FY07-09 proposal 199702400
Jump to Reviews and Recommendations
Section 1. Administrative
Proposal title | Avian Predation on Juvenile Salmonids in the Lower Columbia River |
Proposal ID | 199702400 |
Organization | Oregon State University |
Short description | Determine predation rates by waterbirds on juvenile salmonids, evaluate the efficacy of management initiatives to reduce avian predation, and assist resource managers in the development of plans for long-term management of avian predation, as warranted. |
Information transfer | Weekly reports will be posted on a project website (www.columbiabirdresearch.org) during the field season so that resource managers can make in-season management decisions. A Season Summary will be completed and posted on the project web page at the conclusion of each field season. Project results will also be provided at regional planning meetings, professional society meetings, and in peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. |
Proposal contact person or principal investigator |
Contacts
Contact | Organization | |
---|---|---|
Form submitter | ||
Ken Collis | Real Time Research, Inc. | kcollis@realtimeresearch.org |
All assigned contacts | ||
Ken Collis | Real Time Research, Inc. | kcollis@realtimeresearch.org |
Daniel Roby | Oregon State University | daniel.roby@orst.edu |
Section 2. Locations
Province / subbasin: Mainstem/Systemwide / Systemwide
Latitude | Longitude | Waterbody | Description |
---|---|---|---|
47.6395 | -119.2933 | Banks Lake | Dry Falls Island |
47.6395 | -119.2933 | Banks Lake | Goose Island |
48.0825 | -119.7355 | Columbia River | Okanogan |
46.1453 | -123.4217 | Columbia River | Rice Island |
46.1436 | -123.4112 | Columbia River | Miller Sands Spit |
46.1450 | -123.4010 | Columbia River | Pillar Rock Sands |
45.3909 | -121.0453 | Columbia River | Little Memaloose Island |
45.3936 | -120.5246 | Columbia River | Miller Rocks |
45.4849 | -119.5832 | Columbia River | Three Mile Canyon Island |
46.0530 | -118.5548 | Columbia River | Crescent Island |
46.0612 | -118.5606 | Columbia River | Badger Island |
46.0700 | -118.5610 | Columbia River | Foundation Island |
46.1832 | -119.1517 | Columbia River | Richland Island |
46.2110 | -119.1542 | Columbia River | Island 18 |
46.6608 | -119.9162 | Columbia River | Cabin Island |
45.9124 | -119.6280 | Columbia River | Blaylock Island |
47.0014 | -119.3510 | Potholes Reservoir | Solstice Island |
46.9861 | -119.3113 | Potholes Reservoir | Goose Island |
47.0490 | -119.3954 | Potholes Reservoir | North Potholes Reserve |
47.2460 | -118.0852 | Sprague Lake | Harper Island |
46.1546 | -123.5947 | Columbia River | East Sand Island |
Section 3. Focal species
primary: All Anadromous SalmonidsAdditional: Caspian tern, double-crested cormorant, glaucous-winged/western gull, California gull, ring-billed gull, American white pelican, brown pelican
Section 4. Past accomplishments
Year | Accomplishments |
---|---|
2005 | (1) Collected PIT tags from nesting platforms to improve stock-specific predation rates by cormorants on juvenile salmonids. (2) Tested feasibility of methods to relocate nesting cormorants. (3) Published project results in peer-reviewed literature |
2004 | (1) Increased research focus on growing double-crested cormorant colony on East Sand Island. (2) Estimated stock-specific predation rates by Crescent Island terns on juvenile salmonids. (3) Published project results in peer-reviewed literature. |
2003 | (1) Increased efforts to evaluate system-wide losses of smolts to avian predators. (2) Published project results in peer-reviewed literature. |
2002 | (1) Continued efforts to evaluate efficacy of tern management in estuary. (2) Monitored avian predation at McNary Dam. (3) Published project results in peer-reviewed literature. |
2001 | (1) Moved all Caspian terns nesting on Rice Island to East Sand Island. (2) Determined that tern management in the estuary reduced overall smolt consumption by approximately 50%. (3) Published project results in peer-reviewed literature. |
2000 | (1) Repeated efforts to relocate nesting terns from Rice Island to East Sand Island and determined efficacy of tern management efforts. (2) Determined foraging range and habitat use of cormorants in the estuary. (3) Developed and posted project web page |
1999 | (1) Tested feasibility of methods to discourage tern nesting. (2) Implemented methods to relocate nesting terns using habitat modifications and social attraction. (3) Compared diet and smolt consumption of terns nesting at two locations in the estuary |
1998 | (1) Verified and replicated estimates of waterbird colony size, diet, and smolt consumption. (2) Determined foraging range and habitat use of Caspian terns in the Columbia River estuary. (3) Tested feasibility of social attraction of nesting terns. |
1997 | (1) Determined population size of waterbird colonies on the lower Columbia River. (2) Determined diet composition of piscivorous waterbirds at various colonies. (3) Estimated smolt consumption by Caspian terns nesting on Rice Island. |
1996 | (1) Identified the location and size of all major piscivorous waterbird colonies on the lower Columbia River. (2) Recovered smolt PIT tags from the Rice Island Caspian tern colony in the Columbia River estuary. |
Section 5. Relationships to other projects
Funding source | Related ID | Related title | Relationship |
---|---|---|---|
Other: USACE - Portland District | [no entry] | Delayed mortality of juvenile steelhead in the Columbia River Estuary: an evaluation of risk of predation by piscivorous waterbirds | Proposed study (OSU: Carl Schreck, POC) will investigate to what extent avian predation in the estuary is compensatory. We will collaborate by providing juvenile steelhead collected from avian predators to determine if fish captured by birds are in poor condition compared to in-river fish that have not succumbed to predation. |
Other: USACE - Portland District | [no entry] | An evaluation of non-lethal measures as avian (gull) predation deterrents at Corps hydroelectric facilities | Ongoing study (USACE - FFU: Robert Stansell, POC) implements and evaluates measures to reduce avian predation at hydroelectric dams. We have used results from this study to make management recommendations aimed at reducing avian predation in other areas (e.g., near pile dikes in the Columbia River estuary). |
Other: USACE - Portland District | [no entry] | Caspian tern (Sterna caspia) diet composition and nesting ecology in the San Francisco Bay Area | Ongoing study (OSU: Dan Roby, POC) previously funded by the USFWS and most recently funded by the USACE - Portland District; investigated colony size, nesting success, diet composition, and factors limiting colony size and nesting success of Caspian tern colonies in the San Francisco Bay Area. This study was conducted as part of the the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Caspian tern management in the Columbia River estuary, which lists the redistribution of approximately two-thirds of the East Sand Island colony to alternative colony sites in Washington, Oregon, and California as the preferred alternative. Continued funding for this study in 2006 and beyond is uncertain. |
Other: USACE - Portland District | [no entry] | Avian predation on juvenile salmonids in the Columbia River Estuary | Ongoing study (OSU: Dan Roby, POC) is a cost sharing effort to help support other avian predation research in the Columbia River estuary (this study, BPA project number 199702400). Funding supports most of the predation research on double-crested cormorants in the estuary, regional status assessment of double-crested cormorants, and all of the monitoring of upper estuary islands for incipient tern colonies so that managers can prevent tern nesting in those areas. Continued funding for this study in 2006 and beyond is uncertain. |
Other: USACE - Walla Walla District | [no entry] | Evaluate the impacts of avian predation on salmonid smolts from the Columbia and Snake rivers | Ongoing study (OSU: Dan Roby, POC) is a cost sharing effort to help support other avian predation research in the lower Columbia River (this study, BPA project number 199702400). Funding supports all avian predation research on the Columbia River above The Dalles Dam. Continued funding for field work in 2007 and beyond is uncertain. |
Other: USFWS - Region 1 | [no entry] | Caspian tern (Sterna caspia) nesting ecology and diet at Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, Washington | Ongoing study (OSU: Dan Roby, POC) investigated the colony size, nesting success, diet composition, and factors limiting colony size and nesting success of a Caspian tern colony at Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, Washington. This study was conducted as part of the the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Caspian tern management in the Columbia River estuary, which lists the redistribution of approximately two-thirds of the East Sand Island colony to alternative colony sites in Washington, Oregon, and California as the preferred alternative. This study will not be funded in 2006. |
Other: USACE - Walla Walla District | [no entry] | Electronic recovery of ISO-PIT tags from piscivorous bird colonies in the Columbia River Basin | Ongoing study (NOAA Fisheries: Brad Ryan, POC) investigates the impacts of avian predators on juvenile salmonids using PIT tags collected from bird colonies on the lower Columbia River. We work collaboratively with NOAA researchers to (1) design and conduct ongoing PIT tag studies and (2) analyze and report PIT tag results. |
Other: NOAA Fisheries - NWFSC | [no entry] | Caspian tern diet and nesting ecology in Potholes Reservoir, Washington | Ongoing study (NOAA Fisheries: Tom Good, POC) investigates the nesting ecology of Caspian terns breeding on Goose Island in Potholes Reservoir and the impact of this colony on survival of juvenile salmonids in the mid-Columbia River. We have collaborated with this project by providing technical assistance and estimates of colony size. |
Section 6. Biological objectives
Biological objectives | Full description | Associated subbasin plan | Strategy |
---|---|---|---|
Caspian terns in estuary | Monitor and evaluate management initiatives implemented as part of the Caspian Tern Management Plan for the Columbia River Estuary to reduce tern predation on juvenile salmonids from the Columbia River Basin. | Lower Columbia | Strategy 9 (Consider managment of predators and predation); Strategy 5 - Supplement Plan (Reduce predation of focal species) |
Caspian terns upriver (Crescent Is.) | Measure the impact of predation from Caspian terns nesting on Crescent Island and elsewhere on the Columbia Plateau on survival of juvenile salmonids from the Snake River and Upper Columbia River Basins; assess the potential to increase survival of juvenile salmonids by managing the Caspian tern nesting colony on Crescent Island. | Lower Middle Columbia | Limiting factor #13 (Juvenile salmon are being harvested by bird and fish predators at higher rates than prior to hydro operations) |
Double-crested cormorants in estuary | Measure the impact of predation from double-crested cormorants on survival of juvenile salmonids from the Columbia River Basin; assess the potential to reduce predation from double-crested cormorants by managing nesting colonies in the Columbia River estuary. | Lower Columbia | Strategy 9 (Consider managment of predators and predation); Stategy 5 - Supplement Plan (Reduce predaton on focal species) |
Other piscivorous waterbirds | Monitor major nesting colonies of other piscivorous waterbirds (i.e., glaucous-winged/western gulls, California gulls, ring-billed gulls, American white pelicans, double-crested cormorants) on the lower Columbia River to determine the potential for significant impacts on survival of juvenile salmonids from the Columbia River Basin. | Lower Columbia | Strategy 9 (Consider managment of predators and predation); Strategy 5 - Supplement Plan(Reduce predation of focal species) |
Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)
Work element name | Work element title | Description | Start date | End date | Est budget |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Manage and Administer Projects | Project Administration. | Project coordination and oversight | 2/1/2007 | 1/31/2010 | $98,000 |
Biological objectives Caspian terns in estuary Caspian terns upriver (Crescent Is.) Double-crested cormorants in estuary Other piscivorous waterbirds |
Metrics |
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Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation | NEPA/ESA Clearance. | Permitting to conduct field work | 2/1/2007 | 4/1/2009 | $10,000 |
Biological objectives Caspian terns in estuary Caspian terns upriver (Crescent Is.) Double-crested cormorants in estuary Other piscivorous waterbirds |
Metrics |
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Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | Estuary tern data collection | Data include: population status, distribution, dispersal, colony size, productivity, diet composition, smolt consumption rates, relative smolt vulnerability, assessment of management initiatives | 4/1/2007 | 7/31/2009 | $450,000 |
Biological objectives Caspian terns in estuary |
Metrics Focal Area: Estuary Primary R, M, and E Type: Action Effectiveness Research Secondary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring |
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Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | Estuary cormorant data collection | Data include: population status, distribution, dispersal, colony size, productivity, diet composition, smolt consumption rates, relative smolt vulnerability, assessment of management initiatives | 4/1/2007 | 7/31/2009 | $635,000 |
Biological objectives Double-crested cormorants in estuary |
Metrics Focal Area: Estuary Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties Research Secondary R, M, and E Type: Status and trend Monitoring |
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Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | Upriver tern data collection | Data include: population status, distribution, dispersal, colony size, productivity, diet composition, smolt consumption rates, relative smolt vulnerability, assessment of management initiatives | 4/1/2007 | 7/31/2009 | $440,000 |
Biological objectives Caspian terns upriver (Crescent Is.) |
Metrics Focal Area: Emerging Issues Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainies Research Secondary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trends Research |
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Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | Other piscivorous waterbird data collection | Data include: population status and trends, distribution, dispersal, colony size, productivity, diet composition, smolt consumption rates, relative smolt vulnerability, assessment of management initiatives | 4/1/2007 | 7/31/2007 | $175,000 |
Biological objectives Other piscivorous waterbirds |
Metrics Focal Area: Systemwide Primary R, M, and E Type: Staus and Trend Monitoring |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | Estuary tern data analysis | Data analysis include: counting of birds in aerial photos, band resightings and recoveries, laboratory analysis of diet samples, bioenergetics modelling, PIT tag analysis | 4/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $85,000 |
Biological objectives Caspian terns in estuary |
Metrics Focal Area: Estuary Primary R, M, and E Type: Action Effectiveness Research Secondary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | Estuary cormorant data analysis | Data analysis include: counting of birds in aerial photos, band resightings and recoveries, laboratory analysis of diet samples, bioenergetics modelling, PIT tag analysis | 4/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $120,000 |
Biological objectives Double-crested cormorants in estuary |
Metrics Focal Area: Estuary Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties Research Secondary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Research |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | Upriver tern data analysis | Data analysis include: counting of birds in aerial photos, band resightings and recoveries, laboratory analysis of diet samples, bioenergetics modelling, PIT tag analysis | 4/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $85,000 |
Biological objectives Caspian terns upriver (Crescent Is.) |
Metrics Focal Area: Emerging Issues Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties Research Secondary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | Other piscivorous waterbird data analysis | Data analysis include: counting of birds in aerial photos, laboratory analysis of diet samples, bioenergetics modelling, PIT tag analysis | 4/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $40,000 |
Biological objectives Other piscivorous waterbirds |
Metrics |
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Produce Status Report | Produce online updates | Project data is summarized in weekly reports that are posted on the project web page (www.columbiabirdresearch.org) throughout the field season. | 4/15/2007 | 7/31/2009 | $70,000 |
Biological objectives Caspian terns in estuary Caspian terns upriver (Crescent Is.) Double-crested cormorants in estuary Other piscivorous waterbirds |
Metrics |
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Disseminate Raw/Summary Data and Results | Website and professional presentations | All project results are made available on the project web site (www.columbiabirdresearch.org). Project results will also be provided at regional planning meetings and professional society meetings. | 2/1/2007 | 1/31/2010 | $30,000 |
Biological objectives Caspian terns in estuary Caspian terns upriver (Crescent Is.) Double-crested cormorants in estuary Other piscivorous waterbirds |
Metrics |
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Produce Annual Report | Annual Progress Reports | A Season Summary will be completed and posted on the project web page (www.columbiabirdresearch.org) at the conclusion of each field season. | 4/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $150,000 |
Biological objectives Caspian terns in estuary Caspian terns upriver (Crescent Is.) Double-crested cormorants in estuary Other piscivorous waterbirds |
Metrics |
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Produce/Submit Scientific Findings Report | Peer-reviewed journal publications | Numerous peer-reviewed journal articles are either currently submitted and under review, are in preparation, or are planned. | 2/1/2007 | 1/31/2010 | $48,000 |
Biological objectives Caspian terns in estuary Caspian terns upriver (Crescent Is.) Double-crested cormorants in estuary Other piscivorous waterbirds |
Metrics |
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Other | Brown pelican monitoring | In order to receive permits to work on East Sand Island we must monitor brown pelicans (listed species) so that our impacts to roosting pelicans can be evaluated and minimized. | 4/30/2007 | 9/30/2009 | $24,000 |
Biological objectives Caspian terns in estuary Double-crested cormorants in estuary |
Metrics |
Section 8. Budgets
Itemized estimated budget
Item | Note | FY07 | FY08 | FY09 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Personnel | 10 FTEs (primarily field technicians); 0 FTE for Dan Roby (PI) | $223,000 | $269,000 | $283,000 |
Fringe Benefits | Fringe rate varies depending on position | $33,000 | $40,000 | $42,000 |
Supplies | Field and office supplies | $38,000 | $40,000 | $43,000 |
Capital Equipment | Boat and outboard | $20,000 | $0 | $0 |
Travel | Primarily travel associated with conducting field work | $35,000 | $39,000 | $42,000 |
Other | Services (includes subcontracts) | $236,000 | $316,000 | $331,000 |
Overhead | Indirect | $115,000 | $156,000 | $159,000 |
Totals | $700,000 | $860,000 | $900,000 |
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: | $2,460,000 |
Total work element budget: | $2,460,000 |
Cost sharing
Funding source/org | Item or service provided | FY 07 est value ($) | FY 08 est value ($) | FY 09 est value ($) | Cash or in-kind? | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oregon State University | Administrative assistance | $30,000 | $31,500 | $33,075 | In-Kind | Confirmed |
USACE - Portland District | Design, development, and labor for creating Caspian tern nesting habitat in Oregon and California | $451,452 | $451,452 | $451,452 | Cash | Under Review |
USACE - Portland District | Funding for monitoring of upper estuary islands for tern nesting | $24,000 | $24,000 | $24,000 | Cash | Confirmed |
USACE - Portland District | Funding for tern habitat management in the Columbia River estuary | $40,000 | $42,000 | $44,000 | Cash | Confirmed |
USACE - Portland District | Funding to support monitoring of bird populations outside the Columbia Basin | $300,000 | $315,000 | $330,000 | Cash | Under Review |
USACE - Portland District | Funding for creating Caspian tern nesting habitat at Brooks Island, San Francisco Bay | $754,826 | $754,826 | $754,826 | Cash | Under Review |
USACE - Portland District | Funding for creating Caspian tern nesting habitat at Don Edwards NWR, San Francisco Bay | $574,425 | $574,425 | $574,425 | Cash | Under Review |
USACE - Portland District | Funding for creating Caspian tern nesting habitat at Hayward Regional Shoreline, San Francisco Bay | $179,769 | $179,769 | $179,769 | Cash | Under Review |
USACE - Portland District | Funding for creating Caspian tern nesting habitat at Fern Ridge Reservoir, Oregon | $224,733 | $224,733 | $224,733 | Cash | Under Review |
USACE - Portland District | Funding for creating Caspian tern nesting habitat at Summer Lake, Oregon | $371,059 | $371,059 | $371,059 | Cash | Under Review |
USACE - Portland District | Funding for creating Caspian tern nesting habitat at Crump Lake, Oregon | $878,992 | $878,992 | $878,992 | Cash | Under Review |
USACE - Walla Walla District | Funding for completion of FY 04-06 predation studies (phase 1) on the Mid-Columbia River | $148,485 | $0 | $0 | Cash | Confirmed |
USGS | Salary for Dan Roby (Principal Investigator, 0.5 FTE on project) | $45,500 | $46,000 | $46,500 | Cash | Confirmed |
Totals | $4,023,241 | $3,893,756 | $3,912,831 |
Section 9. Project future
FY 2010 estimated budget: $750,000 FY 2011 estimated budget: $750,000 |
Comments: In FY 2010 and beyond we expect our work to be less focused on Caspian terns in the estuary (with the full implementation of the FEIS) and more focused on unmanaged or newly managed avian predator populations (i.e., estuary cormorants, up-river terns). |
Future O&M costs: To insure that the progress made in managing piscivorous waterbird populations is not reversed, we expect that managers will want to continue to monitor the distribution of piscivorous waterbirds on the lower Columbia River and manage bird nesting habitat to prevent nesting in areas where smolt losses to birds are expected to be high (e.g., upper estuary). These costs will vary depending on the extent of monitoring and habitat work needed, but should be less than $200,000 annually.
Termination date: TBD
Comments: It is very difficult to predict when this research and monitoring will end. The termination of this work depends on several factors: (1) the need for further monitoring and evaluation of current avian predation management plans (i.e., Caspian terns in the Columbia River estuary), (2) the dynamics, impacts, and trajectories of important avian predator populations in the lower Columbia River, and (3) the information needed to develop, support, implement, and evaluate future avian predation management plans (i.e., estuary cormorants, up-river terns).
Final deliverables: A Final Report that summarizes the work completed over the entire term of this research and monitoring program. We will also continue to publish results from this program in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.
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] | ||||||
$470,000 | $470,000 | $470,000 | $1,410,000 | Expense | Multi-province | Fund |
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs] | ||||||
$470,000 | $470,000 | $470,000 | $0 | Multi-province | ||
Comments: Priority concerns for other reasons: requested 700k, representing an expansion in scope; in any event, expanded scope is not a priority, so back at least to around ’06 level of 470k; but this really should be a Corps project, not hydro responsibility; w/ tight budget, remove from list and recommend that it be funded by Corps; lower priority than funding water brokerage at requested amount. MSRT recommends $470,000. |
ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)
Recommendation: Fundable (Qualified)
NPCC comments: This is a strong proposal, and avian predation is definitely a problem that has been documented in a useful series of studies. This project is being funded by a number of entities, the Corps and BPA. The Council/BPA/Corps and the sponsor should clearly delineate who is funding which tasks. This recommendation is qualified, because the ISRP questions whether it is necessary to condition new sites for the terns (this pertains only to those sites more than 200 miles away), or even evaluate potential new habitat at great distances from the present colonies. These birds are adept at finding suitable habitat when the present habitat is no longer rendered suitable and will likely redistribute to their more historical range, instead of the recent concentration in the Columbia River estuary. More suitable alternative sites need to be provided within 200 miles of the present colonies, because birds need alternative sites or they will not readily move. Fisheries investigators should consider a similar approach to this project’s in sampling for PIT tags in dredge material at Burbank Slough (at mouth of Snake and Columbia).
ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)
Recommendation: Fundable (Qualified)
NPCC comments: This is a strong proposal, and avian predation is definitely a problem that has been documented in a useful series of studies. This project is being funded by a number of entities, the Corps and BPA. The Council/BPA/Corps and the sponsor should clearly delineate who is funding which tasks. This recommendation is qualified, because the ISRP questions whether it is necessary to condition new sites for the terns (this pertains only to those sites more than 200 miles away), or even evaluate potential new habitat at great distances from the present colonies. These birds are adept at finding suitable habitat when the present habitat is no longer rendered suitable and will likely redistribute to their more historical range, instead of the recent concentration in the Columbia River estuary. More suitable alternative sites need to be provided within 200 miles of the present colonies, because birds need alternative sites or they will not readily move. Fisheries investigators should consider a similar approach to this project’s in sampling for PIT tags in dredge material at Burbank Slough (at mouth of Snake and Columbia).