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• 721. [Article] Reducing Bycatch in Oregon's Recreational Groundfish Fishery: Experimental Results with Angling Gear Configured to Increase Bait Height Above Bottom Information Reports number 2008-03

  Abstract -- Several long-lived, late-maturing rockfish (Sebastes) species found off the U.S. west coast have been seriously depleted by overfishing and are managed under long-term rebuilding plans that ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Reducing Bycatch in Oregon's Recreational Groundfish Fishery: Experimental Results with Angling Gear Configured to Increase Bait Height Above Bottom Information Reports number 2008-03 Abstract -- Several long-lived, late-maturing rockfish (Sebastes) species found off the U.S. west coast have been seriously depleted by overfishing and are managed under long-term rebuilding plans that greatly restrict fishery impacts (PFMC 2006). Two of these species, canary rockfish (Sebastes pinniger) and yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus), are caught in waters off Oregon and Washington as bycatch in recreational fisheries directed at black rockfish (S. melanops), yellowtail rockfish (S. flavidus), lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) and Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). Recreational fishery impacts on the depleted species are constrained primarily via seasonal restrictions on the maximum depth of fishing, area closures and a ban on retention (PFMC 2006). However, needed future reductions in allowable impacts on either species could lead to more severe fishery restrictions, including bag limit reductions and seasonal or area closures (PFMC 2006). If angling gears can be developed that capture the target species effectively but are inefficient for these two bycatch species, then bag limit reductions or closures of the recreational groundfish fishery could be avoided. The nearshore recreational fishery targeting black and blue rockfish (Sebastes mystinus) also captures several rockfish species which have not been the subject of formal stock assessments. A few of these rockfish species are long-lived and considered to be more vulnerable to overfishing than black rockfish. For example, china rockfish (Sebastes nebulosus) live to at least age 78 and tiger rockfish (S. nigrocinctus) to at least age 116 (Munk 2001). Harvest strategies that are acceptable for black and blue rockfish may result in overfishing of these sympatric rockfish species. Many of these unassessed, but vulnerable, rockfish species are also species that are most closely associated with the seafloor (Love et al. 2002). Conversely, many of the target species of the recreational fishery are more semi-pelagic in their vertical distribution, in that they are frequently found at some distance above the seafloor (Love et al. 2002). Gear-based methods that maintain catch rates for semi-pelagic rockfishes but reduce rates for more demersally oriented rockfish could therefore also be helpful in successful mixed-stock management of nearshore fisheries. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that angling gear that keeps baits farther above the bottom would reduce the relative catch rates of yelloweye, canary and several demersal rockfishes, while maintaining acceptable catch rates for the semipelagic rockfish species most commonly caught off Oregon. In this report, we use the term “semi-pelagic” to specifically refer to black, blue, yellowtail, widow and redstripe rockfish (S. proriger). We use the term “demersal” to refer to rockfishes that are believed to live in close association with rocky substrate, specifically yelloweye, china (S. nebulosus), quillback (S. maliger), greenstriped (S. elongatus) and rosethorn (S. helvomaculatus) rockfishes. Title: Reducing Bycatch in Oregon's Recreational Groundfish Fishery: Experimental Results with Angling Gear Configured to Increase Bait Height Above Bottom Information Reports number 2008-03 Abstract -- Several long-lived, late-maturing rockfish (Sebastes) species found off the U.S. west coast have been seriously depleted by overfishing and are managed under long-term rebuilding plans that greatly restrict fishery impacts (PFMC 2006). Two of these species, canary rockfish (Sebastes pinniger) and yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus), are caught in waters off Oregon and Washington as bycatch in recreational fisheries directed at black rockfish (S. melanops), yellowtail rockfish (S. flavidus), lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) and Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). Recreational fishery impacts on the depleted species are constrained primarily via seasonal restrictions on the maximum depth of fishing, area closures and a ban on retention (PFMC 2006). However, needed future reductions in allowable impacts on either species could lead to more severe fishery restrictions, including bag limit reductions and seasonal or area closures (PFMC 2006). If angling gears can be developed that capture the target species effectively but are inefficient for these two bycatch species, then bag limit reductions or closures of the recreational groundfish fishery could be avoided. The nearshore recreational fishery targeting black and blue rockfish (Sebastes mystinus) also captures several rockfish species which have not been the subject of formal stock assessments. A few of these rockfish species are long-lived and considered to be more vulnerable to overfishing than black rockfish. For example, china rockfish (Sebastes nebulosus) live to at least age 78 and tiger rockfish (S. nigrocinctus) to at least age 116 (Munk 2001). Harvest strategies that are acceptable for black and blue rockfish may result in overfishing of these sympatric rockfish species. Many of these unassessed, but vulnerable, rockfish species are also species that are most closely associated with the seafloor (Love et al. 2002). Conversely, many of the target species of the recreational fishery are more semi-pelagic in their vertical distribution, in that they are frequently found at some distance above the seafloor (Love et al. 2002). Gear-based methods that maintain catch rates for semi-pelagic rockfishes but reduce rates for more demersally oriented rockfish could therefore also be helpful in successful mixed-stock management of nearshore fisheries. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that angling gear that keeps baits farther above the bottom would reduce the relative catch rates of yelloweye, canary and several demersal rockfishes, while maintaining acceptable catch rates for the semipelagic rockfish species most commonly caught off Oregon. In this report, we use the term “semi-pelagic” to specifically refer to black, blue, yellowtail, widow and redstripe rockfish (S. proriger). We use the term “demersal” to refer to rockfishes that are believed to live in close association with rocky substrate, specifically yelloweye, china (S. nebulosus), quillback (S. maliger), greenstriped (S. elongatus) and rosethorn (S. helvomaculatus) rockfishes. Close

• 722. [Article] Life History Variability, Habitat Use, and Migratory Behavior of Coastal Cutthroat Trout in the Salmon River, Oregon Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2012-10

  Abstract -- Coast basins in Oregon support resident and anadromous cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki). Cutthroat trout isolated above barriers are stream resident, but those with access to river, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Life History Variability, Habitat Use, and Migratory Behavior of Coastal Cutthroat Trout in the Salmon River, Oregon Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2012-10 Abstract -- Coast basins in Oregon support resident and anadromous cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki). Cutthroat trout isolated above barriers are stream resident, but those with access to river, estuary, and marine environments may express a variety of life history and migratory patterns. Past studies (e.g. Giger 1972, Sumner 1972, Tipping 1981) indicated that estuaries serve primarily as a migratory corridor or short-term rearing environment. However, recent advances in marking and tracking technology have permitted researchers to gain a better understanding of the complex migratory and habitat use patterns of cutthroat. Krentz (2007) conducted studies in Salmon River on the central Oregon coast to explore migratory patterns of cutthroat and examine the role of the estuary as a rearing environment. Coastal cutthroat trout reared for extended periods of time throughout the available channel habitats in Salmon River estuary (Krentz 2007) during spring, summer, and fall. The estuarine resident population appeared to represent a significant portion of the migratory individuals, and included all older age classes. Estuary growth was similar to that of their ocean migrant counterparts, and survival in the estuary was high. Because cutthroat were collected and marked primarily within the estuary (Krentz 2007), it is unclear what portion of the migrant population reared in the estuary relative to the watershed or ocean, or whether the tagged group was representative of the migratory populations. The current study was designed to track a representative sample of the downstream migrant population, and assess the relative success (survival) of the estuary and ocean migrants. Similar studies in the Columbia River documented directed and rapid migration through the estuary (Zydlewski et al. 2008, Hering et al. 2009). With rare exception, cutthroat trout were not observed to rear in the estuary. In addition, many fish disappeared before reaching the ocean and few of the ocean migrants returned to the natal tributary. In this study we replicated the study design used in the Columbia River studies to further comparisons of estuary migration and rearing strategies between the two estuaries. The primary objective of our work in the Salmon River was to increase understanding of coastal cutthroat trout biology and the relationship between stream-resident and migratory, or “sea-run” cutthroat. Here we use the term “sea-run” to indicate migration into the tidally-inundated, or estuarine portions of the Salmon River watershed or to the ocean. Study objectives were to: 1.Estimate the distribution and abundance of coastal cutthroat trout in the Salmon River watershed 2.Quantify the proportions of the cutthroat populations that are migratory, identify which individuals migrate and describe the timing of migration 3.Describe estuary habitats used by sea-run migrants and characterize behavior within the Salmon River estuary 4.Estimate growth rate of stream and estuary resident cutthroat 5.Estimate estuary and ocean survival of sea-run individuals and document return to estuary and lower river. 6.Compare migratory behavior in Salmon River to that observed in the lower Columbia River Title: Life History Variability, Habitat Use, and Migratory Behavior of Coastal Cutthroat Trout in the Salmon River, Oregon Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2012-10 Abstract -- Coast basins in Oregon support resident and anadromous cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki). Cutthroat trout isolated above barriers are stream resident, but those with access to river, estuary, and marine environments may express a variety of life history and migratory patterns. Past studies (e.g. Giger 1972, Sumner 1972, Tipping 1981) indicated that estuaries serve primarily as a migratory corridor or short-term rearing environment. However, recent advances in marking and tracking technology have permitted researchers to gain a better understanding of the complex migratory and habitat use patterns of cutthroat. Krentz (2007) conducted studies in Salmon River on the central Oregon coast to explore migratory patterns of cutthroat and examine the role of the estuary as a rearing environment. Coastal cutthroat trout reared for extended periods of time throughout the available channel habitats in Salmon River estuary (Krentz 2007) during spring, summer, and fall. The estuarine resident population appeared to represent a significant portion of the migratory individuals, and included all older age classes. Estuary growth was similar to that of their ocean migrant counterparts, and survival in the estuary was high. Because cutthroat were collected and marked primarily within the estuary (Krentz 2007), it is unclear what portion of the migrant population reared in the estuary relative to the watershed or ocean, or whether the tagged group was representative of the migratory populations. The current study was designed to track a representative sample of the downstream migrant population, and assess the relative success (survival) of the estuary and ocean migrants. Similar studies in the Columbia River documented directed and rapid migration through the estuary (Zydlewski et al. 2008, Hering et al. 2009). With rare exception, cutthroat trout were not observed to rear in the estuary. In addition, many fish disappeared before reaching the ocean and few of the ocean migrants returned to the natal tributary. In this study we replicated the study design used in the Columbia River studies to further comparisons of estuary migration and rearing strategies between the two estuaries. The primary objective of our work in the Salmon River was to increase understanding of coastal cutthroat trout biology and the relationship between stream-resident and migratory, or “sea-run” cutthroat. Here we use the term “sea-run” to indicate migration into the tidally-inundated, or estuarine portions of the Salmon River watershed or to the ocean. Study objectives were to: 1.Estimate the distribution and abundance of coastal cutthroat trout in the Salmon River watershed 2.Quantify the proportions of the cutthroat populations that are migratory, identify which individuals migrate and describe the timing of migration 3.Describe estuary habitats used by sea-run migrants and characterize behavior within the Salmon River estuary 4.Estimate growth rate of stream and estuary resident cutthroat 5.Estimate estuary and ocean survival of sea-run individuals and document return to estuary and lower river. 6.Compare migratory behavior in Salmon River to that observed in the lower Columbia River Close

• 723. [Article] Abundance and life history characteristics of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) smolts in two direct ocean tributaries on the central Oregon coast, Information Report 2018-07

  Abstract -- In 1991, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) began an intensive research study at Tenmile Creek on the central Oregon coast to evaluate the effects of a large wood addition on ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Abundance and life history characteristics of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) smolts in two direct ocean tributaries on the central Oregon coast, Information Report 2018-07 Abstract -- In 1991, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) began an intensive research study at Tenmile Creek on the central Oregon coast to evaluate the effects of a large wood addition on juvenile salmonid populations. Nearby Cummins Creek served as a reference site. Annual monitoring of juvenile salmonid out-migrants began in 1992 at the two sites, continued through 2012 at Cummins Creek, and is ongoing at Tenmile Creek. These data offer an unusually long time-series of smolt abundance and life history characteristics for steelhead and Coho Salmon at monitoring sites located less than a kilometer from the point of ocean entry. Annual estimates of steelhead smolt abundance ranged from 740 to 3,236 smolts at Cummins Creek, and from 2,464 to 19,602 smolts at Tenmile Creek. For Coho Salmon, annual estimates ranged from 319 to 3,164 smolts at Cummins Creek, and from 1,637 to 11,553 smolts at Tenmile Creek. Steelhead smolt production at Tenmile Creek appeared to increase significantly relative to Cummins Creek following the large wood addition in 1996, but there was no evidence of a similar effect on Coho Salmon smolt production. Most steelhead smolts spent 2 years rearing in freshwater before out-migration, and we observed a higher proportion of age-1 smolts and lower proportion of age-3 smolts than several other studies in Oregon coastal streams. Coho Salmon smolt out-migrants were dominated by age-1 individuals at both sites, but there was evidence that some juvenile Coho Salmon out-migrated as age-0 smolts. Smolts of both species tended to be larger at Tenmile Creek than at Cummins Creek, and negative relationships between mean smolt size and smolt abundance suggest that rearing density may influence growth for juvenile salmonids in these streams. The median migration date of steelhead smolts was consistent over time and tracked closely between the two sites. Coho Salmon smolt out-migration timing was more variable and tended to be slightly later than for steelhead, particularly at Tenmile Creek. During peak migration, a high proportion of steelhead migrants classified as smolts based on length had body coloration consistent with smoltification. External signs of smoltification were not as prevalent among steelhead captured early in the season, particularly among smaller migrants. This long term out-migrant monitoring at the ocean entrance illustrates the variation that occurs in freshwater production and the patterns that occur in salmonid smolt life history but also shows that without spawner abundance data conclusions about freshwater production are limited. Title: Abundance and life history characteristics of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) smolts in two direct ocean tributaries on the central Oregon coast, Information Report 2018-07 Abstract -- In 1991, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) began an intensive research study at Tenmile Creek on the central Oregon coast to evaluate the effects of a large wood addition on juvenile salmonid populations. Nearby Cummins Creek served as a reference site. Annual monitoring of juvenile salmonid out-migrants began in 1992 at the two sites, continued through 2012 at Cummins Creek, and is ongoing at Tenmile Creek. These data offer an unusually long time-series of smolt abundance and life history characteristics for steelhead and Coho Salmon at monitoring sites located less than a kilometer from the point of ocean entry. Annual estimates of steelhead smolt abundance ranged from 740 to 3,236 smolts at Cummins Creek, and from 2,464 to 19,602 smolts at Tenmile Creek. For Coho Salmon, annual estimates ranged from 319 to 3,164 smolts at Cummins Creek, and from 1,637 to 11,553 smolts at Tenmile Creek. Steelhead smolt production at Tenmile Creek appeared to increase significantly relative to Cummins Creek following the large wood addition in 1996, but there was no evidence of a similar effect on Coho Salmon smolt production. Most steelhead smolts spent 2 years rearing in freshwater before out-migration, and we observed a higher proportion of age-1 smolts and lower proportion of age-3 smolts than several other studies in Oregon coastal streams. Coho Salmon smolt out-migrants were dominated by age-1 individuals at both sites, but there was evidence that some juvenile Coho Salmon out-migrated as age-0 smolts. Smolts of both species tended to be larger at Tenmile Creek than at Cummins Creek, and negative relationships between mean smolt size and smolt abundance suggest that rearing density may influence growth for juvenile salmonids in these streams. The median migration date of steelhead smolts was consistent over time and tracked closely between the two sites. Coho Salmon smolt out-migration timing was more variable and tended to be slightly later than for steelhead, particularly at Tenmile Creek. During peak migration, a high proportion of steelhead migrants classified as smolts based on length had body coloration consistent with smoltification. External signs of smoltification were not as prevalent among steelhead captured early in the season, particularly among smaller migrants. This long term out-migrant monitoring at the ocean entrance illustrates the variation that occurs in freshwater production and the patterns that occur in salmonid smolt life history but also shows that without spawner abundance data conclusions about freshwater production are limited. Close

• 724. [Article] Preseason Report I, Stock Abundance Analysis for 1998, Ocean Salmon Fisheries

  Abstract -- This is the second report in an annual series of four reports prepared by the Salmon Technical Team (STT) of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) to document and help guide salmon ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Preseason Report I, Stock Abundance Analysis for 1998, Ocean Salmon Fisheries Abstract -- This is the second report in an annual series of four reports prepared by the Salmon Technical Team (STT) of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) to document and help guide salmon fishery management off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. This report will be formally reviewed at the Council's March meeting. The third and fourth reports in this series will be developed at the close of the March and April Council meetings, respectively. They will analyze the impacts of the Council's proposed and final ocean salmon fishery management recommendations for 1998. This report provides 1998 salmon stock abundance projections and an analysis of the impacts of 1997 regulations, or regulatory procedures. The report focuses on chinook and coho stocks that have been important in determining Council fisheries in recent years. However, decisions on whether or not to propose Endangered Species Act listings for several chinook stocks ranging from central California to Puget Sound are anticipated in the near future. In the event that the National Marine Fisheries Service proposes new listings, information concerning the status of these stocks may significantly affect Council deliberations on the final salmon fishing seasons. Chapter I provides a summary of the 1998 stock abundance projections. Chapters II and Ill provide detailed stock-by-stock analyses of abundance and a description of prediction methodology and accuracy of past abundance predictions for chinook and coho salmon, respectively. Chapter IV summarizes abundance information for pink salmon. Four appendices provide supplementary information as follows: Appendix A provides a summary of Council stock management goals; Appendix 8 contains pertinent data for Oregon production index (OPI) area coho; Appendix C provides historical salmon catch data for the Cape Flattery and Strait of Juan de Fuca areas; and Appendix D contains the Council's current harvest allocation schedules. Summaries of preseason and postseason abundance estimates are included in: • Table 11-2 for Central Valley Index fall chinqok since 1985; • Table 11-4 for Klamath River fall chinook since 1985; • Table 11-8 for selected Columbia River fall chinook stocks since 1984; • Table 11-9 for Puget Sound summer/fall chinook stocks since 1993; • Table 111-1 for OPI area produced coho stocks since 1992 and • Table 111-3 for selected naturally spawning Puget Sound and Washington coastal coho stocks since 1984. Differences between preseason and postseason estimates are caused by a number of factors, including: (1) inaccuracies in abundance forecasts for these and other stocks which are exploited by mixed stock fisheries, (2) deviations of actual catches and fishery patterns from preseason expectations, (3) anomalies in stock distribution and migration patterns, and (4) for the Puget Sound coho stocks, differences in assessment methodologies (postseason estimates are based on run reconstruction assumptions which differ substantially from those represented in the Fishery Regulatory Assessment Model). The STT has not been able to complete a proper evaluation of abundance estimates which would take all these factors into account. Title: Preseason Report I, Stock Abundance Analysis for 1998, Ocean Salmon Fisheries Abstract -- This is the second report in an annual series of four reports prepared by the Salmon Technical Team (STT) of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) to document and help guide salmon fishery management off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. This report will be formally reviewed at the Council's March meeting. The third and fourth reports in this series will be developed at the close of the March and April Council meetings, respectively. They will analyze the impacts of the Council's proposed and final ocean salmon fishery management recommendations for 1998. This report provides 1998 salmon stock abundance projections and an analysis of the impacts of 1997 regulations, or regulatory procedures. The report focuses on chinook and coho stocks that have been important in determining Council fisheries in recent years. However, decisions on whether or not to propose Endangered Species Act listings for several chinook stocks ranging from central California to Puget Sound are anticipated in the near future. In the event that the National Marine Fisheries Service proposes new listings, information concerning the status of these stocks may significantly affect Council deliberations on the final salmon fishing seasons. Chapter I provides a summary of the 1998 stock abundance projections. Chapters II and Ill provide detailed stock-by-stock analyses of abundance and a description of prediction methodology and accuracy of past abundance predictions for chinook and coho salmon, respectively. Chapter IV summarizes abundance information for pink salmon. Four appendices provide supplementary information as follows: Appendix A provides a summary of Council stock management goals; Appendix 8 contains pertinent data for Oregon production index (OPI) area coho; Appendix C provides historical salmon catch data for the Cape Flattery and Strait of Juan de Fuca areas; and Appendix D contains the Council's current harvest allocation schedules. Summaries of preseason and postseason abundance estimates are included in: • Table 11-2 for Central Valley Index fall chinqok since 1985; • Table 11-4 for Klamath River fall chinook since 1985; • Table 11-8 for selected Columbia River fall chinook stocks since 1984; • Table 11-9 for Puget Sound summer/fall chinook stocks since 1993; • Table 111-1 for OPI area produced coho stocks since 1992 and • Table 111-3 for selected naturally spawning Puget Sound and Washington coastal coho stocks since 1984. Differences between preseason and postseason estimates are caused by a number of factors, including: (1) inaccuracies in abundance forecasts for these and other stocks which are exploited by mixed stock fisheries, (2) deviations of actual catches and fishery patterns from preseason expectations, (3) anomalies in stock distribution and migration patterns, and (4) for the Puget Sound coho stocks, differences in assessment methodologies (postseason estimates are based on run reconstruction assumptions which differ substantially from those represented in the Fishery Regulatory Assessment Model). The STT has not been able to complete a proper evaluation of abundance estimates which would take all these factors into account. Close

• 725. [Article] Abundance, Productivity, and Life History of Fifteenmile Creek Steelhead; Annual Report 2016

  Abstract -- The Fifteenmile Creek watershed in North Central Oregon hosts a native population of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that is without influence of previous hatchery augmentation. The Fifteenmile ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Abundance, Productivity, and Life History of Fifteenmile Creek Steelhead; Annual Report 2016 Abstract -- The Fifteenmile Creek watershed in North Central Oregon hosts a native population of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that is without influence of previous hatchery augmentation. The Fifteenmile Creek steelhead are a subpopulation within the Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the Middle Columbia River steelhead and was listed as ‘threatened’ by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) first on March 25, 1999 and relisted as a DPS on January 5, 2006. Subsequently, a conservation and recovery management plan was developed for the Middle Columbia River steelhead DPS within Oregon state borders. The goal of the plan is to recover Middle Columbia River steelhead to a level that would allow the removal of threatened status, in addition to providing a long-term goal to recover the population sufficiently to provide sustainable fisheries and other ecological, cultural, social and economic benefits for future generations. The DPS-level recovery plan sets specific recovery goals for the areas within the DPS, which designates Fifteenmile Creek explicitly. The Fifteenmile Creek steelhead population is considered the most inland winter race of steelhead in the Columbia River Basin, as designated by NOAA fisheries. However review of this designation may be necessary at the next Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) Biological Opinion (BiOp) status-review because the run-timing of adult steelhead passing Bonneville Dam has been inconsistent with known winter-run steelhead in the area. The population was identified as “must have viable” status by the Interior Columbia Technical Recovery Team (ICTRT), and reaching viable status is essential for achieving DPS delisting. The ICTRT, Recovery Plan, and the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS-BiOp) have all identified this population as high priority for improving precision and accuracy of abundance, productivity, diversity, and spatial structure information. Title: Abundance, Productivity, and Life History of Fifteenmile Creek Steelhead; Annual Report 2016 Abstract -- The Fifteenmile Creek watershed in North Central Oregon hosts a native population of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that is without influence of previous hatchery augmentation. The Fifteenmile Creek steelhead are a subpopulation within the Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the Middle Columbia River steelhead and was listed as ‘threatened’ by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) first on March 25, 1999 and relisted as a DPS on January 5, 2006. Subsequently, a conservation and recovery management plan was developed for the Middle Columbia River steelhead DPS within Oregon state borders. The goal of the plan is to recover Middle Columbia River steelhead to a level that would allow the removal of threatened status, in addition to providing a long-term goal to recover the population sufficiently to provide sustainable fisheries and other ecological, cultural, social and economic benefits for future generations. The DPS-level recovery plan sets specific recovery goals for the areas within the DPS, which designates Fifteenmile Creek explicitly. The Fifteenmile Creek steelhead population is considered the most inland winter race of steelhead in the Columbia River Basin, as designated by NOAA fisheries. However review of this designation may be necessary at the next Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) Biological Opinion (BiOp) status-review because the run-timing of adult steelhead passing Bonneville Dam has been inconsistent with known winter-run steelhead in the area. The population was identified as “must have viable” status by the Interior Columbia Technical Recovery Team (ICTRT), and reaching viable status is essential for achieving DPS delisting. The ICTRT, Recovery Plan, and the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS-BiOp) have all identified this population as high priority for improving precision and accuracy of abundance, productivity, diversity, and spatial structure information. Close

• 726. [Article] Escapement and Productivity of Summer Steelhead and Spring Chinook Salmon in the John Day River; Annual Report 2017

  Abstract -- The John Day River, located in northeastern Oregon, supports five wild populations of summer steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and three populations of wild spring chinook (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Escapement and Productivity of Summer Steelhead and Spring Chinook Salmon in the John Day River; Annual Report 2017 Abstract -- The John Day River, located in northeastern Oregon, supports five wild populations of summer steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and three populations of wild spring chinook (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) with no hatchery supplementation. However, these populations remain depressed relative to historic levels. In 1999, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed the Middle Columbia River summer steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS), which includes the John Day River Major Population Group (MPG), as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Although numerous habitat protection and rehabilitation projects have been implemented within the John Day River basin to improve steelhead and other salmonid freshwater production and survival, it has been difficult to estimate the effectiveness of these projects without a systematic program in place to collect information on the status, trends, and distribution of spawning activity, juvenile salmonids, and aquatic habitat conditions within the basin. Prior to the inception of this project, population and environmental monitoring of steelhead in the basin consisted of a combination of index spawning surveys and periodic monitoring of some status and trend indicators. While index spawning data is useful for drawing inference about long-term trends in adult steelhead abundance, they are limited for determining the status of steelhead escapement or distribution at the population or MPG scale because survey sites are not randomly selected and are likely biased towards streams with higher fish abundance. A broader approach to the monitoring and evaluation of status and trends in anadromous and resident salmonid populations and their habitats was needed to provide data to effectively support restoration efforts and guide alternative future management actions in the basin. The Independent Scientific Review Panel (ISRP) recommended that the region move away from index surveys and embrace probabilistic sampling for most population and habitat monitoring. To meet the ISRP recommendation, the structure and methods employed by the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Monitoring Program were extended to the John Day basin. This approach incorporates the sampling strategy of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). This research effort employs a statistically based and spatially explicit sampling design to answer key monitoring questions, integrate on-going sampling efforts, and improve agency coordination. The current program seeks to integrate project objectives focused on summer steelhead spawning metrics, juvenile salmonid metrics, and aquatic habitat conditions. Title: Escapement and Productivity of Summer Steelhead and Spring Chinook Salmon in the John Day River; Annual Report 2017 Abstract -- The John Day River, located in northeastern Oregon, supports five wild populations of summer steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and three populations of wild spring chinook (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) with no hatchery supplementation. However, these populations remain depressed relative to historic levels. In 1999, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed the Middle Columbia River summer steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS), which includes the John Day River Major Population Group (MPG), as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Although numerous habitat protection and rehabilitation projects have been implemented within the John Day River basin to improve steelhead and other salmonid freshwater production and survival, it has been difficult to estimate the effectiveness of these projects without a systematic program in place to collect information on the status, trends, and distribution of spawning activity, juvenile salmonids, and aquatic habitat conditions within the basin. Prior to the inception of this project, population and environmental monitoring of steelhead in the basin consisted of a combination of index spawning surveys and periodic monitoring of some status and trend indicators. While index spawning data is useful for drawing inference about long-term trends in adult steelhead abundance, they are limited for determining the status of steelhead escapement or distribution at the population or MPG scale because survey sites are not randomly selected and are likely biased towards streams with higher fish abundance. A broader approach to the monitoring and evaluation of status and trends in anadromous and resident salmonid populations and their habitats was needed to provide data to effectively support restoration efforts and guide alternative future management actions in the basin. The Independent Scientific Review Panel (ISRP) recommended that the region move away from index surveys and embrace probabilistic sampling for most population and habitat monitoring. To meet the ISRP recommendation, the structure and methods employed by the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Monitoring Program were extended to the John Day basin. This approach incorporates the sampling strategy of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). This research effort employs a statistically based and spatially explicit sampling design to answer key monitoring questions, integrate on-going sampling efforts, and improve agency coordination. The current program seeks to integrate project objectives focused on summer steelhead spawning metrics, juvenile salmonid metrics, and aquatic habitat conditions. Close

• 727. [Article] Distribution of amphibians in wadeable streams and ponds in western and southeast Oregon, Information Report 2009-02

  Abstract -- The Oregon Conservation Strategy (ODFW 2006) identified monitoring needs for 17 amphibian species native to the state of Oregon that are designated as “Strategy species”, or Species of Greatest ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Distribution of amphibians in wadeable streams and ponds in western and southeast Oregon, Information Report 2009-02 Abstract -- The Oregon Conservation Strategy (ODFW 2006) identified monitoring needs for 17 amphibian species native to the state of Oregon that are designated as “Strategy species”, or Species of Greatest Conservation Need (per USFWS requirements for State Wildlife Action Plans). The distribution of many species of amphibians in western Oregon is sparsely documented (Oregon Conservation Strategy, page 27). Although a broad-scale survey for amphibian presence would provide much information about amphibian distribution, most studies have focused on limited areas. One cost-effective approach is to combine amphibian observational surveys with existing aquatic habitat surveys conducted as part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OCSRI 1997). The Oregon Plan has been in place since 1997 and the monitoring component provides a survey framework for streams in the lower Columbia River and Oregon coast drainages. The sampling framework is also compatible with implementation of the aquatic components of the Conservation Strategy, as demonstrated by this study. This study describes the presence of amphibians in and along wadeable streams in coastal and lower Columbia River drainages of Oregon, ponds and sloughs in the Willamette Valley, and selected streams in the Great Basin of southeast and central Oregon. As a component of monitoring under the Oregon Plan, the Aquatic Inventories Project (AIP) conducts aquatic habitat surveys at randomly selected and spatially balanced sites across all 1st through 4th order streams (wadeable) in coastal and lower Columbia River drainages. The purpose of the habitat surveys is to describe stream morphology, instream physical habitat, and riparian vegetation. Because the surveyors were already observing features within and alongside the stream channel, they were able to record observations of amphibians. The amphibian component was consistent with the survey protocol used by the US Geological Survey’s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative. The advantage of coupling an amphibian component with the OR Plan aquatic surveys was that it not only was an efficient use of resources, but more importantly, provided information using a statistically rigorous survey design across a broad geographic area. In the summer of 2006, AIP began collecting amphibian occurrence data during physical stream habitat surveys as a pilot study to determine if our standard survey protocol could be modified to document distribution of amphibians characterized as Strategy Species under the Oregon Conservation Strategy. During the summer season, field crews observed four strategy species of amphibians and eleven amphibian species total. The potential to use these data to fill the gaps within the known current distribution of amphibians and to potentially develop a habitat based distribution models for these species led to the summer 2007 work. Amphibian data are also collected during four other survey projects, and although the site selection procedure does not conform to the same statistical standards as the Oregon Plan survey design, the projects offer a number of opportunities to collect amphibian occurrence information over a wide variety of habitats. The amphibian observations from these four projects are also included in this report. The four projects are as follows: • AIP conducts aquatic habitat surveys on selected streams throughout the state. • AIP conducts aquatic habitat surveys at stream habitat restoration projects in Western Oregon. • Surveys to document the distribution of Oregon chub also record amphibian data from over 1,000 pond and slough sites within the Willamette Valley floodplain since 1991. • The Native Fish Investigations Project began a study in 2007 to document the distribution and abundance of Redband Trout in the Great Basin region of Eastern Oregon. Surveys in the summer of 2007 occurred in 8 of Oregon’s 10 ecoregions (Figure 1)(Omernick 1994). Ecoregions are relatively large areas defined by distinctive geographic and ecological characteristics; flora and fauna communities and geographic conditions are typically distinct. Ecoregions provide an ecological framework for describing amphibian distribution across the state. The goals of our 2007 work were to: • Increase the consistency, efficiency and ability of habitat crews in identifying amphibians through improved training. • Increase knowledge of distribution and habitat associations of amphibians in streams in western Oregon (location, stream size and type), and infer distribution in all coastal and lower Columbia drainages. • Describe temporal changes in stream habitat use by amphibians (seasonal, annual). • Estimate surveyor bias by comparing standard crew data with intensive resurveys. • Describe distribution of amphibians in ponds, sloughs and other off channel aquatic habitats in the Willamette Valley. • Describe distribution of amphibians in the Great Basin of eastern Oregon. Many of Oregon’s amphibians rely on aquatic habitats at some point of their life, either for breeding and juvenile development or to inhabit as adults. Most aquatic amphibians breed from late winter to early summer, and many adults remain in or near their breeding sites into the summer. Most tadpoles and juvenile amphibians are also active in and occupy aquatic habitats during the summer. The aquatic habitat and redband trout surveys are appropriate opportunities to observe species and life stages (breeding adults, tadpoles and juveniles) that occupy aquatic or riparian habitats during the summer. Likewise the Oregon chub surveys are likely to observe amphibian species and life stages in ponds and sloughs during the spring and fall. These types of surveys are an efficient and cost-effective means to collect information on amphibian species that are closely tied to aquatic habitat throughout their life cycle. Amphibian species that are more terrestrial in nature may be better surveyed through a different approach. Title: Distribution of amphibians in wadeable streams and ponds in western and southeast Oregon, Information Report 2009-02 Abstract -- The Oregon Conservation Strategy (ODFW 2006) identified monitoring needs for 17 amphibian species native to the state of Oregon that are designated as “Strategy species”, or Species of Greatest Conservation Need (per USFWS requirements for State Wildlife Action Plans). The distribution of many species of amphibians in western Oregon is sparsely documented (Oregon Conservation Strategy, page 27). Although a broad-scale survey for amphibian presence would provide much information about amphibian distribution, most studies have focused on limited areas. One cost-effective approach is to combine amphibian observational surveys with existing aquatic habitat surveys conducted as part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OCSRI 1997). The Oregon Plan has been in place since 1997 and the monitoring component provides a survey framework for streams in the lower Columbia River and Oregon coast drainages. The sampling framework is also compatible with implementation of the aquatic components of the Conservation Strategy, as demonstrated by this study. This study describes the presence of amphibians in and along wadeable streams in coastal and lower Columbia River drainages of Oregon, ponds and sloughs in the Willamette Valley, and selected streams in the Great Basin of southeast and central Oregon. As a component of monitoring under the Oregon Plan, the Aquatic Inventories Project (AIP) conducts aquatic habitat surveys at randomly selected and spatially balanced sites across all 1st through 4th order streams (wadeable) in coastal and lower Columbia River drainages. The purpose of the habitat surveys is to describe stream morphology, instream physical habitat, and riparian vegetation. Because the surveyors were already observing features within and alongside the stream channel, they were able to record observations of amphibians. The amphibian component was consistent with the survey protocol used by the US Geological Survey’s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative. The advantage of coupling an amphibian component with the OR Plan aquatic surveys was that it not only was an efficient use of resources, but more importantly, provided information using a statistically rigorous survey design across a broad geographic area. In the summer of 2006, AIP began collecting amphibian occurrence data during physical stream habitat surveys as a pilot study to determine if our standard survey protocol could be modified to document distribution of amphibians characterized as Strategy Species under the Oregon Conservation Strategy. During the summer season, field crews observed four strategy species of amphibians and eleven amphibian species total. The potential to use these data to fill the gaps within the known current distribution of amphibians and to potentially develop a habitat based distribution models for these species led to the summer 2007 work. Amphibian data are also collected during four other survey projects, and although the site selection procedure does not conform to the same statistical standards as the Oregon Plan survey design, the projects offer a number of opportunities to collect amphibian occurrence information over a wide variety of habitats. The amphibian observations from these four projects are also included in this report. The four projects are as follows: • AIP conducts aquatic habitat surveys on selected streams throughout the state. • AIP conducts aquatic habitat surveys at stream habitat restoration projects in Western Oregon. • Surveys to document the distribution of Oregon chub also record amphibian data from over 1,000 pond and slough sites within the Willamette Valley floodplain since 1991. • The Native Fish Investigations Project began a study in 2007 to document the distribution and abundance of Redband Trout in the Great Basin region of Eastern Oregon. Surveys in the summer of 2007 occurred in 8 of Oregon’s 10 ecoregions (Figure 1)(Omernick 1994). Ecoregions are relatively large areas defined by distinctive geographic and ecological characteristics; flora and fauna communities and geographic conditions are typically distinct. Ecoregions provide an ecological framework for describing amphibian distribution across the state. The goals of our 2007 work were to: • Increase the consistency, efficiency and ability of habitat crews in identifying amphibians through improved training. • Increase knowledge of distribution and habitat associations of amphibians in streams in western Oregon (location, stream size and type), and infer distribution in all coastal and lower Columbia drainages. • Describe temporal changes in stream habitat use by amphibians (seasonal, annual). • Estimate surveyor bias by comparing standard crew data with intensive resurveys. • Describe distribution of amphibians in ponds, sloughs and other off channel aquatic habitats in the Willamette Valley. • Describe distribution of amphibians in the Great Basin of eastern Oregon. Many of Oregon’s amphibians rely on aquatic habitats at some point of their life, either for breeding and juvenile development or to inhabit as adults. Most aquatic amphibians breed from late winter to early summer, and many adults remain in or near their breeding sites into the summer. Most tadpoles and juvenile amphibians are also active in and occupy aquatic habitats during the summer. The aquatic habitat and redband trout surveys are appropriate opportunities to observe species and life stages (breeding adults, tadpoles and juveniles) that occupy aquatic or riparian habitats during the summer. Likewise the Oregon chub surveys are likely to observe amphibian species and life stages in ponds and sloughs during the spring and fall. These types of surveys are an efficient and cost-effective means to collect information on amphibian species that are closely tied to aquatic habitat throughout their life cycle. Amphibian species that are more terrestrial in nature may be better surveyed through a different approach. Close

• 728. [Article] Status of Winter Rearing Habitat In Four Coho Population Units, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-7

  Abstract -- In a recent assessment of coastal coho salmon by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (2005), the authors concluded that productivity in 21 of 21 coastal coho populations was limited ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Status of Winter Rearing Habitat In Four Coho Population Units, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-7 Abstract -- In a recent assessment of coastal coho salmon by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (2005), the authors concluded that productivity in 21 of 21 coastal coho populations was limited primarily (13) or secondarily (8) by the complexity of stream habitat used by juvenile coho during their first winter of freshwater residence. The Oregon Coast Coho Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006), written in response to the assessment, concluded that recovery of coho populations will depend largely on improvement of freshwater habitat. The Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006) presents population specific goals for the amount and quality of winter habitat needed to achieve desired status of coho populations. Monitoring objectives in the Plan are 1) describe the status of freshwater habitat in each population unit with a focus on features important to overwinter survival of juvenile coho, 2) estimate carrying capacity in each population unit with + 30% confidence, and 3) measure progress towards meeting the habitat goals of the Conservation Plan. This report describes the first two monitoring objectives for winter habitat in four population units: the Coquille, South Umpqua, Siuslaw, and Nehalem. Winter habitat surveys are conducted to describe the freshwater habitat conditions that may limit the survival of juvenile coho during the season at which the conditions are limiting. The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (Nickelson et al. 1992a, Nickelson et al. 1992b, Nickelson 1998) estimates the capacity of streams to support juvenile salmon based on quantitative descriptions of summer and winter habitat. The model assigns value to the size, type and complexity of habitat units, giving highest value to slow water pools such as alcoves and beaver ponds, and pools with large wood. Because winter habitat limits the capacity of most coastal streams to support juvenile coho (Rodgers et al. 2005), accurate estimates of winter habitat are essential to life cycle modeling and to meet objectives of the Conservation Plan. Rodgers et al. (2005) estimated potential carrying capacity of stream habitat within each coastal coho population unit, but statistical confidence was limited by the source and manipulation of the data. Although the data set was extensive, most of the reaches were not randomly selected, and a regression model was used to extrapolate conditions from summer to winter (Rodgers et al. 2005). Summer surveys provide applicable information, but at low flow conditions. Summer weather and stream flows are predictable and conducive to field work; study sites are more accessible, work days are longer and warmer, lower water levels enable walking in the channel more easily, and water clarity is high. However, while more difficult logistically, winter surveys provide estimates during high flow conditions thought to be most important to juvenile coho survival. The winter surveys are conducted during “base flow” when off-channel habitats and secondary channels are inundated, but not over floodplain. The winter 2007 survey sites were selected using the Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) sample design (Stevens 2002) from a pool of sites previously surveyed during summer. This provided an opportunity to describe status within coho population units and refine the summer to winter conversion regression model. More sites are visited during summer than winter, and the sample pool will expand if we can use summer surveys to predict winter conditions. A thorough description of seasonal habitat variation will determine the appropriateness of using summer habitat data to assess habitat conditions during the winter. The objectives of this report are to provide the status of winter habitat surveyed in 2007 in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua), estimate the potential winter capacity of streams within those population units, and describe the differences observed in stream habitat between winter and summer with emphasis on slow water and secondary channel habitats. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the number of survey sites necessary to represent each population unit within the desired confidence recommended in the Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006). Title: Status of Winter Rearing Habitat In Four Coho Population Units, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-7 Abstract -- In a recent assessment of coastal coho salmon by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (2005), the authors concluded that productivity in 21 of 21 coastal coho populations was limited primarily (13) or secondarily (8) by the complexity of stream habitat used by juvenile coho during their first winter of freshwater residence. The Oregon Coast Coho Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006), written in response to the assessment, concluded that recovery of coho populations will depend largely on improvement of freshwater habitat. The Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006) presents population specific goals for the amount and quality of winter habitat needed to achieve desired status of coho populations. Monitoring objectives in the Plan are 1) describe the status of freshwater habitat in each population unit with a focus on features important to overwinter survival of juvenile coho, 2) estimate carrying capacity in each population unit with + 30% confidence, and 3) measure progress towards meeting the habitat goals of the Conservation Plan. This report describes the first two monitoring objectives for winter habitat in four population units: the Coquille, South Umpqua, Siuslaw, and Nehalem. Winter habitat surveys are conducted to describe the freshwater habitat conditions that may limit the survival of juvenile coho during the season at which the conditions are limiting. The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (Nickelson et al. 1992a, Nickelson et al. 1992b, Nickelson 1998) estimates the capacity of streams to support juvenile salmon based on quantitative descriptions of summer and winter habitat. The model assigns value to the size, type and complexity of habitat units, giving highest value to slow water pools such as alcoves and beaver ponds, and pools with large wood. Because winter habitat limits the capacity of most coastal streams to support juvenile coho (Rodgers et al. 2005), accurate estimates of winter habitat are essential to life cycle modeling and to meet objectives of the Conservation Plan. Rodgers et al. (2005) estimated potential carrying capacity of stream habitat within each coastal coho population unit, but statistical confidence was limited by the source and manipulation of the data. Although the data set was extensive, most of the reaches were not randomly selected, and a regression model was used to extrapolate conditions from summer to winter (Rodgers et al. 2005). Summer surveys provide applicable information, but at low flow conditions. Summer weather and stream flows are predictable and conducive to field work; study sites are more accessible, work days are longer and warmer, lower water levels enable walking in the channel more easily, and water clarity is high. However, while more difficult logistically, winter surveys provide estimates during high flow conditions thought to be most important to juvenile coho survival. The winter surveys are conducted during “base flow” when off-channel habitats and secondary channels are inundated, but not over floodplain. The winter 2007 survey sites were selected using the Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) sample design (Stevens 2002) from a pool of sites previously surveyed during summer. This provided an opportunity to describe status within coho population units and refine the summer to winter conversion regression model. More sites are visited during summer than winter, and the sample pool will expand if we can use summer surveys to predict winter conditions. A thorough description of seasonal habitat variation will determine the appropriateness of using summer habitat data to assess habitat conditions during the winter. The objectives of this report are to provide the status of winter habitat surveyed in 2007 in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua), estimate the potential winter capacity of streams within those population units, and describe the differences observed in stream habitat between winter and summer with emphasis on slow water and secondary channel habitats. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the number of survey sites necessary to represent each population unit within the desired confidence recommended in the Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006). Close

• 729. [Article] Recovery of Wild Coho Salmon in Salmon River Basin, 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-10

  Abstract -- Recovery and conservation of naturally self-sustaining salmon populations is a central goal of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. In 1998, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Recovery of Wild Coho Salmon in Salmon River Basin, 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-10 Abstract -- Recovery and conservation of naturally self-sustaining salmon populations is a central goal of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. In 1998, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a comprehensive program to monitor the status of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) populations and aquatic habitat in coastal drainages of Oregon (OWEB 2003). A 2005 assessment by ODFW concluded that Oregon coastal coho were viable at the scale of the Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) and demonstrated resilience in response to improving ocean conditions. Yet 7 of 21 (33%) individual populations within the ESU failed one or more of five criteria used to assess viability (Chilcote et al. 2005), and it is uncertain whether productivity levels across the ESU will recover sufficiently to withstand future periods of poor ocean conditions. The coho population in Salmon River was the only population in the ESU to fail all five viability criteria. Uncertainty remains about the response of Oregon coastal coho salmon to different combinations of freshwater and marine limiting factors, complicating recovery efforts (Lawson 1993; Lawson et al. 2004; IMST 2006). Such uncertainty cannot be resolved entirely by existing Oregon Plan monitoring programs, which target only a portion of the habitats and coho salmon life stages in large river basins, and with few exceptions (e.g., Johnson et al. 2005), were not designed to test population responses to individual management manipulations. In 2007, in response to the failure of viability criteria, ODFW managers discontinued releases of hatchery coho salmon into Salmon River as one of the primary management actions under the Oregon Conservation Plan for the Oregon Coast Coho Evolutionarily Significant Unit (hereafter “coho plan,” Nicholas 2006). This change affords the first opportunity in Oregon to monitor the results of a large scale experiment in removing hatchery coho salmon from a basin for at least four generations (twelve years). Hatchery production has been a centerpiece of salmon management for decades, but rarely has full recovery from hatchery influence been given a chance to succeed. Salmon River offers a test basin to explore whether an independent population of coho salmon can recover from a prolonged period of very low abundance following removal of the primary factor limiting productivity. Here we describe the first year of a study to monitor the dynamics of the coho salmon population in the Salmon River basin on the central Oregon coast and to determine whether management changes targeting both hatchery influence and stream habitat complexity improve population viability. This research will validate assumptions about factors limiting coho recovery and determine whether recovery measures proposed by the Coho Plan have been effective. Our research is designed to document changes in population abundance, distribution, and life history structure of coho salmon following the removal of hatchery coho salmon from the watershed. It integrates adult, juvenile, and habitat components to establish links and describe variability between juvenile performance and adult recovery. It also monitors the coho salmon population across habitat types and life history stages to identify population responses at a landscape scale. We will establish the link between productivity and survival at each salmon life stage and recovery of the adult population. From these indicators, we will determine the potential resiliency of coho salmon, detail the biological benefits/tradeoffs of returning the ecosystem to natural salmon production, and assess whether supplementation should remain an option in Salmon River. As a conceptual framework, our research design and analyses are guided by the “viable salmonid population” criteria identified by McElhany (2000) and modified by Chilcote et al. (2005) and Nicholas (2006), including abundance, productivity, distribution, diversity, and habitat quality. The results of our new research will be integrated with habitat survey and adult population data collected under the existing Oregon Plan monitoring program and coho salmon population and life history data available from previous Salmon River surveys (Mullen 1978, 1979; Cornwell et al. 2001; Bottom et al 2005; Volk et al. in review). Together these data will address four principal objectives: 1. Quantify viability of the coho salmon population before and after hatchery coho salmon are removed from Salmon River. 2. Assess whether viability of the Salmon River coho population is limited by quantity 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 alternate juvenile life history to adult returns. 4. Determine salmonid use and benefits of restored tidal wetlands before and after hatchery coho salmon are removed from Salmon River. By synthesizing historic data with new information for the Salmon River basin, we will compare population structure during three distinct periods – pre-hatchery (1974-77), hatchery (1990-2008), and post-hatchery (2009-2013). This annual report discusses the activities and findings from 2008, the first year of the multi-year project, including coho salmon distribution and abundance on the Salmon River spawning grounds, juvenile abundance and distribution in the watershed and estuary, migration timing, and life history diversity. Title: Recovery of Wild Coho Salmon in Salmon River Basin, 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-10 Abstract -- Recovery and conservation of naturally self-sustaining salmon populations is a central goal of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. In 1998, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a comprehensive program to monitor the status of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) populations and aquatic habitat in coastal drainages of Oregon (OWEB 2003). A 2005 assessment by ODFW concluded that Oregon coastal coho were viable at the scale of the Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) and demonstrated resilience in response to improving ocean conditions. Yet 7 of 21 (33%) individual populations within the ESU failed one or more of five criteria used to assess viability (Chilcote et al. 2005), and it is uncertain whether productivity levels across the ESU will recover sufficiently to withstand future periods of poor ocean conditions. The coho population in Salmon River was the only population in the ESU to fail all five viability criteria. Uncertainty remains about the response of Oregon coastal coho salmon to different combinations of freshwater and marine limiting factors, complicating recovery efforts (Lawson 1993; Lawson et al. 2004; IMST 2006). Such uncertainty cannot be resolved entirely by existing Oregon Plan monitoring programs, which target only a portion of the habitats and coho salmon life stages in large river basins, and with few exceptions (e.g., Johnson et al. 2005), were not designed to test population responses to individual management manipulations. In 2007, in response to the failure of viability criteria, ODFW managers discontinued releases of hatchery coho salmon into Salmon River as one of the primary management actions under the Oregon Conservation Plan for the Oregon Coast Coho Evolutionarily Significant Unit (hereafter “coho plan,” Nicholas 2006). This change affords the first opportunity in Oregon to monitor the results of a large scale experiment in removing hatchery coho salmon from a basin for at least four generations (twelve years). Hatchery production has been a centerpiece of salmon management for decades, but rarely has full recovery from hatchery influence been given a chance to succeed. Salmon River offers a test basin to explore whether an independent population of coho salmon can recover from a prolonged period of very low abundance following removal of the primary factor limiting productivity. Here we describe the first year of a study to monitor the dynamics of the coho salmon population in the Salmon River basin on the central Oregon coast and to determine whether management changes targeting both hatchery influence and stream habitat complexity improve population viability. This research will validate assumptions about factors limiting coho recovery and determine whether recovery measures proposed by the Coho Plan have been effective. Our research is designed to document changes in population abundance, distribution, and life history structure of coho salmon following the removal of hatchery coho salmon from the watershed. It integrates adult, juvenile, and habitat components to establish links and describe variability between juvenile performance and adult recovery. It also monitors the coho salmon population across habitat types and life history stages to identify population responses at a landscape scale. We will establish the link between productivity and survival at each salmon life stage and recovery of the adult population. From these indicators, we will determine the potential resiliency of coho salmon, detail the biological benefits/tradeoffs of returning the ecosystem to natural salmon production, and assess whether supplementation should remain an option in Salmon River. As a conceptual framework, our research design and analyses are guided by the “viable salmonid population” criteria identified by McElhany (2000) and modified by Chilcote et al. (2005) and Nicholas (2006), including abundance, productivity, distribution, diversity, and habitat quality. The results of our new research will be integrated with habitat survey and adult population data collected under the existing Oregon Plan monitoring program and coho salmon population and life history data available from previous Salmon River surveys (Mullen 1978, 1979; Cornwell et al. 2001; Bottom et al 2005; Volk et al. in review). Together these data will address four principal objectives: 1. Quantify viability of the coho salmon population before and after hatchery coho salmon are removed from Salmon River. 2. Assess whether viability of the Salmon River coho population is limited by quantity 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 alternate juvenile life history to adult returns. 4. Determine salmonid use and benefits of restored tidal wetlands before and after hatchery coho salmon are removed from Salmon River. By synthesizing historic data with new information for the Salmon River basin, we will compare population structure during three distinct periods – pre-hatchery (1974-77), hatchery (1990-2008), and post-hatchery (2009-2013). This annual report discusses the activities and findings from 2008, the first year of the multi-year project, including coho salmon distribution and abundance on the Salmon River spawning grounds, juvenile abundance and distribution in the watershed and estuary, migration timing, and life history diversity. Close