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• 181. [Article] Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 1999 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2002-09

  Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 1999 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2002-09 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define “sustainable and productive” by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish “Population Health Goals” for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the “half-pounder” run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990a; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals will have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent. Busby et al. (1994) concluded that the steelhead in this ESU “is not now at risk of extinction, but if present trends continue, it is likely to become so in the foreseeable future”. In contrast, Chilcote (1998) concluded that almost all steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the ESU “are relatively healthy and certainly do not warrant listing as threatened under the ESA”. Uncertainty as to the status of the resource, coupled with the comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in all streams except the Rogue River, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. However, KMP steelhead remained a candidate species during 1999. The goal of this project is to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives include (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals. Attainment of all of the population health goals will likely indicate that the populations of wild steelhead in the KMP are healthy and may allow managers to restore harvest opportunities for wild fish. Conversely, failure to attain any of the population health goals will likely indicate that the populations are depressed and would likely lead to actions designed to minimize fishing mortality. However, in most years it is likely that some goals will be attained while some will not be attained. Under that scenario, and depending on which goals are attained, selective fisheries, like the current one for wild winter steelhead in the Rogue River, remain as viable options for fishery managers. Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 1999 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2002-09 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define “sustainable and productive” by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish “Population Health Goals” for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the “half-pounder” run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990a; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals will have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent. Busby et al. (1994) concluded that the steelhead in this ESU “is not now at risk of extinction, but if present trends continue, it is likely to become so in the foreseeable future”. In contrast, Chilcote (1998) concluded that almost all steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the ESU “are relatively healthy and certainly do not warrant listing as threatened under the ESA”. Uncertainty as to the status of the resource, coupled with the comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in all streams except the Rogue River, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. However, KMP steelhead remained a candidate species during 1999. The goal of this project is to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives include (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals. Attainment of all of the population health goals will likely indicate that the populations of wild steelhead in the KMP are healthy and may allow managers to restore harvest opportunities for wild fish. Conversely, failure to attain any of the population health goals will likely indicate that the populations are depressed and would likely lead to actions designed to minimize fishing mortality. However, in most years it is likely that some goals will be attained while some will not be attained. Under that scenario, and depending on which goals are attained, selective fisheries, like the current one for wild winter steelhead in the Rogue River, remain as viable options for fishery managers. Close

• 182. [Article] Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2000-01 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2003-08

  Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2000-01 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2003-08 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define "sustainable and productive" by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish "Population Health Goals" for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the "half-pounder" run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals will have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent. Busby et al. (1994) concluded that the steelhead in this ESU “is not now at risk of extinction, but if present trends continue, it is likely to become so in the foreseeable future”. In contrast, Chilcote (1998) concluded that almost all steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the ESU "are relatively healthy and certainly do not warrant listing as threatened under the ESA". Uncertainty as to the status of the resource, coupled with the comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in all streams except the Rogue River, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. However, KMP steelhead remained a candidate species during 2000. The goal of this project is to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives include (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals. Directed sampling began in 1999 and the findings from 1999 were reported by Satterthwaite (2002a). Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2000-01 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2003-08 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define "sustainable and productive" by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish "Population Health Goals" for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the "half-pounder" run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals will have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent. Busby et al. (1994) concluded that the steelhead in this ESU “is not now at risk of extinction, but if present trends continue, it is likely to become so in the foreseeable future”. In contrast, Chilcote (1998) concluded that almost all steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the ESU "are relatively healthy and certainly do not warrant listing as threatened under the ESA". Uncertainty as to the status of the resource, coupled with the comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in all streams except the Rogue River, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. However, KMP steelhead remained a candidate species during 2000. The goal of this project is to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives include (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals. Directed sampling began in 1999 and the findings from 1999 were reported by Satterthwaite (2002a). Close

• 183. [Article] Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2001-02 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2004-08

  Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2001-02 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2004-08 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define "sustainable and productive" by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish "Population Health Goals" for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the "half-pounder" run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and, as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent from historic sources of information. Uncertainty about resource status, coupled with a comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in almost all KMP streams, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), in 1998, to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. On 30 March, 2001, NMFS announced that, after a review of new information, that an Endangered Species Act listing was not warranted for KMP steelhead. In 2002, ODFW adopted new methods to monitor steelhead populations on the Oregon coast. Allied with the decision, ODFW decided to terminate the KMP steelhead project. Consequently, this report presents findings from the third, and final, year of the project. The goal of the project was to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives included (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals Satterthwaite (2002a). Directed sampling began in 1999 and findings from the first two years of the project were reported by Satterthwaite (2002b) and Satterthwaite (2003). Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2001-02 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2004-08 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define "sustainable and productive" by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish "Population Health Goals" for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the "half-pounder" run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and, as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent from historic sources of information. Uncertainty about resource status, coupled with a comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in almost all KMP streams, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), in 1998, to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. On 30 March, 2001, NMFS announced that, after a review of new information, that an Endangered Species Act listing was not warranted for KMP steelhead. In 2002, ODFW adopted new methods to monitor steelhead populations on the Oregon coast. Allied with the decision, ODFW decided to terminate the KMP steelhead project. Consequently, this report presents findings from the third, and final, year of the project. The goal of the project was to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives included (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals Satterthwaite (2002a). Directed sampling began in 1999 and findings from the first two years of the project were reported by Satterthwaite (2002b) and Satterthwaite (2003). Close

• 184. [Article] Status and Distribution of Native Fishes in the Goose Lake Basin Information Reports number 2008-02

  Abstract -- This study describes the current distribution of the nine native fish species in the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake basin (Lake County): Goose Lake redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp., ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Status and Distribution of Native Fishes in the Goose Lake Basin Information Reports number 2008-02 Abstract -- This study describes the current distribution of the nine native fish species in the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake basin (Lake County): Goose Lake redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp., Goose Lake lamprey Entosphenus sp., Goose Lake tui chub Siphateles bicolor thalassinus, Goose Lake sucker Catostomus occidentalis lacusanserinus, Modoc sucker Catostomus microps, Pit-Klamath brook lamprey Entosphenus lethophagus, speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus, Pit roach Lavinia symmetricus mitrulus, and Pit sculpin Cottus pitensis. The Goose Lake basin is an endorheic, or topographically closed basin located in south central Oregon and northeastern California. The basin is within the usually closed northeastern extremity of the adjoining Sacramento River basin, astride the Oregon-California boundary. Although most of the lake lies in California, most of its valley and nearly two-thirds of the total drainage area (~722 sq. mi.) are in Oregon. The largest streams in the basin are Drews, Cottonwood, and Thomas Creeks. Annual precipitation averages about 36 cm per year (Phillips and van Denburgh 1971). Goose Lake overflowed briefly into the North Fork Pit River in 1868 and 1881, but storage and diversion of irrigation water has substantially reduced the inflow and future overflow is unlikely (USGS 1971). The lakebed was dry in the summers of 1926, 1929- 1934, and 1992. About half the basin is forestland, 20% is hay fields and pastureland, and 16% is shrub and rangeland. Currently, almost 35% of the inflow is diverted for irrigation (OWRD 1989). The Goose Lake basin is home to four endemic fish taxa: the Goose Lake redband trout, lamprey, sucker, and tui chub. Endemic fishes of the Goose Lake basin split their life histories between Goose Lake and its tributaries, as opposed to the five native but non-endemic species that primarily occupy stream habitats. Pit roach and all endemic fishes except Goose Lake tui chub are listed as a “species of concern” by the USFWS, a designation that implies there is concern about species viability, but not enough information is known to initiate a listing review for threatened or endangered status. The Modoc sucker was listed as a federally endangered species in 1985 (USFWS 1985). No formal recovery plan was required due to an existing “Action Plan for the Recovery of the Modoc Sucker” (USFWS 1984). Most of the recovery actions outlined in the action plan were either completed or are no longer relevant (Stewart Reid, Western Fishes, personal communication). However, actions 26 and 27 pertaining to range expansion remain incomplete. Action 26 suggests reclassification to threatened upon establishment of safe populations (for 3-5 years) throughout the Rush and Turner Creek watersheds in the Pit River basin. Action 27 suggests delisting upon establishing safe populations in two other historic streams. At the time of listing, the historic range of Modoc sucker was thought to have included only two small tributaries of the Pit River in Modoc and Lassen Counties, Ash and Turner Creeks (USFWS 1985). Therefore, a major recovery goal was to expand the species’ range with additional populations (USFWS 1984). In 2001, reexamination of historical documents and museum specimens established that Modoc suckers had also historically occupied Thomas Creek in the Goose Lake basin. Field collections in 2001, with subsequent morphological and genetic analysis, confirmed that the population was still present in Thomas Creek (Stewart Reid, Western Fishes, personal communication); however, the broader range of Modoc sucker in the Goose Lake watershed was not known. In 1995, the Goose Lake Fishes Working Group drafted a conservation plan for “prelisting” recovery of all native fish in response to severe drought and habitat degradation (GLFWG 1995). The Aquatic Inventories Project of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) conducted habitat and fish distribution surveys (1991-1995) to obtain baseline information to help inform recovery efforts (ODFW, unpublished data). Since then, field work to monitor the distribution and abundance of Goose Lake fishes has been limited and sporadic, targeting only Goose Lake redband trout and Modoc sucker (Dambacher 2001; Reid 2007). No comprehensive follow up work has been conducted to evaluate fish response to climatic conditions, habitat restoration projects, and continued irrigation activities. ODFW recently drafted a status review of native fish of Oregon (ODFW 2005). Except for redband trout, Goose Lake fishes were not included in the status review due to a lack of new information since the previous status review in 1995 (Kostow et al. 1995). Further, the review of Goose Lake redband trout was limited by a lack of long-term data series. The first objective of this study was to document the current distribution of native fishes in Oregon’s portion of the Goose Lake basin and assess changes in distribution that may have occurred since the last surveys were conducted 12 years ago. The second objective was to provide new information about the distribution of Modoc suckers within the basin. The third objective was to determine relative abundance and age-class diversity of native fishes at randomly selected sample sites. All objectives were addressed throughout the potential riverine distribution of fish in the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake basin. Information gathered in this study is critical to effective conservation and management of each species and its habitat. In addition, this report describes the distribution and relative abundance of nonnative fishes (fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), white crappie (Pomoxis annularis), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)) in the basin. Unlike prior efforts, this study used a statisticallybased design to select sample points with the aim of achieving a representative sample across the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake watershed. Additionally, a wide array of fish sampling gear was employed to maximize our ability to capture all fish species present across the diversity of habitat types encountered. Title: Status and Distribution of Native Fishes in the Goose Lake Basin Information Reports number 2008-02 Abstract -- This study describes the current distribution of the nine native fish species in the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake basin (Lake County): Goose Lake redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp., Goose Lake lamprey Entosphenus sp., Goose Lake tui chub Siphateles bicolor thalassinus, Goose Lake sucker Catostomus occidentalis lacusanserinus, Modoc sucker Catostomus microps, Pit-Klamath brook lamprey Entosphenus lethophagus, speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus, Pit roach Lavinia symmetricus mitrulus, and Pit sculpin Cottus pitensis. The Goose Lake basin is an endorheic, or topographically closed basin located in south central Oregon and northeastern California. The basin is within the usually closed northeastern extremity of the adjoining Sacramento River basin, astride the Oregon-California boundary. Although most of the lake lies in California, most of its valley and nearly two-thirds of the total drainage area (~722 sq. mi.) are in Oregon. The largest streams in the basin are Drews, Cottonwood, and Thomas Creeks. Annual precipitation averages about 36 cm per year (Phillips and van Denburgh 1971). Goose Lake overflowed briefly into the North Fork Pit River in 1868 and 1881, but storage and diversion of irrigation water has substantially reduced the inflow and future overflow is unlikely (USGS 1971). The lakebed was dry in the summers of 1926, 1929- 1934, and 1992. About half the basin is forestland, 20% is hay fields and pastureland, and 16% is shrub and rangeland. Currently, almost 35% of the inflow is diverted for irrigation (OWRD 1989). The Goose Lake basin is home to four endemic fish taxa: the Goose Lake redband trout, lamprey, sucker, and tui chub. Endemic fishes of the Goose Lake basin split their life histories between Goose Lake and its tributaries, as opposed to the five native but non-endemic species that primarily occupy stream habitats. Pit roach and all endemic fishes except Goose Lake tui chub are listed as a “species of concern” by the USFWS, a designation that implies there is concern about species viability, but not enough information is known to initiate a listing review for threatened or endangered status. The Modoc sucker was listed as a federally endangered species in 1985 (USFWS 1985). No formal recovery plan was required due to an existing “Action Plan for the Recovery of the Modoc Sucker” (USFWS 1984). Most of the recovery actions outlined in the action plan were either completed or are no longer relevant (Stewart Reid, Western Fishes, personal communication). However, actions 26 and 27 pertaining to range expansion remain incomplete. Action 26 suggests reclassification to threatened upon establishment of safe populations (for 3-5 years) throughout the Rush and Turner Creek watersheds in the Pit River basin. Action 27 suggests delisting upon establishing safe populations in two other historic streams. At the time of listing, the historic range of Modoc sucker was thought to have included only two small tributaries of the Pit River in Modoc and Lassen Counties, Ash and Turner Creeks (USFWS 1985). Therefore, a major recovery goal was to expand the species’ range with additional populations (USFWS 1984). In 2001, reexamination of historical documents and museum specimens established that Modoc suckers had also historically occupied Thomas Creek in the Goose Lake basin. Field collections in 2001, with subsequent morphological and genetic analysis, confirmed that the population was still present in Thomas Creek (Stewart Reid, Western Fishes, personal communication); however, the broader range of Modoc sucker in the Goose Lake watershed was not known. In 1995, the Goose Lake Fishes Working Group drafted a conservation plan for “prelisting” recovery of all native fish in response to severe drought and habitat degradation (GLFWG 1995). The Aquatic Inventories Project of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) conducted habitat and fish distribution surveys (1991-1995) to obtain baseline information to help inform recovery efforts (ODFW, unpublished data). Since then, field work to monitor the distribution and abundance of Goose Lake fishes has been limited and sporadic, targeting only Goose Lake redband trout and Modoc sucker (Dambacher 2001; Reid 2007). No comprehensive follow up work has been conducted to evaluate fish response to climatic conditions, habitat restoration projects, and continued irrigation activities. ODFW recently drafted a status review of native fish of Oregon (ODFW 2005). Except for redband trout, Goose Lake fishes were not included in the status review due to a lack of new information since the previous status review in 1995 (Kostow et al. 1995). Further, the review of Goose Lake redband trout was limited by a lack of long-term data series. The first objective of this study was to document the current distribution of native fishes in Oregon’s portion of the Goose Lake basin and assess changes in distribution that may have occurred since the last surveys were conducted 12 years ago. The second objective was to provide new information about the distribution of Modoc suckers within the basin. The third objective was to determine relative abundance and age-class diversity of native fishes at randomly selected sample sites. All objectives were addressed throughout the potential riverine distribution of fish in the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake basin. Information gathered in this study is critical to effective conservation and management of each species and its habitat. In addition, this report describes the distribution and relative abundance of nonnative fishes (fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), white crappie (Pomoxis annularis), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)) in the basin. Unlike prior efforts, this study used a statisticallybased design to select sample points with the aim of achieving a representative sample across the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake watershed. Additionally, a wide array of fish sampling gear was employed to maximize our ability to capture all fish species present across the diversity of habitat types encountered. Close

• 185. [Article] Recovery of Wild Coho Salmon In Salmon River Basin, 2008-2010 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2011-10

  Abstract -- Hatcheries have been a centerpiece of salmon management in the Pacific Northwest for more than a century but recent evidence of adverse interactions between hatchery and naturally-produced ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Recovery of Wild Coho Salmon In Salmon River Basin, 2008-2010 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2011-10 Abstract -- Hatcheries have been a centerpiece of salmon management in the Pacific Northwest for more than a century but recent evidence of adverse interactions between hatchery and naturally-produced salmon have resulted in substantial changes in many hatchery programs. In 2007 the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife terminated a 30-year artificial propagation program for coho salmon in the Salmon River basin after a status assessment concluded that wild population viability was threatened by hatchery effects on salmon productivity (Chilcote et al. 2005). Hatchery-reared coho comprised 50-100% of the naturally spawning population in recent years. Low productivity was reflected in a low spawner to recruit ratio, and life-stage specific survival was lower than that of nearby populations. The temporal distribution of adult spawning in the basin was truncated and peaked 1.5 months earlier relative to the pre-hatchery period and adjacent coastal populations. The cessation of hatchery releases into Salmon River not only removed the primary factor believed to limit productivity of the local population, it also constituted a rare management experiment to test whether a naturally-spawning population can recover from a prolonged period of low abundance after interactions with hatchery-produced coho salmon are eliminated. This report summarizes the results of coho population studies at Salmon River for the first three years after the hatchery program was discontinued. The study in Salmon River is timely because ecological interactions between hatchery and wild fish have been implicated in the reduced survival and decreased productivity of wild coho and other salmonid populations (Nickelson 2003, Buhle et al. 2009, Chilcote et al. 2011). Recent studies involving a diversity of salmonid species and watersheds have shown a negative relationship between hatchery spawner abundance and wild population productivity regardless of the duration of hatchery influence (Chilcote et al. 2011). Yet neither the mechanisms of these productivity declines nor their potential reversibility have been investigated. Recent management changes at Salmon River provide an opportunity to experimentally evaluate coho salmon survival and productivity following the elimination of a decades-long hatchery program. The results will provide new insights into the reversibility of hatchery effects and the rate, mechanisms, and trajectory of response by a naturally spawning coho salmon population. Hatchery programs have been shown to change the timing and distribution of naturally spawning adults, but ecological and genetic influences on the spatial structure and life history diversity of juvenile populations are poorly understood. Conventional understanding of the life history of juvenile coho has presumed a relatively fixed pattern of rearing and migration. However, recent studies have found much greater variation in juvenile life history and habitat-use patterns than previously expected (Miller and Sadro 2003, Koski 2009), including evidence that estuaries may play a prominent role in the life histories of some coho salmon populations. A recent study in the Salmon River basin found considerable diversity in the life histories of juvenile Chinook salmon, including extended rearing by fry and other subyearling migrants within the complex network of natural and restored estuarine wetlands (Bottom et al. 2005). Unfortunately, interpretation of juvenile life history variations at Salmon River was confounded by the Chinook hatchery program, which has concentrated spawning activity in the lower river near the hatchery and may directly influence juvenile migration and rearing patterns. Discontinuation of the coho hatchery program at Salmon River provides an opportunity to quantify changes in juvenile life history following the elimination of all hatchery-fish interactions with the naturally spawning population. Such responses may provide important insights into the mechanisms of hatchery influence on wild salmon productivity and population resilience. Our research integrates adult and juvenile life stages, examines linkages to physical habitat conditions in fresh water and the estuary, and describes variability between juvenile performance and adult returns. It also monitors the coho salmon population across habitat types and life history stages to identify population responses at a landscape scale. We will determine productivity and survival at each salmon life stage and monitor the response of the adult population following the cessation of the coho salmon hatchery program. From these indicators, we will determine the potential resiliency of the coho salmon population, and evaluate the biological benefits or tradeoffs of returning the ecosystem to natural salmon production. Our study design encompasses four population phases: (1) pre-hatchery conditions (Mullen 1979), (2) dominance by hatchery-reared spawners (2008), (3) first generation naturally produced juveniles (2009-2011), and (4) second generation naturally produced juveniles (starting in 2012). This research will validate assumptions about factors limiting coho recovery and determine whether recovery actions have been effective. Here, we report on findings from 2008-2010 to address four principal objectives: 1. Quantify life stage specific survival and recruits per spawner ratio of the coho salmon population before and after hatchery coho salmon are removed from Salmon River. 2. Assess whether the Salmon River coho population is limited by capacity and complexity of stream habitat. 3. Describe the diversity of juvenile and adult life histories of coho salmon in the Salmon River basin, and estimate the relative contributions of various juvenile life histories to adult returns. 4. Determine seasonal use of the Salmon River estuary and its tidally-inundated wetlands by juvenile coho salmon. The field sampling that supported the study on coho salmon also captured Chinook salmon and steelhead and cutthroat trout during routine sampling in the watershed and estuary. This report emphasizes coho salmon results, but also summarizes catch, distribution, and migration data for other salmonids to compare densities and abundances in freshwater and the estuary. Additional results for Chinook, steelhead, and cutthroat are presented in Appendix A. See Stein et al. (2011) for more detailed information on life history diversity, migration patterns, habitat use, and abundance of cutthroat trout. Title: Recovery of Wild Coho Salmon In Salmon River Basin, 2008-2010 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2011-10 Abstract -- Hatcheries have been a centerpiece of salmon management in the Pacific Northwest for more than a century but recent evidence of adverse interactions between hatchery and naturally-produced salmon have resulted in substantial changes in many hatchery programs. In 2007 the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife terminated a 30-year artificial propagation program for coho salmon in the Salmon River basin after a status assessment concluded that wild population viability was threatened by hatchery effects on salmon productivity (Chilcote et al. 2005). Hatchery-reared coho comprised 50-100% of the naturally spawning population in recent years. Low productivity was reflected in a low spawner to recruit ratio, and life-stage specific survival was lower than that of nearby populations. The temporal distribution of adult spawning in the basin was truncated and peaked 1.5 months earlier relative to the pre-hatchery period and adjacent coastal populations. The cessation of hatchery releases into Salmon River not only removed the primary factor believed to limit productivity of the local population, it also constituted a rare management experiment to test whether a naturally-spawning population can recover from a prolonged period of low abundance after interactions with hatchery-produced coho salmon are eliminated. This report summarizes the results of coho population studies at Salmon River for the first three years after the hatchery program was discontinued. The study in Salmon River is timely because ecological interactions between hatchery and wild fish have been implicated in the reduced survival and decreased productivity of wild coho and other salmonid populations (Nickelson 2003, Buhle et al. 2009, Chilcote et al. 2011). Recent studies involving a diversity of salmonid species and watersheds have shown a negative relationship between hatchery spawner abundance and wild population productivity regardless of the duration of hatchery influence (Chilcote et al. 2011). Yet neither the mechanisms of these productivity declines nor their potential reversibility have been investigated. Recent management changes at Salmon River provide an opportunity to experimentally evaluate coho salmon survival and productivity following the elimination of a decades-long hatchery program. The results will provide new insights into the reversibility of hatchery effects and the rate, mechanisms, and trajectory of response by a naturally spawning coho salmon population. Hatchery programs have been shown to change the timing and distribution of naturally spawning adults, but ecological and genetic influences on the spatial structure and life history diversity of juvenile populations are poorly understood. Conventional understanding of the life history of juvenile coho has presumed a relatively fixed pattern of rearing and migration. However, recent studies have found much greater variation in juvenile life history and habitat-use patterns than previously expected (Miller and Sadro 2003, Koski 2009), including evidence that estuaries may play a prominent role in the life histories of some coho salmon populations. A recent study in the Salmon River basin found considerable diversity in the life histories of juvenile Chinook salmon, including extended rearing by fry and other subyearling migrants within the complex network of natural and restored estuarine wetlands (Bottom et al. 2005). Unfortunately, interpretation of juvenile life history variations at Salmon River was confounded by the Chinook hatchery program, which has concentrated spawning activity in the lower river near the hatchery and may directly influence juvenile migration and rearing patterns. Discontinuation of the coho hatchery program at Salmon River provides an opportunity to quantify changes in juvenile life history following the elimination of all hatchery-fish interactions with the naturally spawning population. Such responses may provide important insights into the mechanisms of hatchery influence on wild salmon productivity and population resilience. Our research integrates adult and juvenile life stages, examines linkages to physical habitat conditions in fresh water and the estuary, and describes variability between juvenile performance and adult returns. It also monitors the coho salmon population across habitat types and life history stages to identify population responses at a landscape scale. We will determine productivity and survival at each salmon life stage and monitor the response of the adult population following the cessation of the coho salmon hatchery program. From these indicators, we will determine the potential resiliency of the coho salmon population, and evaluate the biological benefits or tradeoffs of returning the ecosystem to natural salmon production. Our study design encompasses four population phases: (1) pre-hatchery conditions (Mullen 1979), (2) dominance by hatchery-reared spawners (2008), (3) first generation naturally produced juveniles (2009-2011), and (4) second generation naturally produced juveniles (starting in 2012). This research will validate assumptions about factors limiting coho recovery and determine whether recovery actions have been effective. Here, we report on findings from 2008-2010 to address four principal objectives: 1. Quantify life stage specific survival and recruits per spawner ratio of the coho salmon population before and after hatchery coho salmon are removed from Salmon River. 2. Assess whether the Salmon River coho population is limited by capacity and complexity of stream habitat. 3. Describe the diversity of juvenile and adult life histories of coho salmon in the Salmon River basin, and estimate the relative contributions of various juvenile life histories to adult returns. 4. Determine seasonal use of the Salmon River estuary and its tidally-inundated wetlands by juvenile coho salmon. The field sampling that supported the study on coho salmon also captured Chinook salmon and steelhead and cutthroat trout during routine sampling in the watershed and estuary. This report emphasizes coho salmon results, but also summarizes catch, distribution, and migration data for other salmonids to compare densities and abundances in freshwater and the estuary. Additional results for Chinook, steelhead, and cutthroat are presented in Appendix A. See Stein et al. (2011) for more detailed information on life history diversity, migration patterns, habitat use, and abundance of cutthroat trout. Close

• 186. [Article] OASIS - Use of Stratified Random Sampling to Estimate the Abundance of Oregon Coastal Coho Salmon

  Abstract -- Management of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Oregon is heavily dependent upon estimates of the spawning escapement of Oregon coastal natural OCN) coho salmon. OCN coho salmon consist ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: OASIS - Use of Stratified Random Sampling to Estimate the Abundance of Oregon Coastal Coho Salmon Abstract -- Management of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Oregon is heavily dependent upon estimates of the spawning escapement of Oregon coastal natural OCN) coho salmon. OCN coho salmon consist of an aggregate of wild coho salmon populations that originate from Oregon coastal river basins south of the Columbia River and north of Cape Blanco. OCN spawning escapement estimates are an integral component of the management of salmon fisheries in the ocean. Escapement estimates are also used to assess progress towards meeting goals addressed in Oregon's Coho Salmon Plan (ODFW 1982), the Salmon Framework Plan of the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC 1984), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Wild Fish Policy, the Oregon Salmon Restoration Plan (Oregon 1997) and various management plans for coastal basins. During 1985-86, the Oregon State University Department of Statistics was contracted by ODFW to review the method used to estimate OCN spawning escapement and to recommend procedures for improving the methodology (Ganio et al.1986). Five sources of bias were identified in the methodology: (1) methods of survey site selection, (2) estimates of the life span of fish in survey sites, (3) counting of nonspawning fish in survey sites, (4) under-counting of fish in survey sites, and (5)estimates of total miles of spawning habitat. The authors concluded that the method of survey site selection was probably the most serious source of bias because of evidence that survey sites were predominantly located in "better than average" spawning habitat. To improve the methodology used to estimate OCN escapement, the authors proposed a sampling plan designed to reduce survey site selection bias and to provide an estimate of the precision of the escapement estimate. The recommended sampling plan incorporated a stratified random sampling (SRS) scheme, where, within geographic 2 sampling units, survey sites are randomly selected from the estimated available miles of coho salmon spawning habitat. Although the SRS survey procedure proposed by Ganio et al. (1986) was a means of vastly improving OCN escapement estimates, more information was needed before this procedure could be adopted. Procedures needed to be developed for selecting and surveying random survey sites (Ganio et al. 1986). The feasibility of incorporating additional levels of stratification to improve the efficiency of the sampling program and account for additional escapement resulting from hatchery fish was needed. More accurate estimates of the available spawning habitat for coho salmon in coastal watersheds were necessary for the development of an effective SRS scheme and ultimately, as a means of improving absolute escapement estimates. Finally, the relationship between spawning densities estimated from the standard coho salmon survey program and spawning densities estimated from a SRS program needed to be determined. Title: OASIS - Use of Stratified Random Sampling to Estimate the Abundance of Oregon Coastal Coho Salmon Abstract -- Management of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Oregon is heavily dependent upon estimates of the spawning escapement of Oregon coastal natural OCN) coho salmon. OCN coho salmon consist of an aggregate of wild coho salmon populations that originate from Oregon coastal river basins south of the Columbia River and north of Cape Blanco. OCN spawning escapement estimates are an integral component of the management of salmon fisheries in the ocean. Escapement estimates are also used to assess progress towards meeting goals addressed in Oregon's Coho Salmon Plan (ODFW 1982), the Salmon Framework Plan of the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC 1984), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Wild Fish Policy, the Oregon Salmon Restoration Plan (Oregon 1997) and various management plans for coastal basins. During 1985-86, the Oregon State University Department of Statistics was contracted by ODFW to review the method used to estimate OCN spawning escapement and to recommend procedures for improving the methodology (Ganio et al.1986). Five sources of bias were identified in the methodology: (1) methods of survey site selection, (2) estimates of the life span of fish in survey sites, (3) counting of nonspawning fish in survey sites, (4) under-counting of fish in survey sites, and (5)estimates of total miles of spawning habitat. The authors concluded that the method of survey site selection was probably the most serious source of bias because of evidence that survey sites were predominantly located in "better than average" spawning habitat. To improve the methodology used to estimate OCN escapement, the authors proposed a sampling plan designed to reduce survey site selection bias and to provide an estimate of the precision of the escapement estimate. The recommended sampling plan incorporated a stratified random sampling (SRS) scheme, where, within geographic 2 sampling units, survey sites are randomly selected from the estimated available miles of coho salmon spawning habitat. Although the SRS survey procedure proposed by Ganio et al. (1986) was a means of vastly improving OCN escapement estimates, more information was needed before this procedure could be adopted. Procedures needed to be developed for selecting and surveying random survey sites (Ganio et al. 1986). The feasibility of incorporating additional levels of stratification to improve the efficiency of the sampling program and account for additional escapement resulting from hatchery fish was needed. More accurate estimates of the available spawning habitat for coho salmon in coastal watersheds were necessary for the development of an effective SRS scheme and ultimately, as a means of improving absolute escapement estimates. Finally, the relationship between spawning densities estimated from the standard coho salmon survey program and spawning densities estimated from a SRS program needed to be determined. Close

• 187. [Article] Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2012 Annual Progress Report

  Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2012 Annual Progress Report Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report on juvenile steelhead rearing and release activities for the 2011 brood year (BY) released in 2012. Included are collection, spawning, and adult characteristics for the 2012 returns, returns from experimental releases, supplementation in Little Sheep Creek, and success toward achieving compensation goals. The Grande Ronde and Imnaha river steelhead hatchery programs were initiated in 1976 and 1982 in response to the rapid decline in Snake River steelhead abundance. Annual adult mitigation, brood year specific smolt-to-adult return and total smolt-to-adult survival rates, and annual smolt production goals were established to compensate for the estimated annual loss of 48% of adult production. Adaptive management has resulted in current interim smolt production goals of 800,000 (Wallowa stock released into the Grande Ronde) and 215,000 (Imnaha stock) smolts; less than the original goals of 1,350,000 and 330,000 smolts. Based on original smolt production goals it was assumed that 27,552 Wallowa stock and 6,000 Imnaha stock adults would be produced annually. Furthermore, 66.7% of these fish were expected to be harvested below the compensation area, defined as the watershed above Lower Granite Dam, resulting in compensation area adult return goals of 9,184 (Wallowa stock) and 2,000 (Imnaha stock). In general, the data in this report were derived from hatchery inventories and standard databases (e.g., Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), ODFW mark recovery) or through standard measuring techniques. As such, specific protocols are usually not described. In cases where expansions of data or unique methodologies were used, protocols are described in more detail. Additional descriptions of protocols can be found in our work statements (Carmichael et al. 2009, Carmichael et al. 2010). Coded-wire tag (CWT) data collected from 2012 adult returns were used to evaluate smolt-to-adult survival rates in experimental rearing and release groups. In 2012, experimental treatments from which fish returned included unmarked releases, off-station direct-stream releases, and progeny from early returning (fall-collected) broodstock release strategies. In 2012, smolts were released at Wallowa Hatchery that were second generation progeny of early returning (fall-collected) broodstock for an experimental comparison with progeny of standard production broodstock. Methods for the fall broodstock experiment are described in Warren et al. (2011). Analysis of specific survival studies will be completed and published in separate reports once all brood years have returned and CWT data are complete for each experiment. In addition, much of the data that we discuss in this report will be used in separate and specific evaluations of ongoing supplementation programs for steelhead in the Imnaha River basin. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2012 Annual Progress Report Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report on juvenile steelhead rearing and release activities for the 2011 brood year (BY) released in 2012. Included are collection, spawning, and adult characteristics for the 2012 returns, returns from experimental releases, supplementation in Little Sheep Creek, and success toward achieving compensation goals. The Grande Ronde and Imnaha river steelhead hatchery programs were initiated in 1976 and 1982 in response to the rapid decline in Snake River steelhead abundance. Annual adult mitigation, brood year specific smolt-to-adult return and total smolt-to-adult survival rates, and annual smolt production goals were established to compensate for the estimated annual loss of 48% of adult production. Adaptive management has resulted in current interim smolt production goals of 800,000 (Wallowa stock released into the Grande Ronde) and 215,000 (Imnaha stock) smolts; less than the original goals of 1,350,000 and 330,000 smolts. Based on original smolt production goals it was assumed that 27,552 Wallowa stock and 6,000 Imnaha stock adults would be produced annually. Furthermore, 66.7% of these fish were expected to be harvested below the compensation area, defined as the watershed above Lower Granite Dam, resulting in compensation area adult return goals of 9,184 (Wallowa stock) and 2,000 (Imnaha stock). In general, the data in this report were derived from hatchery inventories and standard databases (e.g., Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), ODFW mark recovery) or through standard measuring techniques. As such, specific protocols are usually not described. In cases where expansions of data or unique methodologies were used, protocols are described in more detail. Additional descriptions of protocols can be found in our work statements (Carmichael et al. 2009, Carmichael et al. 2010). Coded-wire tag (CWT) data collected from 2012 adult returns were used to evaluate smolt-to-adult survival rates in experimental rearing and release groups. In 2012, experimental treatments from which fish returned included unmarked releases, off-station direct-stream releases, and progeny from early returning (fall-collected) broodstock release strategies. In 2012, smolts were released at Wallowa Hatchery that were second generation progeny of early returning (fall-collected) broodstock for an experimental comparison with progeny of standard production broodstock. Methods for the fall broodstock experiment are described in Warren et al. (2011). Analysis of specific survival studies will be completed and published in separate reports once all brood years have returned and CWT data are complete for each experiment. In addition, much of the data that we discuss in this report will be used in separate and specific evaluations of ongoing supplementation programs for steelhead in the Imnaha River basin. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close

• 188. [Article] Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2013 Annual Progress Report

  Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2013 Annual Progress Report Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report on juvenile steelhead rearing and release activities for the 2012 brood year (BY) released in 2013. Included are collection, spawning, and adult characteristics for the 2012 returns, returns from experimental releases, supplementation in Little Sheep Creek, and success toward achieving compensation goals. The Grande Ronde and Imnaha river steelhead hatchery programs were initiated in 1976 and 1982 in response to the rapid decline in Snake River steelhead abundance. Annual adult mitigation, brood year specific smolt-to-adult return and total smolt-to-adult survival rates, and annual smolt production goals were established to compensate for the estimated annual loss of 48% of adult production. Adaptive management has resulted in current interim smolt production goals of 800,000 (Wallowa stock released into the Grande Ronde) and 215,000 (Imnaha stock) smolts; less than the original goals of 1,350,000 and 330,000 smolts. Based on original smolt production goals it was assumed that 27,552 Wallowa stock and 6,000 Imnaha stock adults would be produced annually. Furthermore, 66.7% of these fish were expected to be harvested below the compensation area, defined as the watershed above Lower Granite Dam, resulting in compensation area adult return goals of 9,184 (Wallowa stock) and 2,000 (Imnaha stock). In general, the data in this report were derived from hatchery inventories and standard databases (e.g., Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), ODFW mark recovery) or through standard measuring techniques. As such, specific protocols are usually not described. In cases where expansions of data or unique methodologies were used, protocols are described in more detail. Additional descriptions of protocols can be found in our work statements (Carmichael et al. 2012, Carmichael et al. 2013). Coded-wire tag (CWT) data collected from 2013 adult returns were used to evaluate smolt-to-adult survival rates in experimental rearing and release groups. In 2013, the only experimental treatments from which fish returned were second generation progeny from early returning (fall-collected) broodstock. In 2013, smolts were released at Wallowa Hatchery that were third generation progeny of early returning (fall-collected) broodstock for an experimental comparison with progeny of standard production broodstock. Methods for the fall broodstock experiment are described in Warren et al. (2011a). Analysis of specific survival studies will be completed and published in separate reports once all brood years have returned and CWT data are complete for each experiment. In addition, much of the data that we discuss in this report will be used in separate and specific evaluations of ongoing supplementation programs for steelhead in the Imnaha River basin. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2013 Annual Progress Report Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report on juvenile steelhead rearing and release activities for the 2012 brood year (BY) released in 2013. Included are collection, spawning, and adult characteristics for the 2012 returns, returns from experimental releases, supplementation in Little Sheep Creek, and success toward achieving compensation goals. The Grande Ronde and Imnaha river steelhead hatchery programs were initiated in 1976 and 1982 in response to the rapid decline in Snake River steelhead abundance. Annual adult mitigation, brood year specific smolt-to-adult return and total smolt-to-adult survival rates, and annual smolt production goals were established to compensate for the estimated annual loss of 48% of adult production. Adaptive management has resulted in current interim smolt production goals of 800,000 (Wallowa stock released into the Grande Ronde) and 215,000 (Imnaha stock) smolts; less than the original goals of 1,350,000 and 330,000 smolts. Based on original smolt production goals it was assumed that 27,552 Wallowa stock and 6,000 Imnaha stock adults would be produced annually. Furthermore, 66.7% of these fish were expected to be harvested below the compensation area, defined as the watershed above Lower Granite Dam, resulting in compensation area adult return goals of 9,184 (Wallowa stock) and 2,000 (Imnaha stock). In general, the data in this report were derived from hatchery inventories and standard databases (e.g., Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), ODFW mark recovery) or through standard measuring techniques. As such, specific protocols are usually not described. In cases where expansions of data or unique methodologies were used, protocols are described in more detail. Additional descriptions of protocols can be found in our work statements (Carmichael et al. 2012, Carmichael et al. 2013). Coded-wire tag (CWT) data collected from 2013 adult returns were used to evaluate smolt-to-adult survival rates in experimental rearing and release groups. In 2013, the only experimental treatments from which fish returned were second generation progeny from early returning (fall-collected) broodstock. In 2013, smolts were released at Wallowa Hatchery that were third generation progeny of early returning (fall-collected) broodstock for an experimental comparison with progeny of standard production broodstock. Methods for the fall broodstock experiment are described in Warren et al. (2011a). Analysis of specific survival studies will be completed and published in separate reports once all brood years have returned and CWT data are complete for each experiment. In addition, much of the data that we discuss in this report will be used in separate and specific evaluations of ongoing supplementation programs for steelhead in the Imnaha River basin. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close

• 189. [Article] Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2014 Annual Progress Report

  Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2014 Annual Progress Report Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report on juvenile steelhead rearing and release activities for the 2013 brood year (BY) released in 2014. Included are collection, spawning, and adult characteristics for the 2014 returns, returns from experimental releases, supplementation in Little Sheep Creek, and success toward achieving compensation goals. The Grande Ronde and Imnaha river steelhead hatchery programs were initiated in 1976 and 1982 in response to the rapid decline in Snake River steelhead abundance. Annual adult mitigation, brood year specific smolt-to-adult return and total smolt-to-adult survival rates, and annual smolt production goals were established to compensate for the estimated annual loss of 48% of adult production. Adaptive management has resulted in current interim smolt production goals of 800,000 (ODFW Wallowa stock released into the Grande Ronde) and 215,000 (Imnaha stock) smolts; less than the original goals of 1,350,000 and 330,000 smolts. Based on original smolt production goals it was assumed that 27,552 Wallowa stock and 6,000 Imnaha stock adults would be produced annually. Furthermore, 66.7% of these fish were expected to be harvested below the compensation area, defined as the watershed above Lower Granite Dam, resulting in compensation area adult return goals of 9,184 Wallowa stock and 2,000 Imnaha stock. In general, the data in this report were derived from hatchery inventories and standard databases (e.g., Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), ODFW mark recovery) or through standard measuring techniques. As such, specific protocols are usually not described. In cases where expansions of data or unique methodologies were used, protocols are described in more detail. Additional descriptions of protocols can be found in our work statements (Carmichael et al. 2012, Carmichael et al. 2013). Coded-wire tag (CWT) data collected from 2014 adult returns were used to evaluate smolt-to-adult survival rates in experimental rearing and release groups. In 2014, the only experimental treatments from which fish returned were second generation progeny from early returning (fall-collected) broodstock. In 2014, smolts were released at Wallowa Hatchery that were third generation progeny of early returning (fall-collected) broodstock for an experimental comparison with progeny of standard production broodstock. Methods for the fall broodstock experiment are described in Warren et al. (2011a). Analysis of specific survival studies will be completed and published in separate reports once all brood years have returned and CWT data are complete for each experiment. In addition, much of the data that we discuss in this report will be used in separate and specific evaluations of ongoing supplementation programs for steelhead in the Imnaha River basin. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2014 Annual Progress Report Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report on juvenile steelhead rearing and release activities for the 2013 brood year (BY) released in 2014. Included are collection, spawning, and adult characteristics for the 2014 returns, returns from experimental releases, supplementation in Little Sheep Creek, and success toward achieving compensation goals. The Grande Ronde and Imnaha river steelhead hatchery programs were initiated in 1976 and 1982 in response to the rapid decline in Snake River steelhead abundance. Annual adult mitigation, brood year specific smolt-to-adult return and total smolt-to-adult survival rates, and annual smolt production goals were established to compensate for the estimated annual loss of 48% of adult production. Adaptive management has resulted in current interim smolt production goals of 800,000 (ODFW Wallowa stock released into the Grande Ronde) and 215,000 (Imnaha stock) smolts; less than the original goals of 1,350,000 and 330,000 smolts. Based on original smolt production goals it was assumed that 27,552 Wallowa stock and 6,000 Imnaha stock adults would be produced annually. Furthermore, 66.7% of these fish were expected to be harvested below the compensation area, defined as the watershed above Lower Granite Dam, resulting in compensation area adult return goals of 9,184 Wallowa stock and 2,000 Imnaha stock. In general, the data in this report were derived from hatchery inventories and standard databases (e.g., Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), ODFW mark recovery) or through standard measuring techniques. As such, specific protocols are usually not described. In cases where expansions of data or unique methodologies were used, protocols are described in more detail. Additional descriptions of protocols can be found in our work statements (Carmichael et al. 2012, Carmichael et al. 2013). Coded-wire tag (CWT) data collected from 2014 adult returns were used to evaluate smolt-to-adult survival rates in experimental rearing and release groups. In 2014, the only experimental treatments from which fish returned were second generation progeny from early returning (fall-collected) broodstock. In 2014, smolts were released at Wallowa Hatchery that were third generation progeny of early returning (fall-collected) broodstock for an experimental comparison with progeny of standard production broodstock. Methods for the fall broodstock experiment are described in Warren et al. (2011a). Analysis of specific survival studies will be completed and published in separate reports once all brood years have returned and CWT data are complete for each experiment. In addition, much of the data that we discuss in this report will be used in separate and specific evaluations of ongoing supplementation programs for steelhead in the Imnaha River basin. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close

• 190. [Article] Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2015 Annual Progress Report

  Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2015 Annual Progress Report Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report on juvenile steelhead rearing and release activities for the 2014 brood year (BY) released in 2015. Included are collection, spawning, and adult characteristics for the 2015 returns, returns from experimental releases, supplementation in Little Sheep Creek, and success toward achieving compensation goals. The Grande Ronde and Imnaha river steelhead hatchery programs were initiated in 1976 and 1982 in response to the rapid decline in Snake River steelhead abundance. Annual adult mitigation, brood year specific smolt-to-adult return and total smolt-to-adult survival rates, and annual smolt production goals were established to compensate for the estimated annual loss of 48% of adult production. Adaptive management has resulted in current interim smolt production goals of 800,000 (ODFW Wallowa stock released into the Grande Ronde) and 215,000 (Imnaha stock) smolts; less than the original goals of 1,350,000 and 330,000 smolts. Based on original smolt production goals it was assumed that 27,552 Wallowa stock and 6,000 Imnaha stock adults would be produced annually. Furthermore, 66.7% of these fish were expected to be harvested below the compensation area, defined as the watershed above Lower Granite Dam, resulting in compensation area adult return goals of 9,184 Wallowa stock and 2,000 Imnaha stock. In general, the data in this report were derived from hatchery inventories and standard databases (e.g., Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), ODFW mark recovery) or through standard measuring techniques. As such, specific protocols are usually not described. In cases where expansions of data or unique methodologies were used, protocols are described in more detail. Additional descriptions of protocols can be found in our work statements (Carmichael et al. 2012, Carmichael et al. 2013). Coded-wire tag (CWT) data collected from 2015 adult returns were used to evaluate smolt-to-adult survival rates in experimental rearing and release groups. In 2015, the only experimental treatments from which fish returned were second generation progeny from early returning (fall-collected) broodstock. In 2015, smolts were released at Wallowa Hatchery that were third generation progeny of early returning (fall-collected) broodstock for an experimental comparison with progeny of standard production broodstock. Methods for the fall broodstock experiment are described in Warren et al. (2011a). Analysis of specific survival studies will be completed and published in separate reports once all brood years have returned and CWT data are complete for each experiment. In addition, much of the data that we discuss in this report will be used in separate and specific evaluations of ongoing supplementation programs for steelhead in the Imnaha River basin. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: Lower Snake River Compensation Plan; Oregon Summer Steelhead Evaluation Studies - 2015 Annual Progress Report Abstract -- The objectives of this report are to document fish culture practices, describe adult returns, and assess progress toward meeting LSRCP goals for Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report on juvenile steelhead rearing and release activities for the 2014 brood year (BY) released in 2015. Included are collection, spawning, and adult characteristics for the 2015 returns, returns from experimental releases, supplementation in Little Sheep Creek, and success toward achieving compensation goals. The Grande Ronde and Imnaha river steelhead hatchery programs were initiated in 1976 and 1982 in response to the rapid decline in Snake River steelhead abundance. Annual adult mitigation, brood year specific smolt-to-adult return and total smolt-to-adult survival rates, and annual smolt production goals were established to compensate for the estimated annual loss of 48% of adult production. Adaptive management has resulted in current interim smolt production goals of 800,000 (ODFW Wallowa stock released into the Grande Ronde) and 215,000 (Imnaha stock) smolts; less than the original goals of 1,350,000 and 330,000 smolts. Based on original smolt production goals it was assumed that 27,552 Wallowa stock and 6,000 Imnaha stock adults would be produced annually. Furthermore, 66.7% of these fish were expected to be harvested below the compensation area, defined as the watershed above Lower Granite Dam, resulting in compensation area adult return goals of 9,184 Wallowa stock and 2,000 Imnaha stock. In general, the data in this report were derived from hatchery inventories and standard databases (e.g., Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Regional Mark Information System (RMIS), ODFW mark recovery) or through standard measuring techniques. As such, specific protocols are usually not described. In cases where expansions of data or unique methodologies were used, protocols are described in more detail. Additional descriptions of protocols can be found in our work statements (Carmichael et al. 2012, Carmichael et al. 2013). Coded-wire tag (CWT) data collected from 2015 adult returns were used to evaluate smolt-to-adult survival rates in experimental rearing and release groups. In 2015, the only experimental treatments from which fish returned were second generation progeny from early returning (fall-collected) broodstock. In 2015, smolts were released at Wallowa Hatchery that were third generation progeny of early returning (fall-collected) broodstock for an experimental comparison with progeny of standard production broodstock. Methods for the fall broodstock experiment are described in Warren et al. (2011a). Analysis of specific survival studies will be completed and published in separate reports once all brood years have returned and CWT data are complete for each experiment. In addition, much of the data that we discuss in this report will be used in separate and specific evaluations of ongoing supplementation programs for steelhead in the Imnaha River basin. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close