FY 2003 Mainstem/Systemwide proposal 199302900
Contents
Section 1. General administrative information
Section 2. Past accomplishments
Section 3. Relationships to other projects
Section 4. Budgets for planning/design phase
Section 5. Budgets for construction/implementation phase
Section 6. Budgets for operations/maintenance phase
Section 7. Budgets for monitoring/evaluation phase
Section 8. Budget summary
Reviews and Recommendations
Additional documents
Title | Type |
---|---|
199302900 Narrative | Narrative |
199302900 Powerpoint Presentation | Powerpoint Presentation |
FY 2005 Powerpoint Presentation Update for Project 199302900 | Powerpoint Presentation |
FY 2005 Powerpoint Presentation Update for Project 199302900 | Powerpoint Presentation |
Section 1. Administrative
Proposal title | Estimate Survival for the Passage of Juvenile Salmonids Through Dams and Reservoirs of the Lower Snake and Columbia Rivers |
Proposal ID | 199302900 |
Organization | National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) |
Proposal contact person or principal investigator | |
Name | William D. Muir |
Mailing address | NWFSC, Fish Ecology Division, 2725 Montlake Boulevard, East Seattle, WA 98112-2097 |
Phone / email | 5095382626 / [email protected] |
Manager authorizing this project | Dr. John G. Williams |
Review cycle | Mainstem/Systemwide |
Province / Subbasin | Mainstem/Systemwide / |
Short description | Provide precise measurements of survival of juvenile salmon as they pass through dams and reservoirs in the Snake and Columbia Rivers and relate to adult returns. |
Target species | Chinook salmon (yearling spring/summer and subyearling fall), juvenile steelhead, and juvenile sockeye salmon. All Snake and Columbia River ESUs above Bonneville Dam are included. |
Project location
Latitude | Longitude | Description |
---|---|---|
Systemwide. |
Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPAs)
Sponsor-reported:
RPA |
---|
185 |
187 |
189 |
193 |
190 |
Relevant RPAs based on NMFS/BPA review:
Reviewing agency | Action # | BiOp Agency | Description |
---|---|---|---|
NMFS/BPA | Action 199 | NMFS | The Action Agencies shall implement the specific research/monitoring actions outlined in Appendix H. |
NMFS | Action 185 | NMFS | The Action Agencies shall continue to fund and expand, as appropriate, fish marking and recapturing programs aimed at defining juvenile migrant survival for both transported and nontransported migrants and adult returns for both groups. These studies shall also compare the SARs of transported and nontransported fish to calculate the differential delayed mortality (D), if any, of transported fish. |
NMFS/BPA | Action 185 | NMFS | The Action Agencies shall continue to fund and expand, as appropriate, fish marking and recapturing programs aimed at defining juvenile migrant survival for both transported and nontransported migrants and adult returns for both groups. These studies shall also compare the SARs of transported and nontransported fish to calculate the differential delayed mortality (D), if any, of transported fish. |
NMFS/BPA | Action 189 | NMFS | The Action Agencies and NMFS shall work within the annual planning and congressional appropriation processes to establish and provide the appropriate level of FCRPS funding for studies to investigate the causes of discrepancies in adult return rates for juvenile salmonids that have different passage histories through the hydrosystem. |
Section 2. Past accomplishments
Year | Accomplishment |
---|---|
1993 | Demonstrated ability to estimate survival through Lower Granite and Little Goose Dam reaches. |
1994 | Extended survival estimates through Lower Monumental Dam reach and added estimates for juvenile steelhead. |
1995 | Extended survival estimates through McNary Dam reach and added estimates for hatchery subyearling fall chinook salmon. |
1996 | Completed flow/survival analysis for spring migrants using modern survival data. |
1997 | Extended survival estimates through the entire hydropower system. |
1997 | Estimated survival for yearling chinook salmon from Lookingglass hatchery to Lower Granite Reservoir using radio telemetry. |
1999 | Began estimating survival through John Day Dam reach for Hanford Reach subyearling fall chinook. |
2001 | Published 3 journal articles summarizing survival studies to date. |
2002 | Published a journal paper on relationship of juvenile size to adult returns. |
2002 | Published a journal paper on travel time and dispersion of juvenile fish as they migrate downstream. |
2002 | Published 2 journal papers on flow/survival analysis for spring migrants and Snake River fall chinook using modern survival data. |
1993-2002 | Summary of each year's accomplishments submitted via detailed yearly reports to BPA on flow/travel-time and survival relationships for all PIT-tagged stocks of Snake River salmon species, and where possible, PIT-tagged salmon species from the U Columbia |
Section 3. Relationships to other projects
Project ID | Title | Description |
---|---|---|
199102900 | Understanding the effects of summer flow augmentation on the migrating behavior and survival of juvenile fall chinook salmon migrating through Lower Granite Reservoir | We began working cooperatively with this project in 1995 to estimate survival for hatchery-reared and wild subyearling fall chinook salmon through free-flowing sections, reservoirs and dams of the Snake River |
199105100 | Monitoring and evaluation statistical support | Our study provides many of the PIT-tagged fish used in their analysis. |
198331900 | New Marking and monitoring techniques for fish | We continue to rely on this project to provide the innovations needed to conduct multiple-recapture survival studies in the Snake and Columbia Rivers in a variety of habitats. We provide feedback to the project on the performance of their innovations. |
199602000 | Comparative survival rate study of hatchery PIT tagged chinook | We utilize fish PIT-tagged from this study to estimate survival from hatcheries through the Snake River, to evalute SARs based on juvenile migration history, and to help develop estimates of D. |
198332300 | Smolt condition and arrival timing at Lower Granite Dam | We estimate survival for PIT-tagged fish released from Snake River Basin traps in this study through the Snake River. |
198910700 | Statistical support for salmonid survival studies | Our study provides many of the PIT-tagged fish used in their analysis. |
199008000 | Columbia River Basin PIT Tag information systems | We, like all other PIT tag users in the basin, rely on this project to maintain the PIT tag database. |
Section 4. Budget for Planning and Design phase
Task-based budget
Objective | Task | Duration in FYs | Estimated 2003 cost | Subcontractor |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Determine numbers of PIT-tagged fish of each species necessary for survival estimation with adequate precision. | a. Determine numbers of PIT-tagged fish scheduled for release by other researchers for each species | Ongoing | $3,200 | |
1. | b. Determine numbers of additional fish this project will need to PIT tag when combined with fish tagged by others with provide acceptable precision. | Ongoing | $3,200 | |
2. Obtain necessary Endangered Species Act and other permits to conduct study. | a. Apply for ESA Section 10 permit (or modify current permit) to conduct planned research. | Ongoing | $3,200 | |
2. | b. Apply for state (Oregon, Washington, and Idaho) Scientific Collection Permits to conduct planned study. | Ongoing | $3,200 |
Outyear objectives-based budget
Objective | Starting FY | Ending FY | Estimated cost |
---|---|---|---|
1. Determine numbers of fish of each species to be PIT-tagged based on scale of other tagging efforts in the basin. | 2004 | 2007 | $27,400 |
2. Obtain necessary Endangered Species Act and other permits to conduct study. | 2004 | 2007 | $27,400 |
Outyear budgets for Planning and Design phase
FY 2004 | FY 2005 | FY 2006 | FY 2007 |
---|---|---|---|
$13,100 | $13,500 | $13,900 | $14,300 |
Section 5. Budget for Construction and Implementation phase
Task-based budget
Objective | Task | Duration in FYs | Estimated 2003 cost | Subcontractor |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Provide estimates of survival for releases of yearling spring/summer chinook salmon and steelhead (both hatchery and wild) through the Snake and lower Columbia Rivers using the SR Model | a. PIT tag 20,000 to 25,000 steelhead during the spring migration at Lower Granite Dam (and yearling chinook salmon if needed). | Ongoing | $84,000 | Yes |
1. | b. Collect PIT tag detection data. | Ongoing | $25,300 | |
1. | c. Analyze data. | Ongoing | $117,200 | Yes |
2. Estimate survival from McNary Dam tailrace to John Day Dam tailrace for subyearling fall chinook salmon during the summer migration. | a. PIT tag 40,000 subyearling fall chinook salmon during the summer migration at McNary Dam | Ongoing | $207,000 | Yes |
2. | b. Collect PIT tag data. | Ongoing | $25,300 | |
2. | c. Analyze data. | Ongoing | $72,400 | Yes |
3. Estimate survival and travel time for subyearling fall chinook salmon from Pittsburg Landing and Billy Creek on the free-flowing Snake River through the lower Snake River. | a. Coordinate with Lyons Ferry Hatchery and other parties to secure subyearling fall chinook salmon, and ensure that incubation and rearing conditions are suitable to provide fish or given numbers and length (approximately 75 mm) at release dates. | 3 | $3,200 | |
3. | b. Deploy and maintain environmental monitors (YSI 6000) at Pittsburg Landing and Billy Creek prior to the first release through the summer migration period. | 3 | $1,700 | |
3. | c. PIT tag and transport fall chinook salmon from Lyons Ferry Hatchery to Pittsburg Landing and Billy Creek and release after acclimation | 3 | $109,900 | Yes |
3. | d. Evaluate the use of a streambed flat-plate detector used in combination with wing net leads to guide fish through the PIT tag detector near the head of Lower Granite Reservoir. | 3 | $118,500 | |
3. | e. Analyze data. | 3 | $132,200 | Yes |
4. Extend survival estimates to Bonneville Dam tailrace using PIT tag pair trawl detections. | a. Operate PIT tag pair trawl in the Columbia River Estuary to detect tags. | Ongoing | $581,200 | Yes |
Outyear objectives-based budget
Objective | Starting FY | Ending FY | Estimated cost |
---|---|---|---|
1. Provide estimates of survival for releases of yearling spring/summer chinook salmon and steelhead (both hatchery and wild) through the Snake and lower Columbia Rivers using the SR Model. | 2004 | 2007 | $976,000 |
2. Estimate survival from McNary Dam tailrace to John Day Dam tailrace for subyearling fall chinook salmon during the summer migration. | 2004 | 2007 | $1,313,200 |
3. Estimate survival and travel time for subyearling fall chinook salmon from Pittsburg Landing and Billy Creek on the free-flowing Snake River through the lower Snake River. | 2004 | 2005 | $764,100 |
4. Extend survival estimates to Bonneville Dam tailrace using PIT tag pair trawl detections. | 2004 | 2007 | $2,504,400 |
Outyear budgets for Construction and Implementation phase
FY 2004 | FY 2005 | FY 2006 | FY 2007 |
---|---|---|---|
$1,522,200 | $1,567,900 | $1,215,600 | $1,252,000 |
Section 6. Budget for Operations and Maintenance phase
Task-based budget
Objective | Task | Duration in FYs | Estimated 2003 cost | Subcontractor |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Maintain PIT tag equipment. | a. Repair or replace PIT tag equipment (computers, transceivers, needles, etc.) as needed. | Ongoing | $35,400 | |
2. Maintain PIT tag pair trawl. | a. Repair or replace PIT tag pair trawl equipment (nets, boat motors, etc.) as needed. | Ongoing | $100,100 |
Outyear objectives-based budget
Objective | Starting FY | Ending FY | Estimated cost |
---|---|---|---|
1. Maintain PIT tag equipment. | 2004 | 2007 | $152,400 |
2. Maintain PIT tag pair trawl. | 2004 | 2007 | $431,500 |
Outyear budgets for Operations and Maintenance phase
FY 2004 | FY 2005 | FY 2006 | FY 2007 |
---|---|---|---|
$139,600 | $143,700 | $148,100 | $152,500 |
Section 7. Budget for Monitoring and Evaluation phase
Task-based budget
Objective | Task | Duration in FYs | Estimated 2003 cost | Subcontractor |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Identify logistical constraints to the study plan. | a. Determine the degree and effects of violations of assumptions of the SR Model. | Ongoing | $52,300 | Yes |
2. Explore relationships between smolt survival through the Snake and Columbia Rivers and flow, travel time, and dam operations using a long-term data set. | a. Correlate survival estimates with flow, temperature, turbidity, travel time, and dam operations for individual years and over multi-years. | Ongoing | $165,400 | Yes |
3. Evaluate adult returns of PIT-tagged fish. | a. Evaluate SARs of PIT-tagged fish with different passage histories and sources as juveniles tagged and released in previous years. Develop estimates of D and determine links between timing to the ocean with adult returns. | Ongoing | $40,300 | Yes |
Outyear objectives-based budget
Objective | Starting FY | Ending FY | Estimated cost |
---|---|---|---|
1. Identify logistical constraints to the study plan | 2004 | 2007 | $225,400 |
2. Explore relationships between smolt survival through the Snake and Columbia Rivers and flow, travel time, and dam operations using a long-term data set. | 2004 | 2007 | $712,600 |
3. Evaluate adult returns of PIT-tagged fish. | 2004 | 2007 | $173,600 |
Outyear budgets for Monitoring and Evaluation phase
FY 2004 | FY 2005 | FY 2006 | FY 2007 |
---|---|---|---|
$265,700 | $273,700 | $281,900 | $290,300 |
Section 8. Estimated budget summary
Itemized budget
Item | Note | FY 2003 cost |
---|---|---|
Personnel | FTE: 8.13 | $532,500 |
Fringe | $126,000 | |
Supplies | $173,900 | |
Travel | $63,400 | |
Indirect | $351,500 | |
Capital | $0 | |
NEPA | $0 | |
PIT tags | # of tags: 85000 | $191,300 |
Subcontractor | Dr. John Skalski | $50,000 |
Subcontractor | Dr. Jim Anderson | $50,000 |
Subcontractor | PSMFC | $300,000 |
Subcontractor | misc small contracts | $45,600 |
$1,884,200 |
Total estimated budget
Total FY 2003 cost | $1,884,200 |
Amount anticipated from previously committed BPA funds | $0 |
Total FY 2003 budget request | $1,884,200 |
FY 2003 forecast from 2002 | $1,200,000 |
% change from forecast | 57.0% |
Reason for change in estimated budget
Added objective to to cost-share operation operation of PIT-tag pair-trawl in the Columbia River estuary.
Reason for change in scope
An agreement was reached between BPA and the COE to cost-share the operation of the PIT-tag pair-trawl. Since PIT tag detections below Bonneville Dam are required to estimate survival through the John Day to Bonneville reach, BPA felt this objective was within the scope of our reach survival project.
Cost sharing
Organization | Item or service provided | Amount | Cash or in-kind |
---|---|---|---|
COE | Annual cost-share funding for PIT-tag pair-trawl. | $681,300 | cash |
Reviews and recommendations
This information was not provided on the original proposals, but was generated during the review process.
Fundable - no response required
Aug 2, 2002
Comment:
Fundable. This is an ongoing research project to provide precise estimates annually of survival of juvenile salmonids migrating through reservoirs, dams, and free-flowing reaches of the Snake and Columbia Rivers. Survival information is important for evaluating the success of strategies to recover depressed stocks and to evaluate success in meeting the passage survival performance standards in the NMFS 2000 Biological Opinion. The project plans to continue to PIT tag yearling chinook salmon and steelhead at Lower Granite Dam as needed to estimate their survival through the hydropower system. When possible, the project will also follow fish PIT-tagged in other studies. The project will also continue to PIT tag hatchery subyearling fall chinook salmon for release above Lower Granite Dam to estimate their survival through the Snake River and PIT tag and release river-run subyearling fall chinook salmon (mostly wild Hanford stock) at McNary Dam to estimate their survival through the lower Columbia River. The research will determine where losses occur for subyearling chinook salmon between the free-flowing Snake River and Lower Granite Reservoir using a streambed flat-plate PIT tag detector. Results will be used to explore the relationships among survival, travel time, environmental variables, and dam operations using the expanding database generated by this study. As PIT-tagged adult fish return, the research will continue to explore survival to adult for fish with different passage histories.This is a very well prepared proposal that meets the ISRP review criteria. The ISRP's comments on the FY 2000 proposal (selectively quoted below) remain germane. The excellent publication record continues. The project cost has escalated as plans are made to partially absorb the trawl netting conducted below Bonneville Dam in order to obtain lower river survival estimates. The size and complexity of the project warrant periodic special review. The region is again advised to think about the future of this research and monitoring effort, which is a cornerstone of salmon evaluations in the mainstem.
In FY 2000, the ISRP commented: "This proposal is very well presented, reports progressive development of methods and techniques over time, and demonstrates a timely and strong publication record of research. The proposal is well integrated with other related projects and presents a logical sequence of objectives and methods. The project is a core PIT tag application program that has been expanding its area of study as new detectors are installed and developed. This kind of information is vital if agencies wish to develop priorities for research and/or to develop a relative ranking of mortality sources in the Columbia.
The scope of the project is again so huge that it is extremely difficult to provide any cogent or constructive comments. Given this scope, the annual cost, and projected duration of this request, it seems advisable to conduct periodic programmatic reviews using expert panels. Such panels should provide a broader scientific basis for review and the necessary regional perspective to better evaluate the merits of the on-going research. This would assist in determining the appropriate scope and direction for future work."
In 2000, the ISRP asked whether the results obtained to date were sufficient, or whether the project should continue as a key component of basinwide monitoring. The question was again raised (and answered) in review. It is clear that the project has been a cornerstone for monitoring juvenile survival in the Columbia River system, and that it should continue for the foreseeable future.
In summary, the proposal meets ISRP criteria, represents a particularly valuable project for the basin, and warrants continuation.
Action Agency/NMFS RME Group Comments:
HYDRO SUBGROUP -- The researchers indicate that the proposed research contributes information that supports RPAs 185, 189, 190 and 193. The RME group also notes the estimates can be important for evaluating compliance with certain Hydro-Performance Standards. But the authors do not mention such.
The thrust of the proposal is to continue generating inriver smolt survival estimates for Snake River stocks (steelhead, spring/summer chinook and fall chinook). The research contributes data useful in satisfying elements within each of the RPAs they identify. We generally agree. The Objective of RPA 185 is to produce useful estimates of "D". The RPA states that extant estimates have wide confidence levels, implying their utility may be questionable. New estimates should exhibit improved precision. Part of that improvement may lay in the quality of inriver survival estimates that are a product of the proposed research. The proposal could be improved by describing precision associated with the inriver survival estimates and implications to the future utility of "D".
The objective of RPA 189 is to investigate causes of apparent discrepancies in adult return rates associated with different smolt passage routes. This proposed research may contribute information regarding the magnitude of survival exhibited by screen-bypassed fish, but not other routes individually. Furthermore, there is not expressed intent in this proposal to identify actual causes or mechanisms of mortality. Overall contribution to RPA seems limited.
The objective of RPA 190 is to improve our understanding of wild Snake River fall chinook early life history, including juvenile survival. If the hatchery fish used in this research are suitable surrogates then this proposal has merit in contributing to RPA 190. However, the RME Hydro Work Group encourages the authors to incorporate information into the proposal that supports the use of hatchery fish as surrogates.
The objective of RPA 193 emphasizes developing novel tools for discriminating hatchery and wild fish, track fish in oceanic environs, and determine growth and survival for specific wild stocks. The linkage of the proposed research to this RPA is not readily apparent.
In the opinion of the federal RME team the proposed research has important implications in evaluation compliance with performance standards at the BO-prescribed check in periods, although the authors did not explore this application. ESU-specific life stage survival for juveniles and adults while migrating through the FCRPS are key performance measures detailed in the BO. The proposed research will be generating smolt survival estimates for Snake River stocks of interest, albeit using primarily hatchery fish.
It would be instructive if the proposal specified sample sizes and precision associated with survival estimates. Lacking this information it is difficult to ascertain how useful the estimates will be in progress and compliance tests called for in the BO. Also, the performance standards in the BO are ESU-specific. The estimates from this research involve only Snake River ESUs. It seems there are opportunities to develop estimates for other stocks as well, such as Yakima and Leavenworth as Zabel et al. (2002) report. We encourage expanding stock coverage if tractable. Finally, the BO focuses on wild fish survival, where this research uses primarily hatchery fish. Justification for using these as surrogates should be discussed in the proposal.
ISRP Remarks on RME Group Comments:
The proposal was selected by the Action Agency/NMFS RME Work Group for review. The ISRP concurs with their observations including opportunities exist for better aligning the work to RME objectives. Their primary conclusion was that this excellent proposal could better state the important implications in evaluation of compliance with performance standards at the BO-prescribed check in periods. They noted that ESU-specific life stage survival for juveniles and adults while migrating through the FCRPS are key performance measures detailed in the BO. The proposed research will generate smolt survival estimates for Snake River stocks of interest, albeit using primarily hatchery fish. The RME group also sought specification of sample sizes and precision associated with survival estimates, for without this information it is difficult to ascertain how useful the estimates will be in progress and compliance tests called for in the BO. They also noted that the performance standards in the BO are ESU-specific, whereas the estimates from this research involve only Snake River ESUs. They wondered whether there are opportunities to develop estimates for other stocks as well, such as Yakima and Leavenworth as Zabel et al. (2002) report, and encouraged expanding stock coverage, if tractable. Finally, the RME group mentioned that the BO focuses on wild fish survival, where this research uses primarily hatchery fish. Justification for using hatchery fish as surrogates should be discussed in the proposal.
Comment:
A task to perform paired trawl sampling in the lower river had previously been funded through the Corps, but now the cost is being split 50/50 by BPA through this project. This project meets RPAs 185, 189, 190, and 193. There appears to be overlap in tasks provided in this project, Project Number 19891070, and Project Number 199105100. These projects should be critically reviewed to insure that tasks are not redundant. There is approximately $761,000 between these projects in contracts to one consultant for statistical work. How much of this work is also being performed by NMFS and other fish and wildlife agencies?Comment:
We have reviewed our budget for BPA Project 199302900 and found the amount originally requested is necessary to complete all work as proposed.Comment:
Fundable. Agree with CBFWA Core Program ranking. This is an ongoing research project to provide precise estimates annually of survival of juvenile salmonids migrating through reservoirs, dams, and free-flowing reaches of the Snake and Columbia Rivers. Survival information is important for evaluating the success of strategies to recover depressed stocks and to evaluate success in meeting the passage survival performance standards in the NMFS 2000 Biological Opinion. The project plans to continue to PIT tag yearling chinook salmon and steelhead at Lower Granite Dam as needed to estimate their survival through the hydropower system. When possible, the project will also follow fish PIT-tagged in other studies. The project will also continue to PIT tag hatchery subyearling fall chinook salmon for release above Lower Granite Dam to estimate their survival through the Snake River and PIT tag and release river-run subyearling fall chinook salmon (mostly wild Hanford stock) at McNary Dam to estimate their survival through the lower Columbia River. The research will determine where losses occur for subyearling chinook salmon between the free-flowing Snake River and Lower Granite Reservoir using a streambed flat-plate PIT tag detector. Results will be used to explore the relationships among survival, travel time, environmental variables, and dam operations using the expanding database generated by this study. As PIT-tagged adult fish return, the research will continue to explore survival to adult for fish with different passage histories.This is a very well prepared proposal that meets the ISRP review criteria. The ISRP's comments on the FY 2000 proposal (selectively quoted below) remain germane. The excellent publication record continues. The project cost has escalated as plans are made to partially absorb the trawl netting conducted below Bonneville Dam in order to obtain lower river survival estimates. The size and complexity of the project warrant periodic special review. The region is again advised to think about the future of this research and monitoring effort, which is a cornerstone of salmon evaluations in the mainstem.
In FY 2000, the ISRP commented:
"This proposal is very well presented, reports progressive development of methods and techniques over time, and demonstrates a timely and strong publication record of research. The proposal is well integrated with other related projects and presents a logical sequence of objectives and methods. The project is a core PIT tag application program that has been expanding its area of study as new detectors are installed and developed. This kind of information is vital if agencies wish to develop priorities for research and/or to develop a relative ranking of mortality sources in the Columbia.In 2000, the ISRP asked whether the results obtained to date were sufficient, or whether the project should continue as a key component of basinwide monitoring. The question was again raised (and answered) in review. It is clear that the project has been a cornerstone for monitoring juvenile survival in the Columbia River system, and that it should continue for the foreseeable future. In summary, the proposal meets ISRP criteria, represents a particularly valuable project for the basin, and warrants continuation.The scope of the project is again so huge that it is extremely difficult to provide any cogent or constructive comments. Given this scope, the annual cost, and projected duration of this request, it seems advisable to conduct periodic programmatic reviews using expert panels. Such panels should provide a broader scientific basis for review and the necessary regional perspective to better evaluate the merits of the on-going research. This would assist in determining the appropriate scope and direction for future work."
The proposal was selected by the Action Agency/NMFS RME Work Group for review. The ISRP concurs with the RME group observations on this proposal including opportunities exist for better aligning the work to RME objectives. Their primary conclusion was that this excellent proposal could better state the important implications in evaluation of compliance with performance standards at the BO-prescribed check in periods. They noted that ESU-specific life stage survival for juveniles and adults while migrating through the FCRPS are key performance measures detailed in the BO. The proposed research will generate smolt survival estimates for Snake River stocks of interest, albeit using primarily hatchery fish. The RME group also sought specification of sample sizes and precision associated with survival estimates, for without this information it is difficult to ascertain how useful the estimates will be in progress and compliance tests called for in the BO. They also noted that the performance standards in the BO are ESU-specific, whereas the estimates from this research involve only Snake River ESUs. They wondered whether there are opportunities to develop estimates for other stocks as well, such as Yakima and Leavenworth as Zabel et al. (2002) report, and encouraged expanding stock coverage, if tractable. Finally, the RME group mentioned that the BO focuses on wild fish survival, where this research uses primarily hatchery fish. Justification for using hatchery fish as surrogates should be discussed in the proposal.
If funded, this project should be coordinated with other monitoring projects to ensure compatibility of objectives, common methods and protocols. This coordination could be accomplished under the favorably reviewed CBFWA proposal #35033.
Comment:
Statement of Potential Biological BenefitIndirect. This project will provide precise estimates of juvenile salmonid survival during migration through reservoirs, dams, and free-flowing reaches of the Snake and Columbia Rivers with Pit-tag detection. This information is critical for evaluating the success of recovery strategies and passage survival performance.
Comments
NMFS proposal. Inappropriate to comment.
Already ESA Required?
No
Biop?
Yes
Comment:
Category:1. Council Staff preferred projects that fit province allocation
Comments:
Should be part of programmatic review of PIT tag program.
Comment:
Budget consistent with NPCC recommendation.Comment:
NW Power and Conservation Council's FY 2006 Project Funding Review
expense
May 2005
FY05 NPCC start of year: | FY06 NPCC staff preliminary: | FY06 NPCC July draft start of year: |
$1,884,200 | $1,884,200 | $1,884,200 |
Sponsor comments: See comment at Council's website