Phase I Okanogan River Spring Chinook

Production

Proposal #29050 Sponsored By:

Colville Confederated Tribes

Presented By:Stephen Smith

Phase I Okanogan River Spring Chinook

Production

Proposal #29050 Sponsored By:

Colville Confederated Tribes

Presented By:Stephen Smith

Need – Subbasin SummaryNeed – Subbasin Summary

Goal – Establish production-related strategies for salmon recovery…

Objective 2 – Supplement Okanogan spring chinook to effect recovery while conserving genetic diversity.

Strategy 1 – Explore all possible actions to reintroduce and recover spring chinook in the Okanogan

NMFS BiOp on FCRPSNMFS BiOp on FCRPS RPA #175 – Plan Safety-Net Programs

Information gained in Phase I will be applied to Phase II – reintroduction of endangered Upper Columbia Spring Chinook into the Okanogan River to increase ESU abundance, distribution, and diversity.

Implement “… reforms necessary to reduce deleterious effects while still allowing continued use of hatchery production to provide Tribal and non-tribal harvest opportunities.”

ether to recovery.

Spr. Chinook Strategic Options Analysis:Spr. Chinook Strategic Options Analysis:

– 4 strategies developed (App K)

– Selected dual programs of Integrated Recovery and Isolated Harvest

– Carson stock transitioning to Methow Stock – Two Phases

– Flexible approach w/o capital risks

Phase I – Spring Chinook Program ObjectivesPhase I – Spring Chinook Program Objectives

Assess habitat viability for spring chinook in the Okanogan

Assess existing facilities for propagation & acclimation

Evaluate feasibility of isolated harvest

Provide tribal C&S and recreational fisheries

Phase II - Spring Chinook Program ObjectivesPhase II - Spring Chinook Program Objectives

Transition from Carson to Methow Stock – “experimental population”

Create natural-origin population of ESA-listed spring chinook – contribute to recovery

Provide selective C&S and recreational fisheries on hatchery-origin fish

Relationship to other projectsRelationship to other projects

•#29042: Selective Fish Collection & Harvesting Gear – develop live capture, selective fishing capability to harvest spring chinook.

•#29033: Design & Conduct M&E – includes tasks to monitor and evaluate benefits and risks of spring chinook program.

•#29008: Adult Passage Counting & Trapping at Zosel Dam – terminal collection, harvesting, evaluation facility for spring chinook.

Key Project ObjectivesKey Project Objectives

Complete Okanogan River Spring Chinook HGMP

Complete NWPPC’s 3-Step Process

Propagate Chinook at Existing Beaver Creek Hatchery

O & M Ellisforde Acclimation Pond

M&E Acclimation Pond

M&E Beaver Creek Hatchery

Develop and insert map here

Methods/Design to Minimize RisksMethods/Design to Minimize RisksEmploy existing facilities – minimize capital costs

Acclimate spring chinook

Use unique, external mark

Develop selective fisheries & adult collection

Monitor adult migration and stock interactions

Adapt to reduce risks – halt production, collect adults

Key M&E ObjectivesKey M&E Objectives Evaluate facilities and culture (#29040)

Smolt migration – timing, magnitude, survival (#29033)

Adult migration – timing, behavior, smolt-adult survival (#29033)

Adult harvest – magnitude (#29042, #29033)

Spawning surveys – habitat use, success, introgression (#29033)

Expected Phase I Results

•Spr. chinook behavior and survival in Okanogan River habitat – recovery potential

•Efficacy of existing hatchery and acclimation facilities for rearing spring chinook

•A hatchery-origin run of 1,000 – 2,000 adults

•Experimental tribal C&S and recreational selective fisheries

•Effects of an Isolated Harvest Program and risks to Okanogan summer/fall chinook and Methow spring chinook

Phase I SchedulePhase I Schedule

Complete HGMP in 2002

Complete Master Plan and NEPA in 2003

Abbreviated 3-step process due to completed HGMP, use of existing facilities, and reduced capital risk.

Take BY’03 eggs in Fall 2003

Operate Beaver Creek Hatchery in Fall 2003

Operate Ellisforde Acclimation Pond in Fall 2004

Selective, terminal harvest in Spring 2007