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• 2491. [Article] 2002 – 2005 Effectiveness Monitoring Report For the Western Oregon Stream Restoration Program Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-6

  Abstract -- Stream restoration has been a commonly employed tool of fish managers in the Pacific Northwest for decades, although monitoring the effect of the restoration rarely received equal support. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2002 – 2005 Effectiveness Monitoring Report For the Western Oregon Stream Restoration Program Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-6 Abstract -- Stream restoration has been a commonly employed tool of fish managers in the Pacific Northwest for decades, although monitoring the effect of the restoration rarely received equal support. The Western Oregon Stream Restoration Program, on the other hand, recognized the necessity to evaluate the effectiveness of the projects and provide feedback to practitioners and managers. We designed the monitoring strategy to quantify the effects of project treatments on stream habitat and to assess the overall impact on fish populations in western Oregon. In this report, we evaluate the site selection and assess changes observed in physical habitat using a pre-post survey design of restoration projects implemented from 2002-2004 in western Oregon. Title: 2002 – 2005 Effectiveness Monitoring Report For the Western Oregon Stream Restoration Program Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-6 Abstract -- Stream restoration has been a commonly employed tool of fish managers in the Pacific Northwest for decades, although monitoring the effect of the restoration rarely received equal support. The Western Oregon Stream Restoration Program, on the other hand, recognized the necessity to evaluate the effectiveness of the projects and provide feedback to practitioners and managers. We designed the monitoring strategy to quantify the effects of project treatments on stream habitat and to assess the overall impact on fish populations in western Oregon. In this report, we evaluate the site selection and assess changes observed in physical habitat using a pre-post survey design of restoration projects implemented from 2002-2004 in western Oregon. Close

• 2492. [Article] Assessment of Oregon Coastal Adult Winter Steelhead – Redd Surveys 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-09

  Abstract -- As part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a project to monitor spawning winter steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in coastal ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Assessment of Oregon Coastal Adult Winter Steelhead – Redd Surveys 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-09 Abstract -- As part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a project to monitor spawning winter steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in coastal Oregon streams in 2003. This project is designed to assess the yearly status and trend, presence of hatchery fish, and distribution of winter steelhead spawners in six coastal Monitoring Areas (MA) in two Distinct Population Segments (DPS) (Figure 1). A spatially balanced probabilistic sampling design (Stevens 2002) was used to select survey sites across a stream network of winter steelhead spawning habitat. Monitoring of winter steelhead abundance is based on counts of redds instead of live or dead fish, in accordance with prior work conducted by ODFW in Oregon coastal streams (Susac and Jacobs 1999). Repeat visits to each site from February through May generated a total redd count for each survey. Redds were marked with colored rocks and flagging to prevent re-counting, during subsequent surveys. The survey interval of once every fourteen days is based on prior research (Susac and Jacobs 1999). Specific descriptions of project protocols can be found in the annual survey procedures manual (ODFW 2007). More information on methods and study background is available in Suring (In Prep.). Title: Assessment of Oregon Coastal Adult Winter Steelhead – Redd Surveys 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-09 Abstract -- As part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a project to monitor spawning winter steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in coastal Oregon streams in 2003. This project is designed to assess the yearly status and trend, presence of hatchery fish, and distribution of winter steelhead spawners in six coastal Monitoring Areas (MA) in two Distinct Population Segments (DPS) (Figure 1). A spatially balanced probabilistic sampling design (Stevens 2002) was used to select survey sites across a stream network of winter steelhead spawning habitat. Monitoring of winter steelhead abundance is based on counts of redds instead of live or dead fish, in accordance with prior work conducted by ODFW in Oregon coastal streams (Susac and Jacobs 1999). Repeat visits to each site from February through May generated a total redd count for each survey. Redds were marked with colored rocks and flagging to prevent re-counting, during subsequent surveys. The survey interval of once every fourteen days is based on prior research (Susac and Jacobs 1999). Specific descriptions of project protocols can be found in the annual survey procedures manual (ODFW 2007). More information on methods and study background is available in Suring (In Prep.). Close

• 2493. [Article] Abundance Monitoring of Juvenile Salmonids In Oregon Coastal and Lower Columbia Streams, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-1

  Abstract -- As part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a project in 1998 to monitor the trend in abundance and distribution of juvenile ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Abundance Monitoring of Juvenile Salmonids In Oregon Coastal and Lower Columbia Streams, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-1 Abstract -- As part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a project in 1998 to monitor the trend in abundance and distribution of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) rearing in Oregon coastal streams. Monitoring is currently designed to provide annual abundance and distribution information at the stratum-scale (described in Jepsen and Leader 2007) for each of several coho evolutionarily significant units (ESU’s) and steelhead distinct population segments (DPS’s), and to eventually use these annual data to provide longterm trend information. Ultimately these juvenile fish data will be used to investigate relationships between freshwater habitat characteristics, adult spawner abundance, and juvenile recruitment. This progress report summarizes abundance and distribution data collected in 2007 for each ESU and DPS, and for the Oregon Coast Coho ESU includes a time series for abundance data for all years of monitoring. A fuller description of the OCC, OCS, SONCC and KMPS sampling frames, study design and survey methods, is found in Jepsen and Rodgers (2004) and for the LCRC and LCRS frames in Jepsen and Leader (2007). The strata are diagramed in Figure 1 and organized in subsequent tables. At a subset of the OCC sites, this project also collects water temperature data and macroinvertebrate data in conjunction with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. These data will be reported separately, and can be requested from project staff. In addition, the project re-initiated a snorkel and electrofishing verification study in the Smith River basin, which will be summarized in a separate report. Title: Abundance Monitoring of Juvenile Salmonids In Oregon Coastal and Lower Columbia Streams, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-1 Abstract -- As part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a project in 1998 to monitor the trend in abundance and distribution of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) rearing in Oregon coastal streams. Monitoring is currently designed to provide annual abundance and distribution information at the stratum-scale (described in Jepsen and Leader 2007) for each of several coho evolutionarily significant units (ESU’s) and steelhead distinct population segments (DPS’s), and to eventually use these annual data to provide longterm trend information. Ultimately these juvenile fish data will be used to investigate relationships between freshwater habitat characteristics, adult spawner abundance, and juvenile recruitment. This progress report summarizes abundance and distribution data collected in 2007 for each ESU and DPS, and for the Oregon Coast Coho ESU includes a time series for abundance data for all years of monitoring. A fuller description of the OCC, OCS, SONCC and KMPS sampling frames, study design and survey methods, is found in Jepsen and Rodgers (2004) and for the LCRC and LCRS frames in Jepsen and Leader (2007). The strata are diagramed in Figure 1 and organized in subsequent tables. At a subset of the OCC sites, this project also collects water temperature data and macroinvertebrate data in conjunction with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. These data will be reported separately, and can be requested from project staff. In addition, the project re-initiated a snorkel and electrofishing verification study in the Smith River basin, which will be summarized in a separate report. Close

• 2494. [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

• 2495. [Article] Assessment of Oregon Coastal Adult Winter Steelhead – Redd Surveys 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-09

  Abstract -- Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a project to monitor spawning winter steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in coastal Oregon streams in 2003. This project is designed to assess the yearly status and trend, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Assessment of Oregon Coastal Adult Winter Steelhead – Redd Surveys 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-09 Abstract -- Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a project to monitor spawning winter steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in coastal Oregon streams in 2003. This project is designed to assess the yearly status and trend, presence of hatchery fish, and distribution of winter steelhead spawners in six coastal Monitoring Areas (MA) in two Distinct Population Segments (DPS) (Figure 1). In 2008 the project was modified to assess status only at the DPS level. A spatially balanced probabilistic sampling design (Stevens 2002) was used to select survey sites across a stream network of winter steelhead spawning habitat. The selection frame was developed using best professional knowledge of biologists from a variety of private and governmental organizations. Monitoring of winter steelhead abundance is based on counts of redds instead of live or dead fish, in accordance with prior work conducted by ODFW in Oregon coastal streams (Susac and Jacobs 1999). Repeat visits to each site from February through May generated a total redd count for each survey. Redds were marked with colored rocks and flagging to prevent re-counting during subsequent surveys. The survey interval of once every fourteen days is based on prior research (Susac and Jacobs 1999). Specific descriptions of project protocols can be found in the annual survey procedures manual (ODFW 2008). More information on methods and study background is available in Suring (In Prep.). Title: Assessment of Oregon Coastal Adult Winter Steelhead – Redd Surveys 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-09 Abstract -- Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a project to monitor spawning winter steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in coastal Oregon streams in 2003. This project is designed to assess the yearly status and trend, presence of hatchery fish, and distribution of winter steelhead spawners in six coastal Monitoring Areas (MA) in two Distinct Population Segments (DPS) (Figure 1). In 2008 the project was modified to assess status only at the DPS level. A spatially balanced probabilistic sampling design (Stevens 2002) was used to select survey sites across a stream network of winter steelhead spawning habitat. The selection frame was developed using best professional knowledge of biologists from a variety of private and governmental organizations. Monitoring of winter steelhead abundance is based on counts of redds instead of live or dead fish, in accordance with prior work conducted by ODFW in Oregon coastal streams (Susac and Jacobs 1999). Repeat visits to each site from February through May generated a total redd count for each survey. Redds were marked with colored rocks and flagging to prevent re-counting during subsequent surveys. The survey interval of once every fourteen days is based on prior research (Susac and Jacobs 1999). Specific descriptions of project protocols can be found in the annual survey procedures manual (ODFW 2008). More information on methods and study background is available in Suring (In Prep.). Close

• 2496. [Article] Abundance Monitoring of Juvenile Salmonids In Coastal Oregon and Lower Columbia Streams, 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-1

  Abstract -- As part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated this project in 1998 to monitor the status and trend in abundance and distribution ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Abundance Monitoring of Juvenile Salmonids In Coastal Oregon and Lower Columbia Streams, 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-1 Abstract -- As part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated this project in 1998 to monitor the status and trend in abundance and distribution of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in coastal Oregon streams. This report summarizes the data collected during the summer of 2008 and, for coho salmon, compares it to data previously collected. The project originally surveyed only 1st-3rd order (tributary) streams but was expanded in 2002 to include juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 4th-6th order (mainstem) rearing areas and in 2006 to the Oregon portion of the Lower Columbia River coho evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) (Figure 1). The sampling frame is intended to encompass all non-tidal coho and steelhead rearing habitat. The original 100k stream layer frame was replaced by a 24k frame in 2007. A Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified design (GRTS) (Stevens 2002) was used to create a spatially balanced, random point distribution. Sites were stratified by Monitoring Area (MA) and stream order (Table 1). A detailed description of the sampling frames and survey designs are found in Jepsen and Rodgers (2004) and Jepsen and Leader (2007). Field crews snorkeled all pools meeting the size criteria (6 m2 in surface area and 40 cm in maximum depth) in one kilometer of stream encompassing the GRTS point. Snorkeling was conducted during the minimum flow period from July to September using a single pass of one to four snorkelers, depending on stream width. In each pool counts were made of juvenile coho, Chinook, steelhead 90 mm, and cutthroat 90 mm. Presence was noted for dace, shiners, and trout < 90 mm. Sites with poor water clarity or quality were electrofished using a single pass without block nets to determine presence for coho, steelhead and cutthroat in each pool. To assess repeatability and quality control supervisory staff resurveyed 10% of tributary sites in each MA. Data were summarized by MA and stream order for analyses. Average pool density and percent pool occupancy for each site was averaged by MA. The percent of sites with at least one fish and with >0.7 coho/m2 are reported for each MA. 0.7 coho/m2 is regarded as full seeding after Nickelson et al. (1992) who reported full seeding based on electrofishing as 1.0 coho/m2 and Rodgers et al. (1992) who found that snorkelers observed 70% of the coho counted by electrofishing. CDFs, variances, and confidence intervals were created using tools developed by the EMAP Design and Analysis Team (EPA 2009). Title: Abundance Monitoring of Juvenile Salmonids In Coastal Oregon and Lower Columbia Streams, 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-1 Abstract -- As part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated this project in 1998 to monitor the status and trend in abundance and distribution of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in coastal Oregon streams. This report summarizes the data collected during the summer of 2008 and, for coho salmon, compares it to data previously collected. The project originally surveyed only 1st-3rd order (tributary) streams but was expanded in 2002 to include juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 4th-6th order (mainstem) rearing areas and in 2006 to the Oregon portion of the Lower Columbia River coho evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) (Figure 1). The sampling frame is intended to encompass all non-tidal coho and steelhead rearing habitat. The original 100k stream layer frame was replaced by a 24k frame in 2007. A Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified design (GRTS) (Stevens 2002) was used to create a spatially balanced, random point distribution. Sites were stratified by Monitoring Area (MA) and stream order (Table 1). A detailed description of the sampling frames and survey designs are found in Jepsen and Rodgers (2004) and Jepsen and Leader (2007). Field crews snorkeled all pools meeting the size criteria (6 m2 in surface area and 40 cm in maximum depth) in one kilometer of stream encompassing the GRTS point. Snorkeling was conducted during the minimum flow period from July to September using a single pass of one to four snorkelers, depending on stream width. In each pool counts were made of juvenile coho, Chinook, steelhead 90 mm, and cutthroat 90 mm. Presence was noted for dace, shiners, and trout < 90 mm. Sites with poor water clarity or quality were electrofished using a single pass without block nets to determine presence for coho, steelhead and cutthroat in each pool. To assess repeatability and quality control supervisory staff resurveyed 10% of tributary sites in each MA. Data were summarized by MA and stream order for analyses. Average pool density and percent pool occupancy for each site was averaged by MA. The percent of sites with at least one fish and with >0.7 coho/m2 are reported for each MA. 0.7 coho/m2 is regarded as full seeding after Nickelson et al. (1992) who reported full seeding based on electrofishing as 1.0 coho/m2 and Rodgers et al. (1992) who found that snorkelers observed 70% of the coho counted by electrofishing. CDFs, variances, and confidence intervals were created using tools developed by the EMAP Design and Analysis Team (EPA 2009). Close

• 2497. [Article] The Status and Trend of Physical Habitat and Rearing Potential in Coho Bearing Streams in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-5

  Abstract -- In 1997, the Oregon Coastal Restoration Initiative (OCSRI 1997) identified the quality of stream habitat as a potential factor influencing the decline of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Status and Trend of Physical Habitat and Rearing Potential in Coho Bearing Streams in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-5 Abstract -- In 1997, the Oregon Coastal Restoration Initiative (OCSRI 1997) identified the quality of stream habitat as a potential factor influencing the decline of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Oregon coastal streams. In 1998, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) implemented a monitoring program that utilized a random, spatially balanced survey design to provide statistically rigorous information on the status and trend of habitat conditions in Oregon coastal streams. In response to the ESA listing of coho salmon, the State of Oregon published a comprehensive review of aquatic habitat in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) in 2005 (Rodgers et al 2005). The NOAA Fisheries more recently published a request for additional information in the 2009 Federal Register notice (Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 81 / Wednesday, April 29, 2009). This report will serve as an update to Rodgers et al (2005), and will provide an analysis of the current status and trends in aquatic habitat from 1998 through 2008 within the Oregon Coastal Coho ESU. The status and trend of instream physical habitat conditions in the Oregon Coastal coho ESU were assessed from twelve variables collected by the ODFW habitat monitoring program from 1998-2008. Habitat conditions were described at the scale of the ESU, four monitoring areas/strata within the ESU, and by six land use categories (agriculture, urban, private non-industrial and industrial forest, and public state and federal forest). The condition of habitat was compared among monitoring areas and land use categories. In addition, the habitat condition at random survey sites was compared to that at sites experiencing minimal human disturbance (i.e. reference sites). Potential winter rearing capacity for juvenile coho salmon was calculated for all available habitat and for high quality habitat at the monitoring area scale and in selected population units. We calculated the rearing potential from high quality habitat because modeling (Nickelson and Lawson 1998) demonstrated that during periods of prolonged poor ocean survival, only areas with high quality habitat will be able to support coho at full seeding during poor marine conditions. The final objective of this report is to discuss whether sufficient habitat capacity exists to support productivity of juvenile coho at the monitoring strata scale during periods of low marine survival. Title: The Status and Trend of Physical Habitat and Rearing Potential in Coho Bearing Streams in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-5 Abstract -- In 1997, the Oregon Coastal Restoration Initiative (OCSRI 1997) identified the quality of stream habitat as a potential factor influencing the decline of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Oregon coastal streams. In 1998, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) implemented a monitoring program that utilized a random, spatially balanced survey design to provide statistically rigorous information on the status and trend of habitat conditions in Oregon coastal streams. In response to the ESA listing of coho salmon, the State of Oregon published a comprehensive review of aquatic habitat in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) in 2005 (Rodgers et al 2005). The NOAA Fisheries more recently published a request for additional information in the 2009 Federal Register notice (Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 81 / Wednesday, April 29, 2009). This report will serve as an update to Rodgers et al (2005), and will provide an analysis of the current status and trends in aquatic habitat from 1998 through 2008 within the Oregon Coastal Coho ESU. The status and trend of instream physical habitat conditions in the Oregon Coastal coho ESU were assessed from twelve variables collected by the ODFW habitat monitoring program from 1998-2008. Habitat conditions were described at the scale of the ESU, four monitoring areas/strata within the ESU, and by six land use categories (agriculture, urban, private non-industrial and industrial forest, and public state and federal forest). The condition of habitat was compared among monitoring areas and land use categories. In addition, the habitat condition at random survey sites was compared to that at sites experiencing minimal human disturbance (i.e. reference sites). Potential winter rearing capacity for juvenile coho salmon was calculated for all available habitat and for high quality habitat at the monitoring area scale and in selected population units. We calculated the rearing potential from high quality habitat because modeling (Nickelson and Lawson 1998) demonstrated that during periods of prolonged poor ocean survival, only areas with high quality habitat will be able to support coho at full seeding during poor marine conditions. The final objective of this report is to discuss whether sufficient habitat capacity exists to support productivity of juvenile coho at the monitoring strata scale during periods of low marine survival. Close

• 2498. [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

• 2499. [Article] Smith River Steelhead and Coho Monitoring Verification Study, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-11

  Abstract -- Monitoring the status of salmonids in Oregon coastal streams is an important component of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) contribution to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Smith River Steelhead and Coho Monitoring Verification Study, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-11 Abstract -- Monitoring the status of salmonids in Oregon coastal streams is an important component of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) contribution to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. Since 1998, ODFW has implemented a probabilistic sampling design (Stevens 2002) to monitor adult and juvenile coho in Oregon coastal streams. In 2002, ODFW expanded its monitoring program to include steelhead. Monitoring is occurring coast wide and relies on the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP, Stevens and Olsen 1999) for site selection and to produce fish abundance metrics at large spatial scales. Juvenile monitoring is conducted using snorkel survey protocols. The Smith River Steelhead and Coho Monitoring Verification Study is an effort to evaluate how well visual counts compare with removal estimates as a monitoring tool at the basin scale and to provide information on the relationship of monitoring data collected coast wide to actual populations. This report will summarize juvenile salmonid data collected by snorkeling and electrofishing in the Smith River basin during the summer of 2007 and provide a comparative analysis of several years’ data of how the estimates from the two methods correspond to each other and to the spawning survey estimates of adult fish above Smith River Falls. Information on the relationship of coast wide snorkel counts on the basin scale to actual population status will be presented in a synthesis report covering all years of this study. Title: Smith River Steelhead and Coho Monitoring Verification Study, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-11 Abstract -- Monitoring the status of salmonids in Oregon coastal streams is an important component of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) contribution to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. Since 1998, ODFW has implemented a probabilistic sampling design (Stevens 2002) to monitor adult and juvenile coho in Oregon coastal streams. In 2002, ODFW expanded its monitoring program to include steelhead. Monitoring is occurring coast wide and relies on the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP, Stevens and Olsen 1999) for site selection and to produce fish abundance metrics at large spatial scales. Juvenile monitoring is conducted using snorkel survey protocols. The Smith River Steelhead and Coho Monitoring Verification Study is an effort to evaluate how well visual counts compare with removal estimates as a monitoring tool at the basin scale and to provide information on the relationship of monitoring data collected coast wide to actual populations. This report will summarize juvenile salmonid data collected by snorkeling and electrofishing in the Smith River basin during the summer of 2007 and provide a comparative analysis of several years’ data of how the estimates from the two methods correspond to each other and to the spawning survey estimates of adult fish above Smith River Falls. Information on the relationship of coast wide snorkel counts on the basin scale to actual population status will be presented in a synthesis report covering all years of this study. Close

• 2500. [Article] Abundance Monitoring of Juvenile Salmonids In Coastal Oregon and Lower Columbia Streams, 2009 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2010-1

  Abstract -- This report provides a summary of results from summer juvenile salmonid surveys conducted on the Oregon coast and lower Columbia River in 2009. Coho density and occupancy metrics were highest ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Abundance Monitoring of Juvenile Salmonids In Coastal Oregon and Lower Columbia Streams, 2009 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2010-1 Abstract -- This report provides a summary of results from summer juvenile salmonid surveys conducted on the Oregon coast and lower Columbia River in 2009. Coho density and occupancy metrics were highest Oregon Coast coho ESU intermediate in the Southern Oregon Northern California coho ESU and lowest in the Lower Columbia coho ESU. Within the Oregon Coast Coho ESU the North Coast and Umpqua Monitoring Area metrics were similar to the average since 1998, while the Mid South and Mid Coast were higher. Juvenile steelhead estimates were comparable to previous years in all DPSs, with steelhead the most abundant and widespread in the Klamath Mountains Province. Title: Abundance Monitoring of Juvenile Salmonids In Coastal Oregon and Lower Columbia Streams, 2009 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2010-1 Abstract -- This report provides a summary of results from summer juvenile salmonid surveys conducted on the Oregon coast and lower Columbia River in 2009. Coho density and occupancy metrics were highest Oregon Coast coho ESU intermediate in the Southern Oregon Northern California coho ESU and lowest in the Lower Columbia coho ESU. Within the Oregon Coast Coho ESU the North Coast and Umpqua Monitoring Area metrics were similar to the average since 1998, while the Mid South and Mid Coast were higher. Juvenile steelhead estimates were comparable to previous years in all DPSs, with steelhead the most abundant and widespread in the Klamath Mountains Province. Close