FY 2002 Mountain Snake proposal 199107100

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleSnake River Sockeye Salmon Habitat and Limnological Research
Proposal ID199107100
OrganizationShoshone-Bannock Tribes (SBT)
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
NameDoug Taki
Mailing addressP.O. Box 306 Fort Hall, ID 83203
Phone / email2084783914 / fishdept@allidaho.com
Manager authorizing this projectDoug Taki
Review cycleMountain Snake
Province / SubbasinMountain Snake / Salmon
Short descriptionEnhance and monitor freshwater rearing habitat for juvenile Snake River sockeye. Evaluate the effects of nutrient addition and fish stocking on the lake's ecosystems and growth and survival of planted juvenile sockeye.
Target speciessockeye salmon (Redfish Lake ESU)
Project location
LatitudeLongitudeDescription
44.1221 -114.9278 Redfish Lake
43.9806 -114.8797 Pettit Lake
43.9153 -114.8598 Alturas Lake
Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPAs)

Sponsor-reported:

RPA
RM&E RPA Action 184
RM&E RPA Action 185

Relevant RPAs based on NMFS/BPA review:

Reviewing agencyAction #BiOp AgencyDescription
NMFS Action 184 NMFS The Action Agencies and NMFS shall work within regional prioritization and congressional appropriation processes to establish and provide the appropriate level of FCRPS funding for a hatchery research, monitoring, and evaluation program consisting of studies to determine whether hatchery reforms reduce the risk of extinction for Columbia River basin salmonids and whether conservation hatcheries contribute to recovery.
NMFS Action 185 NMFS The Action Agencies shall continue to fund and expand, as appropriate, fish marking and recapturing programs aimed at defining juvenile migrant survival for both transported and nontransported migrants and adult returns for both groups. These studies shall also compare the SARs of transported and nontransported fish to calculate the differential delayed mortality (D), if any, of transported fish.
NMFS/BPA Action 177 NMFS In 2002, BPA shall begin to implement and sustain NMFS-approved, safety-net projects.

Section 2. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishment
1992 Began collecting baseline physical and biological information from historic sockeye rearing lakes in the Sawtooth Valley, Idaho.
1994 Conducted fertilization experiments in limnocorral enclosures in Redfish and Alturas lakes. Results from two years of controlled experiments indicated nutrient enhancement to Redfish Lake could increase lake productivity and sockeye growth.
1994 Established a limnological sampling protocol to monitor the effects of lake fertilization and juvenile sockeye stocking on the target lakes ecosystems.
1995 Conducted test fertilization of Redfish Lake. Primary productivity, phytoplankton biovolume, and peak zooplankton counts increased and water transparencies were only slightly shallower than previous years.
1996 Removed a rough fish barrier at the outlet of Pettit Lake. In addition to increasing sockeye rearing habitat, bull trout and northern pikeminnow became re-established within one year of removal.
1996 Constructed a smolt/adult weir at the outlet of Pettit Lake.
1996 Began annual monitoring of sockeye smolt emigration from Pettit Lake. The 1995/1996 overwinter survival of 30.2% was the highest to date for captive broodstock progeny.
1996 Began an abbreviated nutrient enhancement program in Redfish Lake in preparation for large sockeye supplementation effort in 1997.
1997 Continued nutrient enhancement of Redfish Lake. Despite doubling the O. nerka density in the lake through sockeye supplementation, mean seasonal zooplankton biomass remained slightly above the five year mean.
1997 Began a nutrient enhancement program in Pettit Lake. Zooplankton biomass remained similar to 1996 even with sockeye supplementation.
1997 Began a nutrient enhancement program in Alturas Lake. Zooplankton biomass increased slightly even though O. nerka density tripled with sockeye supplementation.
1998 Began annual monitoring of sockeye smolt emigration from Alturas Lake. The 1997/1998 overwinter survival of 34.3% was the highest to date for captive broodstock progeny released in any Sawtooth Valley lake.
1998 Continued nutrient enhancement of all three lakes concurrent with sockeye supplementation.
1998 Limnological monitoring results showed that zooplankton increased in Redfish Lake and slightly decreased in Pettit and Alturas lakes. Chlorophyll remained the same as the previous year in Redfish and Pettit lakes and increased in Alturas Lake.
1999 Smolt migration monitoring at Pettit Lake indicated an overwinter survival of stocked sockeye at 61%.
1999 Smolt migration monitoring at Alturas Lake indicated an overwinter survival of stocked sockeye at 30%.
1999 Limnological monitoring results showed that chlorophyll and zooplankton biomass declined and water transparency increased following the first year of no nutrient enhancement.
2000 Two hundred and fifty-seven adult sockeye returned to the Valley.

Section 3. Relationships to other projects

Project IDTitleDescription
199107200 Redfish Lake Sockeye Salmon Captive broodstock Program This project rears sockeye for release into the lakes. Other components include net pen operation, trawling, and juvenile migration enumeration from Redfish Lake.
199204000 Redfish Lake Captive Broodstock Rearing and Research This project rears sockeye for release into the lakes.
199009300 Genetic Analysis of Oncorhynchus nerka Results from this project identify origin of O. nerka found in the Sawtooth Valley lakes as well as parental origin of adults returning to the lakes. Useful comparisons to out of basin sockeye are also studied.

Section 4. Budget for Planning and Design phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2002 costSubcontractor
1.1. Continue extensive limnological monitoring in Redfish, Pettit, and Alturas lakes. Continue monitoring Stanley Lake with a less intensive schedule. Update sampling protocol and new schedule. ongoing $368 Yes
1.4. Coordinate efforts with the USFS, IDFG, ID DEQ, UofI, and NMFS Apply for necessary permits, etc. ongoing $1,475
2. Fertilize Redfish, Pettit, and Alturas lakes. a. Review previous years data and develop lake fertilization prescriptions. ongoing $12,000 Yes
b. Acquire annual premit from DEQ. ongoing $4,206
5. Continue monitoring O. nerka population characteristics and densities in Sawtooth Valley lakes. Review and update protocols and schedule spawner surveys, gillnet sampling, hydroacoustic sampling, and snorkeling. ongoing $5,624
7. Assist IDFG with in-lake captive broodstock activities. Collaborate and finalize stocking strategies and field work. ongoing $5,895
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1.1. Continue extensive limnological monitoring in Redfish, Pettit, and Alturas lakes. Continue monitoring Stanley Lake with a less intensive schedule. 2003 2006 $1,664
1.4. Coordinate efforts with the USFS, IDFG, ID DEQ, UofI, and NMFS 2003 2006 $6,675
2. Fertilize Redfish, Pettit, and Alturas lakes. 2003 2006 $69,034
5. Continue monitoring O. nerka population characteristics and densities in Sawtooth Valley lakes. 2003 2006 $25,452
7. Assist IDFG with in-lake captive broodstock activities. 2003 2006 $26,679
Outyear budgets for Planning and Design phase
FY 2003FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006
$30,445$31,868$32,837$34,354

Section 5. Budget for Construction and Implementation phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2002 costSubcontractor
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
Outyear budgets for Construction and Implementation phase

Section 6. Budget for Operations and Maintenance phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2002 costSubcontractor
1.1. Continue extensive limnological monitoring in Redfish, Pettit, and Alturas lakes. Continue monitoring Stanley Lake with a less intensive schedule. equipment maintenance ongoing $500 Yes
1.2. Continue winter limnological and fish diet sampling to estimate sockeye salmon production opportunities and constraints during this season. equipment maintenance ongoing $500
2. Fertilize Redfish, Pettit, and Alturas lakes. c. Labor, travel, and per diem for fertilizer application. ongoing $26,559
c. Equipment maintenance and fertilizer purchase and delivery. ongoing $3,700
3. Reduce the number of spawning kokanee in Fishhook Creek. We will use a picket weir to capture migrating kokanee and allow approximately 2,000 females to pass as identified by the TOC. a. Labor, travel, and per diem for weir operation. 3 $15,338
b. Weir maintenance 3 $200
4. Enumerate sockeye smolt migration from Pettit and Alturas lakes. We will use a smolt collection weir and a screw trap at the outlet streams of Pettit and Alturas lakes, respectively. a. Screw trap and weir maintenance. ongoing $500
5. Continue monitoring O. nerka population characteristics and densities in the Sawtooth Valley lakes in conjunction with IDFG to determine inter-annual trends. a. Equipment maintenance and replacement for all surveys. ongoing $1,200
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1.1. Continue extensive limnological monitoring in Redfish, Pettit, and Alturas lakes. Continue monitoring Stanley Lake with a less intensive schedule. 2003 2006 $2,350
1.2. Continue winter limnological and fish diet sampling to estimate sockeye salmon production opportunities and constraints during this season. 2003 2006 $2,150
2. Fertilize Redfish, Pettit, and Alturas lakes. 2003 2006 $135,290
3. Reduce the number of spawning kokanee in Fishhook Creek. We will use a picket weir to capture migrating kokanee and allow approximately 2,000 females to pass as identified by the TOC. 2003 2006 $69,637
4. Enumerate sockeye smolt migration from Pettit and Alturas lakes. We will use a smolt collection weir and a screw trap at the outlet streams of Pettit and Alturas lakes, respectively. 2003 2005 $1,700
5. Continue monitoring O. nerka population characteristics and densities in the Sawtooth Valley lakes in conjunction with IDFG to determine inter-annual trends. 2003 2006 $4,900
Outyear budgets for Operations and Maintenance phase
FY 2003FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006
$50,574$53,103$55,601$57,049

Section 7. Budget for Monitoring and Evaluation phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2002 costSubcontractor
1.1. Continue extensive limnological monitoring in Redfish, Pettit, and Alturas lakes. Continue monitoring Stanley Lake with a less intensive schedule. a. Sample lakes for temperaure, oxygen, nutrients (TP, DP, NO3, TKN), chlorphyll, phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, viruses, and picoplankton. Includes travel and per diem. ongoing $37,951 Yes
b. Analyze nutrient samples. ongoing $3,612 Yes
c. Analyze chlorophyll samples. ongoing $900 Yes
d. Analyze phytoplankton samples. ongoing $10,303 Yes
e. Analyze zooplankton samples. ongoing $3,553 Yes
f. Analyze virus samples. ongoing $3,654 Yes
g. Analyze bacteria/picoplankton samples. ongoing $11,016 Yes
1.2. Continue winter limnological and fish diet sampling to estimate sockeye salmon production opportunities and constraints during this season. a. Sample lakes for temperature, oxygen, nutrients (TP, DP, NO3, TKN), chlorophyll, phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, viruses, and picoplankton. Includes travel and per diem. ongoing $9,817 Yes
b. Analyze nutrient samples. ongoing $1,032 Yes
c. Analyze chlorophyll samples. ongoing $68 Yes
d. Analyze phytoplankton samples. ongoing $740 Yes
e. Analyze zooplankton samples. ongoing $655 Yes
f. Analyze bacteria/picoplankton samples. ongoing $816 Yes
1.3. Conduct primary productivity investigations to enhance the evaluation of the effects of fertilization and fish stocking. Results are also used to predict carrying capacities. Includes all sampling, analysis, and report writing. ongoing $28,000 Yes
2. Fertilize Redfish, Pettit, and Alturas lakes. b. Prepare and deliver weekly reports to DEQ. ongoing $2,730 Yes
4. Enumerate sockeye smolt migration from Pettit and Alturas lakes. We will use a smolt collection weir and a screw trap at the outlet streams of Pettit and Alturas lakes, respectively. Includes travel, per diem, trailer rental, and labor for the spring trapping season. ongoing $30,119
5. Continue monitoring O. nerka population characteristics and densities in the Sawtooth Valley lakes in conjunction with IDFG to determine inter-annual trends. b. Estimate O. nerka stream escapement in Redfish Lake (Fishhook Creek), Alturas, and Stanley lakes using spawning ground surveys. Document spawner distributions and stream residency and fecundity for each system. ongoing $16,171
c. Estimate the total number of O. nerka in Sawtooth Valley lakes using hydroacoustics. Vertical gill nets will be used to partition targets. Determine year class strength and mortality. ongoing $5,779
6. Determine direct and potential piscivorous fish effects on O. nerka populations in the Sawtooth Valley lakes in conjunction with IDFG. a. Evaluate impacts to O. nerka by the nursery lake fish communities by collecting stomachs or stomach contents from fish captured in gill and Fyke nets. Samples are taken during each season and at different locations within each lake. ongoing $11,407
b. Identify and enumerate stomach contents. ongoing $15,034
8. Prepare and provide update and summary reports for the TOC and Tribal Government. a. Limnological parameters (includes travel and per diem for meetings). ongoing $16,672 Yes
b. Fisheries parameters (includes travel and per diem for meetings) and technical and management meetings with Tribal Government ongoing $23,978
9. Analyze all data collected and prepare annual report for the BPA, manuscripts for appropriate Journals, and presentations for AFS and others when appropriate. a. Limnological parameters. Includes office supplies, telephones, etc. ongoing $44,267 Yes
b. Fisheries parameters. Includes annual office supplies, telephones, etc. and clerical support. ongoing $85,030
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1.1. Continue extensive limnological monitoring in Redfish, Pettit, and Alturas lakes. Continue monitoring Stanley Lake with a less intensive schedule. 2003 2006 $306,974
1.2. Continue winter limnological and fish diet sampling to estimate sockeye salmon production opportunities and constraints during this season. 2003 2006 $56,996
1.3. Conduct primary productivity investigations to enhance the evaluation of the effects of fertilization and fish stocking. Results are also used to predict carrying capacities. 2003 2006 $115,000
2. Fertilize Redfish, Pettit, and Alturas lakes. 2003 2006 $12,354
4. Enumerate sockeye smolt migration from Pettit and Alturas lakes. We will use a smolt collection weir and a screw trap at the outlet streams of Pettit and Alturas lakes, respectively. 2003 2006 $133,309
5. Continue monitoring O. nerka population characteristics and densities in the Sawtooth Valley lakes in conjunction with IDFG to determine inter-annual trends. 2003 2006 $96,473
6. Determine direct and potential piscivorous fish effects on O. nerka populations in the Sawtooth Valley lakes in conjunction with IDFG. 2003 2006 $116,210
8. Prepare and provide update and summary reports for the TOC and Tribal Government. 2003 2006 $178,660
9. Analyze all data collected and prepare annual report for the BPA, manuscripts for appropriate Journals, and presentations for AFS and others when appropriate. 2003 2006 $571,067
Outyear budgets for Monitoring and Evaluation phase
FY 2003FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006
$373,401$389,798$405,205$418,639

Section 8. Estimated budget summary

Itemized budget
ItemNoteFY 2002 cost
Personnel FTE: 4 $132,029
Fringe $34,328
Supplies includes equipment repairs & maintenance $8,000
Travel field per diem, meetings, boat & vehicle operations $54,265
Indirect $47,295
Subcontractor Biolines, EcoLogic, U. of California, Washington State University, U. of British Columbia $165,452
$441,369
Total estimated budget
Total FY 2002 cost$441,369
Amount anticipated from previously committed BPA funds$0
Total FY 2002 budget request$441,369
FY 2002 forecast from 2001$371,702
% change from forecast18.7%
Reason for change in estimated budget

Sampling and processing for viruses, picoplankton, and bacteria. Won't be able to share personnel as anticipated.

Reason for change in scope

We will be investigating limnological changes at lower trophic levels than in the past.

Cost sharing
OrganizationItem or service providedAmountCash or in-kind

Reviews and recommendations

This information was not provided on the original proposals, but was generated during the review process.

Recommendation:
Fundable only if response is adequate
Date:
Sep 28, 2001

Comment:

A response is needed. What would the project sponsor's recommendation be at the present time regarding use of lake fertilization to increase survival of Stanley Basin sockeye salmon? Please use existing results to support your recommendation. Are kokanee that are prevented access to spawning areas, killed and returned to the lake as a nutrient enhancement? Given the error (sampling and species identification) that you have identified, are the hydroacoustic data useful?

It appears that the only data to assess sockeye overwinter survival (that permit comparison) are those from Pettit Lake pre-fertilization (30.2%) and during fertilization (36.4%). Is that correct, and is there any way to assign that difference to fertilization?


Recommendation:
High Priority
Date:
Nov 30, 2001

Comment:

This project addresses RPAs 184 and 185.
Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Dec 21, 2001

Comment:

Fundable in part at a reduced level to develop and implement an operational plan based on what they judge can be concluded from the results obtained to date. Further research is not likely to produce substantial additional information in the near future. Results are highly variable, some suggesting a benefit and others no-benefit. Stanley Lake is mentioned as a reference location, but the data for that lake are limited to limnological observations.
Recommendation:
Date:
Feb 1, 2002

Comment:

Statement of Potential Biological Benefit to ESU
Benefits are indirect. Improve and monitor freshwater rearing habitat for Snake River sockeye by evaluating effects of nutrient addition. Complicated ongoing project with many objectives, including habitat assessment, population monitoring and management, and observing fish community dynamics.

Comments
This is an important long-term series of projects looking at ways to improve sockeye survival. The project combines basic limnology, studies of food web dynamics and how these relate to sockeye growth and survival.

Already ESA Req? No

Biop? yes


Recommendation:
A
Date:
Feb 11, 2002

Comment:

Recommend as critical to implement RPAs 184 and 185. This project directly supports the endangered Snake River (SR) sockeye captive broodstock (safety-net) program (Project 199107200 and 199204000). The captive broodstock program is intended to prevent extinction of SR sockeye salmon, and Project 199107100 should be continued as long as the captive broodstock program is necessary. Project sponsors should consult with the ISRP to further define the elements of an operational plan.

BPA RPA RPM:
184, 185

NMFS RPA/USFWS RPM:
184, 185


Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Apr 19, 2002

Comment:

Council recommendation: Artificial production related actions with a conservation or preservation purpose are discussed in programmatic issue 12. The projects listed above [199107100, 199107200, 199204000, 199700100] are those in the Mountain Snake province that fall within this category. As discussed fully in the programmatic issue discussion, the Council has provided guidance and conditions for funding these types of projects for several years. The Council established general conditions on its funding recommendations for these types of projects in its Fiscal Year 2000 recommendations that remain applicable. The above projects, and others that may be developed: (1) should be funded only to maintain the scope and intensity of existing, previously Council recommended, activities until a basinwide prioritization of target populations and programs is developed (no expansion or new starts); (2) must demonstrate how they are consistent with the policies and standards in the Artificial Production Review report of 2000; (3) must address the project specific issues raised by the ISRP Mountain Snake Province Review Recommendations (2001 12-A); document how the projects address the elements of Captive Propagation Technology in Recovery of Anadromous Salmonids Listed Under the Endangered Species Act (NMFS 1999), outlining steps that sponsors should proceed through when sponsoring a captive propagation initiative. Subject to the conditions above, the Council is recommending that these projects be funded at the levels in Table 1.

The land acquisition for project 199204000 is budgeted for Fiscal Year 2004, and should not be consummated prior to addressing the above conditions and getting approval in the Council's 3-step review process.


Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Jun 13, 2002

Comment:

Fund to support implementation of project 199107200 (which implements RPA 177).
Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Sep 20, 2003

Comment:

Captive project: programmatic issue 12. Response received from sponsor.
Recommendation:
Date:
Sep 20, 2003

Comment:

Increase reflects COLA's and increase in fuel price (O&M).
REVIEW:
NW Power and Conservation Council's FY 2006 Project Funding Review
Funding category:
expense
Date:
May 2005
FY05 NPCC start of year:FY06 NPCC staff preliminary:FY06 NPCC July draft start of year:
$455,756 $455,756 $455,756

Sponsor comments: See comment at Council's website