| Objective | Task | Duration in FYs | Estimated 2002 cost | Subcontractor |
|---|
| Objective 1. Document the success of the LSRCP program in meeting the specified goals. |
|
ongoing |
$0 |
|
| Sub-Objective 1.1 Implement a computerized hatchery database for monitoring and evaluation. |
|
ongoing |
$22,825 |
|
|
Task 1.1.1 Maintain a team of evaluation, hatchery, and management personnel. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.1.2 Team identifies database needs and input variables or fields necessary to meet those needs. (Completed) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.1.3 HES personnel input data into database. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.1.4 Team identifies desired outputs, i.e., tables, forms, etc., to be produced by HES personnel. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.1.5 Continue developing and refining software for inputting and outputting data. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
| Sub-Objective 1.2 Document LSRCP fish rearing and release practices and adult returns in Idaho. |
|
ongoing |
$33,407 |
|
|
Task 1.2.1 Coordinate with IDFG's Anadromous Hatchery Manager to facilitate data collection and entry with LSRCP hatchery managers. (Annually) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.2.2 Obtain and document (on a database) adult return information regarding: trapping dates; number, species, length-frequency, age structure, sex ratios of trapped fish; numbers spawned and released; run timing; egg takes; numbers ……… |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.2.3 Obtain and document (on a database) information regarding rearing conditions and special circumstances at LSRCP facilities, e.g., disease problems and treatments, facility improvements, problems, limitations, needs. (Annually) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.2.4 Use hatchery database to compile adult return data from harvest (HMP), rack returns, and escapement estimates and compare to LSRCP adults return goals. (Annually) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.2.5 Visit LSRCP FH's at least twice per year for information exchange and to become familiar with day-to-day hatchery operations, e.g., database collection, spawning techniques, brood stock selection, distribution and release activities, feeding re |
|
$0 |
|
| Sub-Objective 1.3 Document current contribution of Idaho LSRCP-reared fish in harvest outside of Idaho, sport and tribal harvest within Idaho, and returns to hatchery racks or spawning grounds. |
|
ongoing |
$302,624 |
|
|
Task 1.3.1 Salmon and steelhead snouts recovered by IDFG and other cooperators will be processed and tags removed at IDFG's Lewiston laboratory. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.2 All returned tags (estimated 3,000) will be decoded, combined with adult return information, and entered into the computer database. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.3 Recovery lab personnel will work with other LSRCP FH evaluation personnel and downstream Columbia River agencies to determine contribution of LSRCP Idaho-reared salmon and steelhead to downstream fisheries. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.4 Conduct angler interviews on all steelhead harvest areas in Idaho throughout the fall and spring fisheries. Collect data on catch/effort and inspect the catch for hatchery/wild composition, fin marks and tags. Measure all fish and collect ….. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.5 Compile and tabulate interview results (Annual). |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.6 Compile all groups of fish released, proportion marked, marks, stock and project years of return (Annual). |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.7 Interview approximately 3,000 steelhead permitees by telephone to obtain number of steelhead caught (harvested and released) and hours fished by season (Annual). |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.8 Calculate the numbers of fish harvested from each hatchery group, wild stock, and the numbers released (Annual). |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.9 Estimate the number of wild/natural and hatchery steelhead escaping past Bonneville and Lower Granite dams (Annual). |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.10 Conduct angler creel surveys as appropriate for chinook salmon seasons in the Clearwater drainage and the South Fork of the Salmon River(Annually if sport fishery). |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.11 Compile and tabulate interview results (Annual). |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.12 Calculate the numbers of chinook salmon harvested from each hatchery group and the numbers released (Annual). |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.13 In cooperation with the evaluation biologist, compile harvest history on chinook salmon produced by the LSRCP to compute the total number of fish produced by the program (Annual). |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 1.3.14 Continue to work with state and tribal managers to develop an evaluation mark (no adipose fin-clip) for tribal supplementation steelhead (Annual). |
|
$0 |
|
| OBJECTIVE 2. Identify factors limiting hatchery success and recommend possible improvements based on existing knowledge and experimentation. |
|
ongoing |
$0 |
|
| Sub-Objective 2.1 Continue ongoing monitoring efforts to determine the relationships between adult returns and hatchery practices, characteristics of hatchery products, and juvenile survival. |
|
ongoing |
$87,180 |
|
|
Task 2.1.1 Use hatchery database to track hatchery rearing conditions and release practices, health, physiology, behavioral attributes, etc. (see Tasks 1.1 and 1.2). Annual |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.1.2 Ensure that representative study groups are uniquely marked prior to release (e.g., specific CWT groups, PIT tags, fin clips, etc.). (See Table 1 for marking plans.) Annual |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.1.3 Obtain marked fish data from appropriate sources, e.g., HMP (see Objective 3), CWT Lab, LSRCP facility personnel, PTAGIS, and cooperating agencies (NMFS, USFWS, etc.). Annual |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.1.4 Obtain, analyze, and summarize PIT tag data, i.e., detection rates and timing at lower Snake River dams. Annual |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.1.5 Estimate smolt-to-adult survival, primarily through CWT and fin clips (data from Task 2.1.3). Annual |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.1.6 Assess the relationship between rearing and release factors and juvenile and adult survival using data generated from Tasks 2.1.1 - 2.1.5. Annual |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.1.7 Coordinate statewide sampling of hatchery chinook salmon scales for aging and determination of origin (scale pattern analysis). (Completed) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.1.8 Using CWT, length-frequency, and scales, compute the age structure of adult chinook returns. Annual |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.1.9 Describe the timing, age structure, sex ratios and origin (hatchery vs. natural) of adult returns and compare them to historical chinook returns to identify possible impacts of hatchery operations on the attributes of adult returns.Annual |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.1.10 Assist with chinook salmon redd counting activities in LSRCP influenced areas. Annual |
|
$0 |
|
| Studies to be Completed Under Sub-Objective 2.1 |
|
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.1-A. Determine migration characteristics and interrogation rate or "survival" estimate of hatchery chinook salmon and steelhead trout. |
|
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.1-B. Document straying of hatchery reared chinook adults |
|
|
$0 |
|
| Sub-Objective 2.2 Conduct controlled studies to determine the relationships between adult returns and hatchery practices, characteristics of hatchery products, and juvenile survival. |
|
ongoing |
$87,421 |
|
| Chinook Salmon Studies to be Completed Under Sub-Objective 2.2 |
|
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.2-A. The effects of natural rearing on the post-release survival of spring chinook salmon at Sawtooth and Clearwater FHs, releases 1994-1996, (BYs 92-94), returns 1995-1999. |
Task 2.2.1 Keep current with the published and unpublished literature in relation to LSRCP and other Idaho hatchery operations and trends. (Annual) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.2 Develop draft study design by December 31, 1997 for LSRCP review, and finalize study plan by February 15, 1998 and provide to the LSRCP office. (Completed) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.3 Initiate natural rearing plan for Sawtooth FH brood year 1997-2000 chinook salmon after completion of Task 2.2.2 (Completed). Develop study design for incorporatingBY01 chinook salmon into the study. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.4 Coordinate coded-wire tagging and other marking needs for treatment and control groups of fish (Task 2.1.2). Annual |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.5 Collect and analyze PIT-tag data from NATURES treatment and control as identified in tasks 2.1.3, 2.1.4, and 2.1.6. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.2-B. Volitional releases of chinook salmon (PIT tag data). |
Task 2.2.6 Determine the need for additional studies and prepare experimental designs for controlled studies as warranted and provide to the LSRCP office. (Annual) |
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.2-C. Time of release of summer chinook salmon - McCall Fish Hatchery, releases 1993-1995. |
Task 2.2.7 Collect and analyze detection and arrival timing data. (Completed.) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.8 Compile "environmental cue" data. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.9 Provide release time recommendations. (Annual) |
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.2-D. Summer chinook adult outplanting - South Fork Salmon River, 1991-1997. |
Task 2.2.10 Conduct two – three redd counts and carcass surveys each year. |
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.2-E. Captive brood stock/rearing program for Idaho chinook salmon |
Task 2.2.11 Participate in CSCPTOC meetings for technical information exchange and discussion and coordination of activities and LSRCP facility use with LSRCP personnel. |
|
$0 |
|
| Steelhead Studies to be Completed Under Sub-Objective 2.2 |
|
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.2-F. Steelhead acclimation - Hagerman NFH/Sawtooth FH, BYs 91-97. |
Task 2.2.12 Assist managers with rearing and release strategies for releases from Squaw Creek pond. (Annually) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.13 Assist managers with strategies to utilize residual steelhead (non-migrants) in Squaw Creek pond and other off-site fisheries. (Annually) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.14 Determine appropriate number of fish in release group to PIT tag to monitor migration success and coordinate PIT tagging. (Annually) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.15 Monitor and report smolt migration success as identified in Task 2.1.4. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.16 Determine feasibility of incorporating intensive evaluations of releases from Squaw Creek pond. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.17. Monitor adult return and coordinate reporting with Sawtooth FH. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.18 Develop an annual pond management plan for Squaw Creek pond for management staff review that will coordinate hatchery, research, and regional staff tasks. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.19. Consistent with the 1999 Hatchery Biological Opinion, incorporate the Squaw Creek pond steelhead program into development of a hatchery genetic management plan for the upper Salmon River. (On-going until study completion) |
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.2-G. Rearing methods to meet proposed size at release criteria for hatchery steelhead juveniles. (New initiative, summer 1995.) |
Task 2.2.20 Participate in Hagerman NFH Hatchery Evaluation Team (HET) meetings to coordinate and discuss study progress. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.21 Coordinate marking/tagging. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.22 Collect and analyze CWT data. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.2-H. Spawn timing of hatchery steelhead - is it hereditary? (New initiative, spring 1998.) |
Task 2.2.23 Participate in Hagerman NFH Hatchery Evaluation Team (HET) meetings to plan, to coordinate, and discuss study. (Complete) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.24 Develop study design. Study design includes the number of fish to tag with CWTs and PIT tags for each group, on-site hatchery evaluation, and adult return evaluation. (Complete) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.25 Coordinate marking/tagging. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.26 Monitor migration success and coordinate PIT tagging. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.27 Monitor and report smolt migration success. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.2.28 Collect and analyze CWT data from returning adults. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
| Sub-Objective 2.3 Identify potential hatchery evaluation and experimental areas and prepare experimental designs if warranted. |
|
ongoing |
$28,859 |
|
|
Task 2.3.1 Keep current with the published and unpublished literature in relation to LSRCP and other Idaho hatchery operations and trends. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.3.2 Utilize results of general monitoring, literature review, and experimental studies to develop research hypotheses and possible management actions relevant to hatchery operations. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.3.3 Present potential research projects to research, management and hatchery personnel for review and to set priorities for experiments to be conducted in the next agreement period. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.3.4 Prepare experimental designs and budget needs to evaluate factors identified in Task 2.3.2 and selected in Task 2.3.3 and provide to the LSRCP office. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.3.5 Facilitate implementation and understanding of proposed research with appropriate personnel, e.g., hatchery managers, bureau staff, supplementation project personnel. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.3.6 Determine marking needs (CWT, PIT tag, fin clips, OTC) for future experimentation and begin the budgeting and acquisition processes. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.3.7 Coordinate tagging requirements with the CWT Lab project, management staff, and other projects, i.e., ISS, HMP. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
| Studies to be Completed Under Sub-Objective 2.3 |
|
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.3-A. Effects of Fin Erosion on Post-Stocking Migration of Magic Valley Fish Hatchery Steelhead Trout. |
Task 2.3.8 Provide technical assistance to Magic Valley Fish Hatchery personnel regarding their fin erosion study. (Complete) |
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.3-B. Size at Release Study on Spring Chinook at Clearwater Fish Hatchery. (On-going) |
Task 2.3.9 Implement the study at Clearwater Fish Hatchery with BY1996 (Completed). Continue study with BY97 and BY 98 fish (Completed). |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.3.10 Collect study data from returning age three, four and five fish in 2001-2003. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
| Study No. 2.3-C. Coded-wire Tags and Precocity of Hatchery Steelhead. |
Task 2.3.11 Design, coordinate, and implement a study at Magic Valley FH in FY2000 (using BY 1999 steelhead) that investigates the effects of CWTs on precocity of hatchery steelhead. (Complete) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.3.12 Coordinate study methods with Magic Valley FH, Fish Health, and Fish Marking personnel. (Complete) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.3.13 Implement the study and collect data in FY2000 (smolts emigrate in spring 2000). (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.3.14 Write final report (FY2001-2002).(On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
| Sub-Objective 2.4 Provide ESA-related data as requested. |
|
ongoing |
$27,601 |
|
|
Task 2.4.1 Provide information to the IDFG and LSRCP ESA coordinators and participate in an ESA-related activities when needed to provide information for Section 7 consultations, Section 10 permit requirements, HGMPs, FMPs, and the NMFS 4d rule. (Ongoing |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 2.4.2 Help develop management recommendations to meet Recovery Plan needs for LSRCP facilities. (On-going) |
|
$0 |
|
| Sub-Objective 2.5 Communicate findings and information to appropriate entities. |
|
ongoing |
$17,719 |
|
| OBJECTIVE 3. Provide pre- and in-season run projections and status reports for LSRCP stocks to assist harvest and production management decisions and optimizing angling benefits to Idaho and the Columbia Region. |
|
ongoing |
$31,402 |
|
|
Task 3.1 Maintain current databases on steelhead and chinook salmon numbers at Bonneville and Lower Granite dams throughout the fish run year. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 3.2 Incorporate fish sample data with dam counts from wild and hatchery groups passing Bonneville and Lower Granite dams and calculate number of A and B strain steelhead groups. Provide information to CRFMP and ESA management parties. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 3.3 Combine run numbers with harvest rates to project status of LSRCP salmon and steelhead stocks and estimate hatchery returns. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 3.4 Provide in-season run and effort information to Idaho anglers and media by maintaining weekly update on the IDFG Internet web page. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 3.5 Coordinate in-season harvest monitoring with Tribal harvest biologists and facilitate data transfer. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 3.6 Continue sampling and evaluation of rainbow trout provided by the LSRCP program in the lower Salmon, lower Clearwater, and Snake rivers. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 3.7 Collect information about residual steelhead size, number, and stomach contents while sampling for rainbow trout evaluation in the lower Salmon, lower Clearwater, and Snake rivers. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 3.8 Contribute to management fora to develop methods of stock identification for Columbia River fisheries and potential ESA management. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 3.9 Initiate dissemination of information through print and other media on fishing opportunities. |
|
$0 |
|
| OBJECTIVE 4. Assist managers with meeting elements of the annual “Stipulated Agreement for Management of Columbia River Fall Season Fisheries” and renegotiation of the Columbia River Fisheries Management Plan. |
|
ongoing |
$12,154 |
|
|
Task 4.1 Participate in development of monitoring and evaluation plans tribal supplementation steelhead. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 4.2 Participate in development of appropriate brood stock selection criteria for tribal supplementation steelhead. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 4.3 Develop a sampling strategy for evaluation of recruits returning to supplementation areas. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 4.4 Provide production, evaluation, and harvest information as needed by managers during renegotiations of the CRFMP and associated agreements. |
|
$0 |
|
| OBJECTIVE 5. Assist managers with meeting federal treaty trust responsibilities and instate tribal production/harvest coordination. |
|
ongoing |
$12,154 |
|
|
Task 5.1 Assist with developing plans for marking tribal-initiative production reared at LSRCP facilities to ensure consistency and a coordinated approach. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 5.2 Attend hatchery coordination meetings with federal and tribal managers to coordinate production at LSRCP facilities. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 5.3 Work with tribal managers to ensure a coordinated and equitable approach to harvest of LSRCP-produced chinook and steelhead. |
|
$0 |
|
|
Task 5.4 Provide information to state, federal, and tribal managers pertinent to production and harvest negotiations. |
|
$0 |
|
This information was not provided on the original proposals, but was generated during the review process.
The technical and/or scientific background in Section B contains material primarily on statutory background of the program. It contains inadequate information on the scientific issues involved. Notably lacking is discussion of the ecosystems into which the hatchery-produced fish will be released, the suitability of the hatchery fish for survival in those ecosystems, and genetic and ecological consequences of imposing the hatchery fish on other organisms in those ecosystems, particularly wild conspecifics and other closely related wild fishes.
The project history lists past activities. It should also summarize the results of those activities regarding the fishes (and fishing) involved. The material on objectives and tasks is well done but could be more specific with regard to methods.
Some effort is being made to help preclude genetic problems with hatchery broodstocks. One strategy is to cull the eggs from adults that show high levels of certain pathogens. However, that effort could be counter-productive if these characteristics are heritable and correlated traits are affected by the culling, or if "select" fish survive to spawn in aggregations of wild fish.
The response clarified the appendix table, and qualifications of the project personnel were provided as requested. For the Clearwater Fish Hatchery, the proponents provided a detailed and thorough response to the IHNV issue raised in the ISRP's preliminary review.
Respondent states (pg.46) that NMFS has supported LSRCP so the benefits have been produced without causing"... significant negative effects to critical wild fish populations." The basis for that conclusion by NMFS should be included in documents prepared for technical review and public information.
The response on pages 47-49 is inappropriate. Many hatchery-supported programs in the basin are being managed so as to prevent "domestication" of the hatchery product to help preclude deleterious effects in mixtures of hatchery and wild fish spawning in nature. This includes efforts to prevent selective breeding. The culling practiced in this project may be selective breeding and may contribute to the "domestication" problem that others are attempting to prevent.
Idaho's biologists are working hard to meet the goals of their part of the program. They state on page 47"... we believe we are implementing a progressive hatchery program that remains dedicated to meeting LSRCP and IDFG goals." However, in regard to the ISRP concern about how fish produced by LSRCP are incorporated into the ecosystem, there was inadequate response. The concerns expressed in this ISRP comment must be addressed by system managers/administrators. This large hatchery program should not be operated in isolation from other elements of the Columbia River program. In come cases, efforts to meet LSRCP goals with fixed physical capacity include "improving" survival of the hatchery fish; efforts that are likely to reduce variability, cause selection, and generally further the domestication process.
For the McCall and Sawtooth fish hatcheries and the related Fish Monitoring project (200119), the response presents an itemization of research projects on pages 51-53, but the results and methods are not presented in sufficient detail to assess the scientific credibility of these projects. Our preliminary recommendation was to not provide funds for unspecified research. The response does not provide enough detail to change that recommendation. The ISRP also recommends that additional emphasis should be placed on submitting research results for publication in the fisheries literature. Clearly some of the research projects in progress appropriately fall more in the realm of management monitoring for which annual reports are adequate, but the program should produce some work that is publishable. Indication of that to date, however, was absent from the proposal and from the vitae of the two Fisheries Research Biologists.