Title:
Author:
Eric Anderson, Washington Department of Fish &
Wildlife
Phone 509-457-9301
Email anderea@dfw.wa.gov
Summary of Presentation:
This presentation will be an overview of our current
knowledge of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) spawning populations
as well as the plan to begin radio telemetry studies in the basin. A considerable amount of uncertainty still exists
about the distribution, abundance, genetic structure, and habitat use of bull
trout populations in the fluvial system. This
lack of information constrains effective management and contributes to regulatory
uncertainty. In-order to increase our
knowledge of fluvial and resident bull trout populations, a radio telemetry
study will be initiated in the early summer of 2003. The study will evaluate the migratory patterns
of adult and sub-adult bull trout and will identify habitat preferences.
We propose to evaluate connectivity, locate spawning and wintering
areas, identify migratory patterns and identify micro-habitat preferences
using radio telemetry, snorkel surveys, and archival temperature tags.
This effort will address information needs identified by
Title:
Authors:
A. Brooke Asbury
[1]
, Carey A. Gazis
[2]
, Lisa L. Ely
[3]
, and Paul W. James
[4]
Summary of Presentation:
A better understanding of the critical
features of salmon spawning habitat is needed in order to advance salmon restoration
efforts in the
Preliminary analyses of piezometer data indicate that
substrate permeability is significantly higher in the Little Naches spawning
reach than the non-spawning reach, while vertical head gradients show no systematic
trends between spawning and non-spawning reaches. Electrical conductivity
was significantly higher in hyporheic water of the American spawning reach,
which may represent a stronger groundwater influence within this reach. Substrate
porosity was generally higher in spawning reaches, and mean grain size was
smaller. Spawning reaches were also characterized by greater width-to-depth
ratios than non-spawning reaches.
Author:
Joe Blodgett, Fisheries Biologist,
Fisheries Resource Management Program, Yakama Nation
(509) 865-6262 ext 6706
Summary of Presentation:
Populations of wild steelhead
(Oncorhynchus mykiss) have declined
dramatically from historical levels in the
Enhancing the species’ natural
iteroparity (i.e. its ability to spawn more than once in its life) may strengthen
wild steelhead populations. Repeat
spawners compose only 1.6% of the
Reconditioning is collecting the steelhead after they
have successfully spawned and rearing them in a hatchery setting allowing
them time to rebuild the energy reserves needed for proper gondal development
and iteroparous spawning.
Approximately 40 % of the returning adult steelhead
are collected at the Chandler Juvenile Facility in Prosser with over 90% of
those female. The kelts are examined
for condition and life stage (pre or post spawn).
If the fish meets the established criteria it is it is transferred
to Prosser Hatchery adjacent to the collection facility for initial meristic work up. Length and weights are recorded along with PIT
tag information of each fish. Fish
are treated for parasites and injected with antibiotics then placed in rearing
tanks.
A variety of diets and feeding methods have been tested
to determine the best method for survival, regeneration of gametes and fish
growth. Preliminary results from the project indicated that significant progress
is made during each year of the project due to facility improvements and fish
culture techniques.
Various release strategies are being evaluated using
PIT tags and Radio tag information. Two
groups are short term reconditioned and transported below Bonneville Dam,
one group is full term reconditioned and released below McNary Dam and a final
group is full term reconditioned and released in the
Overall kelt survival rates in captivity more than
doubled from 18% (2000) to 39% (2001). The
2002 project had a 34% survival rate for the long term reconditioning and
a 70% rate for the short term. Radio tag studies and PIT tag detections will
continue to be evaluated for release strategies.
Title:
Conservation
by Design—Protecting Freshwater Biodiversity
Author:
Betsy Bloomfield, The Nature Conservancy
(509) 962-1333
Summary of Presentation:
To achieve our mission, The Nature Conservancy seeks
to “conserve” the diversity of life on earth.
Operationally, we interpret the term “conserve” as meaning to reduce
or eliminate threats to targets identified through ecoregional planning, and
to maintain or improve the ecological integrity of those species, communities,
or ecological systems that are the focus of our conservation efforts. Conservation by Design is the Conservancy’s
global strategic plan for achieving the mission. It is implemented through the use of rigorous
assessment techniques that yield ecoregional portfolios of conservation areas,
which in turn set the conservation agenda for taking leveraged conservation
action. The Nature Conservancy measures
the success of its conservation work in two ways: (1) by determining the overall
biodiversity health of a conservation area by rating the ecological integrity
of selected biodiversity conservation targets, and (2) by then assessing how
well we have abated the “critical threats” to biodiversity at all ecoregional
portfolio sites (conservation areas).
Early portfolio designs were modeled largely on terrestrial
conservation target goals. Freshwater
and marine conservation actions were poorly represented in the Conservancy’s
collective agenda. The Freshwater Initiative was launched by the Conservancy
in 1998, and much more recently, the Marine Initiative was started, both aimed
at classifying and integrating freshwater and marine systems into the evolving
ecoregional and site planning methodology. The Conservancy’s recognition of the central
role played by Pacific salmon both ecologically and institutionally across
ecoregions has lately challenged us to examine our role in recovery efforts.
Title:
The Effect of Flow Alteration
on the Naches River Oncorhynchus mykiss.
Authors:
Mark
Bowen (USBR-Denver) and Steve Croci(USFWS-Yakima).
Summary of Presentation:
The
US Bureau of Reclamation recently purchased a water right in the Naches River,
WA. The USBR will use this water to maintain discharges in the “Wapatox reach”
at approximately 300 cfs greater than discharges observed in recent years.
In this presentation we will describe our research design including the population
estimate techniques to be used, Multispectral Imaging (MIS) techniques, and
the Geographical Information System to be constructed. In addition to the
research design presentation, we will show some baseline data that was collected
in 12/02. These data on Oncorhynchus
mykiss densities are for the treatment (Wapatox) reach and the reference
(immediately downstream of the Wapatox reach). We will show that the density
of O. mykiss in the treatment reach is lower
than the density in the reference reach. In addition, the densities of O. mykiss were highest in slow habitats
with more cover. Finally, invertebrate dry mass obtained in dusk drift samples
was much higher in secondary channels compared to mainstem habitats.
Title:
The Influence of Reclamation
Dam Operations on the Hyporheic Zone and Spring Chinook Egg Success.
Authors:
Mark
Bowen USBR-
Summary of Presentation:
The
US Bureau of Reclamation operates 5 dams in the
Title:
Authors:
Ray Brunson*, J. Chris Patterson, Joy Evered, Sonia Mumforde-mail: ray_brunson@r1.fws.gov
Summary of Presentation:A review of diagnostic and monitoring activities performed
by the Olympia Fish Health Center (OFHC) will be presented. During juvenile rearing at the Cle Elum Enhancement
and Research Facility (CERF) in calendar year 2001 and 2002, no significant
differences were noted in diagnostic exams between ponds. Commonly found external parasites were noted,
and one case of probable degraded fish food due to manufacture/delivery problems
and handling was identified and corrected.
The investigators have consistently tested spawning
adults for reportable pathogens and especially focused on Renibacterium salmoninarum levels of the various populations using
Enzyme-linked Immunoassay (ELISA) and a risk assessment developed by OFHC. This qualitative risk assessment is used to
determine relative risk of adult females transferring the pathogen (and Bacterial
Kidney Disease) to resultant progeny. Further
testing is done on yearlings prior to release of smolts at the acclimation
sites. Results from BY 2000 indicate
that there are differences in pathogen levels between OCT and SNIT treatments
indicated by ELISA-BKD data. Cause
of such correlation may be speculative, but empirical data does show differences
between ponds.
In addition, an opportunity arose to sample and test
out migrants at Roza Dam in April of 2002 (BY 2000). The 2 samples of wild smolts and one sample
of hatchery smolts were examined utilizing protocols and funding for the National
Wild Fish Health Survey which are almost identical to those used at the CERSF.
Wild and hatchery results are compared and contrasted from these exams.
OFHC has committed with the consent of the Yakama Nation staff to continue
this collaborative effort and include this data into the research efforts
in the
* Presenter
Title:
Monitoring Domestication in
the Yakima Spring Chinook Supplementation Program
Authors:
Craig
Busack, Washington Department of Fish
& Wildlife,
Steve
Schroder, Washington Department of Fish
& Wildlife,
Curt
Knudsen, Oncorh Consulting,
360-902-2765, busaccsb@dfw.wa.gov
Summary of Presentation:
Using hatcheries in a conservation/restoration
role for wild salmon populations poses a risk of the population under culture
becoming more adapted to a life cycle that includes hatchery rearing and less
adapted to a purely wild existence. This process is called domestication. The concern is that a supplemented population
could eventually become unable to sustain itself without a hatchery. Although there are good theoretical reasons
to expect domestication to be a problem, and a considerable body of empirical
evidence exists showing that domestication
occurs, too little information is out there to predict the magnitude or permanence
of domestication for any suite of culture conditions.
In particular, there are no empirical data at all on the level of domestication
that results from a program like the
We have
designed and begun to implement an extremely ambitious and comprehensive monitoring
program to evaluate domestication in the
Experimental power will be quite high, even for comparisons
involving the Naches population, where concern about impacts to the population
will limit the number of fish to be examined. A concern yet to be completely resolved is
the extent to which precocial males from the hatchery control line may interbreed
with the supplementation line and thus bias detection of domestication.
Authors:
Jim Cummins, John Easterbrooks and Jonathan Kohr, Department
of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW),
Phone numbers: Jim Cummins – 457-9316; cummijlc@dfw.wa.gov
Summary of Presentation:
The Yakima River Floodplain Mining Study is a cooperative
multi-agency study. WDFW and Yakama
Nation (YN) conducted the fish assemblage part of this multifaceted study.
Fish populations were sampled between May and November
2002 at 10 floodplain mining study sites in the
We estimated species composition at each study site
and compared species composition between sites and between the ponds and the
river. We sampled 18,617 fish representing
24 species or genera. Fifty-three percent
(9,862) were sampled in ponds and 47 percent in the
The results of our fish assemblage work and studies
conducted by the Floodplain Mining Study participants will help managers determine
which ponds should be connected to the river or protected from natural
avulsion to protect/enhance native salmonid populations. Study results also provide insight into how
to best design and implement breeching projects to increase the probability
of successfully creating high quality river habitat.
Title:
Lower
Author:
Melinda
J. Davis
Fisheries
Resource Management Program
Yakama
Nation
(509)
865-6262 ext.6610
Summary
of Presentation:
We conducted population estimates for northern pikeminnow
Ptychocheilus oregonensis using mark recapture methodology
during April, May and June in three sections of the
Authors:
Andrew
Dittman1, 3, Donald Larsen 1, Mary Moser 1,
and Darran May 2
Summary of Presentation:
A number
of conservation and supplementation hatchery programs, including the YKFP
hatchery, are utilizing satellite acclimation facilities to “seed” or repopulate
underutilized rivers or streams. The effectiveness of offsite releases from
satellite facilities for ensuring successful imprinting, minimizing straying
and contributing to salmon recovery has not been demonstrated. The overall
goal of our project is to describe the spatial and temporal patterns of homing
and spawning by wild and hatchery-reared spring chinook salmon released from
acclimation facilities as part of the YKFP supplementation program. In collaboration
with Yakama Nation biologists, we conducted a comprehensive carcass and redd
survey of the entire upper
Title:
Protocols to Measure and Assess
Select Geomorphic and Habitat Correlates for the YKFP EDT Model
Author:
Douglas
J. Eitemiller M.S.
Anthony
Gabriel Ph.D.
Paul
Blanton M.S. Candidate
Summary of Presentation:
The
goal of this work is to develop a suite of protocols used to measure and assess
select geomorphic and habitat correlates for the Yakima Klickitat Fisheries
Project (YKFP) Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment (EDT) model. The level two
correlates examined include the following: gradient, habitat type composition,
minimum and maximum channel width, natural and anthropogenic confinement,
riparian function, and measurements of woody debris.
All of the methods described
were developed or chosen for their level of precision relative to assessment
scale and the expenditure of both time and money required to implement them.
This is a key point, since the range of index values associated with each
of the level two correlates within EDT does not necessitate absolute precision.
EDT reaches were classified using Montgomery and Buffington’s (1992)
stream classification system. Other correlates were assessed using a combination
of aerial photo interpretation and field measurements. We also compared the
correlate measurements resulting from random, systematic and stratified sampling
strategies. The protocols we have developed
will serve to expedite the EDT process wherever it is implemented.
Author:
Marlene Haas Farrell
As a result of domestication selection hatchery fish
are consistently distinct from their wild counterparts. Studies have shown that hatchery fish display
unique physiological and behavioral traits that, through introgression, can
be detrimental to the evolved adaptations of wild stocks. Most studies compare the fitness of hatchery
and wild fish after several generations of production. This study is unique in that I compared sequential
growth measurements of offspring from crossings of first generation hatchery,
wild and hatchery x wild chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), controlling for environment as they were
all reared at the Cle Elum Supplementation and Research Facility. I also examined differences in dominance based
upon dyadic feeding experiments. I
found that juveniles from first generation hatchery and hatchery x wild crossings
maintained higher growth rates than juveniles from wild crossings.
From the dominance experiments I found that size-matched wild juveniles
were significantly more dominant than hatchery juveniles.
Precocity
in chinook salmon is defined as early sexual maturation and a forgoing of
more lengthy development in an attempt to spawn in one’s first or second year. This study examined the effects of food abundance,
social status and genetics on precocity. The genetic component comprised a comparison
of juveniles from the different parental crossings. Relationships between the factors of high growth
rate and dominance with precocity were also expected. However, a complete absence of precocity was
found for low and high food levels, the three parental crosses and dominant
and subordinate categories of fish.
Authors:
David
Fast1*,
Joe Blodgett1, Bill Bosch1, Ray Brunson2,
Craig Busack3, Andy Dittman4, Joel Hubble1,
Mark Johnston1, Curt Knudsen5, Don Larsen4,
Steve Schroder3, Todd Pearsons3, Doug Neeley6,
Bruce Watson7, 1*Yakama Nation, YKFP Nelson Springs
Research Office, 771 Pence Road, Yakima, WA, 98902, 509-945-1206, Fast@Yakama.com.
2
Summary of Presentation:
The Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Program (YKFP) has designed
a supplementation program to enhance the Spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the
Monitoring efforts are directed
at evaluation of the performance of supplementation fish in each of the following
categories, and comparison with the performance of naturally reared fish.
1.
The post-release
survival of supplementation fish (both outmigrating smolts and returning adults).
2.
The homing and reproductive
success of supplemented populations.
3.
The long-term fitness
of supplemented populations.
4.
The inter-and intra-specific
interactions (including competition, predation and genetic effects) between
supplemented and unsupplemented populations.
Research
programs for reintroduction of Coho salmon, supplementation of Fall Chinook
salmon, and reconditioning of ESA listed Steelhead kelts are also being conducted
in the
Habitat enhancement programs have also been implemented as part of the
YKFP, and monitoring procedures are being developed to evaluate their success.
Authors:
David
Fast1*,
Charles Strom1, Mark Johnston1, David Lind1,
Curt Knudsen2, Doug Neeley3, Bill Bosch1
1*Yakama Nation,
2 Oncorh Consulting
3
IntSTATS
Consulting
Summary
of Presentation:
The Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Program (YKFP) has designed
a supplementation program to enhance the Spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the
This paper describes the
experimental design for monitoring the survival of outmigrating smolts from
the new Semi-Natural Treatment (SNT) rearing techniques against the Optimum
Conventional Treatments (OCT) of existing successful hatcheries in the Pacific
Northwest. We also compare the survival
of the supplementation smolts with that of outmigrating wild smolts. Survival is measured from release in the
There were no significant differences
in release-to-McNary survivals between the SNT and OCT fish in any of the
brood years from 1997 through 1999 (P > 0.2). The release-to-McNary-Dam survival of brood-year
2000 (2002-outmigrant) smolts reared under the semi-natural treatment (SNT)
was significantly less (P = 0.045) than that of smolts reared under the optimal
conventional treatment (OCT). The SNT’s
pre-release survival was also significantly less than the OCT’s (P = 0.001).
For all nine pairs of raceways the survival from the SNT raceways to
McNary was less than that of the OCT raceways, and for eight of the nine pairs,
the level of Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) in the SNT raceways was higher
than in the OCT raceways. Analysis of this new information is currently
underway.
In the
comparison of wild and hatchery smolt outmigration survival there was a significant
difference only in outmigration-year 2000 (P = 0.001) with the wild survival
index exceeding that of the hatchery. Thus the supplemented smolts are surviving
at a rate comparable to that of the wild smolts from release to McNary dam.
Title:
Author:
Henry Fraser, Yakama Nation Fisheries
Phone: 509-963-1159
Email: henry.fraser@cwu.edu
Summary of Presentation:
The Safe Access
project has concentrated on screening and passage issues in
In addition to proposed construction projects, pre-feasibility
planning efforts in lower Manastash Creek and Reecer Creek have been initiated.
A Manastash Creek Water Conservation Study was completed by Montgomery
Watson Harza, resulting in six alternatives that address screening, passage
and water conservation. Numerous meetings with irrigators, state agencies
and interest groups have also occurred. The Reecer Creek Passage Improvement Feasibility
Study is near completion.
This presentation will address several of the proposed
construction projects and reasons for delays in implementation. It should be noted that all construction projects
have permitting completed, contracts or Task Orders in place, contractors
selected and landowner agreements completed or under legal review.
The planning efforts undertaken in Manastash and Reecer Creeks will
be discussed in general terms.
It is the author’s understanding that future funding
of construction projects will be implemented through accrual-based contracting.
In other words, spend it or lose it on a fiscal year basis. How one
might squeeze engineering, design, permitting, easements, landowner agreements,
contracting and water rights issues into such a time frame is the challenge
that lies ahead.
Activities of the Surface Water
Management Division of
Author:
Joel Freudenthal
Fish and Wildlife Biologist
Joel.Freudenthal@co.yakima.wa.us
Summary of Presentation:
The Surface Water Management Division has 3 main areas
of responsibility:
1)
Implementation of
the
2)
Stormwater Management
Planning for the Urbanized area of
3)
The Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) is a taxing
district which is County-wide, and was formed after the 1996 flood severely
strained the resources of County and City governments due to the magnitude
of damage and the high cost of response. The
FCZD is primarily engaged in preparation of Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management
Plans (CFHMPs) , and “demonstration projects”. We are currently amending the Upper Yakima
CFHMP, near completion of the Naches CFHMP, and will soon start the Ahtanum/Wide
Hollow CFHMP. Demonstration projects
include the McCormick Levee project this year, and will also include several
other projects over the next couple of years at Donald-Wapato, Ahtanum Creek,
and
Stormwater Planning includes
planning in
We are participating in a number of watershed programs
including the 2496 Lead Entity, the
2514 Watershed Plan, and is administering the local government portions of
Subbasin Planning and Salmon Recovery Planning with the Department of Fish
and Wildlife and the Yakama Nation.
Title:
Authors:
Anthony L. Fritts, Todd N. Pearsons, and Christopher
L. Johnson
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
(509) 925-4467, frittalf@dfw.wa.gov
Summary of Presentation:
We estimated the number
of salmonids that smallmouth bass ate during the spring of 2002 in the
Title:
Development
of a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity
For Tributaries and
Authors:
Nick
425-788-1167;
And
Kris Rein,
Summary of Presentation:
Over the past three years we have collected samples
of aquatic benthic invertebrates from a total of 93 tributary and mainstem
sites in the
To date we have confirmed that 10 metrics developed
for the Puget Sound Lowlands respond as expected to tributary stream reach
condition in the
In
the year remaining for completing the project, we will focus sampling on a
small subset of mainstem and tributary sites to enhance replication and will
devote the majority of our time to analyzing recent GIS landuse data to increase
our understanding of the landscape conditions to which the metrics may be
responding.
Assessment of An In-Situ, Infrared
Fish Counting Device
Summary of Presentation:
Quantifying fish is important to the operations of
most USBR facilities and the data needs include: assessing the use and effectiveness
of fish by-pass facilities; estimating entrainment at canals and dams; and
providing fish movement, counts and sizes to fishery managers at multiple
points along migration routes. Knowledge of numbers, size, species of fish
and migration times is essential to managing the fishery and operations of
projects.
Technology to count fish, trigger a camera, and software
for analysis have been developed and consists of arrays of infrared photo
diodes and detectors assembled into a submersed, site-specific dimension ‘tunnel’
that counts and determines size and direction of fish passing though the array.
This project objective is to determine the
accuracy and reliability of this type in-situ fish counter,
and use this counter to quantify fish using a ladder at Easton Dam,
Washington and incorporate it into bull trout projects.
The counter
has successfully operated at Easton Dam Fish Ladder in 2001 and 2002 with
software upgrades installed by the manufacturer via phone modem connection.
Data shows thousands of fish pass through the counter (upstream and
downstream) in a year. These high numbers of fish are primarily smaller
size fish that continually pass back and forth through the counter and do
not represent true populations. Larger
size fish passing the counter are primarily salmon and they have a distinct
pattern of high passage between
Walter
Larrick,
Juddson
Sechrist and Eric Best
Summary of Presentation:
Rimrock Reservoir operates on a ‘flip-flop’ water delivery
schedule that is known to entrain various species of fish, primarily kokanee
salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). There
is also evidence that suggest a small number of the threatened bull trout
( Salvelinus confluentus ) may be entrained from the reservoir during
large water delivery operations.
This project quantifies fish entrainment at Rimrock
Reservoir, below Tieton Dam from August 31 to
Entrainment
reduction techniques are discussed and include both positive and behavioral
techniques. Computerized flow dynamic
models have indicated the highest water velocities are at the base of the
intake tower. Bimodal fish size distribution,
similar to netting results, was observed with hydroacoustic fish surveys analyzing
fish in the bottom 10 meters of the reservoir near the inlet tower.
Recommendations for 2003 entrainment netting are discussed and that
will allow continuity of data analysis between years.
Title:
Authors:
Joel Hubble; Yakama Nation;
Nelson Springs Research,
Bruce Watson, Mobrand Biometrics
Inc.,
Summary of Presentation:
The Yakima Basin EDT (Ecosystem
Diagnosis and Treatment) diagnostic reports for spring and fall chinook, steelhead
and coho were completed in March 2003. This represents the first complete EDT model
run for steelhead, fall chinook and coho, and the second iteration for spring
chinook. Diagnostic results will focus
primarily on steelhead and coho at the 2003 YKFP Project Annual Review. Steelhead population results will be presented
for each subbasin- Satus, Toppenish, Naches and upper
For the
Satus population the EDT model predicted a spawner escapement (on the spawning
grounds and adjusted for the resident/anadromous equilibrium) of 747 adults
for current conditions and 13,671 adults for historic conditions. Smolt-to-adult
survival was 1.5% for current conditions compared to 8.0% for historic conditions.
The adult returns per spawner were 2.2 versus 21.1 for current and
historic conditions, respectively. The
number one and two preservation reaches within the
For the
Toppenish population the EDT model predicted a spawner escapement (on the
spawning grounds and adjusted for the resident/anadromous equilibrium) of
250 adults for current
conditions and 10,124 adults for historic conditions.
For current conditions the smolt-to-adult survival was 1.5% for upper
Toppenish (above WIP canal) and 1.6% for lower Toppenish (below WIP canal,
includes Simcoe subbasin) compared to 8.0% for historic conditions in both
upper and lower Toppenish. The adult returns per spawner ranged from 0
(in Marion Drain) to 2.1 (upper Toppenish) for current conditions and 16.3
for historic conditions in both upper and lower Toppenish. Within the
For the
Naches population the EDT model predicted a total spawner escapement (on the
spawning grounds and adjusted for the resident/anadromous equilibrium) of
684 adults for current conditions. Spawner
escapement was distributed as follows- American R.: 90, Bumping R.: 19, Little Naches R.: 204, Naches R. (mainstem): 189, Rattlesnake subbasin: 105 and the Tieton
R.: 77.
For historic conditions the spawner escapement was distributed as follows-
American R.: 2908, Bumping R.:
3058, Little Naches R.: 6438, Naches R. (mainstem): 20514, Rattlesnake subbasin: 2183 and the Tieton
R.: 10271. For current conditions smolt-to-adult survival
ranged from 1.5% to 2.5% (
For the
upper
Coho
For the
Naches population the EDT model predicted a spawner escapement (on the spawning
grounds) of 97 adults for current conditions and 47,857 adults for historic
conditions. Smolt-to-adult survival
ranged from 1.2 to 1.7% depending on the subbasin for current conditions,
and from 7.0% to 7.4% for historic conditions.
The adult returns per spawner ranged from 0 to 1.3 depending on the
subbasin for current conditions and from 11.1 to 23.9 for historic conditions.
The top two preservation reaches within the
For the
upper
In the
mainstem
Spring Chinook
For the
upper
For the
Naches population the EDT model predicted a spring chinook spawner escapement
(on the spawning grounds) of 1283 adults for current conditions and 60,141
spawners for historic conditions. Depending
on the subbasin for current conditions the smolt-to-adult survival ranged
from 2.7% to 3.8% compared to a range of 7.9% to 10.1% for historic conditions.
The adult returns per spawner ranged from 0 to 4.5 for current conditions
and 32.2 to 48.4 for historic.
Fall Chinook
A summary
of the baseline population performance values were not available at the time
of this writing, but will be made available at the PAR on
Title:
Authors:
Joel Hubble; Yakama Nation;
Nelson Springs Research,
Shannon Adams, Yakama Nation,
Toppenish Fisheries Resource Management,
Dave Lind, Yakama Nation,
Nelson Springs Research,
Tom McCoy, Yakama Nation,
Toppenish Fisheries Resource Management,
Scott Prevatte, Yakama Nation,
Toppenish Fisheries Resource Management,
Brandon Rogers, Yakama Nation,
Toppenish Fisheries Resource Management,
Summary of Presentation:
There are three primary projects
related to steelhead currently being conducted in the
The second project is the Upper
Toppenish Creek Watershed
Analysis (project #199803300), which began in 1998. The objective of this project is to, “analyze
the key hydrologic features of the upper Toppenish Creek watershed which have
a spatially disproportionate influence on runoff processes. Determine those
areas with high storage capacity and implement restoration plans.” In addition to the hydrological information
being gathered for this project, complete annual redd surveys of the entire
Toppenish/Simcoe subbasins are conducted, as well as, the monitoring of steelhead
parr and smolt outmigration since 2000.
The final project is the Ahtanum
Creek Watershed Assessment (project 199901300) that was initiated in 1999. The stated purpose of the project is to, “map
irrigated lands & water delivery stems, measure water discharge &
temperature. Determine efficiency of
irrigation water conveyance and use. Gather data on stream channel condition,
riparian function and salmonid populations in the Ahtanum Creek watershed.”
Information is being collected on steelhead through project monitoring
and evaluation activities, which consist of operating a rotary trap in lower
Ahtanum Creek, as well as, conducting redd surveys in portions of the subbasin.
A brief status of these activities
and results will be presented at the 2003 YKFP PAR.
Title:
Author:
R Dennis Hudson
Bureau of Reclamation
(208) 378-5250
Summary of Presentation:
There are no fish passage facilities at any of the
Bureau of Reclamation storage dams in the Yakima Project. In response to stated concerns of basin interests,
and to meet the requirements of the Keechelus Safety of Dams HPA, Reclamation
began a preliminary assessment of fish passage at all the storage dams in
the spring of 2002. Reclamation is
seeking funding for detailed feasibility studies of fish passage at the dams.
A team was organized to assess passage concepts and
tributary habitat conditions upstream of the storage reservoirs. During this assessment process, we determined
that there are a range of options and opportunities for providing fish passage
at the five reservoirs. Some combinations
of passage options and associated biological benefits would be more feasible
than others.
Costs vary widely among options, especially for downstream
passage of juvenile fish. In general,
fish passage at each of these dams is complicated by large fluctuations of
reservoir water surface elevations. All five reservoirs have some tributary habitat
that would be available if passage were provided; however, the amount and
quality of the habitat varies considerably.
Some options would provide only limited windows of time for passage.
From our initial assessment, it appears to be technically
feasible to provide both upstream and downstream passage facilities at all
of the dams. Passage at some sites
would be much more expensive in relation to available habitat than at other
sites. The effectiveness of potential
fish movement through these facilities is unknown and remains to be determined.
Title:
Spawning
Migrations of Adfluvial Bull Trout in Bumping
Author:
Paul W. James
Department of Biological Sciences
509-963-1895
jamesp@cwu.edu
Summary of Presentation:
Spawning migrations of adfluvial bull trout were studied
in
Authors:
Mark Johnston 1*, David Fast1,
Charles Strom1, David Lind1, Curt Knudsen2,
Doug Neeley3, Bill Bosch1
1*Yakama Nation,
2 Oncorh Consulting
3
IntSTATS
Consulting
Summary of Presentation:
The Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Program (YKFP) has designed
a supplementation program to enhance the Spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the
We also compare the overall survival of the supplementation
adults with that of returning naturally produced adults. Survival is measured from adult brood stock
salmon monitored at Roza dam (wild adults released to spawn in upper
Survival has been considerably higher for first generation
hatchery (35 returning adults for every adult taken into the hatchery) than
for the wild fish (5 returning adults for every adult released to spawn in
the wild). Total adult escapement to
the upper
Steelhead
habitat use in the upper
Author:
Cathy Karp, US Bureau of Reclamation, 303-445-2226,
ckarp@do.usbr.gov; Mark Johnston, Yakama Nation, 509-945-1133
Summary of Presentation:
Title:
Hyporheic
Characteristics of Chinook Salmon Redds: Investigating Spawning Habitat Advantages
Author:
Scott Kline
509-575-5848 x277
Summary of Presentation:
It is
well documented that chinook salmon locate their natal streams by their keen
sense of smell. The source of the smell
is likely a complex soup of characteristics related to the geology, flora,
and fauna of the stream in which they were born.
The smell of a river that leads the salmon to their particular spawning
areas is the same on a scale measured in kilometers. However, once the spawning adults reach their
natal stream, spawning sites are selected that are chosen in a nonrandom fashion
on a scale measured in meters. What
are female salmon using to locate spawning habitat on this small scale?
Substrate size, water velocity, and water depth influence the female’s
ability to build a redd, but these characteristics alone often do not explain
the nonrandom distribution of redds found.
This study investigates characteristics of the hyporheic zone that
may provide an ideal habitat for incubating salmon embryos and a selective
advantage for embryos to be buried in specific locations chosen by the adult
female. Hyporheic characteristics including
vertical head gradient, dissolved oxygen, temperature, specific conductivity,
and permeability were measured in spawning and nonspawning areas of the
Title:
Spawner
and Redd Characteristics of Wild- and Hatchery-Origin Upper
Authors:
Curtis Knudsen, Oncorh Consulting,
Brenda Ben–James, Cascade Aquatics,
Steve Schroder, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife,
Todd Pearsons, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife,
knudsen@thurston.com,
360-357-3382
Summary
of Presentation:
In 2002, we compared the reproductive behavior and
redd characteristics of naturally spawning upper
A total
of 76 hatchery- and 43 wild-origin females and associated redds were identified.
Naturally spawning hatchery females were significantly smaller (p=0.01)
than wild females by 1.7 cm on average, demonstrating a similar body size
difference to that observed in Roza Adult Monitoring Facility and carcass
recovery samples. In our preliminary analyses of redd parameter
data there were no significant differences (p>0.45) in either redd size
dimensions, depths or water velocities between hatchery- and wild-origin females.
We have not yet completed analyses comparing behavioral data, temporal
distribution of spawning, and gravel characteristics.
Title:
Demographic
Traits of Wild- and Hatchery-Origin
Authors:
Curtis Knudsen, Oncorh Consulting,
Steven Schroder, Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife,
Jason Rau, Yakama Nation,
Charlie Strom, Yakama Nation,
Mike Hammlin, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife,
Paul Huffman, Yakama Nation,
knudsen@thurston.com, 360-357-3382
Summary of Presentation:
We
compared spawn timing, size-at-age, age composition, and sex ratio of the
three native
Within
the upper Yakima River, we compared size-at-age, age composition, migration
and spawn timing, fecundity, egg size and reproductive effort of hatchery-
and wild-origin fish from 2001 and 2002; the first two years of hatchery adult
returns. In both years, age-3 and age-4
hatchery fish were significantly smaller than wild fish of the same age: approximately
3 cm in age-3’s and 2 cm in age-4’s. Three- and four-year old hatchery fish weighed
0.3 and 0.4 kg less than wild fish, respectively. Hatchery age-5 fish, returning in 2002 for the
first time, were also significantly smaller than wild age-5 fish by 4 cm and
1.1 kg. Because of the body size difference,
hatchery females were also less fecund. In 2002, but not 2001, hatchery fish also had
significantly smaller eggs, exhibited later passage at RAMF (5 days) and earlier
spawn timing (7 days) than wild fish. Within
hatchery OCT and SNT Treatment groups in 2001 and 2002, there was no significant
difference in body weight, length or run timing at RAMF for ages 2 through
5.
Authors:
Donald A. Larsen, Brian R. Beckman, Kathleen A. Cooper,
Paul Parkins, Nick G. Hodges, Jon T. Dickey, Brad Gadberry, and Walton W.
Dickhoff
NMFS,
Summary of Presentation:
Over the past five years we
have conducted research to characterize the physiology and development of
wild and hatchery-reared spring chinook salmon in the
Title:
Evaluation of energy expenditure
in adult salmonids migrating upstream in the
Authors:
Matthew
G. Mesa and Cynthia D. Magie
5501A
509-538-2299,
ext. 246; matt_mesa@usgs.gov
Summary of Presentation:
The
Title:
Author
& Affiliation:
William
R. Meyer, Washington State Fish and
Wildlife
Contact
Information: (509) 933-2491 E-mail: MeyerWRM@DFW.WA.GOV WDFW 201
N. Pearl Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Summary
of Presentation:
De-watering occurs during summer in many headwater
streams of the Yakima River Basin in central Washington, where chronically
low populations of the threatened bull trout, Salvelinus
confluentus, occur. The influence
of historical land management practices on de-watering, and the resulting
effect of de-watering on the survival, densities and movement of bull trout,
was investigated in the summer and fall of 2000.
Kachess River is a headwater stream, which persistently de-waters near
where it flows into Kachess Reservoir. Historical
evidence suggests this stream has switched to an alternate stable state over
the past 50-100 years due to mining, logging and road building.
Reservoir drawdown appeared to have no direct effect on de-watering
the stream. Juvenile bull trout may have shifted their out-migration
from summer to fall, because of the summer de-watering. Adult migration at Kachess River seems to have
become locally adapted to de-watering into late fall, and as a result this
population is the latest known spawning population in the Yakima Basin. Bull trout populations in these seasonally de-watered
and degraded systems seem to be at carrying capacity and recovery to greater
numbers likely depends upon some form of watershed restoration.
Title:
Authors:
S. Narum1*, C. Cegelski2, A.
Talbot1, M. Powell2
1Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
2 University of Idaho
*email: nars@critfc.org, phone: 208-837-9096
Summary of Presentation:
Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) once persisted
throughout much of the Columbia River Basin, including the Yakima River.
However habitat destruction, over-harvest, and poor ocean conditions
have resulted in the decline or extirpation of many populations. By the early
1980's, all coho runs were extirpated from the Yakima River. Recent re-introduction
efforts have included the Yakima and Wenatchee sub-basins where an early Type
S stock has been released. This contrasts the late Type N stock released in
other parts of Washington and Oregon. The focus of this project was to describe
the genetic diversity of each type for future monitoring of populations. Seven
polymorphic microsatellite loci were used to describe and genetically differentiate
these stocks. Steelhead in the Yakima
River are part of the Mid Columbia ESU and are considered threatened by NMFS. We have compared genetic diversity of steelhead
(O. mykiss) in the Yakima Basin to other steelhead populations in the
Columbia River basin based on six microsatellite loci. Broad scale population structure of salmonid
populations in the Columbia Basin is necessary to evaluate ESU designations
and understand gene flow between subbasins.
Yakima Side Channels - Habitat Protection Efforts
Yakima
Subbasin
Yakima-Klickitat
Fisheries Project
Authors:
Scott
R. Nicolai
[5]
and Mark Teske
[6]
Summary of Presentation:
In 2002,
YKFP habitat efforts in the Yakima Subbasin have focused on protection and
restoration of some of the most productive mainstem habitats. Properties that have been permanently protected
in the last year include Scatter Creek Phase II, and Lower Naches Phase II.
These areas were acquired through a cooperative arrangement with Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife. Planning for the Hanson Ponds floodplain restoration
project continues to mature, with the project scheduled for implementation
this fall.
Scatter
Creek Phase II is 310 acres, and was purchased in June 2002. This phase substantially increased habitat benefits
gained in phase I, with a total of 417 acres now protected. Individual parcels are contiguous, they connect
with 300 acres of public land at the upstream end, and abut the phase I properties
at the downstream end. The YKFP main
supplementation facility lies adjacent to the phase I property. Some of the property is a five-minute drive
from Interstate 90, and 85 miles from downtown Seattle. Thus, development pressure was high. Habitat features include a mosaic of large wetland
complexes and active side channels, interspersed with pine terraces.
In September
2002, 52 acres were purchased in the lower Naches. This property is the first of four properties
to be acquired under this phase. All
of the properties are contiguous; the other three properties will be purchased
in the next few weeks. All the properties
were inundated during the 1996 flood, though much of the property is not designated
as jurisdictional (100-year) floodplain. In total, 110 acres will be protected I this
phase.
Hanson
Ponds has gone through extensive planning and coordination during this time
frame. This property is less than 300
yards upstream of the Dixon property, which was protected by the Yakima Side
Channels project in 2000. Hanson Ponds
includes 125 acres, with 8500 feet of shoreline along the Yakima mainstem. A collaborative restoration plan has been developed
with the town of Cle Elum, including restoring flow through an armored levee,
allowing Hanson Ponds to become a side-channel rearing area.
A road will be abandoned, and a parking area developed for walk-in
access. Large woody debris will be
placed in the created side channel, and native riparian vegetation will be
planted on the abandoned road and portions of the levee surface.
Funding for restoration actions will be provided by the Pacific Coastal
Salmon Recovery Fund, which is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
Title:
Yakima River Coho Re-Introduction Feasibility Study
Todd Newsome
Yakama
Nation Fish Biologist
(509)
945-5729, Tnews@Yakama.com
Summary of Presentation:
Smolts were released in 2002 on May 6, 2002 and May
28, 2002. Approximately 694,000 coho
smolts were released from three acclimation sites. Two acclimation sites were located on the Naches
River, Stiles and Lost Creek, and one on the Upper Yakima River in Easton.
Approximately, 20,000 coho were pit tagged to monitor survival.
Groups of tagged fish were divided into their appropriate acclimation
site and released early (May 6, 2002) and late (May 28,2002). The early and late release treatments were implemented
to find the most appropriate time to release the coho in the Yakima and Naches
Basins.
The Yakima-brood
(in-basin) smolts released in the Naches River on May 6, 2002, had a lower
survival index to McNary Dam than those released later on May 28, 2002, 25%
and 60% respectively (Neeley, 2002). The
Willard (out-basin) smolts released in the Naches and Upper Yakima showed
very little survival differences, 20% and 24% respectively (Neely, 2002).
Yakima-brood coho smolts survived significantly higher at 60% than
that of the Willard-brood coho smolts, which survived at 27%.
In 2002-2003 the Yakima River Coho escapement was greatly
reduced. The escapement above Prosser
Dam was 818 coho, 541 of which were adults. Of the 818 coho passing Prosser Dam, approximately
68% were of wild origin. Adult coho
were found spawning from Toppenish to Roza Dam in the main stem Yakima River.
The Upper Yakima River coho escapement was only 5 adults and 1 jack. There were approximately 12 redds counted in
the Naches River up to Wapatox Dam (RM 17).
Only 15% of the possible redds were found, the majority were found
in Ahtanum Creek and Buckskin Creek (Nelson Springs).
Title:
Yakima River Fall Chinook Supplementation Study
Author:
Todd
Newsome
Yakama
Nation Fish Biologist
(509)
945-5729, TNews@Yakama.com
Summary of Presentation:
In 2002, the Yakama Nation released approximately 143,079
in-basin fall chinook and an additional 1.7 million from the Little White
Salmon National Fish Hatchery. There
were two experimental treatment groups included in these releases.
The Yakima Basin brood fall chinook were reared in two separate treatment
groups, thermally accelerated, and ambient river water (conventional).
Approximately, 82,985 were accelerated and 62,094 were reared on ambient
river water. In addition, approximately
4,000 Marion Drain stock juvenile fall chinook were released into Marion Drain
on April 1st and 2nd.
The two treatment groups, accelerated and conventional were released
on April 16, and May 17 respectively.
Statistical
analysis on survival to McNary found no significant differences between accelerated
and conventional treatments, 22% and 23% respectively (Neeley 2002).
Marion Drain juvenile fall Chinook survival was 30%.
In 2001, there were no significant differences; although in 2000, conventionally
reared juvenile fall chinook survival exceeded that of both accelerated and
conventional releases.
Adult returns in 2002 were estimated to be 7,093 below
Prosser Dam and 6,129 above Prosser Dam. The
total escapement to the Yakima River mouth was approximately 13,222.
Thermally accelerated and conventionally reared adult fall chinook
contributed to the spawning population. Approximately,
435 thermally accelerated adults and 52 conventional adults contributed to
the lower Yakima River (below Prosser Dam) escapement.
The contributions above Prosser Dam were considerably less, accelerated
adults were estimated at 145 and conventional adults were estimated at 14. These numbers reflect the location of Prosser
Hatchery and the releases.
Redd surveys
were preformed from October 1, 2002 through December 1, 2002. A total of 374 redds were located. The vast majority of redds were located from
Toppenish to Mabton, however, redds were found through Union Gap and into
the Naches River.
Title:
Yakima River Kelt Re-conditioning
Project - Radio Tracking
Todd Newsome
Yakima
Nation Fisheries
(509)
945-5729, Tnews@Yakam.com
Summary of Presentation:
Radio telemetry is used to evaluate the success of
the reconditioning project. The Kelts
were tracked using a variety of methods including mobile tracking, fixed sites
and aerial surveys. The fixed sites
were located at Prosser Dam (RM 47.1), Slagg Ranch (RM 66), Sunnyside Dam
(RM103.8), Roza Dam (RM 127.9), Naches River (Cowiche Dam RM 3.6), Toppenish
Creek (RM 44.2) and Simcoe Creek (RM 8.1).
There were a total of 9 flights done from March through May. These flights proved to be essential in locating
fish and investigating the disappearance of Kelts. Flights were done in all the basins and prioritized
by fish movement. Mobile tracking was
done by road and by raft. Mobile tracking
allowed for actual pinpoint location and the eventual observation of Kelts
building redds and spawning
During the 2001-2002 seasons,
a total of 197 (35%) Kelts survived reconditioning. Of the 197 surviving Kelts, 108 re-matured and
were released. The remaining 88 Kelts
were held longer, but the vast majority never matured. Sixty-one of the 108 were radio tagged and released.
Each tag was inserted using the gastric insert technique. The first release of 55 radio tagged Kelts occurred
on November 15, 2001. The second release
of 5 radio tagged Kelts was on January 18, 2002. One additional Kelt was radio tagged and released
on January 29, 2002. All fish were
released at Mabton (RM 59.8).
Of the 61 radio tagged
Kelts, 28 (46%)were detected in 9 tributaries of the Yakima River. Satus Creek had the highest count of Kelts,
17 (28%), followed by the Naches River, 6 (10%) and Toppenish Creek with 5
(8%). The Kelt tracked the furthest,
was located at RM 2.1 in Rattlesnake Creek, a tributary of the Naches River.
This particular fish remained in the same stretch of river for 3 weeks before
the signal was lost. In addition to Rattlesnake Creek, a radio tagged Kelt
was tracked into the Tieton River. This
fish was observed jumping out of the water numerous times and eventually regurgitated
the tag. One radio tagged Kelt was
detected passing Roza Dam (RM 127.9). This
Kelt was identified passing through the Roza Dam collection facility on April
11, 2002.
Title:
Spring Chinook Interactions Indices
Authors:
Todd
N. Pearsons, Brenda Ben James, Christopher L. Johnson, Anthony L. Fritts,
and Gabriel M. Temple
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
201
N. Pearl Street
Ellensburg,
WA 98926
(509)
925-4467, pearstnp@dfw.wa.gov
Summary
of Presentation:
Competition for food and
space is one of many factors that can limit the production of spring Chinook
salmon. We investigated intra- and
inter-specific competition for food and space using indices. An index of prey availability was calculated
by dividing the observed dry weight of stomach contents by the maximum estimated
weight for a particular length of fish. Average stomach fullness for wild spring chinook
during the day has been relatively low since 1998, which suggests low food
availability. Competition for food
with wild spring chinook salmon is indexed by multiplying a per capita competition
index by a population consumption index. Mountain whitefish have consistently had the
highest population food competition index.
An index of space competition was calculated by multiplying a spatial
overlap index by an index of competitor abundance. The index was highest for spring chinook salmon
(intraspecific competition) between 1994 and 2002 with the exception of 1996.
Another index of intraspecific competition for space was estimated
using microhabitat data. Microhabitats of spring chinook salmon were
identified by snorkelers and then subsequently measured. We estimated the proportion of microhabitat
measurements that exceeded the normal range and compared that value to annual
abundance. Contrary to our initial
hypothesis, total depths, focal depths, and focal velocities exceeding the
normal range were negatively related to abundance. Negative correlations between abundance of mountain
whitefish and spring chinook salmon, and spring Chinook salmon size, survival,
or condition suggest that inter- and intra-specific competition is having
detectable population level effects.
Title:
Precocial Salmon on the Spawning
Grounds
Authors:
Todd
N. Pearsons, Brenda Ben James, and Christopher L. Johnson
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
201
N. Pearl Street
Ellensburg,
WA 98926
(509)
925-4467, pearstnp@dfw.wa.gov
Summary
of Presentation:
Some spring Chinook salmon
complete their entire life in freshwater.
We refer to these fish as precocials.
We examined the hypothesis that the Cle Elum Supplementation and Research
Hatchery alters the assemblage of spring chinook salmon that precocially mature
in freshwater. We snorkeled and counted
the number of precocials on the spawning grounds. The release of hatchery
fish in the spring affected the abundance and age structure of precocials
observed on redds the following fall. The hatchery only produced age 1+ precocials
but the natural composition of precocials was generally higher for age 0+
than for age 1+. In the spawning areas,
we observed more hatchery precocials per female taken for hatchery broodstock
than naturally produced 1+ precocials per female spawner in the wild between
1999 and 2002. During 1999 and 2001,
hatchery precocials per female taken for hatchery broodstock were higher than
naturally produced age 0+ and 1+ precocials combined.
We estimated relatively high numbers of precocials, during the spawning
season, in areas where spawning is infrequent.
Title:
Restoring Nutrients to Streams
Using Recycled Salmon Carcass Analogs
Authors:
Todd
N. Pearsons, Christopher L. Johnson, Michael R. Schmuck, Timothy D. Webster,
Dennis D. Roley, and Robert E. Bilby
Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife
201
N. Pearl Street
Ellensburg,
WA 98926
(509) 925-4467, pearstnp@dfw.wa.gov
Summary
of Presentation:
The benefits that marine
derived nutrients from adult salmon carcasses provide to juvenile salmonids
are increasingly being recognized. Current
estimates suggest that only 6-7% of marine-derived nitrogen and phosphorous
that were historically available to salmonids in the Pacific Northwest are
currently available. Food limitation
may be a major constraint limiting the restoration of salmonids. A variety of methods have been proposed to offset
this nutrient deficit including: allowing greater salmon spawning escapement,
stocking hatchery salmon carcasses, and stocking inorganic nutrients.
Unfortunately, each of these methods has some ecological or socio-economic
shortcoming. We intend to overcome many of these shortcomings
by making and evaluating a pathogen free product that simulates a salmon carcass
(analog).
Abundant
sources of marine derived nutrients are available such as fish offal from
commercial fishing and salmon carcasses from hatcheries. However, a method for recycling these nutrients
into a pathogen free analog that degrades at a similar rate as a natural salmon
carcass has never been developed. We endeavored to 1) develop a salmon carcass
analog that will increase the food available to salmonids, 2) determine the
pathways that salmonids use to acquire food from analogs, and 3) determine
the benefits to salmonids and the potential for application to salmonid restoration.
We used a before-after-control-impact-paired design in six tributaries
of the upper Yakima basin to determine the utility of stocking carcass analogs.
Our preliminary results suggest
that the introduction of carcass analogs into food-limited sreams can be used
to restore food pathways previously provided by anadromous salmon. The analogs probably reproduced both of the
major food pathways that salmon carcasses produce: direct consumption and
food chain enhancement. Trout and salmon
fed directly on the carcass analogs during the late summer and presumably
benefited from the increased invertebrate biomass later in the year. Future reports will analyze whether any benefits
are statistically detectable. The
risk of using carcass analogs also appears to be low. Pathogens appear to be killed in the manufacturing
process of the analogs. In addition,
preliminary results suggest that fish exposed to the analogs did not have
higher incidences of pathogens. The
water quality was also not degraded by the analog additions with the exception
of a temporary surface film. Finally,
our anecdotal observations, suggested that there was not an increase in the
number of predators during the first year of analog distribution. In summary, the risks of analog placement appear
to be low but the benefits appear to be high.
Title:
Yakima Tributary Access & Habitat Program
Authors:
Carol A. Ready,
M.S., Kittitas County Water Purveyors carol.ready@kcwp.org 509-925-6158
Dana Postlewait,
P.E., MWH Americas, Inc., Dana.E.Postlewait@us.mwhglobal.com
425-881-1100
Summary of Presentation:
The Yakima Tributary
Access and Habitat Program began as a glimmer in the eye of two Kittitas
agriculture support organizations and has grown to 6 participating entities
with more than $2 million in funding. The YTAHP has engineering designs for
ten fisheries enhancement projects, upgraded numerous pump screens on Yakima
County diversions, and installed a siphon to carry irrigation water under
Cooke Creek in Kittitas County. In addition, five projects are under consideration
for $1 million in state Salmon Recovery Funding Board grants. This presentation
will track the development of the YTAHP and provide an overview of the Cooke
Creek Siphon project.
The YTAHP core team consists of the South Central Washington
Resource Conservation and Development Council, Kittitas County Water Purveyors,
Kittitas County Conservation District, North Yakima Conservation District,
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Ahtanum Irrigation District.
In addition, the US Bureau of Reclamation and Yakama Nation helped develop
the program goals and objectives.
To date, the YTAHP projects and activities include:
Ellensburg Water Company/Cooke Creek siphon; seven upgraded pump screens and
one gravity diversion converted to screened pump diversion on Ahtanum Creek;
topographic surveys of City of Yakima Fruitvale diversion and Taylor Ditch;
stream assessments of barriers and habitat (so far on Cowiche Creek, Wenas
Creek, Coleman Creek and Dry Creek); and purchase of fish screens, pipe, weir
rock, headgates and other goods and materials for use on future projects.
In addition, these activities are leveraging other funding sources to maximize
benefits.
Comparing
the Reproductive Success of Hatchery- and Wild-Origin Spring Chinook
Authors:
Steve Schroder, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife,
Olympia, Wa
Curtis Knudsen, Oncorh Consulting, Olympia, Wa
Todd Pearsons, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife,
Ellensburg, Wa
Bruce Watson, Yakama Nation, Toppenish, Wa
Jason Rau, Yakama Nation, Cle Elum Supplementation
Research Facility, Cle Elum, Wa
Sewell Young, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife,
Olympia, Wa
Mike Hamlin, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife,
Cle Elum, Wa
Email Address of Presenter: schrosls@wdf.wa.gov (360) 902-2751
Summary of Presentation:
Previous studies have shown that exposure to hatchery
environments often reduces the reproductive competence of salmonids when they
spawn under natural conditions. Most of the spring chinook produced by the
Yakima Spring Chinook Supplementation Project are destined to reproduce under
natural conditions. Consequently, a key concern is whether the reproductive
competence of the fish produced by the project has been impaired.
In 2000,
an observation stream was built to provide a setting where the reproductive
success of hatchery- and wild-origin spring chinook could be compared. Comparisons
began in 2001 when the first 4-yr-old hatchery fish returned to the Yakima
River. Behavioral, morphological, and
physiological measurements were made on the fish before, during, and after
spawning. These data showed that: 1) males tended to live longer than females,
2) wild females tended to be more competent in depositing their eggs, 3) in
one out of four possible cases, wild males depleted their testes to a greater
extent than hatchery males, and 4) gonad depletion in hatchery and wild males
was largely independent of body size.
Fry originating from the fish placed into the observation
stream were captured and counted. Moreover,
DNA was analyzed from a sub-sample of these fish to estimate the number of
offspring produced by each adult fish. The pedigree analyses showed that males
that were aggressive and dominated opponents produced large numbers of offspring.
These analyses also showed that precocial males, jacks and subdominate males
were able to produce offspring by using alternative reproductive tactics.
Furthermore, reproductive success in males was found to be more variable than
in females. Pedigree analyses on the fry produced from the 2001 adults are
almost complete. These data will be used to access the capacity of hatchery
and wild fish to produce offspring in a quasi-natural environment.
Title:
Authors:
Ann E. Stephenson and Walter Major III (presenting, in that order);
James M. Grassley, Kristen Ryding, Christian E. Grue, Todd Pearsons,
Authors Affiliations:
Ann E. Stephenson, Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project, Yakama Nation
Fisheries
Walter Major III, Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research
Unit, University of Washington, School of Aquatic and fishery Sciences
Presenters E-mail addresses and phone numbers:
Walter Major III, wmajor@u.washington.edu, (206) 685-4195
Ann E. Stephenson, anns@yakama.com (509) 966-4975, (509) 945-1073
Summary of presentation:
Avian predation of fish is suspected
to contribute to the loss of migrating juvenile salmonids in the Yakima River
Basin, constraining natural and artificial production. In 1997, the Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project
(YKFP) assessed the feasibility of developing an index to avian predation
of juvenile salmonids. The research
that followed confirmed that Ring-billed Gulls and Common Mergansers were
the primary avian predators impacting migrating smolt populations (Phinney
et al. 1998).
In 1999, the Washington Cooperative
Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (WACFWRU) continued the development of the
index, using monitoring methods modified from Phinney et al. (1998). The monitoring of impacts to juvenile salmon
along river reaches and at areas of high predator/prey concentrations, hotspots,
has continued each year, with YKFP Yakama Nation joining the WACFWRU in 2002.
In 2002, piscivorous birds were
again counted at hotspots and along river reaches. Consumption by gulls at hotspots was based on
direct observations of foraging success and modeled abundance. Consumption
by all other piscivorous birds was estimated using published dietary requirements
and modeled abundance. Seasonal patterns of avian piscivore abundance
were identified, diurnal patterns of gull abundance at hotspots were identified,
and predation indices were calculated for hotspots and river reaches.
Primary
avian predators in 2002 were again gulls, both California and Ring-billed,
at hotspots, and Common Mergansers on the river reaches. Estimated consumption by gulls at both hotspots
combined in the spring was 279,482 fish. Consumption by Common Mergansers ranged from
5676 kg of fish in the spring in the upper river to 319 kg of fish in the
summer in the Canyon.
Authors:
Gabriel M. Temple and Todd N. Pearsons
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
(509) 925-4467 ext. 3, templgmt@dfw.wa.gov
Summary of Presentation:
Release of large numbers of hatchery origin salmon
has the potential to negatively impact other taxa (non-target taxa, NTT). To determine changes in NTT status that could
be related to hatchery smolt releases, we compared the abundance, size structure,
and distribution of 16 non-target taxa before and 4 years after annual spring
releases of about 1 million yearling smolts (coho and chinook) in the Yakima
River. We compared any observed changes
in status to predetermined containment objectives that were judged to reflect
acceptable levels of impact. We utilized
detection strategies that would balance our ability to detect changes and
the chances of falsely associating a change with supplementation. With the
exception of cutthroat trout and steelhead size, all of the changes we observed
were within the containment objectives established for the project. Our analysis
suggests that the depressed sizes of cutthroat trout and steelhead are not
related to supplementation activities. For instance, tributary cutthroat trout and
spring chinook salmon exhibited minimal overlap in distribution and had limited
opportunity for interactions. In contrast,
high overlap occurred between rainbow trout (an analog for steelhead) and
spring chinook salmon in the upper Yakima River. However, we could not detect any differences
in the sizes of rainbow trout between areas of high and low target taxa abundance.
The interactions of NTT monitored with a predation index, including
fall chinook salmon, Pacific lamprey, leopard dace, and sandroller, will no
longer be evaluated.
Title:
jthomas@pn.usbr.gov
Summary of Presentation:
Following nearly three years of collaboration, the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released its draft recovery plan in
November, 2002 for three distinct population segments of bull trout (Salvelinus
confluentus) in the coterminous United States. A recovery plan is a blueprint
for the recovery of a threatened or endangered species which describes a process
to remove the threats to the long-term survival and reverse the decline of
a listed species. Of the 24 chapters in the plan, each specific to a recovery
unit (RU), one is for the Middle Columbia River and is specific to the Yakima
River Basin. A team assembled to develop the recovery plan for this RU identified
the following four objectives for recovering bull trout: 1) Maintain current distribution and restore distribution
of bull trout in previously occupied areas; 2) Maintain stable or increasing
trends in the abundance of adult bull trout; 3) Restore and maintain suitable
habitat conditions for all bull trout life history stages and strategies;
and 4) Conserve genetic diversity and provide opportunity for genetic exchange.
Recovery criteria, developed to assess whether actions are resulting in the
recovery of bull trout, were: 1) Bull trout are distributed among 16 local
populations; 2) Estimated abundance of adult bull trout among all local populations
is between 2,550 and 3,050 individuals; 3) Adult bull trout exhibit a stable
or increasing trend for at least two generations at or above the recovered
abundance level; and 4) Specific barriers to bull trout migration have been
addressed. The USFWS estimates that 15-25 years, and possibly longer, will
be necessary to recover bull trout in the Middle Columbia River RU at an estimated
cost of $35 million.
Title:
Authors:
Summary of Presentation:
Of the nine recognized bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
stocks in the Yakima Basin, the Cle Elum/Waptus Lake stock remains the only
one whose status is listed as unknown. During the summer of 2002 the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service began a two-year study to examine bull trout presence,
habitat use, and spawning activity in the upper Cle Elum River drainage. Presence
was investigated utilizing night snorkeling and adhering to the AFS protocol
described in Peterson et al (2002). Bull trout presence was confirmed
in the upper Cle Elum but they exist in small numbers. Surveyors observed
a total of 26 fish, almost all juveniles, in 34 person-days of effort covering
nine kilometers of stream. Redd surveys were conducted using the standard
method utilized by the WDFW since 1984 on most of the bull trout spawning
streams in the Yakima Basin. Two reaches of the mainstem upper Cle Elum River
totaling 5.3 km in length were extensively surveyed. Surveys were also conducted
in four small tributaries. No definite bull trout redds were found during
these surveys although nine large redds of unknown origin were observed in
the 1.3 km mainstem reach located just below Hyas Lake. The study will continue
in the Cooper and Waptus River watersheds in 2003.
Pathogen Screening Of Naturally Produced Yakima River
Spring Chinook Smolts
Author:
Joan B. Thomas
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol
Way No, Olympia, WA 98501
360-902-2667, thomajbt@dfw.wa.gov
Summary
of Presentation:
In 1999, the Cle Elum Hatchery
began releasing spring chinook smolts into the upper Yakima River to increase
natural production. Part of the evaluation
of this program is to monitor whether introduction of hatchery produced smolts
would impact the prevalence of specific pathogens in the naturally produced
spring chinook smolts. Increases in
prevalence of any of these pathogens could negatively impact the survival
of these fish. In 1998, 2000, 2001
and 2002 naturally produced smolts were collected at the Chandler smolt collection
facility on the lower Yakima River for monitoring.
Samples were taken from mid to late out migration, with a target of
200 fish each year. The pathogens monitored were infectious hematopoietic
necrosis virus, infectious pancreatic necrosis virus, viral hemorrhagic septicemia,
Flavobacterium psychrophilum, Flavobacterium columnare, Aeromonas salmonicida, Yersinia ruckeri, Edwardsiella ictaluri, Renibacterium
salmoninarum and Myxobolus cerebralis. In addition, the fish were tested for Ceratomyxa shasta spores in 2000 and 2001.
None of the viral or parasitic pathogens have been detected.
In some years low levels of the bacterial pathogens, F. psychrophilum
and F. columnare, have been detected in the naturally produced smolts. R. salmoninarum, the causative agent
of Bacterial Kidney disease, is detected each year, but levels have remained
generally low, with no clinical signs of disease. Fluctuations in pathogen prevalence between
years has been minimal and, to date, these changes are attributed to normal
variation in the population.
Title:
The Geography of Ecological
Alteration
Author:
Morris
L. Uebelacker
Department
of Geography and Land Studies
Central
Washington University
morris@cwu.edu
Summary of Presentation:
Knowing the details of human interactions with the
physical processes that create and maintain biotic diversity is required in
almost every management action regarding anadromous fish. Furthermore, it is essential that a detailed
model of the historic habitat conditions for the Yakima River basin forms
a key part of the template from which measurements of change in habitat diversity
are made. Significant progress towards
understanding historic habitat conditions for the major alluvial floodplains
in the basin has begun but comparable mapping and data has not been assembled
for other essential landscape components that enable informed modeling, maintenance,
and restoration efforts. Examples include:
canyon reaches, glacial valley reaches, glacial lakes and associated reaches,
the mainstream meander belt, and historic conditions in tributary streams;
all critical elements in the preservation, recovery, and maintenance of the
basin’s ecological integrity.
Title:
Subbasin,
Salmon Recovery, and Other Planning Efforts in the Yakima Basin
Author:
Richard Visser – Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife
(509) 457-9308 visserhv@dfw.wa.gov
Summary of Presentation:
Two planning
efforts are currently being organized in the Yakima Basin. These efforts are BPA’s Subbasin Planning and
the State’s Salmon Recovery Planning (SRP).
The Yakima Subbasin Fish and Wildlife Planning Board has developed
an organizational structure and has requested funding to conduct both planning
efforts. In general many tasks for
Subbasin Planning and the SRP overlap and both will utilize existing information
and tools (e.g. LFA, EDT, etc.). Subbasin
planning consists of three components: biological assessment, inventory of
existing recovery programs and activities, and a management plan.
The primary difference between the plans will be evident in products
developed within the management components of each plan.
The Subbasin Plan will describe “types” of management actions with
priority that should be implemented to achieve stated goals.
The SRP will go beyond the Subbasin Plan by prescribing management
actions that will include: who will implement prescribed actions, the cost
of these actions, funding sources for implementation, and incorporate enforcement
and public education needs. Subbasin
and Salmon Recovery Planning will provide needed guidance for salmon recovery
in the basin but will not eliminate planning needs for action and site specific
programs such as the Yakima Klickitat Fisheries Project (hatchery supplementation,
research, and habitat protection), Yakima Tributary Access and Habitat Program
(tributary passage and screening), and the Yakima Habitat Improvement Program
(acquisition within the Urban Growth Area of the City of Yakima). On the contrary, Subbasin and SRP planning will
attempt to assimilate specific program planning efforts (resistance is futile).
Redd Surveys in the Lower Yakima
River
Author:
Rick
Watson
Summary
of Presentation:
In 2002, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
(WDFW) continued the fall chinook carcass and redd survey initiated in 1998
on the lower Yakima River to estimate escapement. This season we were assisted by the Yakama
Nation(YN). They supplied one of the
vehicles and one technician. This season’s
survey would not have been completed without YN’s assistance.
Project staff collected
data used to determine the age and sex distribution of the natural and hatchery
supplementation spawning population of fall chinook on the lower 74 kilometers
of the Yakima River. The lower Yakima
River was broken into five strata, with the upper four strata being floated
each week. The lowest strata was sampled
twice during the season.
Staff
collected fork length, sex, and scales from every fish except in the upper
most section where carcasses were so numerous that only one in four carcasses
were sampled. Staff recorded the number of redds, and live and dead fish to
furnish alternative methods to estimate the spawning population. By applying an area under the curve model, using
redd counts, we estimated 5039 fall chinook spawned in the lower Yakima River.
Spawner escapement in the
lower Yakima River was up by 389.7% from the Year 2001 escapement of 1293. This number is enhanced by the increase in harvest
of fall chinook in the sport fishery from 942 chinook adults in the year 2001
to 2,300 in the year 2002. Much of
the increase in sport harvest may be attributable to the loss of spawning
habitat between Benton City and Horn Rapids Dam. There were more than 300 redds in this area
in the year 2000 while only 17 redds were found in the same area in the year
2001 and 106 redds in 2002. We believe
that this shift out of this area was due to low water and heavy vegetation. We believe that the fish that would have spawned
below Benton City proceeded to the tailrace area of Prosser Dam were they
were susceptible to sport fishing pressure.
The
combination of sport harvest and spawning escapement brings the total number
of fall chinook accounted for in the lower Yakima River to > 7,300 fish. When the Prosser Dam escapement is added the
total 2002 Yakima River fall chinook return is > 13,500.
Title:
DNA technology for stock and
parentage classification
Author:
Sewall
F. Young, Genetics Lab, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
360-902-2773
Summary of Presentation:
Microsatellites are abundant in
salmonid genomes, relatively easy to assay, and many are highly polymorphic
so they provide access to lots of discrete trait data. When data from multiple microsatellite loci
are combined, we have enough discriminating power to identify individuals,
to assign parentage, to classify individuals to their stocks of origin, to
estimate the stock proportions in population mixtures, and to study population
structure. WDFW used a microsatellite-based
parentage analysis method to estimate the reproductive output of hatchery
and wild origin chinook salmon released into the Cle Elum experimental spawning
channel. WDFW used a mixture analysis
method developed in-house to simultaneously classify individual chinook smolts
captured at the Chandler trap to their stocks of origin and to estimate the
relative abundance of the component populations passing the trap during the
sampling period. Simulations suggest
that we achieve high accuracy and precision in those classifications. The
US Bureau of Reclamation recently purchased a water right in the Naches River,
WA. The USBR will use this water to maintain discharges in the “Wapatox reach”
at approximately 300 cfs greater than discharges observed in recent years.
In this presentation we will describe our research design including the population
estimate techniques to be used, Multispectral Imaging (MIS) techniques, and
the Geographical Information System to be constructed. In addition to the
research design presentation, we will show some baseline data that was collected
in 12/02. These data on Oncorhynchus
mykiss densities are for the treatment (Wapatox) reach and the reference
(immediately downstream of the Wapatox reach). We will show that the density
of O. mykiss in the treatment reach
is lower than the density in the reference reach. In addition, the densities
of O. mykiss were highest in slow habitats
with more cover. Finally, invertebrate dry mass obtained in dusk drift samples
was much higher in secondary channels compared to mainstem habitats. The US
Bureau of Reclamation operates 5 dams in the Yakima River(WA, USA) watershed.
Downstream of two of these dams (Keechelus and Cle Elum) we have investigated
the influence of dam discharge on the hyporheic environment. In this presentation,
we will report the results of this work. First we will discuss the relationship
between surface discharge and hyporheic flow. We found that when discharge
increased the hyporheic flow became more upwelling in spring chinook redds.
In a different year, we found that when discharge decreased the hyporheic
flow became less upwelling in spring chinook redds. Second, we intend to discuss
the results of experiments we are currently conducting. In these experiments,
we are investigating the influence on hyporheic flow on egg survival. We have
installed egg plates (loaded with 32 spring chinook eggs) adjacent to 10 spring
chinook redds and we have installed egg plates in another 10 locations that
are not adjacent to the redds. We will discuss the physical and biological
properties of these locations and the resulting egg survival in each.
Central Washington University, Department
of Geological Sciences, 400 E. 8th Avenue – MS 7418,
[1]
Phone (509) 899-2810; E-mail AsburyA@cwu.edu
[2]
Phone (509) 963-2820; E-mail gazisc@cwu.edu
[3]
Phone (509) 963-2177; E-mail ely@cwu.edu
[4]
Phone (509) 963-1895; E-mail jamesp@cwu.edu