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Fast Track FCRPS BiOp Project Review

Section 10. Narrative

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Fast Track FCRPS BiOp Project Review - Narrative Form 1

PROJECT TITLE:

Grande Ronde Supplementation: Lostine River Operation and Maintenance and Monitoring and Evaluation

A. Abstract

This project provides for operation and maintenance of adult collection and juvenile acclimation facilities and the monitoring and evaluation associated with supplementation of Lostine River Chinook salmon in northeast Oregon. These activities are part of the Grande Ronde Basin Endemic Spring Chinook Supplementation Program (GRESP) which is a cooperative project between the Nez Perce Tribe (NPT), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Confederated Tribes of the Umatila Indian Reservation (CTUIR), and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This program was initiated in 1994 as a conservation measure in response to severely declining runs of Chinook salmon in the Grande Ronde Subbasin. GRESP utilizes supplementation with conventional and captive brood stock techniques to prevent extirpation and rebuild ESA listed Chinook salmon. This program supports Lower Snake River Compensation Plan mitigation and U.S. vs. Oregon 2008- 2017 Management Agreement hatchery production. The Nez Perce Tribe is responsible for implementation, coordination, and facilitation of the Lostine River component of the GRESP. Implementation of this project is called for in the Federal Columbia River Power System 2008 Biological Opinion Hatchery Strategy #2 - Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPA) 421, 50.6, 62.5, 63.1, 64.2, and 71.4. This proposal is consistent with the regional research, monitoring, and evaluation collaboration workshop’s Snake Basin strategy for status and trend monitoring and hatchery effectiveness evaluations. Monitoring at the adult weir includes the collection of genetic and biological data. Additionally, the Nez Perce Tribe conducts spawning ground surveys with co-managers for life history characteristics and mark-recapture population estimates. Hatchery produced juveniles are also monitored for post release performance. The performance of adult and juvenile hatchery fish are evaluated against the standards set by natural cohorts. All monitoring and evaluation is conducted under the guidelines of the monitoring and evaluation plan established for Northeast Oregon. In addition, this proposal adds two new activities associated with the basinwide RME strategy: extended weir operation period to support quantification of adult steelhead escapement and integration of the Nez Perce Tribe’s portion of captive broodstock evaluations (200740400) under one contract starting in 2011.

1 RPA #42 - For the Lostine and Imnaha rivers, contingent upon a NOAA approved HGMP, “fund these hatchery programs including capital construction, operation and monitoring and evaluation costs to implement supplementation programs using local broodstock and following a sliding scale for managing the composition of natural spawners comprised of hatchery origin fish.”


B. Problem statement: technical and/or scientific background

Executive Summary (provided as overview of entire proposal)This proposal implements artificial production targeting an annual release of 250,000 Chinook salmon smolts within the Wallowa/Lostine population. This ongoing project involves weir operation for collection of broodstock and managing disposition of adults returns, support for spawning and rearing at Lookingglass Fish Hatchery, operation of juvenile acclimation and release facility, and monitoring and evaluation. This program is operated as an integrated mitigation/recovery program.

Operation of a modified picket-panel weir from May through September is conducted by this project and enables the collection of broodstock, management of hatchery:natural composition upstream of the weir, and outplanting of adults to under-seeded spawning aggregates. Local/endemic broodstock collection is guided by a sliding scale that adjusts the composition of natural origin fish used in the broodstock and composition of hatchery origin fish on spawning grounds relative to overall abundance of natural origin escapement and has resulted in an average Proportion of Natural Influence (PNI) of 0.62 since the inception of the program. The current weir structure is rapidly degrading. Construction of a new/permanent weir is anticipated to occur in 2010 as part of the Northeast Oregon Hatchery (NEOH) project (198805301). This new weir will increase trapping efficiency, improve staff safety, and enable extended operational period (see steelhead abundance monitoring described later in proposal).

Fish spawning and rearing occurs at the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) funded Lookingglass Fish Hatchery. Staff from this project spawns Lostine River broodstock at Lookingglass Fish Hatchery and assists with fish culture as needed during rearing. Following eighteen months of rearing, Lostine River Chinook smolts are transported to the Lostine River Acclimation facility (funded by this project) for acclimation and volitional release into the Lostine River. Acclimation of two release groups occurs between mid March to late April.

Given the extremely low abundance of this population in the mid-1990’s (only 11 redds in 1995) artificial production was initiated with a safety-net conservation approach using both captive broodstock and conventional production techniques. Population abundance has increased to a level where Lostine River Chinook salmon captive broodstock production is being phased out with brood year 2010 production (brood year 2009 last significant captive brood production). Conventional production will be functionally the sole source of juvenile production starting with brood year 2010.

All hatchery produced smolts are marked. In past years when a combination of captive broodstock and conventional progeny were being released, production lots were marked differently and varied across years. Marks groups included: ad clipped and Coded-Wire Tag (CWT); ad clip, CWT, and visual implant elastomer; or CWT only. Currently conventional production is 100% marked with an adipose fin clip and CWT. Funding to mass mark these fish is provided by the LSRCP program and completed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.


Monitoring and evaluation to inform adaptive management2 of this program is guided by the formal monitoring and evaluation plan (Hesse et al 2006) associated with the Northeast Oregon Hatchery project. Ongoing funding comes from a variety of sources, but is currently insufficient to implement the entire NEOH M&E plan (full funding of the NEOH M&E plan has been previously requested and will be resubmitted in the 2010 categorical review under proposal 200713200). Monitoring and evaluation support by this proposal quantifies; 1) adult abundance and productivity of both natural and hatchery origin fish, and 2) post release performance of conventional and captive broodstock hatchery-origin fish of the Wallowa-Lostine population. Starting with the 2011 scope of work, this proposal provides an integration of the NPT’s portion of the captive broodstock project (200740400) and this proposal into a single contract. This provides a more cost effective way ($35,000 savings) to monitor the F1 captive broodstock performance. This approach to monitoring and evaluating is required under the FCRPS BiOp (RPAs 50.6, 62.5, 64.2, 71.4), is consistent with the Coordinated Anadromous Workshop Snake Basin strategy (Coordinated Anadromous Workshop 2010 b and c), and is recommended by the Ad Hoc Supplementation Work Group (Beasley et al 2008).

Monitoring and evaluation activities supported by this proposal include: data collection and reporting of fish trapped at weir, spawning ground surveys (redd counts and carcass collections), run-forecasting, assistance with in-hatchery sampling, PIT tagging and post release survival estimation, and reporting of standardized performance measures (Beasley et al 2008 and RIST 2009) in annual reports and web-assessable databases.

Population scale abundance and productivity estimates with known accuracy and precision do not exist for most Snake River steelhead populations. FCRPS BiOP RPA 50.6 and 63.1 require additional steelhead population status information and action agencies have identified the Lostine River as cost effective opportunity to obtain such information in their December 1, 2009 Draft Recommendations for Implementing Research, Monitoring and Evaluations for the 2008

2 Management decisions should be informed and modified by continuous evaluation of existing programs, changing circumstances and new scientific information (NPCC 2009, HSRG 2004). Research, monitoring, and evaluation (RME) is the heart of this adaptive management process (ISRP 2005-14 and 15, Corps et al. 2007, CSMEP 2008, NPCC 2009). Collection and analysis of data is required at varying spatial scales: local (population, reach, watershed), region (MPG, ESU, subbasin), and basin-wide (Columbia Basin, Pacific Northwest, province) to inform decisions by a diverse set of authorities, including but not limited to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s (NPCC) Fish and Wildlife Plan (FWP), Federal Columbia River Power System Biological Opinion (FCRPS BiOp), Endangered Species Act (ESA) recovery plans. As a fisheries co-manager, the Nez Perce Tribe collects and utilizes RME data to inform a variety of management decisions (CSMEP 2008). It is our desire to establish and maintain sufficient data to support sound decision making in multiple forums.

Quantifying abundance, survival, distribution, and diversity (VSP) of all populations is desired by fisheries managers, however is not scientifically needed or financially possible to robustly quantify all VSP performance measures in all populations. Pre-establishment of a subset of populations for intensive status monitoring and hatchery effectiveness determination, while identifying other areas for trend/index monitoring is prudent for efficient assessment and allocation of limited resources. Despite multiple recommendations for increased and improved monitoring (ISAB/ISRP 2009-1, ISRP 2008-4, ISRP/ISAB 2005-15, NPCC 2009, Botkin et al. 2000), a commonly accepted description of what type, location, and replication of RME that is needed in the Columbia River basin has been lacking until just recently (see description of Coordinated Anadromous Workshop later in proposal).


NOAA Fisheries FCRPS BiOp by extending the operating period of the Lostine River weir to cover steelhead return period. Within the Coordinated Anadromous Workshop process the Nez Perce Tribe expressed ability to conduct this additional trapping effort only if the degrading weir was replaced. Construction of a new weir, proposed as part of NEOH, is now proceeding and expected to be completed in late 2010. As such, operation period of the Lostine Weir in 2011 will commence in mid-February. Weir operations will target a census count and collection of biological data (size, sex, origin) of steelhead across their entire run-period. In additional trapped fish will be marked in manner to enable mark-recapture estimation of abundance in the case the weir is not 100% efficient. Downstream moving kelts encountered at the weir will serve as recaptures.

To date this project has contributed to the release of 1,871,355 ESA listed juvenile spring Chinook salmon.

Juvenile releases have resulted in the 6,324 adult salmon returning to the Lostine River. Obtained short term annual escapement goal of 250 adults (2000-2008) Managed adult returns based on sliding scale management tool. Captive broodstock program being phased out Determined current facilities - Lookingglass Fish Hatchery, adult facility and acclimation

facility inadequate for program needs Harvest has occurred in limited numbers (2005-2008) – first time in 30 years in Wallowa

Basin

Study Site The Lostine River is located within the Grande Ronde Subbasin in northeast Oregon (Figure 1). The river is a major tributary to the Wallowa River. The Lostine watershed encompasses an area of 70.9 sq. miles and is approximately 30 miles long (USGS, 1998). The upper section of the river is within national forest and is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River (Palmer, 1993). Mean annual flow is 200 cfs. Peak flows occur in late spring and early summer and average 800 cfs. Low flows occur in August and September and correspond to the latter part of the dry season. Average low flow is 50 cfs. Water quality in the Lostine River is considered good to excellent; however, the lower portion of the Lostine River is presently on the 303(d) list because of stream flow, habitat channelization and sediment impacts (GRESP 1998). In addition to the Lostine River and other Wallowa River tributaries, the Lostine River M&E project conducts spawning ground surveys in the Minam and Wenaha rivers. Both the Minam and Wenaha Rivers are non-supplemented streams referred to in the NEOH M&E Plan (Hesse et al. 2006).

Statement of Problem

Problem 1) Reduced Productivity and Low Abundance of Chinook SalmonPrior to the 1900s, returning adult Chinook salmon were estimated to number more than 1.5 million in the Snake River Basin (NMFS 1995). However, numerous stock assessments and review literature have documented the contemporary demise of these Snake River populations (Horner and Bjornn 1979; Howell et al. 1985; Nehlsen et al. 1991). In recognition of this decline, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS 1992) listed Snake River spring and summer


Figure 1. Map of the Lostine River and areas of operation of the Lostine River component of the Grande Ronde Endemic Spring Chinook Supplementation Project.


Chinook as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1992. Spring Chinook populations in the Lostine River also experienced drastic declines in recent decades (Figure 2) (Ashe et al. 2000). This stock faced a high demographic risk of extirpation at low escapement levels prior to 1999 (Mundy 1999); in 2005 only 11 redds were observed in the Lostine River. This decline is described in the Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan (Norwak et al. 2004) which contains the most recent status assessment of the population.

Some of this reduced productivity was anticipated as the result of constructing and operating four hydroelectric dams on the Lower Snake River. To compensate for an anticipated 48% reduction in survival of juveniles through the hydrosystem, the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) hatchery program was implemented in the 1980s as mitigation.

In 1994, fisheries co-managers, ODFW, NPT, CTUIR, and USFWS implemented the Grande Ronde Basin Endemic Spring Chinook Supplementation Program in the Lostine River, Catherine Creek and the upper Grande Ronde River. The goal of this program is to prevent extinction of spring Chinook in the three tributaries, provide a future basis to reverse the decline in stock abundance, and ensure a high probability of population persistence. The GRESP proposes to increase the survival of spring Chinook salmon in the Grande Ronde River by increasing egg to smolt survival through hatchery incubation and rearing (80% survival as compared to 12% survival for wild/natural). An increase in adult returns and natural spawners would likewise increase the number of natural-origin offspring. Artificial propagation under this program utilizes conventional and captive brood stock sources and is implemented as an integrated mitigation/recovery program.

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Figure 2. Redd counts (solid line) in the Lostine River prior to returns of adult hatchery Chinook salmon (1986 to 2000). The dotted line represents the linear trend from 1986 to 2000.


Problem 2) Uncertain Effectiveness of Supplementation Management ActionsIn addition to the potential benefits, the co-managers acknowledge that supplementation programs also have potential risks associated with them (Cuenco et al. 1993, Waples et al. 1993, RIST 2009). The use of artificial production to increase diminished stocks of anadromous salmon through supplementation is a controversial practice that may alter the life history traits, such as age at return (VØllestad et al. 2004), Scheurell et al. 2005) and fitness of populations (Chilcote et al. 1986, Kostow et al. 2003, Tipping and Busack 2004, and VØllestad et al. 2004). A comprehensive monitoring and evaluation program to assess effectiveness and provideinformation to manage associated risks of the supplementation program is an integral part of the GRESP. The Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for Northeast Oregon Hatchery (NEOH M&E Plan), which this proposal is consistent with and partially implements, (Hesse et al. 2006) was reviewed by the ISRP as part of the step 2 review of the Northeast Oregon Hatchery project. The ISRP commented that the M&E plan was an excellent working draft for the NEOH Imnaha and Grande Ronde subbasin spring Chinook salmon program (ISRP 2004 document 2004-10).

In a report assessing monitoring and evaluation of supplementation projects (ISRP/ISAB 2005) the ISRP/ISAB outline monitoring and evaluation needs to address potential risks, or critical uncertainties, regarding the use of supplementation. An Ad Hoc Supplementation Work Group (AHSWG; Beasley et al 2008) convened in response to ISRP/ISAB 2005 recommendations developed on the ground project recommendations that included implementation of supplementation effectiveness monitoring in the Lostine River consistent with that described in the NEOH M&E,plan and currently conducted by this proposal. Both groups stress the need for standardized performance measures and the establishment of reference streams to enable experimental evaluation of supplementation success (i.e. compare spawner abundance, female replacement rate of natural fish to supplementation fish).

NOAA Fisheries determined in its’ evaluation of effects of artificial propagation on the status and likelihood of extinction of west coast salmon and steelhead populations that the Grande Ronde Supplementation Program has contributed to the increases in abundance of returning adults and natural spawners (NOAA Fisheries 2004). NOAA also found “that the Grande Ronde Captive Broodstock programs likely have prevented the extirpation of the local natural populations and are now providing a level of preservation of the local stock.” NOAA concluded that the artificial production program in the Grande Ronde “provides a beneficial effect to the basin’s abundance, spatial structure and diversity. The program provides a neutral or uncertain effect to the subbasin’s productivity.”

In the 2008 FCRPS Biological Opinion Hatchery Effects Appendix (NOAA Fisheries 2008), NOAA Fisheries identified the Lostine Supplementation program as a recovery program with a “beneficial effect to viability” which, “slows the trend toward extinction and preserves genetic resources and boosts the number of natural spawners until factors limiting survival are addressed.”

The benefits of the artificial propagation program, however, do not alter the ESA risk assessment: The Snake River spring/summer Chinook ESU (including the Grande Ronde) is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future (NOAA Fisheries 2004). NOAA


determined that there are serious in-basin and out-of-basin non-hatchery issues that continue to impact the subbasin and the spring Chinook salmon population.

Problem 3) Lack of Steelhead Status and Trend DataPopulation scale abundance and productivity estimates with known accuracy and precision do not exist for most Snake River steelhead populations. There is no wild origin adult age structure data at the MPG or population scale. In addition, the number and distribution of hatchery origin fish spawning in streams is unknown at the MPG or population scales. Although the Lostine River represents only a single spawning aggregate within the Wallowa River population, it does represent an opportunity to efficiently obtain abundance, productivity, life history, and hatchery composition data.

C. Rationale and significance to regional programs

The Grande Ronde Endemic Spring Chinook Supplementation Program is based on recommendations of an Independent Scientific Panel (Currens et al. 1996) which was convened under the U.S. v. Oregon dispute resolution process to review the Grande Ronde spring Chinook status and hatchery program and make recommendations on the most appropriate course of action. Additionally, this program has undergone intense scrutiny and review through the NMFS ESA Section 10 Application process and an Independent Scientific Review through the NPPC 3-Step Process.

The facilities and activities associated with the GRESP have been authorized under ESA Section 10 and Section 7 Permits and Biological Opinions. These permits include the following (agency and year issued): ESA Section 10 Permit No. 973, Permit No. 1011 (ODFW 1996), Modification of Permit No. 1011 and Permit No. 1164, FWS Section 7 Biological Opinion 501.1100,1-4-98-F4 (bull trout), ESA Section 10 Applications: (ODFW 1998, BIA 1998), and NMFS Section 10 Biological Opinion (1998), Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans (ODFW 2003, NPT 2003), and Lower Snake River Compensation Plan Biological Assessment (USFWS 2003).

Production occurring under the GRESP is authorized under the USFWS Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) Program. LSRCP currently provides the facilities, equipment, and personnel to assist production, evaluations, and fish health monitoring of juveniles produced for release in the acclimation facilities funded by this project. NPT is primarily responsible for operating supplementation facilities (adult collection and holding and juvenile acclimation and release) on the Lostine River, while the CTUIR is responsible for operating supplementation facilities on the upper Grande Ronde River and Catherine Creek. ODFW is responsible, in coordination with the Tribes, NOAA, and USFWS for production and activities occurring at Lookingglass SFH, Irrigon SFH, Bonneville SFH, and Manchester Research Station

The goals and objectives of this monitoring and evaluation proposal are consistent with and/or recommended by the Federal Columbia River Power System Biological Opinion (2008), 2005-2007 Implementation Plan for the Updated Proposed Action (USACE et al. 2005, Coordinated Anadromous Workshop, Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program (NPPC 2009),


Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan (Watershed Professionals Network 2004), and Wy-Kan-Ush-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit (CRITFC 1995).

Relationship to Federal Columbia River Power System Updated Proposed Action, Implementation Plan, and Biological Opinion

The Lostine Supplementation project was called for in previous and current FCRPS Biological Opinions. The following list provides references for the previous determinations:

2000 FCRPS Biological Opinion (NMFS 2000)RPA #177 (Safety Net Projects); The Final Updated Proposed Action (USACE et al. 2004): “BPA will continue to fund

safety-net programs for this ESU, including the captive broodstock programs for the …Grande Ronde River (Upper Grande Ronde, Catherine Creek, and Lostine River populations) …as long as NOAA Fisheries determines these programs to be an essential and effective contribution to reducing the risk of extinction for this ESU [Snake River].”

The 2005-2007 Implementation Plan (USACE et al. 2005): the Action Agencies will “continue captive brood program for Upper Grande Ronde River, Catherine Creek, and Lostine River spring Chinook salmon populations” … “safety-net programs as long as they continue to be biologically effective and necessary to reduce extinction risk.”

In the current FCRPS Biological Opinion (NOAA Fisheries 2008) the Lostine Supplementation project is identified under Hatchery Strategy #2 - Reasonable and Prudent Alternative #42: “For the Lostine and Imnaha rivers, contingent upon a NOAA approved HGMP, fund these hatchery programs including capital construction, operation and monitoring and evaluation costs to implement supplementation programs using local broodstock and following a sliding scale for managing the composition of natural spawners comprised of hatchery origin fish.”

Monitoring and evaluating aspects of this proposal are required under the FCRPS BiOp RPAs 50.6, 62.5, 64.2, and 71.4. These RPA related activities support RM&E strategy 1 – Monitoring the status of selected fish populations related to the FRCPS actions, and strategy 6 – Hatchery Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation.

Relationship to Regional RM&E Collaboration StrategiesColumbia Basin natural resource managers, funding agencies, and regulatory entities worked together in 2009 to produced a coordinated anadromous monitoring strategy that establishes the scope, spatial coverage and desired precision for monitoring and evaluating population status and trends, hatchery, habitat, hydro, diversity, and data management and access of anadromous salmonids in the Columbia Basin (Coordinated Anadromous Workshop 2010 a-c3).

3 These tables were compiled to provide the implementation strategies guiding the development of a regional Columbia Basin coordinated anadromous monitoring strategy for salmon and steelhead focused on Viable Salmonid Population parameters, tributary habitat effectiveness and hatchery effectiveness in the Columbia Basin. The November 2009 draft of the document describing this coordinated anadromous monitoring strategy is entitled "Columbia River Basin Monitoring Framework" and is available in the subfolder 'Anadromous Monitoring Strategy 2009/November 2009-Workshop' located at www.nwcouncil.org/dropbox. The Snake Basin specific strategies are summarized in this proposal for reviewer convenience (see attachment 2).


http://www.nwcouncil.org/dropbox

This proposal contains two major additions: 1) extended operation of the weir for estimating steelhead abundance in the Lostine River, and 2) integration of NPT’s captive broodstock program (BPA project 200740400) to evaluate returning adult F1 Chinook salmon. Extended operation of the weir for estimating steelhead abundance was a recommendation made by the CBFWA Anadromous Monitoring Strategy for identifying critical gaps in knowledge for steelhead management. Although not part of this proposal, construction of a new weir is essential for extended operation of the weir for estimating steelhead abundance. Weir construction is currently proceeding under the Northeast Oregon Hatchery (NEOH) project (198805301), with construction anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2010. We have proposed to initiate weir operations in March to cover adult steelhead migration and continue weir operation through the end of the Chinook salmon migration in September (increased cost of $26,441). The CBFWA Anadromous Monitoring Strategy also recommended maintaining the Grande Ronde Supplementation M&E project and integrating the NPT portion of Captive Broodstock evaluations (200740400) with Lostine M&E as a way of saving $35,000 (staffing efficiencies). The CBFWA Anadromous Monitoring Strategy documents that make these recommendations can be found at http://www.cbfwa.org/ams/FinalDocs.cfm.

Relationship to the Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife ProgramOperation and maintenance of adult and juvenile facilities under this program support the 2009 Fish and Wildlife Programs basin level biological objectives to restore health reproducing populations of salmon and steelhead, and increasing total escapement (NPCC 2009). Monitoring and evaluation for this program addresses uncertainties in hatcheries, and tributary habitat status and trend monitoring as stated in the Council’s 2006 Columbia River Basin Research Plan (NPCC 2006). In the previous 2000 Fish and Wildlife Program (FWP), artificial production strategies were to be implemented within an experimental, adaptive management approach and monitoring and evaluation were to be used to resolve key program uncertainties. The proposed objectives of the project relate specifically to Section 4 “Artificial Production Strategies” and to Section 9 “Research, Monitoring and Evaluation”. Finally, proposals must also plan for the dissemination of collected data, proven technology and project results (NPPC 2000). Therefore, supplementation technology as described in this proposal falls within the conceptual framework and strategy established in the FWP.

Relationship to the Grande Ronde Subbasin PlanThe Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan Supplement (GRSPS) calls for the use of artificial production as a solution to subbasin Problem 2 which acknowledges that out-of-subbasin limiting factors limit population size (Watershed Professionals Network 2004). The Plan recommends the use of strategic artificial propagation to achieve goals of spring/summer Chinook salmon of 5,000 to 16,000 adults returning to the Grande Ronde Subbasin with a natural spawning component of 5,000 to 12,400 fish (Table 5-3, p. 35). The goals of the O&M program address objective 2B in Table 5-1 of Grande Ronde supplement (page 31) through artificial production.

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) component of this program is designed to provide information to adaptively manage the production of Lostine River Chinook salmon and avoid the potential negative impacts to the life history of natural Chinook salmon. M&E goals address Objective 1A by determining if escapement objectives have been met using key performance


http://www.cbfwa.org/ams/FinalDocs.cfm

measures as defined in the Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan. M&E goals also address objective 2A by monitoring adult returns of natural Chinook salmon and collecting genetic samples for Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan monitoring and evaluation Objective 2b.

This project accomplishes priority work under the subbasin plan because it produces ESA listed spring Chinook salmon directly aimed at achieving goals identified in Table 5-3 (Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan Supplement, p. 35). The prioritization framework presented in section 5.2.5 of the Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan Supplement aquatic strategies refers to the biological objectives presented in Table 5-1 on page 31. Two problems addressing limiting factors for anadromous fish populations are addressed; out of subbasin factors and small population size of anadromous and resident species. The subbasin plan adopted components of the NEOH M&E Plan (Hesse et al. 2006) in section 5.5 (page 269) of the May 28, 2004 Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan and uses key performance measures to monitor and evaluate limiting factors.

Relationship to NPCC guidance on monitoring and evaluationThe monitoring and evaluation activities performed by this project are consistent with recommendations in the 2005 Retrospective Report 1997-2005 (ISRP 2005-14) that performance standards be established and monitored for each project for natural-origin and hatchery-origin adult abundance and per capita production rates and that all supplementation projects are conducted with explicit experimental designs. This project implements and provides specific performance measures for the NEOH M&E study design (Hesse et al. 2006) that received high marks by the Independent Scientific Review Panel (ISRP 2004-10). The performance measures evaluated in this project are similar or identical to the performance measures described by the AHSWG and RIST.

D. Relationships to other projects

The GRESP is a cooperative project between NPT, ODFW, CTUIR, and USFWS composed of several different BPA contracts with each participating entity. Funding for development of new facilities in the Grande Ronde subbasin to implement the

GRESP are through: 198805301 - Northeast Oregon Hatchery (NPT). The Northeast Oregon Hatchery project completed the Three Step Review process in May 2006 when the Northwest Power and Conservation Council recommended to Bonneville Power Administration that they proceed with construction of the proposed facilities. A decision by BPA to begin construction has been pending since 2006. Construction of the Lostine River weir may begin in 2010.

Funding for operation and maintenance of Grande Ronde subbasin adult collection and juvenile acclimate and release facilities are through: 199800702 (this proposal) – Grande Ronde Supplementation (NPT) and 199800703 – Grande Ronde Supplementation (CTUIR).

Funding for operation and maintenance of the captive broodstock F1 production is through 200704004 - Grande Ronde Captive Broodstock O&M, M&E, Fish Health Monitoring (ODFW).

Funding for monitoring and evaluation of F1 captive broodstock juvenile and F1 conventional progeny through GRESP: 200704004 - Captive Broodstock Artificial Propagation (NPT), 199202604 - Early Life History of Spring Chinook Salmon in the Grande Ronde Basin (ODFW), 199800702 (this proposal), 199800703, and 199801001. Monitoring and


evaluation support that directly affects the project’s success for conducting spawning ground surveys to evaluate adult returns is provide by the following USFWS contract: 0002644 – Lower Snake River Compensation Plan implemented by LSRCP cooperators NPT and ODFW.

Integration of the NPT portion of 200704004 within this proposal allows for an evaluation of the performance of captive broodstock F1 juveniles and adult returns as compared to the conventional broodstock strategy for a cost savings of $35,000.

The Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) directly contributes to the success of the GRESP by providing the facilities, equipment, and personnel to facilitate production, evaluations, and fish health monitoring. Additionally, an online database funded by LSRCP supports data sharing with co-managers (http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/hdmsdownload/defaultpage.aspx). Other monitoring and evaluation projects funded under the Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program that will complement the Lostine plan are the: Smolt Monitoring by Non-Federal Entities (198712700) and Life History of Spring Chinook Salmon and Steelhead (199202604). These two projects provide natural smolt emigration information that is used to compare natural and hatchery smolt performance. Project198909600 - Monitor and Evaluate Genetic Characteristics of Supplemented Salmon and Steelhead (NOAA) will provide the genetic analysis of Lostine origin fish including relative reproductive success (parentage analysis). Spawning ground surveys are conducted under the LSRCP by NPT and ODFW under USFWS contract 0002644. Project 199703800 - Listed Stock Gamete Preservation (NPT) maintains a repository of cryopreserved male gametes specifically from the Lostine Chinook population.

Funding for anadromous fisheries harvest will be accomplished through the Nez Perce Harvest Monitoring Project (BPA 200206000). The primary focal species of the project are Snake River spring/summer/ fall Chinook salmon ESA, and steelhead ESU to implement on the ground harvest monitoring in the Clearwater Subbasin, Salmon Subbasin, Imnaha Subbasin, Grande Ronde Subbasin, Tucannon Subbasin, and Columbia River Zone 6. Quantification of harvest is essential for tributary run reconstruction and evaluation of the effectiveness of supplementation.

The NPT recognizes the necessary connection between supplementation as a recovery tool and habitat. Habitat condition is a major limiting factor influencing salmon abundance in the Grande Ronde Basin. It is the current limitation of habitat that necessitates supplementation. Habitat improvement projects identified in the 2008 FCRPS BiOP and ESA recovery planning processes that will enhance survival of Lostine hatchery fish and benefit from monitoring under this proposal are: 199608300 - Grande Ronde Subbasin Watershed Restoration (CTUIR), 199402700 – Grande Ronde Model Watershed Habitat Projects (GRMWP), 1992-026-01- Mahagony Creek Culvert Replacement (NPT), 2007-393-00- Protect and Restore Northeast Oregon (NPT), 1992-026-01 – Wallowa River Tamkaliks Channel Design (NPT), , and 198402500 - Grande Ronde Habitat Enhancement (ODFW).

E. Project history

This project has been ongoing for 13 years. The NPT O&M portion of this project that developed planning and design documents for adult trapping and juvenile acclimation facilities


http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/hdmsdownload/defaultpage.aspx

was funded under the NEOH Master Plan (BPA project 198805301) until 1998. However, planning for the hatchery production of Chinook salmon for the Lostine River officially began in 1994 with the Grande Ronde Basin Endemic Spring Chinook Supplementation Program (GRESP) which is a cooperative project between the Nez Perce Tribe (NPT), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Confederated Tribes of the Umatila Indian Reservation (CTUIR), and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). GRESP was intended as conservation measure in response to severely declining runs of Chinook salmon in the Grande Ronde Subbasin. Operation of the adult trapping facility in 1997 began under BPA project 198805301. An M&E component was added to the project in 1998. The project was then named “Grande Ronde Supplementation: Lostine River O&M/M&E” and was assigned BPA project 199800702. Monitoring and evaluation of Lostine River Captive Broodstock F1 juveniles and returning adults, currently occurring under BPA project 200740400 (formerly BPA project # 1998-010-06), will be accomplished under the Lostine River M&E program beginning in 2011 after the last of the Lostine River captive broodstock adults held at Bonneville Hatchery are spawned in 2010 with the completion of the Lostine River Captive Broodstock program.

Planning, Design, Construction, Scientific Review, PermittingIn 1997, preliminary planning and design and environmental assessment (NEPA) documents and land acquisition agreements were completed for the adult trapping/holding and juvenile acclimation/release facilities. In 1998, planning, design and the NEPA process for the collection and release facilities were completed. The project was then evaluated by an Independent Science Review through the Northwest Power Planning Council’s 3-Step Review Process. The NPPC approved funding for the construction of the facilities in June. Construction of the Lostine Acclimation Facility began in December, 1998 and was completed in February 1999, one week prior to delivery of Lostine Chinook smolts from Lookingglass Hatchery. A comprehensive management plan was developed by the NPT, ODFW, and CTUIR for the Grande Ronde Spring Chinook Supplementation Program (including the Lostine River) which integrated conventional and captive broodstock production in 2001 (Zimmerman et al. 2002).

Cost and AchievementsTotal project costs for the program under budget 199800702 have ranged from $312,373 in 1998 to $698,215 in 2009 (Table 1). Major project accomplishments have been the installation and operation of the Lostine River weir in 1997, completion of the NEPA process for construction of juvenile acclimation facility in 1998, construction and operation of the juvenile acclimation facility in 1999, replacement of the existing picket weir with a panel weir in 2001, completion of the Northwest Power Planning Council’s 3-step review process for construction of a hatchery in 2006, and repair of the existing panel weir in 2009. BPA project 198805301 officially completed the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for Northeast Oregon Hatchery Imnaha and Grande Ronde Subbasin Spring Chinook Salmon (NEOH M&E Plan) in 2006 and it was incorporated into the Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan. M&E for BPA project 199800702 implements the NEOH M&E Plan for Wallowa/Lostine River Chinook salmon. The project has acclimated and released a total of 1,871,355 hatchery Chinook salmon smolts from 1999 to 2009. A total of 1,148,746 of those smolts were produced by the Lostine River O&M project. Hatchery smolt releases are estimated to account for an escapement of 6,324 adult Chinook salmon from 2000 to 2009.


http://www.nezperce.org/~dfrm/Research/index.html


The program has achieved its short term and mid term goal listed in Section F of the FY 2007 proposal narrative. The short term goal, and the desired result of GRESP in the Lostine River, was to prevent extirpation by reverse the decline of Lostine River Chinook salmon. The mid-term goal was the restoration of a fishery. The mid term goal is also one of the objectives of the NEOH M&E plan. The restoration of a fishery was realized with a tribal ceremonial harvest in 2001 and 2005, and then restoration of both a tribal and sports harvest in 2008 (Figure 3).

Adaptive Management Actions to Date Single acclimation period to double shift acclimation. Delayed date of first release and shortened acclimation of second group Change in weir type in 2001 and repair in 2009. Weir management pass:keep determined by sliding scale management tool – adult

outplants to underseeded habitat. Phasing out of captive broodstock production program. Number of conventional broodstock collected varied annually to account for fluctuating

captive broodstock production and meet total production goal. Fry and parr outplants during captive-conventional transition. Development of harvest sliding scale and Tribal Resource Management Plan.

Adaptive Management Actions Under Consideration Northeast Oregon Hatchery construction of Lostine River Hatchery, new Lostine River

weir and Imnaha River weir update. Long term flow management plan/agreement for Lostine River – Oregon Water Trust,

private landowners and irrigators. Fish passage and habitat improvements. Flow needs and benefits - telemetry study. Consultation and Biological Opinion on Tribal Resource Management Plan - Harvest

sliding scale. Incorporation of broodstock management sliding scale and harvest sliding scale in

Recovery Plan. Options to adjust age-at-return for hatchery origin fish more similar to natural origin fish. Fall release of juvenile production to match natural origin fish emigration. Smolt releases into underseeded habitat in Wallowa/Lostine population (Bear Creek,

Wallowa River).


Table 1. Major accomplishments for the Lostine River O&M/M&E program from 1997 to 2009 shown with appropriated funding and completed annual progress reports, technical papers, and related journal articles.

Fiscal Year

Project Funding Major Accomplishments

Annual Reports, Technical Papers,

Journal Articles1997 NA Acquisition of Land Lease, Installation of the Weir1998 $312,373 NEPA Completed1999 $327,125 Juvenile Acclimation Facility Completed,

First Conventional O&M Smolt Release2000 $384,819 NEOH Master Plan Completed, First Captive Broodstock F1

Smolt ReleaseAshe et al. 2000Harbeck and Onjukka 2001

2001 $525,663 Picket Weir Replaced with Panel Weir,First Tribal Ceremonial Harvest

Harbeck and Onjukka 2002

2002 $509,608 Harbeck and Onjukka 20032003 $556,409 Acclimated Volitional Releases Double

as Smolts Released Approaches 250KZollman et al. 2004

2004 $516,387 Zollman et al. 2009a2005 $581,215 Zollman et al. 2009b2006 $581,215 NWPPC 3 Step Review Process Completed

NEOH M&E Plan Completed,Cleary et al. 2006,Cleary 2006Zollman et al. 2009c

2007 $581,215 Cleary 2007Narum et al. 2007Zollman et al. 2009d

2008 $581,215 First Tribal Subsistence and Sport Harvest Cleary 20082009 $698,215 Panel Weir is Replaced, Weir site office & small shop building

constructed. Concrete pad installed for data collection work area,First NPTH Supplementation Symposium

Monzyk et al. 2009

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Figure 3. The number of Wallowa/Lostine River spring/summer Chinook salmon harvested in the Lostine and Wallowa rivers from 2001 to 2009.


Biological ResultsPast presentation of results for the Lostine River O&M/M&E project in annual reports and presentations such as the Nez Perce Tribe’s Symposium on Supplementation (January 2009) has included a summary of results and an in-depth analysis demonstrating whether or not the project was achieving its goals. The Lostine River O&M goals were originally stated in the NEOH Master Plan (Ashe et al 2000) and the original concept behind the M&E portion of this project was to evaluate whether or not these goals were accomplished. As planning for a hatchery in Northeast Oregon progressed the original goals were restated as management assumptions in the NEOH M&E Plan with objectives that could be tested by quantifiable means. It’s felt that little can be done to improve upon the NEOH M&E plan and Lostine River M&E seeks to evaluate O&M production goals using the objectives, performance measures, and associated hypotheses of the NEOH M&E Plan to the extent that the current scope of work and funding allows. Table 4 lists the short, mid, and long term goals and objectives of the Lostine River O&M project and how the O&M objectives relate to the NEOH M&E Plan objectives. Table 5 provides an assessment of how well the program is meeting management assumptions. Assessments updated every five years in accordance with the 5 year summary reports.

Table 4. The Nez Perce Tribe developed goals and objectives for the Lostine River spring Chinook population in the NEOH Master Plan (Ashe et al. 2000) with the related objectives from the NEOH M&E plan (Hesse et al. 2006).Goal NEOH Master Plan Objectives NEOH M&E

Plan ObjectiveShort -term: Prevent extirpation.

1 - Maintain an annual escapement of Chinook salmon from natural and artificial production of no less than 250 adults in the Lostine River.2 - Maintain genetic attributes and life history characteristics of the naturally spawning Chinook aggregate.

7C

3A, 3B, 3C

Mid-term: Restore natural population of Lostine spring Chinook salmon above ESA delisting levels and provide an annual sport and tribal harvest.

1 - Achieve an annual escapement of 500 adults in the Lostine River from natural production.2 - Maintain genetic attributes and life history characteristics of the naturally spawning Chinook aggregate.3 - Provide tribal and sport harvest opportunity consistent with recovery efforts.

7C

3A, 3B, 3C

5A, 5B

Long-term: Restore Grande Ronde spring Chinook salmon escapement and harvest to historic levels.

1 - Utilize artificial production to provide benefits expected from the LSRCP of 1,625 spring Chinook adults returning from the Lostine River program annually.2 - Maintain natural self-sustaining population of 1,716 in the Lostine River.3 - Maintain genetic attributes and life history characteristics of the naturally spawning Chinook aggregate.4 - Provide harvest of naturally and artificially produced adult additional to natural spawning, nutrient enhancement, and hatchery broodstock goals.

6A, 6B, 6C

1A, 1B, 1C,1D, 1E

3A, 3B, 3C

7C, 5A, 5B


Table 5. Management assumption assessment for Grande Ronde Endemic Spring Chinook (Lostine River) program. Green indicates management assumptions assessed to be valid. Yellow identifies management assumptions with limited data precluding assessment or inconclusive results to date. Red indicates results to date are inconsistent with management assumption. Yellow and red management assumptions are areas for adaptive management consideration.

Management Assumption Validity AssessmentWe can meet broodstock collection goals. Broodstock take ranged from 0 to 33 fish from 1997 to 2000, and from 45 to 137 fish

from 2001 to 2009, and was within the guidelines of the sliding scale. The current sliding scale limits the retention of natural fish from 0% to 50% when natural escapement is less than 150 adult returns, and 25% to 40% when natural escapement ranges from 150 to >1000 adult returns.

Juvenile production (release numbers and size at release) will match release targets.

Smolt releases from brood years 2001 to 2007 have ranged from 164,779 to 250,251 smolts and averaged 226,060 smolts (90% of the goal) at 22 fish per pound.

Hatchery-origin adult returns meet or exceed master plan expectations.

The short and mid-term objectives of the master plan were to prevent extirpation and provide a harvest and assumed a smolt-to-adult return rate of 0.1% for hatchery origin fish. Both the short and mid-term objectives have been met and the smolt –to-adult return rate for hatchery origin fish has averaged 0.8%. However, natural escapement and productivity has not increased sufficiently to create a self-sustaining population.

Facilities are adequate to meet production, monitoring, and evaluation functions.

Juvenile facilities are not able to acclimate the entire goal of 250,000 smolts as a single acclimated volitional release group. Further, the lease agreement for the private property on which the facility is located expires in 2013. It is likely a new site will have to be developed if construction of the new Lostine River Hatchery (NEOH) doesn’t begin by 2011. The temporary adult collection facility is only operated during brief periods of high flow during the spring to prevent damage to the structure. In addition, constraints at Lookingglass Hatchery (identified in detail in the NEOH Master Plan) are a continued concern. Construction of the new Lostine River Hatchery will provide for full life cycle rearing (adult holding, spawning, incubation, rearing and release) for Lostine River spring Chinook in the Lostine River basin. A decision to construct the hatchery is still pending by Bonneville Power Administration.

We can describe annual (and 10-year geometric mean) abundance of natural and hatchery origin adults relative to management thresholds and goals within prescribed precision targets.

Annual abundance estimates with 95% confidence limits have been described relative to management goals (Figure 6) with an eight year geometric mean of 359 natural adult returns.

Hatchery and natural-origin adult returns can be adequately forecasted to guide harvest opportunities, broodstock collection and weir management.

The correlation between estimated escapement and predicted returns was poor (R2=10.6%), but the average difference was less than 250 fish and the overall forecast of hatchery and natural origin adult returns met the expectations of the pre-season predictions.

Hatchery and natural-origin adult returns are produced at a level of abundance adequate to support fisheries in most years with an acceptable level of impact to natural-spawner escapement.

Adult returns of hatchery Chinook have been sufficient to allow for a tribal harvest since 2005 and a sports harvest since 2008, but the impact to natural-spawner abundance has been greater than anticipated because hatchery origin smolt-to-adult returns have been greater than planned and natural origin progeny-per-parent ratios were below 1.0 for brood years 2000 to 2004.

Life stage-specific survival is similar between hatchery and natural-origin population components.

Despite hatchery smolt to adult returns being higher than planned, they were less than half the rate of natural origin fish from brood years 1998 to 2004. Survival of hatchery smolts from release to Lower Granite Dam was less than natural origin fish in four out of six years from 1999 to 2006 (P <0.05).

Progeny-to-parent ratios for hatchery produced fish significantly exceeds those of natural origin fish.

Progeny to parent ratios for hatchery origin fish have been 8 to 50 times higher than natural progeny to parent ratios.

Natural reproductive success of hatchery-origin fish must be similar to that of natural-origin fish.

Data is insufficient to make a determination.

Juvenile life history characteristics remain similar to those of natural origin fish

Juvenile hatchery origin fish have significantly larger fork lengths than juvenile natural origin fish.

Adult life history characteristics remain similar to those of natural origin fish.

There were no significant differences in the fork lengths of known age 3 and 4 year old natural and hatchery origin fish. However, age 5 hatchery females were statistically smaller than age 5 natural females and a greater proportion of natural origin fish return at age 5 than hatchery origin fish (P < 0.05).

Adult spatial distribution of hatchery-origin spawners in nature is similar to that of natural-origin fish.

No significant differences are found in the distribution of natural and hatchery origin female carcasses in the Lostine River (P < 0.05).


Abundance, Survival, and Productivity Performance MeasuresThe projects abundance goals are to maintain annual escapement of at least 250 adults, with a mid-term goal of 500 natural adults while providing harvest opportunities. The long term goal is to maintain a natural self-sustaining population of 1,716 Chinook salmon in the Lostine River. Assessing whether or not these goals were met assumes that we can describe annual abundance of natural and hatchery origin adults relative to management thresholds within reasonable precision (±95% C.I.).

Redd counts provide an index of abundance and have been conducted in the Lostine River since 1950 but have only been standardized since 1986 (Figure 5). Redd counts from 1986 to 2009 in the Lostine River have ranged from 11 in 1995 to 293 in 2008 and shows a positive trend. Total escapement to the Lostine River has been estimated from 1997 to 2009 and has ranged from 100 Chinook salmon in 1999 to 3,288 Chinook salmon in 2009 (Figure 6) with hatchery Chinook salmon comprising more than 50% of the adult returns since 2004. There is a strong correlation (R2 = 94.7) between mark-recapture escapement estimates above weir and the number of redds above the weir (Figure 7). The strong correlation doesn’t necessarily validate the mark-recapture escapement estimates as much as it indicates that whatever error is present is within the escapement estimates is consistently correlated to whatever error is present in redd counts.

R² = 0.388

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Figure 5. Redd counts in the Lostine River from 1950 to 2009. Redd counts from 1950 to 1985 were not standardized.


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Figure 6. Total escapement of natural and hatchery origin Chinook salmon to the Lostine River from 1997 to 2009 with project goals.

R² = 0.9467

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Figure 7. The correlation between the number of redds counted above the Lostine River weir and estimated escapement above the Lostine River weir from 1997 to 2009.


The total estimated escapement in Figure 6 shows that the short-term objective of maintaining escapement of 250 natural and hatchery adult returns has been consistently achieved since 2000. The mid-term objective of achieving escapement of 500 natural adult returns has only recently been met in 2008 and 2009 but the eight year geometric mean of 359 for natural adult returns is still below 500 natural adult returns. And while escapement in 2008 and 2009 exceeded the long-term objective of 1,725 adult returns, less than half of the adult returns in both years were natural origin Chinook salmon. Since the stated long term objective is a natural self-sustaining population of 1,725 Chinook salmon in the Lostine River the long term objective has not been met.

Management of escapement depends on the ability to accurately forecast adult returns, efficiency of the weir to remove fish, and the ability to effectively harvest Chinook salmon deemed to be excess. A past comparison of predicted escapement and observed escapement showed a weak correlation between predicted and actual escapement (R2= 10.6%) and a tendency of the model to over-predict adult returns. If future escapement is to be managed effectively, a new run prediction model is needed.

NOAA Fisheries is currently evaluating the use of ocean condition indicators to predict adult returns of Coho and Chinook salmon. Variations of the NOAA model for natural and hatchery Chinook salmon were used to recreate run predictions from 2003 to 2007 (Table 6). Actual escapement explained 97.3% of the variation in the predicted escapement estimates. Future evaluation of this model will determine whether or not ocean condition indicators are useful for predicting adult returns of Chinook salmon to the Lostine River.

Table 6. A description of the linear multi-variant pre-season run projection models used to predict the escapement of returning natural and hatchery Chinook salmon for 2010.Origin Dependant Variable Independent VariablesNatural Age 3 Returns Brood Year Redds

Ocean Rank 1 Year Prior to Saltwater EntryOcean Rank During Saltwater Entry

Age 4 and 5 Returns Age 3 Returns 1 Year PriorOcean Rank During Saltwater EntryOcean Rank 1 Year After Saltwater Entry

Hatchery Age 3 Returns Hatchery Smolts Released 1 Year PriorOcean Rank 1 Year Prior to Saltwater EntryOcean Rank During Saltwater Entry

Age 4 and 5 Returns Age 3 Returns 1 Year PriorOcean Rank During Saltwater Entry

Ocean Rank 1 Year After Saltwater Entry


http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/divisions/fed/oeip/g-forecast.cfm

An efficient weir is essential for implementing any plan for managing escapement. Trap efficiency was estimated as the number of marked carcass recoveries divided by the total number of carcass recoveries above the weir. The efficiency of the Lostine River picket weir ranged from 10% to 17% from 1997 to 2000. The picket weir was replaced with a panel weir in 2001 and trap efficiencies from 2001 to 44% to 100%. It is possible to compare the estimated proportions of hatchery fish above the weir to the annual management goal. The annual management goal is a sliding scale based on pre-season run predictions of natural escapement of age 4 and 5 Chinook salmon to the Lostine River. The sliding scale decreases the proportion of hatchery fish passed above the weir as run predictions increase. Although run predictions do not always agree with post season estimates of natural escapement, the comparison of the desired management goal to estimates of what was actually achieved (based on estimated escapement) gives an accurate characterization of the projects ability to manage escapement in the Lostine River. The percent of hatchery Chinook salmon above the weir can be estimated from the percentage of hatchery Chinook salmon carcasses recovered above the weir, or by estimating natural escapement above the weir and estimating what proportion of the total (natural and hatchery) escapement above the weir is due to hatchery Chinook salmon.

The proportion of hatchery Chinook salmon carcasses above the weir exceeded the desired proportion of 50% to 60% from 2001 to 2009 (Figure 8). The proportion of hatchery escapement above the weir from 2001 to 2009 suggests that the desired proportion was only exceeded in

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Figure 8. Natural escapement above the Lostine River weir and the percent of hatchery escapement estimated from natural and hatchery escapement estimates above the weir, and by the percent of hatchery carcasses recovered above the weir, relative to the desired management goal for natural escapement.


2005, 2008, and 2009. Regardless of which estimate of the proportion of hatchery Chinook salmon is used the results suggest that weir management goals tend not to be met when there is a large abundance of hatchery Chinook salmon. Recent changes in weir operation protocols and pending construction of a new weir in 2010 should improve at ability to meet hatchery:natural composition targets.

One of the tools for managing escapement of hatchery Chinook salmon and goals of the program is harvest. Harvest occurred in the form of a non-selective tribal and selective sports harvest intermittently from 2001 to 2009, and in the form of distribution of hatchery Chinook salmon at the weir (Figure 9). Distribution is defined as removing a fish for use at a tribal or non-tribal food bank. Combined non-selective tribal and selective sport harvest rates of Lostine River Chinook salmon ranged from 1.2% to 16.6% of hatchery escapement (2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009). Distribution of hatchery Chinook salmon occurred at the weir in 2007 and 2009 and amounted to 23.5% and 58.7% of all hatchery escapement, respectively. In addition to harvest, 1.8 to 45.4% of all hatchery escapement was out-planted to Wallowa River tributaries from 2002 to 2005, and 2007 to 2009.

Hatchery escapement of Wallowa/Lostine spring/summer Chinook salmon has been accomplished through implemenation of the O&M objectives outlined in the previous proposal for FY 2007. The number of adults spawned from 1997 to 2009 has ranged from 0 (1998, 1999) to 137 (2006). The number of hatchery Chinook salmon juveniles acclimated and released by the program has ranged from 11,738 (1997) to 250,251 (2004) (Table 7). Occasionally, estimated fecundity has been higher than expected and the existing production facility, Lookingglass Hatchery, does not have additional rearing capacity for smolts. This limitation has resulted in 4,660 hatchery parr released into Bear Creek in 2002, 18,328 unfed hatchery fry

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Figure 9. The percent of hatchery escapement that was harvested (tribal or sport), removed and out-planted to another stream, or taken for distribution to a food bank from 1997 to 2009.


Table 7. The number of natural and hatchery adults spawned and the number of conventional and captive brood stock smolts released from 1997 to 2009.

BroodYear

Adult Brood Stock Acclimated SmoltsNatural Hatchery Conventional Captive

1997 8 0 11,738 NA1998 0 0 0 34,9771999 0 0 0 133,9822000 22 11 31,464 77,5512001 68 11 100,916 141,8602002 53 5 116,471 133,7802003 41 4 102,655 62,1242004 46 62 199,586 40,9822005 34 70 205,406 24,6042006 33 104 194,745 10,8222007 41 81 185,765 61,9272008 42 76 (acclimation scheduled for 2010)2009 47 73 (acclimation scheduled for 2011)

released into Prairie and Bear Creek and 64,124 hatchery parr released into the Lostine River in 2008, and 61,000 hatchery parr released into the Lostine River in 2009. All hatchery parr were marked with adipose fin clips. Unfed hatchery fry were not marked but few are expected to survive and return as adults.

Hatchery production goals assume that life stage specific survival is similar between hatchery and natural origin Chinook salmon. Survival of natural Chinook salmon juveniles from the Lostine River to Lower Granite Dam tended to be statistically higher (P < 0.05) than hatchery Chinook salmon four out of six years from 1999 to 2006 (Figure 10). Adjustments to release times in 2007 to 2009 are believed to have improved the survival of hatchery Chinook salmon juveniles from 2007 to 2009 by decreasing travel time (Cleary 2008, Monzyke et. al. 2009) and no significant differences between natural and hatchery Chinook salmon juvenile survival from the Lostine River to Lower Granite Dam have been observed. Smolt to adult return rates for natural Chinook salmon are double or more the smolt to adult return rates for hatchery Chinook salmon from brood years 1998 to 2004 (Figure 11). However, the planned smolt to adult return rate for hatchery Chinook salmon smolt releases was only 0.1% (Ashe et al. 2000). Smolt to adult returns of hatchery fish from the Lostine River O&M program from brood years 1997 to 2002 ranged from a low of 0.20% (2002) to a high of 1.97% (1997). Smolt to adult F1 returns from the captive broodstock program was comparable; ranging from 0.16% (1999) to 1.58% (1998). Expect for brood year 1997, smolt to adult return were higher for natural Chinook salmon than for hatchery Chinook salmon; ranging from 0.63% (2001) to 5.13% (1998). A natural smolt to adult return estimate was not possible for brood year 2002 because a natural abundance estimate was not obtained at the Lostine River screw trap in 2004. Hatchery Chinook salmon smolt to adult return rates from brood years 1997 to 2004 average 0.8%.


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Figure 10. The survival of natural and hatchery Chinook salmon from the Lostine River to Lower Granite Dam from 1999 to 2009. Asterisks above the comparison indicate significant differences in survival (P < 0.05).

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Figure 11. Smolt to adult return rates for natural and hatchery Chinook salmon from brood years 1997 to 2004. An estimate of juvenile abundance for natural Chinook salmon was not available for brood year 2002.


Initially, the Lostine River Acclimation Facility was able to accommodate single acclimated volitional smolt releases with smolts produced by both the O&M conventional program and the captive broodstock program. However, the acclimation facility could only accommodate 125,000 smolts. As production of smolts approached the program goal of 250,000 smolts acclimated, volitional releases had to be split into an early (mid March) and late (mid April) volitional release period. Monitoring and evaluation of this program has lead to modification of the acclimated volitional release strategy (adaptive management). Differences in survival to Lower Granite Dam (LGD) between the early and late acclimated volitional releases from 2003 to 2007 were first reported in 2007 and observed again in 2008 and 2009 (Figure 12). Early acclimated volitional releases were found to have longer travel times and lower rates of survival from release to LGD (Cleary et al 2007). A NEOH M&E Plan life history performance measure comparison of natural and hatchery juvenile arrival timing at LGD showed that the later acclimated volitional releases groups of hatchery Chinook salmon were more similar to natural Chinook salmon than the earlier releases groups. Since it was not possible to acclimate and volitionally release all smolts later in the year due to the capacity of the acclimation facility, the program adapted by shortening acclimation periods and delaying the acclimated volitional release by two weeks. Monitoring of juvenile survival to LGD also led to the development of a paper suggesting that some of the mortality observed between the Lostine River Acclimation Facility and LGD occurs in free flowing reaches of river (Monzyk et al 2009).

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Figure 12. Juvenile survival of natural Chinook salmon and hatchery Chinook salmon from early and late acclimated volitional releases from the Lostine River acclimation facility to Lower Granite Dam from 1999 to 2009.


Abundance and survival performance measures are ultimately reflected in the productivity of Chinook salmon. Management goals for production assume that productivity of supplemented populations is similar to productivity of populations that have not been supplemented. This management assumption can be evaluated by looking at natural juvenile production over time, recruits per spawner, redd count trends (pre and post supplementation), and progeny-per-parent ratios (adult-to-adult returns).

Estimates of juvenile tributary abundance have been provided by BPA Project 1992-026-04 (Yanke et al 2009). Juvenile tributary abundance is the sum of parr and smolt population estimates. However, not all parr survive to the smolt life stage and a separate estimate of natural smolt abundance is provided by Yanke et al. (2009) that takes into account overwintering mortality. Natural smolt abundance has oscillated from a low of 7,900 smolts during migration year 2000 to a high of 33,646 smolts in migration year 2005 and then back down to 16,720 smolts in 2008 (Figure 13). Since juvenile production relies on spawner abundance and survival juvenile recruits per spawner provides a standardized method to view productivity over time. The juvenile recruits per spawner used in Figure 14 are the number of estimated smolts surviving to Lower Granite Dam. Prior to returns of age 4 hatchery Chinook salmon females in brood year 2001 the number of recruits per spawner from 1997 to 2000 averaged 57. The number of recruits per spawner from brood year 2001 to 2006 averaged 25. This apparent decrease in productivity over time can also be seen in the progeny-per-parent ratios (adult to adult returns).

Progeny per parent ratios for age 4 to 5 natural and hatchery fish are shown in Figure 15 (assumed that age 3 Chinook salmon will not contribute significantly to egg production). Progeny per parent ratios decline for natural Chinook salmon from 3.6 in brood year 1999 to

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Figure 13. Natural juvenile abundance of fall and spring migrant juvenile Chinook salmon and the estimated number surviving to the smolt life stage.


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Figure 14. The number of juvenile recruits per spawner at Lower Granite Dam from brood year 1997 to 2006. No estimate of natural juvenile abundance was produced for brood year 2002.

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Figure 15. Natural and hatchery progeny per parent ratios (adult to adult returns) from brood years 1997 to 2004. Asterisks indicate ratios of less than 1.0. No conventional brood stock was collected in brood years 1998 and 1999 and captive broodstock rates are not comparable.


0.19 in brood year 2003. Natural progeny per parent ratios fell below 1.0 in brood year 2000 and remained below 1.0 to brood year 2004. Hatchery progeny per parent ratios have ranged from a low of 6.7 in brood year 2003 to a high of 40.2 in brood year 2000 and have been approximately eight to 50 times higher than natural progeny per parent ratios. The hatchery progeny per parent ratios represent the greater overall survival from the egg to smolt life stage in a hatchery setting.

Although natural progeny per parent ratios have decreased over time the greater egg to smolt survival of hatchery Chinook salmon in the hatchery has resulted in a greater abundance of Chinook salmon returning to the Lostine River. The greater abundance of Chinook salmon appears to have reversed the negative trend in redd counts from 1986 to 2000 with a positive trend in red counts from 2001 to 2009 (Figure 16). However, when redd count trends from 2001 to 2009 from the Lostine River are compared to the Minam River (an unsupplemented stream) there is no significant difference between the slopes of the two trend lines (ANOVA P = 0.136).

Assessment of Goals and Objectives Related to Abundance, Survival and ProductivityThe results from the abundance, survival, and productivity measures suggest that the short term goal of preventing extirpation and the mid term goal of providing a tribal and sport harvest were accomplished because the egg to smolt survival of hatchery Chinook salmon in a hatchery is much greater than in nature. Although the juvenile and smolt to adult survival rate of hatchery smolts was generally less than their natural counterparts the average hatchery smolt to adult return rate was higher than expected. The long term goal of restoring Lostine River Chinook salmon to historic levels (with a self sustaining population) will not be accomplished unless natural progeny per parent ratios can be sustained above 1.0. However, it’s uncertain whether or not the decreased productivity seen in juvenile recruits per spawner and the progeny per parent

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Figure 16. A comparison of redd count trends in the Lostine and Minam Rivers from 2000 to 2009.


ratios is due to supplementation or environmental factors (both in basin and out of basin). Therefore, a time frame cannot be given for accomplishing the long term goal without furthermonitoring and evaluation to determine if natural productivity will increase with concurrent supplementation.

Life History Performance MeasuresContained within the entire short, mid, and long term objectives for the Lostine River O&M program is a stated desire to “maintain genetic attributes and life history characteristics of the naturally spawning Chinook aggregate.” It’s assumed that life history characteristics of supplemented fish will remain similar to natural origin fish.

Monitoring starts by comparing the size of hatchery smolts to natural smolts at the Lostine River screw trap as fish emigrate from the Lostine River. A comparison of natural and hatchery average fork lengths from 1999 to 2007 shows that hatchery smolts tend to be larger than their natural counterparts (Figure 17). This is a concern because early male maturation may be influenced by body size, growth rate, and body lipid levels (Silverstein et al. 1997, Silverstein et al. 1998, Shearer and Swanson 2000, Cambell et al. 2003, Larson et al. 2004, Larson et al. 2006, and Shearer et al. 2006). Brood year age structure data will be presented later to address this concern.

As Lostine River Chinook salmon mature, the size difference between natural and hatchery fish is eliminated. Using known age adult return data (coded wire tag, PIT tags, and scales) with associated fork length data, there was no size difference found between natural and hatchery age 3, 4, and 5 year old males (P > 0.05). Additionally, there was no size difference found between natural and hatchery age 3 and 4 females (P > 0.05). However, there was a statistical difference found between natural and hatchery age 5 females (P < 0.05), with hatchery age 5 females being

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Figure 17. Smolt length of natural and hatchery fish as measured at the Lostine River screw trap (1999 – 2007).


smaller. The difference may not be biologically significant. However, fecundity varies with length (Figure 18). Although there is not significant difference between the fecundity of natural and hatchery Chinook salmon females of the same size (P < 0.05), the size of an egg has been shown to be correlated to female body size in Pacific salmon (Beacham and Murray 1985, Beacham and Murray 1993, Fleming and Gross 1990, and Beacham 2010).

Given the concern that larger hatchery smolts may be more inclined to early male maturation and that age 5 hatchery females are smaller than age 5 natural females, an essential component in monitoring and evaluation is comparing brood year age structure. It’s assumed the brood year age structure of supplemented fish will remain similar to natural origin fish.

Typically known age return data collected over three or more years after a release is used to determine the proportion of age 3, 4, and 5 year old fish return. However, the bulk of known age return data for hatchery Chinook salmon are code wire tag recoveries from spawning ground surveys. The reporting of coded wire tag recoveries often lagged behind contract reporting periods by a year. Past annual reports for this project relied on interpretation of returning adult fork length histograms to partition age 3, 4, and 5 year old Chinook salmon at the Lostine River weir. This was shown to have worked reasonably well (Cleary et al. 2006) for annual reports but known age recoveries from spawning ground surveys provides a more reliable method of aging fish.

Using known age returns, the proportion of age 3 to 5 Chinook salmon brood year returns were calculated for brood years 1997 to 2004 (Figure 19). No significant differences were found

Figure 18. Fecundity of natural and hatchery females according to length (2004-2008).


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Figure 19. A comparison of the average natural and hatchery brood year age structure from 1997 to 2004.

between the proportion of age 3 to 4 natural and hatchery Chinook salmon returning (P > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between the proportion of age 5 natural and hatchery Chinook (P < 0.05).

Monitoring of adult life history characteristics includes observing where natural and hatchery fish are spawning. It was assumed that hatchery fish would spawn in similar areas and similar to the assumption for productivity, it was assumed that the spawning distribution prior to supplementation would be similar after supplementation.

There are eight transects in the Lostine River totaling 27.6 km. The proportion of natural and hatchery female carcasses found in the transects from 2001 to 2007 show that natural and hatchery Chinook salmon are spawning in similar areas, with the majority of the spawning taking place in the index area between the Lostine River Ranch bridge and the six mile bridge (Figure 20). Prior to supplementation over 70% of the spawning took place in this reach (Figure 21). After supplementation the majority of the spawning occurs in the same reach but the percent of redds dropped below 50% of the total. The percentage of redds in the furthest downstream and upstream transects have more than doubled since supplementation began. Increased spawning in the furthest upstream area may be due to the management practice of transporting fish from the weir upstream during July and August when irrigation withdrawals create questionable passage conditions (< 1.2 m3/s) (R2 Resources Consultants 1998).

Assessment of Goals and Objectives Related to Life History Performance MeasuresThe life history data suggests that life history characteristics of natural fish have been maintained during supplementation despite the larger size of hatchery smolts. Therefore, the short and mid term goals appear to have been met. However, the larger size of hatchery smolts and the


Figure 20. Spawning ground distribution of natural and hatchery fish based on female carcass location (2001-2007).

Figure 21. Distribution of spawning redds before and after supplementation.

possible effects on brood year age structure remains a concern. If the larger smolt size of hatchery Chinook salmon predisposes smolts to early male maturation then it would explain why there is proportionally fewer age 5 hatchery Chinook salmon brood year returns. Also, if larger smolt size influences earlier maturation of females as age 4 adults instead of age 5 adults (and age 4 adults have lower fecundity and egg sized due to smaller body size) then this could help


explain a decrease in productivity over time as observed in relative reproductive success studies (Araki et al. 2007). Determining whether or not life history characteristics have been maintained requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation that will occur in conjunction with the production of hatchery Chinook salmon under the Lostine River O&M project.

Genetic Performance MeasuresAs previously stated, contained within the entire short, mid, and long term objectives for the Lostine River O&M program is a stated desire to “maintain genetic attributes and life history characteristics of the naturally spawning Chinook aggregate.” Genetic material was collected from every adult encountered at the weir. The analysis of genetic samples were subcontracted to CRITFC and reported as Appendix D in Cleary 2007. Samples collected in 2001 did not indicate a difference between early (June/July) and late (August/September) run Chinook salmon (P =0.21) but did indicate statistical difference in 2002 (P =0.001). Further analysis of the population structure indicated that the Lostine River may have experienced a genetic bottleneck at one point in time (perhaps in 1995 when only 11 redds were observed) and is genetically distinct from other populations of Chinook salmon in the Grande Ronde Subbasin (Narum et al. 2007).

The genetic tissue collected from adult hatchery Chinook salmon was also used in an opportunistic study to determine if the hatchery fish outplanted to Bear Creek in 2004 and 2005 had reproduced in the wild. A total of 22 natural origin carcasses were recovered in Bear Creek in 2009. Eight of these carcasses were determined by NOAA Fisheries to have been offspring of the hatchery Chinook salmon reported to have been outplanted (Figure 22).

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Figure 22. The number of carcasses recovered and redds counted in Bear Creek from 2001 to 2009. The origin of carcasses was determined by fin clips (2001-2008) and genetic parentage analysis (2009).


Hatchery Chinook salmon were outplanted to Bear Creek with the assumption that the adults would seed under-seeded habitat. With only eight natural Chinook salmon carcasses recovered and a total of 13 redds observed in Bear creek from 2001 to 2003 it’s pretty safe to assume that Bear Creek was under-seeded habitat. The fact that no natural Chinook salmon carcasses were recovered from 2004 to 2007 suggest a partial or complete failure of brood years 2001 and 2002. Identifying that roughly a third of the natural returns in 2009 were offspring of adult hatchery out-plants demonstrates that hatchery Chinook salmon can contribute to natural production and that out-planting adults is a viable short-term strategy for under-seeded habitat.

Assessment of Goals and Objectives Related to Genetic Performance MeasuresIt is uncertain if the genetic attributes of Lostine River Chinook salmon have been maintained. Additional years of analyzing the valid genetic samples currently collected needs to occur to determine if there is significant year-to-year genetic variation in Lostine River Chinook salmon, if there are any significant genetic differences between early and late arriving Chinook salmon at the weir, and if there are any significant differences between natural and hatchery Chinook salmon. Determining whether or not genetic attributes have been maintained requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation that will occur in conjunction with the production of hatchery Chinook salmon under the Lostine River O&M project.

F. Describe a) biological/physical objectives, b)work elements, c) methods and metrics

Operation and maintenance of adult and juvenile facilities under this program support the 2009 Fish and Wildlife Programs basin level biological objectives to restore healthy reproducing populations of salmon and steelhead, and increasing total escapement. Monitoring and evaluation for this program addresses uncertainties in hatcheries, and tributary habitat status and trend monitoring as called for in the 2006 Columbia River Basin Research Plan (NPCC 2006). The objectives listed below are consistent with Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan Supplement Objective 1A and Objective 2B: Increase anadromous fish productivity and production, as well as life stage-specific survival through artificial production.

The desired outcome of the objectives listed below can be described by the goals and objectives developed for the Lostine River spring Chinook population in the NEOH Master Plan (Table 8) (Ashe et al. 2000). Determining whether or not goals and objectives have been achieved is accomplished through monitoring and evaluation under the NEOH M&E Plan (Hesse et al 2006) as called for in Objective 8A of the Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan.

Proposal Objective: Acclimate and Release Juvenile Chinook SalmonProtocols for operation of the Lostine River acclimation facility follows basic juvenile acclimation procedures consistent with IHOT guidelines (1995) and the LSRCP Annual Operating Plan. Hatchery O&M work elements (WE) under this strategy are WE 56 (acclimate juvenile fish), WE 61 (maintain hatchery).


Table 8. The Nez Perce Tribe developed goals and objectives for the Lostine River spring Chinook population in the NEOH Master Plan (Ashe et al. 2000). Goal ObjectivesShort -term: Prevent extirpation. 1 - Maintain an annual escapement of Chinook salmon from

natural and artificial production of no less than 250 adults in the Lostine River.2 - Maintain genetic attributes and life history characteristics of the naturally spawning Chinook aggregate.

Mid-term: Restore natural population of Lostine spring Chinook salmon above ESA delisting levels and provide an annual sport and tribal harvest.

1 - Achieve an annual escapement of 500 adults in the Lostine River from natural production.2 - Maintain genetic attributes and life history characteristics of the naturally spawning Chinook aggregate.3 - Provide tribal and sport harvest opportunity consistent with recovery efforts.

Long-term: Restore Grande Ronde spring Chinook salmon escapement and harvest to historic levels.

1 - Utilize artificial production to provide benefits expected from the LSRCP of 1,625 spring Chinook adults returning from the Lostine River program annually.2 - Maintain natural self-sustaining population of 1,716 in the Lostine River.3 - Maintain genetic attributes and life history characteristics of the naturally spawning Chinook aggregate.4 - Provide harvest of naturally and artificially produced adult additional to natural spawning, nutrient enhancement, and hatchery broodstock goals.

The RM&E and Data Management that occur for this objective are WE 157 (Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data). Pre-released data is collected prior to transportation to the Lostine River Acclimation facility at Lookingglass Fish Hatchery in Coordination with the LSRCP program. Data taken includes fork length, weight, and tag retention for status and trend monitoring. At the acclimation facility PIT tag interrogation equipment is installed annually to monitor acclimated volitional releases under WE 70 (Install Fish Monitoring Equipment) and is used to determine what percent of the fish left volitionally.

Proposal Objective: Collect and Spawn Adult BroodstockProtocols for operation of the Lostine River trapping facility follow basic adult trapping and handling procedures consistent with IHOT guidelines (1995) and the LSRCP Annual Operating Plan. Adult Chinook are either released above the Lostine weir to spawn in nature, outplanted to adjacent Wallowa River underutilized habitat, or retention of broodstock to hatchery facilities. Fish that are surplus to broodstock, natural spawning or outplant needs may also be recycled through the treaty and non-treaty fisheries or collected for distribution to subsistence allocation to the tribes or state food banks. During August and September during low flow conditions fish are transported by this project around a dewatered section of the Lostine River and released in habitat with adequate water. Adults selected for broodstock are transferred to a transportation vehicle and transported to Lookingglass Hatchery. Trapping and transportation of fish is accomplished under WE 66 (Trap/Collect/Hold/Transport Fish). Records kept for transported fish is accomplished under WE 157 (Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data) and WE 160 (Create/Manage/Maintain Database). Adults for natural spawning will be released upstream of the weir following recovery from anesthetic. Only a portion of adults of natural or conventional hatchery origin from across the run will be retained for broodstock. All captive broodstock origin


adults will be released to spawn naturally. The level of take or number of adults necessary to implement the conventional production component is based on a sliding scale developed by the NPT and ODFW in consultation with NOAA Fisheries. The sliding scale is contained in the HGMP which will be submitted to NOAA Fisheries in February 2010 to begin ESA consultation. Adult collection, transportation, and holding details are worked out annually by co-managers through the Annual Operation Plan process. NPT personnel assist with spawning fish at Lookingglass Hatchery under WE 64 (spawning fish). Following construction of the Lostine Hatchery (NEOH), adult through resultant juvenile production will occur in the Lostine River drainage. Success of this objective relies on installation of the weir under WE 70 (Install Fish Monitoring Equipment) and maintenance of the weir under WE 61 (Maintain Hatchery).

Proposal Objective: Conduct M&E for Northeast Oregon HatcheryObjective 8A as listed in the Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan Supplement calls for conducting a “coordinated spring Chinook salmon population monitoring as outlined in the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for Northeast Oregon Hatchery (NEOH M&E Plan) ” (Hesse et al. 2006). The M&E portion of this project will implement this plan for supplementation in the Wallowa/Lostine Chinook salmon population. BiOp VSP parameters related to abundance, survival, and productivity determined by this project are natural origin spawner abundance, percent of hatchery escapement, and smolt-to-adult return ratios. The project also reports harvest estimates from NPT’s Harvest Division. BiOp VSP parameters related to life history characteristics determined by this project are age-at-return, size-at-return, cohort age structure, sex ratios, and adult run timing. DNA collected by this project will also used for BiOp VSP genetic parameters beginning with the 2009 DNA collections. Precision for estimating these parameters will be estimated as in the NEOH M&E Plan.

Program goals that lead to the development of the NEOH M&E Plan are identified in the Northeast Oregon Hatchery Spring Chinook Salmon Master Plan (Ashe et al. 2000). These goals incorporate existing LSRCP mitigation goals. The goals focus on (1) preservation/conservation actions to avoid extinction, (2) restoration (recovery) to build population abundances above critical threshold levels, and (3) mitigation (compensation) to support harvest and self-sustaining populations. Each of these goals have related objectives that detail some level of annual escapement and state a need to maintain genetic attributes and life history characteristics of the naturally spawning Chinook salmon populations that support: 1) Protecting, mitigating, and enhancing of Columbia River basin anadromous fish resources, 2) restoring long-term harvest opportunities for tribal and non-tribal anglers, 3) protecting long-term fitness and genetic integrity of targeted fish populations, and 4) limiting ecological and genetic impacts to non-target populations within acceptable limits. The NEOH M&E Plan defines and uses a number of key performance measures, or metrics, to monitor and evaluate abundance, survival/productivity, distribution, genetics, life history, and habitat. Performance measures produced under the plan are used to address testable hypotheses contained in the plan under work element 162 (Analyze/Interpret Data)Analysis and interpretation of data will address the needs of both the NEOH M&E Plan and Evaluation of the F1 Lostine River captive broodstock adult returns.

Adult data collection occurs at the weir maintained under WE 61 (Maintain Hatchery) and as juveniles. Juvenile data collection involves pre-release sampling at the hatchery, monitoring acclimated volitional releases, and retrieving observations of PIT tagged fish at downstream


screw traps and dams. Adult data collection involves inspecting captured adults for marks and tags and collecting biological and genetic samples at the weir, conducting spawning ground surveys and inspecting adult Chinook salmon carcasses for marks and tags and collecting biological and genetic samples as needed, and retrieving PIT and coded wire tag observations of adults at downstream interrogation sites. Management of a database for collected data, WE 160, occurs simultaneously with achieving of collected genetic data as previously described. Two separate databases were used for the Lostine River M&E program and the Lostine River Captive Broodstock Program. The database for the Lostine River Captive Broodstock program is administered and maintained by ODFW under BPA Project #1998001001. WE 160 will include continued use of the database for captive broodstock to evaluate F1 Captive Broodstock adult returns. WE 158 (Mark/Tag Animals) occurs prior to the release of hatchery fish at Lookingglass Fish Hatchery. WE 158 includes marking of Lostine River captive broodstock F1 progeny. Mass marking is done by ODFW using a combination of adipose fin clips and coded wire tags. PIT tagging provides additional marks used for estimating survival to Lower Granite Dam by raceway, and for in-season projections of adult returns over Bonneville Dam. Success of this objective relies on maintenance of the weir structure under WE 61 (Maintain Hatchery).

Data collected for the NEOH M&E Plan is accomplished under WE 157 (Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data). The objectives of the NEOH M&E Plan are to:

1) Maintain and enhance natural production in supplemented spring Chinook salmon populations in the Imnaha and Grande Ronde river subbasins, 2) Maintain life history characteristics and genetic diversity in supplemented and unsupplemented spring Chinook salmon populations in the Imnaha and Grande Ronde river subbasins, 3) Operate the hatchery program so that life history characteristics and genetic diversity of hatchery fish mimic natural fish, 4) Keep impacts of hatchery program on non-target spring Chinook salmon populations within acceptable limits, 5) Restore and maintain treaty-reserved tribal harvest and recreational fisheries, 6) Operate the hatchery programs to achieve optimal production effectiveness while meeting priority management objectives for natural production enhancement, diversity, harvest, and impacts to non-target populations, 7) Understand the current status and trends of spring Chinook salmon natural populations and their habitats in the Imnaha and Grande Ronde river subbasins, 8) Coordinate management action and monitoring and evaluation activities and communicate program findings to resource managers.

NEOH M&E Plan Objective 1Monitoring and evaluating natural production using the NEOH M&E Plan requires estimating and monitoring natural escapement. Escapement is estimated by marking and releasing captured fish at the weir with an opercle punch.

Tissue removed by the opercle punch is utilized for genetic analysis. This genetic tissue can be utilized for determining genetic diversity as in Narum et. al. 2007. The genetic tissue can also be used to determine relative reproductive success by matching parent spawners to migrating smolt


offspring or adult offspring. Additionally, genetic tissue is collected from carcasses found without existing opercle punches during spawning ground surveys done in cooperation with ODFW and the LSRCP. The Lostine River M&E is responsible for archiving samples, sharing samples with NOAA fisheries for pedigree analysis study (BPA project number 1989-0960-00), and contracting further genetic diversity analysis with CRITFC (see NEOH M&E Objective 2). It’s assumed that genetic samples are representative of the population. Additionally, genetic samples are shared with NOAA (BPA Project # 198909600) to determine relative reproductive success. Achieving of genetic samples occurs under WE 160 (Create/Manage/Maintain Database) and will utilize an online database funded by the LSRCP hosted by Idaho Fish and Game. Success of this objective relies on maintenance of the weir structure under WE 61 (Maintain Hatchery).

Marked and unmarked fish are recovered as carcasses during multiple spawning ground surveys. After the last spawning ground survey escapement above the weir is estimated by using an adjusted Peterson estimator (Chapman 1951; Seber 1982). It assumed that the weir is 100% efficient after the last spawning ground survey and the catch after the last spawning ground survey is a census count. An estimate of abundance below the weir is based on the estimated escapement per redd above the weir. Total escapement is the sum of escapement above the weir, escapement below the weir, and fish removed for broodstock, harvest, adult outplants, or mortality. Once total escapement is known an estimate of natural and hatchery escapement is obtained by using the proportion of natural and hatchery carcasses recovered, or by estimating natural and hatchery escapement separately (provided sufficient samples sizes). Additionally, the proportion of hatchery escapement resulting from returning F1 captive broodstock is estimated from the percent of captive broodstock hatchery fish represented in the catch of returning hatchery origin Chinook salmon at the weir. Examination of egg retention in female carcasses during spawning ground surveys provides a measure of pre-spawning mortality, where females retaining 75% or more of there eggs are considered pre-spawn mortalities. Using natural escapement and natural spawner abundance natural productivity can be presented as progeny per parent ratios (lambda, adult recruits per adult spawner), or as recruits per spawner (smolts per female) after multiple years of adult run reconstruction. Natural and hatchery progeny per parent ratios are compared annually using a one tailed t-test, with replication within a stream over a five year period to characterize variability over time.

The NEOH M&E Plan compares supplemented streams to non-supplemented streams to determine whether or not supplementation enhanced natural production. At the most basic level of monitoring and evaluation, redd counts provide an index of spawner abundance in supplemented and non-supplemented streams. The slopes and y-intercepts of linear trend lines of redds (dependant variable) per year (independent variable) can be compared to determine if observed increases in redd abundance in supplemented streams differs from observed increases in redd abundance in non-supplemented streams. Determining whether progeny per parent ratios, or other measures of productivity, of natural and hatchery fish are the same over time is accomplished using a two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA), where one factor is origin (natural or hatchery), and the other factor is location of supplementation (stream). Hypotheses stated in the NEOH M&E Plan will be tested at an alpha level of 0.05.


http://www.fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/hdmsdownload/defaultpage.aspx

http://www.fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/hdmsdownload/defaultpage.aspx

NEOH M&E Plan Objective 2The purpose of NEOH M&E Plan Objective 2 is to determine if adult and juvenile life history characteristics and genetic diversity in supplemented and non-supplemented populations differ in periods of pre and post supplementation. The objective is accomplished for the adult life history characteristics using the following performance measures: age-at-return, size-at-age, adult spawner sex ratios, and adult run timing. The performance measures used to evaluate juvenile life history characteristics are age-at-emigration, size-at-emigration, and juvenile emigration timing (to Lower Granite Dam).

Determination of age-at-return is obtained from known age returns; coded wire and PIT tag returns, and scale readings. Fork length distributions have shown that age 3 returns are typically less than 63 cm. Modeling of adult returns from the Imnaha River prior to supplementation in the Lostine River suggested that age 5 returns are typically greater than 85 cm. Use of length to categorize age-at-return provides a ball park measurement for ongoing management, but formal evaluation of age-at-return for evaluation of supplementation in the Lostine River is based on known age returns. Measurements of age-at-return, and size-at-age are self explanatory. Adult spawner sex ratios are based on the ratio of males and female carcass recoveries. Adult run timing is based on the daily catch at the weir. Juvenile age-at-emigration and emigration timing has been based on PIT tag observations at downstream dams with size at emigration obtained from PIT tag recapture fork length data.

Tests for changes in age-at-return and size-at-return due to supplementation range from a simple t-test between populations pre and post supplementation, to multi-factor ANOVA models to characterize trends over time. Adult run timing at the Lostine River weir and juvenile run timing at LGD is typically expressed using cumulative run timing of 10%, 50%, and 90%. The NEOH M&E plan recommends that a Kruskal-Wallis one way analysis of variance test be ran based on ranked dates of detection expressed as day of the year to determine if emigration timing differs between populations. However, the Lostine River M&E program has made statistical comparisons of median run timing using a Mann-Whitney (Wilcoxon) test, and a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to compare cumulative arrival timing.

The analysis of genetic tissue is accomplished through a subcontract with CRITFC. The CRITFC analysis is attempting to answer three questions by amplifying microsatellite loci and genotyping: 1) Are there significant temporal (year-to-year) genetic variation in Lostine Chinook population? 2) Are there significant genetic differences between early and late run Chinook (i.e. June/July versus August/September) in the Lostine River? And 3) are there significant genetic differences between hatchery and natural Chinook in the Lostine River? Published results discussing genetic variation and population structure can be found in Narum et al. 2007.

NEOH M&E Plan Objective 3Monitoring and evaluation of life history characteristics in natural and hatchery populations provide a comparison between natural and hatchery origin fish to determine if differences exist. The O&M program has been designed to produce hatchery fish that mimic natural fish. Brood stock collections provide an example of an O&M production strategy designed to produce hatchery fish with the same adult run timing by collecting broodstock proportionally across the run. This broodstock take strategy requires knowledge of past adult run timing and the ability to


predict adult run size accurately. In addition to the life history performance measures used for evaluating NEOH M&E Plan Objective 3, fecundity is used to determine if difference exist between natural and hatchery origin fish.

Analysis to determine if differences exist between natural and hatchery life history characteristics range from a simple t-test, to multi-factor ANOVA. The NEOH M&E plan recommends that a Kruskal-Wallis one way analysis of variance test be ran based on ranked dates of detection expressed as day of the year to determine if emigration timing differs between natural and hatchery populations. However, the Lostine River M&E program has made statistical comparisons of median run timing using a Mann-Whitney (Wilcoxon) test, and a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to compare cumulative arrival timing.

NEOH M&E Plan Objective 4Keeping the impacts of supplementation on non-target populations of Chinook salmon within acceptable limits requires knowledge of straying of hatchery origin adults. This is accomplished by determining the proportion of hatchery carcasses within the Minam and Wenaha rivers; two non-supplemented streams. The acceptable limit is defined in the NEOH M&E Plan as the proportion of hatchery origin carcasses being no greater than 10%. Identification of hatchery carcasses requires that hatchery fish be marked prior with coded wire tag prior to release as juveniles. Code wire tag recoveries reported to and retrieved from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission RMIS database identifies whether the hatchery fish recovered are from the Lostine River O&M program or other hatchery program.

NEOH M&E Plan Objective 5Restoration and maintenance of a fishery requires the ability to accurately predict adult returns to determine what is available for harvest. The NEOH M&E Plan uses a common age-class-to-age class conversion model where the estimated number returning per age group is based on conversion rates of the number of earlier age group returns from the previous year, with age 3 natural returns based on total redd counts from three years prior and age 3 hatchery jacks based on the number of smolts released. During the development of the NEOH M&E plan a high degree of correlation (R = 0.94) was found between predicted and actual escapement using this method. However, recent estimates from 2003 to 2009 for natural and hatchery returns of Chinook salmon have shown a weaker correlation (R = 0.29 – natural, R = 0.55 – hatchery). Alternative multivariate linear models that factor in ocean conditions have been developed that may improve accuracy but have not been in use long enough to evaluate. In-season run predictions that use adult run timing over Bonneville dam and PIT tag expansion rates have been used for management with some success but tend to under predict actual adult returns, presumably due to transportation/in-river ratios (currently all Lostine River PIT tag fish represent in-river survival). Run prediction models require run reconstruction as outlined in NEOH M&E Objective 1.

It should be noted that estimates of harvest and catch per unit effort are not estimated by the Lostine River M&E program because harvest monitoring occurs within the NPT DFRM Harvest Division. Estimates and statistics for harvest can be found in the NEOH M&E Plan.


NEOH M&E Plan Objective 6Operation of the hatchery to achieve optimal production effectiveness while meeting priority management objectives for natural production and enhancement requires estimating natural and hatchery smolt survival, juvenile emigration timing, and smolt to adult survival performance measures.

Smolt survival is estimated from release at the Lostine River Acclimation Facility to Lower Granite Dam. Cormack Jolly-Seber estimates of survival are estimated with PITPRO software (Westhagen and Skalski 2003) using PIT tag observations. A total of 8,900 PIT tags have been budgeted for estimating survival. A total of 1,200 PIT tags are provided to BPA Project 199202604 (Early Life History of Spring Chinook Salmon in the Grande Ronde Basin) to supplement PIT tagging of natural Chinook salmon juveniles captured at the Lostine River screw trap. Although BPA Project 199202604 PIT tags 1,000 natural Chinook salmon juveniles, only 500 are tagged as smolts in the spring. Comparisons of natural and hatchery survival are made at the smolt life stage because the Lostine River O&M program is releasing hatchery smolts from the acclimation facility. The minimum sample size for obtaining an estimate with 95% C.I of ± 5.0% using SampleSize (Lady 2003) predict that a minimum of 1,200 PIT tags are needed. The 1,200 PIT tags provided to BPA project 199202604 are used across the migration year on parr, pre-smolts and smolts and ensure that an estimate of natural survival for all life stages will be available for comparisons to hatchery juveniles. The remaining 7,500 PIT tags will be allocated to the 250,000 smolts produced by the Lostine River O&M program. Use of PIT tags for in-season adult run predictions for NEOH M&E Objective 5 requires that PIT tags be representative of the run at large to avoid differences in transport/in-river smolt survival ratios. This will be accomplished by diverting 90% of the PIT tagged juvenile hatchery Chinook salmon into the smolt transportation system at Lower Gratie Dam. Under this scenario SampleSize predicts that 7,500 PIT tags are needed for an estimate with 95% C.I. of ± 5.0%.

Methods for estimating juvenile emigration timing is described in NEOH M&E Plan Objective 2. Smolt to adult return rate require estimates of total escapement and run reconstruction as described in NEOH M&E Plan Objective 1.

NEOH M&E Objective 7Knowledge of water temperature and flow is essential in understanding current status and trends of natural Chinook salmon populations and their habitats because they can influence productivity. Under the NEOH M&E plan these environmental variables are measured using an Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). However, the scope of work for the Lostine River M&E plan is limited to the collection of water temperatures at river kilometer 1 and at river kilometer 41 using HOBO Water Temp Pro V2 monitors that measure temperature every hour. Flow is obtained from the USGS gage at Baker Road. Bi-weekly median water temperatures from August 1 to September 30 for rkm 1 and 41 will be compared using a Wilcoxon W-test (StatPoint 2005) to determine if water temperatures at river kilometer 41 section differ significantly from river kilometer 1. Bi-weekly intervals will coincide with spawning ground survey sample periods.

NEOH M&E Objective 8Timely and thorough communication of the program’s status and performance is critical in the


adaptive management process of hatchery programs. This is especially important given the co-management nature of this program, the dual authorization from the LSRCP and NorthwestPower and Conservation Council (NPCC), and it’s relationship to the ESA. Facilitating theadaptive management framework involves elements of communication throughout the entireM&E program. Every five years, materials will be summarized to facilitate a performance review of the hatchery program. The first of these reviews occurred in 2009 at NPT’s 2009 Symposium on Supplementation.

Applied adaptive management of fisheries resources is inherently a dynamic process. The Department of Fisheries Resources Management decision process follows eight core steps in a balance of program content, management process, and relationships (between co-managers, resources users, and policy). The steps include: 1) define desired resource condition, 2) determine resource status, 3) identify limiting factor (s), 4) develop management options, 5) apply selected manage action(s), 6) monitor and evaluate results, 7) modify/adjust manage action or goals, and 8) monitor and evaluate results.

As a fisheries co-manager, the Nez Perce Tribe collects and utilizes RME data to inform a variety of management decisions (CSMEP 2008). Pre-labeling core management decision points and the basic information used to guide those decisions is central in maintaining transparent and efficient management of resources. Establishing a predetermined decision tree4 where management recommendations are hard-wired is not readily embraced by managers or functionally possible given a complex environment and adaptive management framework. The following list of common decisions associated with hatchery programs, including the Lostine program.

Decision to initiate hatchery program Decision to terminate hatchery program, Release date, Size at release, Release sites Release numbers Percent hatchery-origin in natural escapement (annual application of multi-year sliding

scale, or set percentage for 10 year period) Pass/keep and trapping rates. Decision to cull existing production due to fish health condition. Decision to cull existing production due to production level.

The information used to inform the decisions listed above is complex. Maintaining effective communications between policy, management, and research level positions is essential in assuring accountability and linking actual project performance into a formal fisheries

4 The establishment of a decision tree has been requested by the ISRP in previous proposal reviews. We acknowledge their request and trust our comment to and demonstrated application of transparent and routine assessment of our hatchery programs is an adequate alternative. We remain committed to meet the request for increased accountability and formal decision structure through a “decision framework.”


management decision processes (policy level and management level). Establishing a decision framework, including timeframes, prior to management action implementation is desirable. Such a decision framework is targeted as a standard management component for the Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resources Management. The framework will guide regular consideration to continue, terminate, or modify specific management actions. The NEOH management assumptions described below provide the technical link to the decision framework with both base expectations and basic data requirements. If any of the assumptions are proven to be false or subject, either by direct project findings or literature, the project’s ability to achieve management goals will be formally considered. Routine assessment for change in program scope (continuation) and direction will be applied as necessary, at a minimum every five years. The following management assumptions were structured from management questions posed in the NEOH M&E Conceptual Plan (Hesse and Harbeck 2000) and are organized by management objectives. The assumptions were developed through co-management meetings, recommendations and review of monitoring and evaluation literature. In 2009, the Nez Perce Tribe held our first supplementation symposium to review performance of our hatchery programs. The symposium was structured around these management assumptions.

Management Objective 1: Maintain and enhance natural production in supplemented spring Chinook salmon populations in the Imnaha and Grande Ronde river subbasins.

A. Progeny-to-parent ratios for hatchery-produced fish significantly exceeds those of natural-origin fish.

B. Natural reproductive success of hatchery-origin fish must be similar to that of natural-origin fish.

C. Spatial distribution of hatchery-origin spawners in nature is similar to that of natural-origin fish.

D. Productivity of supplemented populations is similar to productivity of populations if they had not been supplemented.

E. Life stage-specific survival is similar between hatchery and natural-origin population components.

Management Objective 2: Maintain life history characteristics and genetic diversity in supplemented and unsupplemented spring Chinook salmon populations in the Imnaha and Grande Ronde river subbasins.

A. Adult life history characteristics in supplemented populations remains similar to pre-supplementation population characteristics.

B. Temporal variability of life history characteristics in supplemented populations remains similar to unsupplemented populations (assumes robust wild population dynamics).

C. Juvenile life history characteristics in supplemented populations remains similar to pre-supplemented population characteristics.

D. Genetic characteristics of the supplemented population remain similar (or improved) to the unsupplemented populations.

Management Objective 3: Operate the hatchery program so that life history characteristics and genetic diversity of hatchery fish mimic natural fish.


A. Genetic characteristics of hatchery-origin fish are no different than natural-origin fish.

B. Life history characteristics of hatchery-origin adult fish are similar to natural-origin fish.

C. Juvenile emigration timing and survival differences between hatchery and natural-origin fish must be minimal.

Management Objective 4: Keep impacts of hatchery program on non-target spring Chinook salmon populations within acceptable limits.

A. Hatchery strays produced from the northeast Oregon Hatchery Program do not comprise more than 10% of the naturally spawning fish in the Wenaha and Minam watersheds.

B. Hatchery strays in the Minam and Wenaha rivers are predominately from in-subbasin releases.

C. Hatchery strays from the northeast Oregon Hatchery Program do not exceed 10% of the abundance of any out-of-basin natural Chinook salmon populations.

Management Objective 5: Restore and maintain treaty-reserved tribal and recreational fisheries.

A. Hatchery and natural-origin adult returns can be adequately forecasted to guide harvest opportunities.

B. Hatchery adult returns are produced at a level of abundance adequate to support fisheries in most years with an acceptable level of impact to natural-spawner escapement.

Management Objective 6: Operate the hatchery programs to achieve optimal production effectiveness while meeting priority management objectives for natural production enhancement, diversity, harvest, impacts to non-target populations.

A. We can identify the most effective rearing and release strategies. B. Management methods (weirs, juvenile traps, harvest, adult out-plants, juvenile

production releases) can be effectively implemented as described in management agreements and monitoring and evaluation plans.

C. Frequency or presence of disease in hatchery and natural production groups will not increase above historic levels.

Management Objective 7: Understand the current status and trends of spring Chinook salmon natural populations and their habitats in the Imnaha and Grande Ronde river subbasins.

A. In-basin habitat is stable and suitable of spring Chinook salmon production B. We can describe juvenile spring Chinook salmon production in relationship to

available habitat in each population and throughout the subbasin.


C. We can describe annual (and 8-year geometric mean) abundance of natural origin adults relative to management thresholds (minimum spawner abundance and ESA delisting criteria) within prescribed precision targets.

D. Adult spring Chinook salmon utilize all available spawning habitat in each population and throughout the subbasin.

E. The relationships between life history diversity, life stage survival, abundance and habitat are understood.

Management Objective 8: Coordinate monitoring and evaluation activities and communicate program findings to resource managers.

A. Coordination of needed and existing activities within agencies and between all co-managers occurs in an efficient manner.

B. Accurate data summary is continual and timely. C. Results are communicated in a timely fashion locally and regionally. D. The M&E program facilitates scientifically sound adaptive management of

NEOH.

The decision framework previously described above does not address the legal and social issues regarding supplementation in the Lostine River. Core GRESCSP O&M production activities for the Lostine River O&M program are funded in part through the authority of the Lower Snake River Fish and Wildlife Compensation Plan (LSRCP). The LSRCP program was approved by the Water Resources Development Act of 1976, PL 94-587, Section 102, 94th Congress, in accordance with the Special Report, LSRCP, June 1975 on file with the Chief of Engineers. The LSRCP was prepared and submitted in compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958, PL 85-624, 85th Congress, August 12, 1958 to mitigate for the losses of fish and wildlife caused by the construction of dams on lower Snake River. The level of fish production for the Lostine River O&M program for mitigation has been agreed to and incorporated into the court ordered U.S. v. Oregon Interim Management Agreement (2005). The premise behind Lostine River Supplementation is that the hatchery origin spawners can increase wild (natural) adult abundance without long-term productivity effects (recruits: natural spawner ratios). The maximum production is capped at 250,000 smolts. Any future decision to alter production goals will be dependent on whether or not the abundance level of naturally produced Chinook salmon meets minimum population viability thresholds as defined by the Interior Columbia Technical Basin Recovery Team (ICTRT 2005) and concurrence through U.S. v. Oregon.

Proposal Objective: Coordinate and Administer the ProgramThe coordination and administration is addressed through many meetings, conference calls and reports that occur throughout the year under WE 189 (Coordination). WE 189 includes coordination of the Lostine River O&M/M&E program and coordination of work previously done for the Lostine River Captive Broodstock Program (BPA Project # 200740400). Additionally, this project provides multiple tours of the facilities for many different fisheries organizations, public groups, and schools under WE 99 (Outreach and Education). Management of project O&M and M&E contracts (WE 119), coordination for producing environmental documentation (WE 165), development of the LSRCP Annual Operating Plan (WE 174), and preparation of annual progress reports (WE 132) and PISCES status reports (WE 185) are


accomplished under this objective. Management and administrative costs previously covered under the Lostine River Captive Broodstock Program are included in the M&E costs for this objective.

Proposal Objective: Document Steelhead and Bull Trout StatusThe objective is to determine status and population trends of steelhead and bull trout populations in the Lostine River. A concern co-managers had when the Lostine O&M program began was that a weir in the Lostine River would impede migration of bull trout and steelhead populations. Captures of steelhead and bull trout at the Lostine River weir provide an index of the status of the populations.

The incidental catch of steelhead and bull trout at the weir and subsequent removal and release occurs under WE 61. Currently, the status of bull trout and steelhead are documented as part of WE 157 for the objective to Conduct M&E for Northeast Oregon Hatchery and collected data is archived as part of WE 160. However, status information excluded data collection from mid-February to mid-May because the weir does not currently operate during the spring. Documentation of the status of steelhead and bull trout from mid-February to mid-May would require earlier installation of the weir as a monitoring tool under WE 70. An attempt would be made to estimate steelhead abundance above the weir using mark-recapture (Chapman 1951, Seber 1982). Adult steelhead will be captured at the weir as they move upstream to spawn. Steelhead will be marked with an opercle punch and released above the weir. The sex, origin, and length of adult steelhead will be recorded at the weir. Marked and unmarked recoveries for population estimates will be obtained from spawned-out male kelts and female carcasses that are washed downstream and collected at the weir.

Data Management for all Proposal ObjectivesData management and dissemination of project results and data is just as important as collecting data itself, but often receives less attention. Protocols for this project ensure proper collection and validation of data, with redundant and secure storage. This project acknowledges the need to share updated information on adult natural origin salmon escapement, spawner abundance, and productivity as soon as it is available. The project in the past has used the annual report submissions to the BPA web site (http://www.efw.bpa.gov/searchpublications/) to make project information available. Annual reports are now also available on the Tribe’s web site (Nez Perce Department of Fisheries Resources Management - Research). The project also maintains an annual distribution list of managers, researchers, ICTRT members, and other recovery planners who receive hard copies of annual reports and maintain electronic correspondence to share key data sets.

In addition to annual progress reports posted to websites, we will utilize project specific and region-wide databases that have been developed to centralize data associated with widely used data collection activities and standardized performance measures (Beasley et al 2008). The Nez Perce Tribe website (Nez Perce Department of Fisheries Resources Management - Research) will house a standardized database for primary data, description of meta-data (utilizing NOAA data dictionary), and summary/annual reports related to all projects. The department is currently working towards making this important data available through the Tribe’s website, both the real-time and summarized performance measure information will be in 2010. Appropriate


http://www.nezperce.org/~dfrm/research_division



http://www.efw.bpa.gov/searchpublications/

components of program data and results are currently provided to the following websites: The tribe is a partner on the Snake Basin Hatchery working group that currently houses much of the Tribe’s adult trapping data (Snake Basin Hatchery Data); Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC), including: PIT Tag Information System (PTAGIS) and the Regional Mark Information System (RMIS); and StreamNet (StreamNet).

G. Facilities and equipment

Lostine Adult Trapping FacilityThe original weir and trap was first constructed in 1997 and consisted of an array of tripods and pickets located on the Lostine River about a mile upstream from the mouth. This weir was fished from 1997 through 2000 with capture rates below 20% of the Chinook salmon adults returning to the Lostine River. The poor collection rate and cumbersome structure prompted changes designed and constructed by the project staff.

Starting in 2001, a new design of the weir was installed. The new design allowed for quick removal of the weir in response to high flows that generally occur during the spring runoff. This weir spans the entire river (about 75’) and is composed of 10’ tall linked steel panels that are attached to cables on the top and bottom which are installed at an angle to stream flow. The bottom cables are fixed to the river bottom by a steel rail that in turn is anchored into the river bottom. The top of the weir panels are attached to another cable strung across the river that allows for the raising or lowering of the panels through the use of a large winch. This system increased the catch rate for adult salmon returning to the Lostine River to an average of 75-80% of the run. A holding box was also added to the weir in 2002. The trap box measures 8’X 24’ X 2.5’ for a total holding space of 480 cubic feet. The weir/trap requires 24-hour monitoring by NPT personnel. To facilitate this, a travel trailer and four support vehicles are necessary.

This weir/trap structure was only meant to be temporary until more permanent facilities were constructed through the Northeast Oregon Hatchery (NEOH) project 198805301. Due to a delay in a decision to construct new facilities we have fish this structure for eight years. Although repairs were made in 2009, the weir still presents serious safety concerns for staff and fish and we are hopeful that this facility will be replaced with a more permanent and safer structure in 2010.

Lostine Acclimation FacilityThe facility consists of a water supply intake, supply pipeline, four portable raceways, and drain/release pipes. Water is pumped from the Lostine River into the facility via submersible pumps with fish screens, which are designed to provide up to 1.9 cfs with a maximum approach velocity of 0.4 fps (consistent with NMFS protocols). The raceways are constructed of steel and are 8 ft. wide by 80 ft. long, 4.5 ft. high with a 3.5 ft. water depth. The raceways are fabricated in 20 foot sections and joints are flanged with a rubber gasket to minimize leakage. Once the Lostine Hatchery (NEOH) is completed the acclimation facility will be disassembled and removed. Acclimation of Lostine River Chinook salmon will occur at the new hatchery.


http://www.streamnet.org/

http://www.rmpc.org/

http://www.ptagis.org/

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/hdmsdownload/defaultpage.aspx

Fish TransportThe transport of the adults retained for broodstock is accomplished with fish transportation units purchased through this project. Fish are transported from the Lostine River weir to Lookingglass Hatchery, to various out plant locations in the Wallowa River basin, and also around a dewatered zone (rkm 4.4 to 15.2) in the Lostine River. There are two 300 gallon units that are placed in the back of one ton diesel pick-ups and a dedicated 1,280 gallon transport truck.

Office and Equipment The Nez Perce Tribe reserves office space at the Joseph Field Office (Oregon). As part of the field office, a fenced compound is available for parking of vehicles and storage of equipment. Administrative and fisheries management offices providing support for the project are located in Lapwai, Idaho. Six desktop computers, and two laptop computers are dedicated in part to the project’s needs. Field equipment suitable for field and monitoring activities resides at the Enterprise Office. An FS 2002 PIT tag loop detector is used to interrogate PIT tagged smolts at the Lostine River screw trap. A stationary FS 1001 PIT detection system was installed at the Lostine River Acclimation Facility to monitor volitional departure of F1 smolts. PIT tags, syringes and needles are used to tag program fish at Lookingglass Fish Hatchery. The project leases one GSA vehicle for M&E activities and two GSA vehicles for O&M activities. In addition, there is a 1973 fish transport truck (1,280 gallons) that has been obtained from U.S. excess property.

H. References

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Anonymous. 2004. Introduction to the crosswalk of 2000 NOAA FCRPS BiOp RPA actions and the 8/30/04 draft UPA. October 6, 2004.Ashe, B., K. Concannon, D.B. Johnson, R.L. Zollman, D. Bryson, G.Alley. 2000. Northeast Oregon

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Beacham,T.D., and C.B. Murray. 1985. Effect of female size, egg size, and water temperature on developmental biology of chum salmon (Oncorhynchusketa) from the Nitinat River, British Columbia. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 42:1755-1765.

Beacham,T.D., and C.B. Murray. 1993. Fecundity and egg size variation in North American Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus). Journal of Fish Biology 42:485-508.

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Reference (include web address if available online)endangered Grande Ronde River subbasin (Lostine Component) spring chinook salmon under the ESA of 1973. NMFS, Portland, Oregon.

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Cleary, P.J. 2006. Evaluation of Spring Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Supplementation in the Lostine River, Oregon 2005 Annual Report. BPA Project Number 199800702, Contract Number 00004219. Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, Oregon.Cleary, P.J., J.R. Harbeck, and D.G. Bright. 2006. Evaluation of Spring Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus

tshawytscha) Supplementation in the Lostine River, Oregon. BPA Project Number 199800702, Contract Number: 00004219, and 97AM 30423. Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, Oregon.

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Coordinated Anadromous Workshop (Columbia Basin Coordinated Anadromous M&E Workshop). 2010c. Basin Funding Prioritization Tables as revised 15 December 2009. Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority, Portland, Oregon. Available: http://www.cbfwa.org/ams/FinalDocs.cfm (8 January 2010).

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Mundy, P.R.. 1999. Status and expected time to extinction for Snake River spring and summer chinook stocks: the doomsday clock and salmon recovery index models applied to the Snake River Basin. Tout Unlimited, Portland, Oregon. 29p.

Narum, S.R., and J.J. Stephenson. 2007. Genetic Variation and Structure of Chinook Salmon Life History Types in the Snake River. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. 136:1252-1262.

Nehlsen W., J.E. Williams and J.A. Lichatowich. 1991. Pacific salmon at the crossroads: stocks at risk from California, Oregon, Idaho and Washington. Fisheries 16 (3): 4-21.

NMFS. 1992. Endangered and threatened species; threatened status for Snake River spring/summer chinook salmon, threatened status for Snake River fall chinook salmon. Federal Register [Docket No. 910647-2043, 22 April 1992] 57 (78): 14,653 – 14,662.

NMFS. 1995. Proposed recovery plan for Snake River salmon. U.S. Department of Commerce. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, Seattle Washington. March 1995.

NMFS. 2000. Biological Opinion: Operation of the federal Columbia River power system including the juvenile fish transportation program and the Bureau of Reclamation’s 31 projects, including the entire Columbia Basin Project. July 27, 2000.

NOAA Fisheries. 2004. Salmonid Hatchery Inventory and Effects Evaluation Report. NOAA Fisheries, Seattle, WA.

NOAA Fisheries. 2008. Biological Opinion: Consultation on Remand for Operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System, 11 Bureau of Reclamation Projects in the Colubmia Basin and ESA Section 10(a)(1)(A) Permit for Juvenile Fish Transportation Program. May 5, 2008.

Nowak, M.C. and 25 co-authoring agencies. 2004. Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan. 491 pp.NPPC. 1994. Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program. Northwest Power Planning Council.

Portland, OR.NPPC. 2000. Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program. Northwest Power Planning Council.

Portland, OR.NPCC. 2005 [draft]. Columbia River Basin Research Plan. Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

November 2005.NPCC (Northwest Power and Conservation Council). 2009. Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife

Program. Portland, Oregon, 2009. NPCC -02. http://www.nwcouncil.org/library/2009/2009-09.pdf. NPT. 2001. Grande Ronde supplementation program annual ESA report. Endangered Species Permit No.

1011. June, 2001, 56 pp.NRC (National Research Council). 2004. Adaptive Management for Water Resources Project Planning

Panel on Adaptive Management for Resource Stewardship, Committee to Assess the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Methods of Analysis and Peer Review for Water Resources Project Planning, National Research Council. ISBN: 0-309-09191-8, 138 pages, 6 x 9, (2004) http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10972.html.

Palmer, T. 1993. The Wild and Scenic Rivers of America. Island Press, Washington, D.C.PNAMP. 2004. Recommendations for Coordinating State, Federal, and Tribal Watershed and Salmon

Monitoring Programs in the Pacific Northwest.Prentice, E.F., D.L. Park, T.A. Flagg and S. McCutcheon. 1986. A study to determine the biological

feasibility of a new fish tagging system, 1985-1986. Contract DE-A179-83BP11983, Project 83-119. Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, Oregon.

Prentice, E.F., D.L. Park, T.A. Flagg and S. McCutcheon, D.F. Brastow and D.C. Cross. 1990.


http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10972.html

http://www.nwcouncil.org/library/2009/2009-09.pdf

Reference (include web address if available online)Equipment, methods and an automated data-entry station for PIT tagging. American Fisheries Society Symposium 7:335-340.

RIST (Recovery Implementation Science Team). Brown, G.M., C. Busack, R. Carmichael, T. Cooney, K. Currens, M. Ford, G. Helfman, J. Hesse, P. Lawson, M. McClure, P. McElhany, G. Reeves, B. Reiman, M. Ruckelshaus, B. Thompson. 2009. Hatchery Reform Science: A review of some applications of science to hatchery reform issues. April 9, 2009. http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/trt/puget_docs/hatchery_report_april92009.pdf.

Seber, G.A.F. 1982. Estimation of animal abundance and related parameters. Second Edition. Macmillan, New York.

Scheuerell, M.D. 2005. Influence of Juvenile Size on the Age at Maturity of Individually Marked Wild Chinook Salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. 134:999-1004.

Shearer, K.D. , P.J. Parkins, B. Gadberry, B.R. Beckman, and P. Swanson. 2006. The effects of growth rate/body size and a low-lipid diet on the incidence of early sexual maturation in male spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Aquaculture 252:545-556.

Shearer, K.D., and P. Swanson. 2000. The effect of wholebody lipid on early sexual maturation of 1+ age male Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Aquaculture 190:343-367.

Silverstein, J.T., H. Shimma, and H. Ogata. 1997. Early maturity in amago salmon (Oncorhynchus masu ishikawai): an association with energy storage. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 54:444-451.

Silverstein, J.T., K.D. Shearer, W.W. Dickhoff, and E.M. Plisetskaya. 1998. Effects of growth and fatness on the sexual development of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) parr. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 55:2376-2383.

Smith, S.G., J.R. Skalski, J.W. Schlechte, A. Hoffmann, and V. Cassen, J.R.1994. Statistical Survival Analysis of Fish and Wildlife Tagging Studies. Contract DE-BI79-90BP02341. Project 89-107. Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, Oregon.

Tipping, J.M., C.A. Busack, 2004, The Effect of Hatchery Spawning Protocols on Coho Salmon Return Timing in the Cowlitz River, Washington. North American Journal of Aquaculture 66:293

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration. 2004. Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation Biological Opinion.

Consultation on remand for operation of the Columbia River power system and 19 Bureau of Reclamation projects in the Columbia basin (revised and reissued pursuant to court order, NWF v. NMFS, Civ. No. CV 01-640-RE (D. Oregon)). NOAA Fisheries, Northwest Region.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration. 2005. 2005-2007 Implementation Plan for the Federal Columbia River Power System Endangered

Species Act Updated Proposed Action. May 2005.USGS. 1998. Oregon current stream flow conditions. Internet web page. USGS Gage 13330300.VØllestad, L.A., J. Peterson, and T.P. Quinn. 2004. Effects of Freshwater and Marine Growth Rates on

Early Maturity in Male Coho and Chinook Salmon. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 133:495-503.Waples, R.S., O.W. Johnson, P.B. Abersold, C.K. Shflett, D.M. VanDoornik, D.J. Teel, and A.E. Cook.

1993. A genetic monitoring and evaluation program for supplemented populations of salmon and steelhead in the Snake River basin. (Contract No DE-A179-89BP00911), Project Number 89-096, Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, Oregon.

Watershed Professionals Network. 2004. Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan Supplement. Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Portland, Oregon. 51pp.

Westhagen, P., and J.R. Skalski. 2003. PITPRO1.1 User’s Manual. BPA Project Number 8910700. Contract Number DE-B179-90BP02341. Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, Oregon.

Yanke, J.A., B.M. Alfonse, K.W. Bratcher, S.D. Favrot, J.P. Kimbro, J.W. Steele, I.P. Wilson, B.C. Jonasson, and R.W. Carmichael. 2009. Investigations into the early life history of naturally produced spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the Grande Ronde River subbasin: Annual Report 2008. Bonneville Power Administration project 1992-026-04, contract 00041002. Portland, Oregon.

Zimmerman, Brian, B. Ashe, and S. Patterson. 2002. Grande Ronde Spring Chinook Hatchery Management Plan. Northeast Oregon. 9 pp.

Zollman, R.L., R. Eschler, S. Sealey, J. Williams, and B. Johnson. 2004. Grande Ronde Endemic Spring


http://waterdata.usgs.gov/or/nwis/nwismap/?site_no=13330300&agency_cd=USGS

Reference (include web address if available online)Chinook Supplementation Project. Lostine River Operations and Maintenance. 2003 Smolt Acclimation and Adult Return Report. BPA Project Number 199800702, Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, Oregon.

Zollman, R.L., R. Eschler, S. Sealey, J. Williams, and B. Johnson. 2009a. Grande Ronde Endemic Spring Chinook Supplementation Project. Lostine River Operations and Maintenance. 2004 Smolt Acclimation and Adult Return Report. BPA Project Number 199800702, Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, Oregon.

Zollman, R.L., R. Eschler, S. Sealey, J. Williams, and B. Johnson. 2009b. Grande Ronde Endemic Spring Chinook Supplementation Project. Lostine River Operations and Maintenance. 2005 Smolt Acclimation and Adult Return Report. BPA Project Number 199800702, Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, Oregon.

Zollman, R.L., R. Eschler, S. Sealey, J. Williams, and B. Johnson. 2009c. Grande Ronde Endemic Spring Chinook Supplementation Project. Lostine River Operations and Maintenance. 2006 Smolt Acclimation and Adult Return Report. BPA Project Number 199800702, Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, Oregon.

Zollman, R.L., R. Eschler, S. Sealey, J. Williams, and B. Johnson. 2009d. Grande Ronde Endemic Spring Chinook Supplementation Project. Lostine River Operations and Maintenance. 2007 Smolt Acclimation and Adult Return Report. BPA Project Number 199800702, Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, Oregon.


I. Key personnel

Jay Hesse, Director of Biological ServicesEducation

Master of Science degree in Fisheries. Michigan State University, 1994. Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife. Michigan State University, 1992.

Current EmploymentDirector of Biological Services (Research Division). Nez Perce Tribe, Department of Fisheries Resources Management. June 2004 – present. Research Division management: technical and procedure supervision/support of project

leaders associated with 15 research projects with focus on population status assessment, hatchery effectiveness evaluations, and conservation throughout the Snake River basin.

Department management: participation in fisheries management team activity coordination across all five divisions of the Department of Fisheries Resources Management; development and implementation of long-term Strategic Management Plan; and incorporation of technical data into management decisions and policy recommendations.

Regional management: technical and management representation of Nez Perce Tribe in multiple Columbia River basin fisheries co-management forums including the Northwest Power and Conservation Council Fish and Wildlife Program project reviews, Recovery Implementation Science Team, U.S. vs Oregon, Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority, Snake River fall Chinook coordination meetings, Ad Hoc Supplementation Work Group; routine coordination and collaboration with state, tribal, and federal co-managers.Past Employment

Fisheries Research Coordinator. Nez Perce Tribe, Department of Fisheries Resources Management. October 1997 – June 2004.

Fisheries Research Biologist - Project Leader. Nez Perce Tribe, Department of Fisheries Resources Management. July 1994 - October 1997.Expertise

Expertise in anadromous fish population dynamics, hatchery effectiveness research, strategic planning, effective communications and multi-entity collaboration.

Relevant Recent ReportsBeasley C.A, B.A. Berejikian, R.W. Carmichael, D.E. Fast, M.J. Ford, P.F. Galbreath, J.A. Hesse, L.L. McDonald, A.R. Murdoch, C.M. Peven, and D.A. Venditti). 2008. Recommendations for Broad Scale Monitoring to Evaluate the Effects of Hatchery Supplementation on the Fitness of Natural Salmon and Steelhead Populations. Final Report of the Ad Hoc Supplementation Monitoring and Evaluation Workgroup (AHSWG). 82 pgs. RIST (Recovery Implementation Science Team; G. M. Brown, Jr, C. Busack, R. Carmichael, T. Cooney, K. Currens, M. Ford, G. Helfman, University of Georgia, J. Hesse, P. Lawson, M. McClure, P. McElhany, G. Reeves, B. Rieman, M. Ruckelshaus, B. Thompson). 2009. Hatchery Reform Science; A review of some applications of science to hatchery reform issues. 93 pgs.


Becky Johnson, Production CoordinatorNez Perce Tribe Department Fisheries Resource Management, Lapwai, ID officeManagement, operations, and inter and intra agency coordination.

EDUCATION:M.S. in Biology with Fisheries emphasis, Eastern Washington University, 1991B.S. in Biology, EWU, 1989

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:Production Coordinator, Nez Perce Tribe, Lapwai, ID, Sept. 2001-presentProject Leader, Nez Perce Tribe, Lapwai, ID, Jan. 1997 - 2001

Northeast Oregon Hatchery Master PlanLostine Supplementation ProjectImnaha Steelhead Supplementation

Project Leader, Nez Perce Tribe, Lapwai, ID, April 1997 - PresentGrande Ronde River Supplementation Project - Lostine River

Project Leader, Nez Perce Tribe, Lapwai, ID, May 1994 - 1997Integrated Hatchery Operations Team

Assistant Project Leader, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Lewiston, ID, July 1991 - Feb. 1993

Project: Managed CRITFC field office, manage and coordinate northern squawfish predation project on Snake and Columbia River mainstem dams.

Developed Nez Perce Tribe Fish Health Policy and Kalispel Tribe Fisheries Management Plan, primary author of four other publications, co-authored over 10 other publications regarding Integrated Hatchery Operations Team Policies and Procedures Manual, reintroduction of coho salmon in the Clearwater River, predation by northern squawfish, assessment of thermomechanical pulp mill, and baseline fisheries investigations.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS:2000. Northeast Oregon Hatchery Spring Chinook Master Plan. Bonneville Power

Administration, Portland, OR. (Ashe, B., K. Concannon, D.B. Johnson, R. Zollman, D. Bryson, and G. Alley).

1996. Nez Perce Tribe 1994 Annual Production Report, Sweetwater Springs Hatchery, Spring Chinook salmon. Nez Perce Tribe Dept. of Fisheries Resources

Management, Lapwai, Idaho (Ashe, B.L., R.E. Larson, G.W. Walker, and D.B. Johnson)


Jason Vogel, Research Division Deputy Director Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resources Management

EDUCATION:M.S. in Fisheries & Utah State University, 1998B.S. in Fisheries Resources Management, University of Idaho, 1995

DUTIES:Monitors and guides technical implementation of adopted and contracted research. Serve as a liaison for regional coordination with state, federal and tribal agencies. Develop, implement, and review projects, reports, publications, proposals and grants. Manage database development and web based data access for the department. Provide tribal fisheries research representation at federal and state meetings.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:Research Division Deputy Director. Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resources Management. 2007 - Present. Project Leader, Lower Snake River Compensation Plan Hatchery Evaluations Project. Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resources Management. 2005 - 2007.Project Leader, Johnson Creek Artificial Propagation Enhancement Monitor & Evaluations Project. Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resources Management. 1998 - 2005.

PUBLICATIONS:Beauchamp, D.A., C.M. Baldwin, J.L. Vogel, and C.P. Gubala. 1999. Estimating diel, depth-specific foraging

opportunities with a visual encounter rate model for pelagic piscivores. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 56(S1): 128-139.

Nelson, D.D., J.L. Vogel, and J.A. Hesse, 2005. Johnson Creek Artificial Propagation and Enhancement Monitoring and Evaluation, 1998 Annual Report, Project No. 199604300, 54 electronic pages, (BPA Report DOE/BP-00016450-1) http://www.efw.bpa.gov/Publications/A00016450-1.pdf.

Rabe, C.D., D.D. Nelson, and J.L. Vogel. 2006. Johnson Creek Summer Chinook Salmon Monitoring and Evaluation Project. 1998-2005 Summary Report. Project Number 199604300, 131 electronic pages, (BPA Report DOE/BP-00016450-2), http://www.efw.bpa.gov/Publications/A00016450-2.pdf.

Vogel, J.L., J.A.Hesse, J.R. Harbeck, D.D. Nelson, and C.D. Rabe. 2005. Johnson Creek Summer Chinook Salmon Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. Northwest Power and Conservation Council Step 2/3 document. Prepared for BPA, 126 electronic pages, (BPA Report DOE/BP-00016450-3), http://www.efw.bpa.gov/Publications/A00016450-3.pdf.

Vogel , J.L. and D.A. Beauchamp. 1999. Effects of light, prey size, and turbidity, on reaction distances of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) to salmonid prey. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 56:1293-1297.


http://www.efw.bpa.gov/Publications/A00016450-3.pdf



James R. Harbeck, NEOH M&E Project Leader Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Joseph, OR officeNEOH M&E Planning, Coordination, and Dissemination of Results

EDUCATION:M.S. in Fisheries, Michigan State University, 1998B.A. in Aquatic Biology, Grand Valley State University, 1994 EMS in Emergency Medical Technology, Davenport College, 1983PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Fisheries Biologist, Nez Perce Tribe – 7/98 to Present

Captive Broodstock Project LeaderLostine River Monitoring and Evaluation Project Leader

Research Assistant, MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife –- 1995 -1998 Primary investigator for a steelhead trout evaluation studyEstimated the wild and hatchery composition and determined life history characteristics

Fisheries Creel Clerk, MDNR Fisheries Division – 1994-1995Collected biological and sociological data from commercial and recreational catchEvaluated instream habitat structures

Fisheries Aide, District 9, MDNR Fisheries Division – 1993-1995Conducted lake and stream assessments and surveysAssisted in stream rehabilitation projects

Environmental Consultant, Applied Ecology Group – 1993Collected and identified aquatic invertebratesConducted literature searches for research projects

Zoology Lab Instructor, Cornerstone College – 1993

TECHNICAL PAPERS AND PRESENTATIONS:

Hesse, J.A., J.R. Harbeck, and R.W. Carmichael. 2004. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for Northeast Oregon Hatchery Imnaha and Grande Ronde Subbassin Spring Chinook Salmon [March 2004 Draft]. Nez Perce Tribe Dept. of Fisheries Resources Management. Box 365. Lapwai, Idaho.

Hesse, J A. and J.R. Harbeck. 2000. Northeast Oregon hatchery spring/summer chinook salmon conceptual monitoring and evaluation plan. Pages 1-26 in Ashe et al. Northeast Oregon hatchery project: spring chinook master plan. Bonneville Power Administran, Portland, OR. DOE/BP-3267.

Harbeck, J.R. 1998. Contribution and Comparative Life History Characteristics of Hatchery and Naturalized Steelhead in the Betsie River, Michigan. Master Thesis, Michigan State University, Lansing MI.

Harbeck, J.R., T.J. Newcomb, and T.G. Coon. 1997. Production and Survival of Juvenile Steelhead in the Betsie River Watershed. Paper presented to the Michigan Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Aug. 7, 1997, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Harbeck, J.R. and T.G. Coon. 1997. Contribution and Comparative Life History Characteristics of Hatchery and Naturalized Steelhead in the Betsie River, Michigan. Paper presented to the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters, Feb. 27-28, 1998, Alma, Michigan.


Gregory Wolfe, Production Supervisor--NEOH Project LeaderNez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resource Management-Production Division; Joseph Field Office, Joseph Oregon.

DUTIES:Oversee project development, permitting, construction, and eventually operation of Lostine River Hatchery and associated facilities.

EDUCATION:A.A. in Management, Spokane Falls, 1989.2 years coursework in Wildlife Management, Washington State University, 1991.B.S. in Environmental Science, Hill Texas University, 2008.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:Production Supervisor. Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resource Management. NEOH Project, 2009-present.Fish Hatchery Manager 4. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Wells Salmon Hatchery, 2007-2009.Fish Hatchery Assistant Manager 3. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.Ringold Salmon-Meseberg Warm Water Hatchery, 2003-2007. Fish Hatchery Specialist 2. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.Speelyai Salmon Hatchery, 2001-2003.Fish Hatchery Technician. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.Wallace River Salmon Hatchery, 2001-2001.

RELATED SKILLS AND TRAINING: Managed fish hatchery operation of two upper Columbia River P.U.D. mitigation

facilities. Oversee and participate directly trapping, spawning, incubating, rearing, marking, and

release. Anadromous program includes Chinook Salmon and ESA listed Steelhead. Managed large broodstock collection program accountable for adult/egg distribution

serving 9 State, Federal, and Tribal programs. Developed and implemented hatchery operation protocols. Project included facility

maintenance schedule and emergency response planning. Responsible for long range program planning, data reporting, and genetic plan

development. Contributed to design and development unique warm water species hatchery rearing

facility. Attended and participated in hatchery rearing USFWS fish health training courses. Event planning committee member, session chair, and presenter of Fish Growth

Management Power Point production at the 2008 Northwest Fish Culture Conference.


Peter Cleary, Lostine River Monitoring and Evaluation Project LeaderNez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Joseph, OR officeMonitoring and Evaluation for Lostine River Chinook Salmon

Experiance:I have 17 years of experience in fisheries. Five years was spent supervising a smolt trap on the Imnaha River, Oregon and estimating smolt survival and arrival timing through the lower Snake and Columbia river dams. Six years have been spent estimating adult escapement and reconstructing brood year returns for Lostine River natural and hatchery Chinook salmon.

Work History: Lostine River Monitoring and Evaluation, Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho, 2004 to present,

(Project Leader) Imnaha River Smolt Monitoring, Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho, 1998 to 2004

(Project Leader) Idaho Salmon Supplementation Studies, Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho, 1994 to 1998,

(Biologist) Angler bank surveys, Oregon Fish and Wildlife, La Grande 1994

Fish culture experience, Idaho Fish and Game, 1993, 1994

Technical Publications:Monzyk, F.R., B.C. Jonasson, T.L. Hoffnagle, P.J. Keniry, R. W. Carmichael, and P.J. Cleary.

2009. Migration Characteristics of Hatchery and Natural Spring Chinook Salmon Smolts from the Grande Ronde River Basin, Oregon, to Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 138:1093-1108



Cleary, P.J. 2006. Evaluation of Spring Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Supplementation in the Lostine River, Oregon 2005 Annual Report. BPA Project Number 199800702, Contract Number 00004219. Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, Oregon.

Cleary, P.J., J.R. Harbeck, and D.G. Bright. 2006. Evaluation of Spring Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Supplementation in the Lostine River, Oregon. BPA Project Number 199800702, Contract Number: 00004219, and 97AM 30423. Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, Oregon.


Rick Zollman, Lostine O&M Project Leader, NEOH Asst. Proj. Leader Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Joseph, OR officeFish Culture and Production for Northeast Oregon

EDUCATION:A.S. Fisheries Science from Mt. Hood Community CollegeB.S. in Biology from Shelbourne University, 2001 DUTIES:Manager of facility operation and maintenance, production and monitoring and evaluation coordination.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:Project Leader, Nez Perce Tribe, Lostine River O& M October 2001-presentAssist Project Leader, Nez Perce Tribe, Lostine River O&M April 1997- September 2001Acting Manager, Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery,USFWS, 1993-1996Acting Assistant Manager, Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery, USFWS, 1990-1993Work Leader, Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery, USFWS, 1987-1990Fish Culturist, Eagle Creek/Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, USFWS, 1981 - 1987

SKILLS:Management and operation of major anadromous hatchery program (2.5 million smolts), associated structures, and basin co-management. Experience with all life stages of culturing spring chinook salmon, coho salmon, and winter steelhead. Management and training of hatchery staff : four FTE fish culturists, maintenance personnel, and temporary helpers that ranged from 2 to 12 depending on work loads. Experience with communication and coordination involving federal, state, tribal, and private entities.

TRAINING:Training was implemented by USFWS and included disease short courses, work force management and cross training at other federal hatcheries. The most recently competed training was Fish Genetics in February 1997.

AWARDS:USFWS Special Achievement Award, several Quality Performance Awards, and Fish Culturist of the Year in 1987.


Mary Edwards, Lostine River Captive Broodstock Fisheries Biologist II

EducationBachelor of Science Wildlife Resources 1995, University of Idaho

Current EmploymentFisheries Biologist II, Nez Perce Tribe DFRM (Research Division), 2004 – present.

Coordination and facilitation of the Captive Broodstock program with federal, state and tribal agencies, design and review of annual operating plans with co-managers, participation in technical oversight team meetings and preparation of summary reports reflecting captive broodstock program progress.

Implementation of program objectives, data collection, database management, supervision and training of seasonal field crews and permanent technicians in an assortment of field collection and spawning activities.

Design and implement research experiments related to captive broodstock culture, disease prevention and gene conservation. Presentation of research and program accomplishments in professional forums, symposiums and publications.

Previous EmploymentFisheries Technician II, Nez Perce Tribe DFRM

(Research Division) Salmonid Gamete Preservation Project and Grande Ronde Basin Captive Broodstock Project. 3/2000 – 2004

Fisheries Technician I, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) 1998 – 2000 Experimental Biology Assistant, ODFW Fish Pathology (1997-1998)Fisheries Technician II, Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (1996-1997)

ExpertiseSkilled in the design and implementation of research specific objectives, multi agency coordination and facilitation of program objectives, concurrent program evaluations and database management. Experienced fish culturist with the following species: Sockeye, Chinook, Coho, Chum, Pink Salmon and Steelhead.

Publications and PresentationsK. C. Grim, M. J. Wolfe, M. Edwards, J. Kaufman, S. Onjukka, P. Moran, and J. C. Wolf. Epizootic Ameloblastomas in Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) of the Northwestern United States. Journal of Veterinary Pathology, 46:622–635 (2009)

Edwards, M., Chaney, M., Frenyea, K., Hoffnagle, T., Young, W., 2008. Exploring Methods to Improve Fertilization Success with Cryopreserved Chinook Salmon Sperm. Technical Presentation, Western Division Meeting of the American Fisheries Society

Chaney, M., Edwards, M., Frenyea, K., Hoffnagle, T., Young, W., 2007. Use of Cryopreserved Sperm from Fall Chinook ~ How Much is Enough? Technical Poster Presentation, American Fisheries Society, Oregon Chapter Meeting


J. Environmental Compliance & Permitting (press tab in last cell to create new rows)Permit name Date Ref # Link to online permit (if available)NA See Section C


ATTACHMENT 1 (Snake Basin RME Strategy taken from Coordinated Anadromous Workshop 2010a and b)

Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon Basin-wide Monitoring Strategy

Status and Trend Assess and maintain population status and trends using Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) metrics and TRT viability criteria.

High precision status and trend data (includes fish in and fish out) in at least one population per life history type (spring vs summer run) per MPG.

- Estimation of adult and juveniles for life cycle monitoring (SAR, smolts per spawner, adult productivity). Accurate annual estimates with target CVs of 15% or less (This recognizes that precision needs will vary from analysis to analysis , eg viability vs small freshwater productivity analysis).

- Select populations for high precision monitoring based on maximum synergy between BiOp RPA requirements, TRT must have populations, IMWs (habitat effectiveness monitoring), accord monitoring, hatchery effectiveness monitoring, representativeness of MPG populations, and multiple species coverage. Initial recommendation for high precision fish in/out include Tucannon River, Minam River, Imnaha River, Secesh River, Big Creek, Bear Valley Creek, Pahsimeroi River, Upper Salmon River mainstem, and Lolo Creek.

Low/moderate precision status and trend data in every population per MPG (including populations with high precision monitoring).

- Low/moderate precision estimates of abundance and spatial structure on all populations via multi-pass extensive area redd counts and carcass surveys (maintain existing index reach redd surveys). Record all redd locations with GPS. Overlay entire basin with GRTS sampling; post hoc analysis of GPS recorded redds within extensive area surveys and 25 – 1km reaches surveys outside of extensive area surveys. Non-index area reaches may be surveyed with post spawning single pass. Use rotating panel design to correlate redd based indices to escapement. Remote areas requiring aerial surveys may use post spawning single pass.

High precision estimation of fish reaching Lower Granite Dam via run-reconstruction estimates generated from sub-sampling (trapping) fish in the Lower Granite Dam adult ladder.

- Estimation of adult and juveniles for life cycle monitoring (SAR, smolts per spawner, adult productivity) at the ESU scale (aggregate SAR for Snake Basin) with a CV of 15% or less.

- Develop alternative approaches/techniques to partition escapement at Lower Granite Dam to MPGs (possibly populations). Current options under consideration are GSI and PIT tag arrays. Provides secondary low precision estimate achieved by partitioning Lower Granite Dam escapement to MPGs (and populations as able) using


Genetic Stock Identification (GSI) to achieve accurate annual abundance estimates with CVs. Sample wild origin adult and smolts at Lower Granite Dam (LGR) throughout the run. Collect scales and tissue samples. Use scale samples to estimate age structure at the MPG and population scale. Using this information productivity estimates (smolts per adults and adult to adult) can be made at the, ESU, MPG and population scales.

- Establish Snake River Basin Annual run-reconstruction of hatchery returns, harvest, and escapement to known and unknown population areas to provide timely annual run-reconstruction (abundance and age structure) of Chinook salmon escapement to Lower Granite Dam; including description of ultimate disposition of hatchery Chinook salmon upstream of Lower Granite dam. Ultimate disposition alternatives for hatchery-origin fish include; harvest, hatchery rack collections, spawners to known areas, and spawners to unknown areas. Analyses and integrates data collection from numerous ongoing projects.

Direct harvest and incidental mortality of natural origin adults in mainstem and terminal area fisheries.

HatcheryAssess and adaptively manage hatchery programs to respond to mitigation goals, recovery criteria, and supplementation effectiveness.

Require utilization of Ad Hoc Supplementation Work Group (AHSWG; Beasley et al 2008) standardized performance measures.

Conduct implementation and compliance monitoring per AHSWG guidelines (Beasley et al 2008) on every hatchery program.

- Determine proportion of hatchery origin spawners and estimate age structure at the MPG or population scale.

Implement high intensity hatchery effectiveness monitoring on select supplementation programs; LSRCP, Northeast Oregon Hatchery, Johnson Creek, and Idaho Salmon Supplementation and new/reformed supplementation programs with formal study designs.

Conduct Relative Reproductive Success (RRS) studies on at least six populations of spring/summer Chinook salmon throughout the Columbia Basin.

Estimate direct harvest estimates of hatchery origin fish in mainstem and terminal area

fisheries. - Sample sport, tribal, and commercial fisheries in the Columbia and Snake rivers to

estimate contribution of each hatchery stock using CWT and/or PBT.

Integrate and assess hatchery effectiveness results across programs throughout the Pacific Northwest.


Habitat Characterize existing physical habitat related to watershed hydrology and aquatic biotic productivity. Document changes in physical habitat structure/function due to natural processes (climate change) and changes resulting from human manipulation of physical habitat (includes both degradation and restoration). Validate fish response to habitat changes.

Describe physical habitat condition trends by high precision monitoring across the entire Snake River basin using a probabilistic sampling approach. Ensure at least one watershed/population per MPG is monitored across a diversity of ecological regions (ideally conducted in areas with fish in/out monitoring).

- Establish ESU wide remote sensing data on landscape vegetation, riparian area and stream channel morphology. Maintain water quantity and quality monitoring in all populations and migration corridors, including macro-invertebrate trends.

- Maintain contemporary (15 year or less) watershed assessments for the entire Snake River basin at the 5th HUC level. Watershed assessments include: road networks, passage barriers, land use, water quantity and quality, riparian condition, basin hydrology including water withdrawals, channel morphology, and human demographics.

Conduct implementation and compliance monitoring on every habitat restoration project. - Conduct small scale studies assessing reach specific response to unique habitat

restoration action types. - Physical habitat response measures include: riparian vegetation, sedimentation, large

woody debris, water temperature, habitat complexity, water quality, floodplain function, and fish presence -absence.

Conduct habitat restoration project effectiveness monitoring in terms of fish in/out response using intensively monitored watersheds (IMWs) (ISEMP plus key BiOp gaps areas) and physical habitat condition.

- Select populations based on large survival gap to be filled by habitat restoration actions and maximum synergy between BiOp RPA requirements, TRT must have populations, IMWs (habitat effectiveness monitoring), accord monitoring, hatchery effectiveness monitoring, representativeness of MPG populations, and multiple species coverage. Initial recommendation for fish response (fish in/out) include: Tucannon River, Upper Grande Ronde River, Catherine Creek, South Fork Salmon River, and Lemhi River. (initial recommendations pending on-going regional efforts).

Hydro (see also mainstem process strategy)Monitor and describe juvenile and adult spring/summer Chinook salmon survival, migration timing, and response to dam passage strategies and experience.

Utilize Snake Basin aggregate and one index population per MPG to estimate mainstem system-wide survival (upriver PIT tags), reach/project specific passage and survival (upriver PIT tags, and dam tagging), avian predation, adult survival, latent mortality, SAR’s.

- Quantify survival relative to BiOp performance Standards.


- PIT tag numbers and distribution should follow target numbers described in CBFWA FWP amendment recommendation.

- Index populations/MPG: Tucannon River, Imnaha River, Grand Ronde MPG, South Fork Salmon MPG, Big Creek, Lemhi River, and Lolo Creek.

DiversityMonitor genetic and life history diversity of all populations within ESU.

Genotype wild populations on a rotating five year basis to maintain genetic baseline for GSI and to evaluate genetic population structure and diversity.

Data Management and AccessMaintain up-to-date, secure, web accessible databases that utilize standardized performance measures.


ATTACHMENT 2Snake River Steelhead Basin-wide Monitoring Strategy

Status and TrendAssess and maintain population status and trends using Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) metrics and TRT viability criteria.

High precision status and trend data (includes fish in and fish out) in at least one population life history type (summer vs winter run) per MPG. - Estimation of adult and juveniles for life cycle monitoring (SAR, smolts per spawner,

adult productivity). Accurate annual estimates with target CVs of 15% or less (This recognizes that precision needs will vary from analysis to analysis , eg viability vs small freshwater productivity analysis). Due to population specific sampling challenges high intensity/precision sampling opportunities are limited.

- Select populations for high precision monitoring based on maximum synergy between BiOp RPA requirements, TRT must have populations, IMWs (habitat effectiveness monitoring), accord monitoring, hatchery effectiveness monitoring, representativeness of MPG populations, and multiple specie coverage. Initial recommendation for candidate streams with high precision monitoring are: MF Salmon River (Big Creek), South Fork Salmon River, Lemhi River, Secesh River, Imnaha River, Lolo Creek, and Joseph Creek.

High precision estimation of fish reaching Lower Granite Dam via run-reconstruction estimates generated from sub-sampling (trapping) fish in the Lower Granite Dam adult ladder.

- Estimation of adult and juveniles for life cycle monitoring (SAR, smolts per spawner, adult productivity) at the ESU scale (aggregate SAR for Snake Basin) with a CV of 15% or less.

- Establish Snake River Basin Annual run-reconstruction of hatchery returns, harvest, and escapement to known and unknown population areas to provide timely annual run-reconstruction (abundance and age structure) of steelhead escapement to Lower Granite Dam; including description of ultimate disposition of hatchery steelhead upstream of Lower Granite dam. Ultimate disposition alternatives for hatchery-origin fish include; harvest, hatchery rack collections, spawners to known areas, and spawners to unknown areas. Analyses and integrates data collection from numerous ongoing projects

Status and trend data in every population per MPG (including populations with high precision monitoring). Lower precision will be acceptable for management in these populations.- Low precision achieved by partitioning Lower Granite Dam escapement to MPGs (and

populations as able) using Genetic Stock Identification (GSI) to achieve accurate annual estimates and measure CVs. Use scale samples to estimate age structure at the MPG and population scale. Productivity estimates (smolts per adults and adult to adult) can be made at the MPG and population scale.

- Validate GSI results with radio and/or PIT tag arrays in at least two MPGs. - Maintain and validate existing index reach redd surveys.


Direct harvest and incidental mortality of natural origin adults in mainstem and terminal area fisheries.

HatcheryAssess and adaptively manage hatchery programs to respond to mitigation goals, recovery criteria, and supplementation effectiveness. Require utilization of Ad Hoc Supplementation Work Group (AHSWG; Beasley et al 2008)

standardized performance measures.

Conduct implementation and compliance monitoring per AHSWG guidelines (Beasley et al 2008) on every hatchery program.

- Determine proportion of hatchery origin spawners and estimate age structure at the MPG or population scale.

Implement high intensity hatchery effectiveness monitoring on select supplementation programs; LSRCP, South Fork Clearwater and Lolo Creek, and new/reformed supplementation programs with formal study designs.

Conduct Relative Reproductive Success (RRS) studies on at least six populations of steelhead throughout the Columbia Basin.

Estimate direct harvest of hatchery origin fish in mainstem and terminal area fisheries. - Sample sport, tribal, and commercial fisheries in the Columbia and Snake rivers

to estimate contribution of each hatchery stock.

Integrate and assess hatchery effectiveness results across programs throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Habitat Characterize existing physical habitat related to watershed hydrology and aquatic biotic productivity. Document changes in physical habitat structure/function due to natural processes (climate change) and changes resulting from human manipulation of physical habitat (includes both degradation and restoration). Validate fish response to habitat changes.

Describe physical habitat condition trends across the entire Snake River basin using a probabilistic sampling approach. Ensure at least one watershed/population per MPG is monitored across a diversity of ecological regions (conducted in areas with fish in/out monitoring).

- Establish ESU wide remote sensing data on landscape vegetation, riparian area and stream channel morphology. Maintain water quantity and quality monitoring in all populations and migration corridors.

- Maintain contemporary (15 year or less) watershed assessments for the entire Snake River basin at the 5th HUC level. Watershed assessments include: road networks, passage barriers, land use, water quantity and quality, riparian condition, basin hydrology including water withdrawals, channel morphology, and human demographics.

Conduct implementation and compliance monitoring on every habitat restoration project.


- Conduct small scale studies assessing reach specific response to unique habitat restoration action types.

- Physical habitat response measures include: riparian vegetation, sedimentation, large woody debris, water temperature, habitat complexity, water quality, floodplain function, and fish presence -absence.

Conduct habitat restoration project effectiveness monitoring in terms of fish in/out response using intensively monitored watersheds (IMWs) (ISEMP plus key BiOp gaps areas) and physical habitat condition.

- Select populations based on large survival gap to be filled by habitat restoration actions and maximum synergy between BiOp RPA requirements, TRT must have populations, IMWs (habitat effectiveness monitoring), accord monitoring, hatchery effectiveness monitoring, representativeness of MPG populations, and multiple species coverage. Initial recommendation for fish response (fish in/out) include: Asotin Creek, Potlatch River, Upper Grande Ronde River, Catherine Creek, South Fork Salmon River, and Lemhi River.

Hydro (see also mainstem process strategy)Monitor and describe juvenile and adult steelhead survival, migration timing, and response to dam passage strategies and experience.

Utilize Snake Basin aggregate and one index population per MPG to estimate mainstem system-wide survival (upriver PIT tags), reach/project specific passage and survival (upriver PIT tags, and dam tagging), avian predation, adult survival, latent mortality, SAR’s.

- Quantify survival relative to BiOp performance Standards.- PIT tag numbers and distribution should follow target numbers described in

CBFWA FWP amendment recommendation. - Index populations: Asotin Creek, Imnaha River, South Fork Salmon River, and

Lolo Creek. (Other populations may also be needed based upon ongoing discussion).

DiversityMonitor genetic and life history diversity of all populations within DPS.

Genotype wild populations on a rotating five year basis to maintain genetic baseline for GSI and to evaluate genetic population structure and diversity.

Data Management and AccessMaintain up-to-date, secure, web accessible databases that utilize standardized performance measures.


FY 2007-09 F&W Program Innovative Project Solicitation Web viewUse Word’s spell-check tool...

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