adult salmon, date, time, and direction of movement to provide daily and annual estimates of escapement and run timing. Thermographs will be installed to measure hourly water temperatures at the facility site, and a staff gauge will be installed and stream discharge information collected to develop a staff gauge/discharge relationship. Relationships between migration timing and environmental variables will be examined. Estimates of adult abundance will be compared to redd count information collected upstream of the monitoring site to develop fish/redd ratios.	5/1/2008	9/30/2009	$452,965
Biological objectives Address higher-precision monitoring gaps			Metrics Primary R, M, and E Type: Adult escapement - Status and Trend monitoring
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data	Collection of indices of adult abundance from redd count surveys	The development of a probabilistic sampling scheme for redd counts (EMAP) will complement current spawning ground survey for spring and summer Chinook populations in the Clearwater subbasin. Twenty-five 1-km sites will be selected randomly outside the traditional survey areas for each major population grouping (i.e, Dry and Wet Clearwater MPGs). Surveys will use protocols traditionally employed in the subbasin. The probabilistic surveys will supplement the extensive spawning ground surveys funded by the ISS and NPTHM&E projects in the Clearwater River subbasin. Spawning ground surveys will begin in August and will coincide with the period just after the peak of spawning. Surveys usually will be completed by the second week in September. Additional survey passes will be conducted if spawning is not complete by the last scheduled pass. Usually, surveys will be conducted by two people walking downstream in each section. For extensive area surveys, stream sections average 2-3 miles in length depending on accessibility. For remote areas with limited access, aerial extensive surveys will be conducted. The number of redds (occupied and unoccupied), the number of live fish observed (on redds and off redds), and the number of carcasses will be counted during survey passes. In streams that will be surveyed with multiple passes, the location of the redd is marked on shore along with its number and status, so that the number of new redds can be determined with each additional survey. All carcasses found are measured (fork length), sex is confirmed, and percent of eggs spawned is estimated for females. Any identifying marks or tags are noted, and scales/fin rays are removed from the key scale/fin ray area to identify age. If any fin marks are observed, the snout of the fish will be removed to be examined for the presence of a coded-wire tag. After a fish is sampled, the tail is removed to prevent repeated sampling on future surveys and the carcass is placed back in the stream. In years with high abundance, carcass subsampling will be implemented in a fashion to representatively quantify carcasses over space and time.	8/1/2007	10/1/2009	$26,208
Biological objectives Address lower-precision monitoring gaps			Metrics Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring - Redd count index
Create/Manage/Maintain Database	Consolidate adult abundance metrics for all spring and summer Chinook populations in the Snake River basin into a centralized data management system	The co-sponsors, IDFG and the NPT, emphasize the importance of making primary data and meta-data available within the region. Consistent data management standards will be followed to promote the effective management, sharing, and use of the collected data. The data management system will adhere to a consistent methodology that will be developed in a detailed Data Management Coordination Project Plan following guidance from PNAMP (PNAMP 2004). A list of required biological data and metadata will be compiled in the database to support a comprehensive understanding of trends in adult Chinook dynamics. Population-specific data likely will include: Estimates of Adult escapement with confidence bounds, from weirs or other non-invasive monitoring methodologies; indices of adult abundance from index, probabilistic, or census redd count surveys; spatial distribution of adult spawners from redd count surveys; age-structure data from returning adults; spawner-to-spawner ratios (i.e., productivity); sex ratio of returning adults; percent contribution by hatchery and natural origin adults to spawner composite; pre-spawning mortality estimates; and In-river harvest estimates. Metadata will accompany the biological data and describe the monitoring methods and the spatial extent of monitoring. Methods will be established for obtaining information from existing projects that contain archived monitoring data, and for coordinating with co-managers to transfer data from current monitoring activities. To prevent redundancy in database creation, a region-wide database that has already been developed by IDFG will be used as the centralized database. The pre-existing database will be modified to facilitate the integration, analysis, and presentation of this project’s data.	1/1/2007	12/31/2009	$45,067
Biological objectives Improve the ability to track recovery progress			Metrics
Disseminate Raw/Summary Data and Results	Disseminate raw and summarized adult abundance data to agencies responsible for managing Chinook populations in the Snake River basin	The ability for resource managers to quickly access and extract monitoring information is essential for obtaining feedback and guidance on action implementation, and assessing recovery progress for Chinook salmon populations. As such, IDFG will house the standardized database for the primary biological data and descriptions of meta-data related to this project that may be accessed by co-managers in the Snake River basin. Appropriate components of program data and results also will be provided to the following websites: Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC), including: PIT Tag Information System (PTAGIS), and the Regional Mark Information System (RMIS); StreamNet, CSMEP, and Northwest Environmental Data Network (NED; when functional). Effective data dissemination is considered a major objective of this study. Information sharing also will occur via regional workshops, conferences, coordination meetings, ESA consultation, and planning meetings where project results will be presented. Feedback from these meetings with managers and scientists will be sought and recommendations will be incorporated in the project operation and planning. Project information will be developed and disseminated via quarterly and annual BPA project reports. In addition, the publication of a data summary for all standardized performance measures will be provided every 5 years.	1/1/2007	12/31/2009	$17,962
Biological objectives Address higher-precision monitoring gaps Address lower-precision monitoring gaps Improve the ability to track recovery progress			Metrics
Install Fish Monitoring Equipment	Install DIDSON fish monitoring technology in a tributary of the MFSR	Structures and equipment relevant to the proper functioning of the DIDSON technology will be constructed and installed to quantify adult salmon abundance in the selected population. If necessary, a crump style artificial substrate may be installed on the stream bottom and a bank standoff structure installed on the far bank to force adult salmon off of the stream bottom and away from undercut banks to ensure that clear sonar recordings of migrating adult salmon would be collected. Standoff structures may also be installed to keep salmon from getting too close to the DIDSON unit. Since the major goal of the project is to accurately quantify adult spawner abundance, the monitoring structure will be installed early enough each year to capture the entire spawning migration period. Similarly, removable parts of the structure would be removed after the migration period is complete. The associated hydroacoustic equipment will be deployed at the selected site during low water, prior to spring run-off each year. Video equipment, required for validation, will be installed as soon as water levels have dropped to workable levels and have stabilized. Because of the timing of installation of monitoring equipment, specialized vehicles may be required to transport equipment through inclement snow conditions.	5/1/2008	12/15/2009	$49,775
Biological objectives Address higher-precision monitoring gaps			Metrics

Section 8. Budgets

Itemized estimated budget

Item	Note	FY07	FY08	FY09
Personnel	Idaho Department Fish & Game - 0.42/ year FTEs	$23,858	$25,051	$26,303
Fringe Benefits	Idaho Fish & Game	$9,432	$9,904	$10,399
Supplies	Idaho Fish & Game	$473	$496	$521
Travel	Idaho Fish & Game	$5,714	$6,000	$6,299
Capital Equipment	Idaho Fish & Game, Database infrastructure	$7,000	$0	$0
Overhead	Idaho Fish & Game	$8,290	$8,705	$9,140
Personnel	Nez Perce Tribe - 2.1 FTEs 2007, 3.3 FTEs for 2008-9	$98,922	$132,604	$134,081
Fringe Benefits	Nez Perce Tribe - FICA, FUTA, SUTA, Workmans Compensation, Medical, Life Insurance, Voluntary 401-K.	$31,655	$39,501	$40,236
Supplies	Nez Perce Tribe - Office and Field Supplies and maintenance	$28,142	$26,392	$24,112
Other	Nez Perce Tribe - Rent, Phone, Comuter services, Utilities	$9,626	$12,645	$12,415
Travel	Nez Perce Tribe - Admin travel, field per diem, project coordination	$7,023	$16,198	$16,198
Overhead	Nez Perce Tribe - GSA Vehicles	$8,916	$8,916	$8,916
Overhead	Nez Perce Tribe - Indirect Costs 29.64%	$54,622	$70,026	$69,938
Other	Nez Perce Tribe - Consultants and Subcontracts	$0	$6,836	$6,836
Capital Equipment	Nez Perce Tribe - DIDSON and Validatin Equipment and Operation	$211,410	$95,000	$0
Totals		$505,083	$458,274	$365,394

Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets

Total itemized budget:	$1,328,751
Total work element budget:	$1,328,751

Cost sharing

Funding source/org	Item or service provided	FY 07 est value ($)	FY 08 est value ($)	FY 09 est value ($)	Cash or in-kind?	Status
Totals		$0	$0	$0

Section 9. Project future

FY 2010 estimated budget: $376,358
FY 2011 estimated budget: $376,358

Comments: These are estimated costs and reflect a 3% per year inflationary rate, and necessary personnel cost of living adjustments.

Future O&M costs: Every effort will be made to keep project costs as low as possible. Future costs of escapement monitoring will primarily come from the operation of the DIDSON monitoring site and the analysis/summarization of the data (e.g., field personnel, equipment maintenance, data analysts). Future improvements in automated counting of DIDSON sonar files may reduce personnel and project equipment costs. Maintaining updated information in the database will incur additional costs.

Termination date: None
Comments: This project is being conducted to monitor long-term spatial and temporal trends in adult abundance for ICTRT designated populations of the spring/summer Snake River Chinook Salmon ESU. Managers and policy makers in the region need this information to assess investments of the NPCC and BPA Fish and Wildlife Program, and to assess population metrics in relation to delisting criteria for tracking the recovery of the ESU.

Final deliverables: This project will collect the data and maintain the infrastructure that is necessary for monitoring the long-term spatial and temporal abundance trends for populations of the spring/summer Snake River Chinook Salmon ESU. Information from this project will provide a direct measure of whether the investments of the NPCC Fish and Wildlife Program and Endangered Species Act conservation planning and actions have benefited wild salmon through increases in abundance in tributary streams. It will also assess if wild salmon populations have met delisting and recovery criteria identified by NOAA Fisheries and the salmon managers.

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]
$0	$0	$0	$0	Expense	Basinwide	Do Not Fund
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs]
$0	$0	$0	$0		Basinwide

ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable (Qualified)

NPCC comments: This is a well-written proposal that clearly identifies the challenges to obtaining precise estimates of adult abundance of adult spring/summer Chinook counts in the Salmon River system and why they are needed to decide among management options. The approach to resolving the problem is scientifically justified. The proponents provide a good literature review of the accuracy and precision of various adult-monitoring methods. This proposal has two main objectives: (1) improve the consistency and accuracy of adult Chinook enumeration in the Snake River basin and provide statistically robust estimates of population structure and abundance, and (2) further evaluate the use of dual frequency identification sonar (DIDSON) technology. Both objectives are worthwhile. The methods employ the latest scientific techniques such as DIDSON-based counts with underwater video verification, and an EMAP-like probabilistic selection of redd count areas within major population groups. The project managers have placed a number of checkpoints within the study for feedback on quality control. The ISRP likes the examination of DIDSON technology, since this may hold promise for adult counts where there are no dams or weirs where passing adults can be accurately counted. The costs are high but the technology is very promising. Qualifications to consider: The proposal did not elaborate on how they could take into account fall backs. The relationships to other projects are not clear. Will the other projects have to be funded for this proposal to be successful? It went beyond the scope of the proposal and was very costly. There may be a cost sharing possibility for the equipment purchase. Since suitable structures housing DIDSON technology will be installed in Big Creek, would it also be possible to equip the DIDSON site with PIT-tag detectors in the event that some of the returning adults carry PIT-tags? The cover page states that the data will be made available in the form of reports to interested parties, and data will be maintained in a centralized database, but oddly there is no mention of publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The DIDSON evaluation would make an excellent paper, for example.

ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable (Qualified)