HATCHERY AND GENETIC MANAGEMENT PLAN (HGMP)

Transcription

1 HATCHERY AND GENETIC MANAGEMENT PLAN (HGMP) Hatchery Program: SAFE Spring Chinook Species or Hatchery Stock: Spring Chinook stocks 022 and 024 (Willamette Stocks) Agency/Operator: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and Clatsop Economic Development Council (CEDC) Watershed and Region: Columbia River Estuary and Youngs Bay Date Submitted: September 28, 2005 Date Last Updated: September 26, 2005

2 SECTION 1. GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 1.1) Name of hatchery or program. Select Area Fishery Enhancement (SAFE) Spring Chinook Salmon 1.2) Species and population (or stock) under propagation, and ESA status. The SAFE spring chinook program utilizes Willamette stock (stock 022 and 024) spring chinook, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. The wild population of spring chinook in the lower Columbia River (LCR) is part of the Lower Columbia River Chinook Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU), which contains both fall and spring chinook. This ESU was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1999 (Federal Register Notice 1999). These hatchery populations are not considered part of the Lower Columbia River Chinook ESU (Federal Register Notice 2004). 1.3) Responsible organization and individuals Name (and Title): John Thorpe, Chief of Fish Propagation Organization: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Address: 3406 Cherry Avenue, NE, Salem, OR Telephone: (503) Fax: (503) Name (and title): John North (ODFW Ocean Salmon/Columbia River Asst. Fish. Manager) Address: SE Evelyn Street, Clackamas, OR Telephone: x251 Fax: Name (and title): Tod Jones (CEDC Project Leader) Agency or Tribe: CEDC Address: 2001 Marine Drive, Rm 253, Astoria, OR Telephone: FAX: Name (and title): Roger Warren (Gnat Creek Hatchery Manager) Agency or Tribe: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Address: Gnat Cr. Hatchery Rd, Clatskanine, OR Telephone: Fax: Other agencies, Tribes, co-operators, or organizations involved, including contractors, and extent SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP 2

3 of involvement in the program: USACE BPA NOAA Fisheries Fishermen and Processors Partial funding of Willamette Hatchery facilities Partial funding of CEDC program Coordination of research, including Blind Slough release trials Provide funds through Voluntary Assessment Program 1.4) Funding source, staffing level, and annual hatchery program operational costs. Funding Sources: USACE Partial funding of Willamette Hatchery facilities State of Oregon/ODFW Partial funding (Restoration and Enhancement Program) BPA Partial funding of CEDC program and all of Gnat Creek Hatchery Fisherman and Processors Provide funds through Voluntary Assessment Program Operational Information: Full time equivalent staff: CEDC: 7 FTE Gnat Creek: 3 FTE Annual operating cost: CEDC: $743,800 Gnat Creek: $346,605 Comments: Funding and staff levels for Gnat Creek Hatchery and CEDC are for the entire facility and/or project and are not specific to the SAFE spring chinook program. 1.5) Location(s) of hatchery and associated facilities. 1) Willamette Hatchery adult facility is at RM 17 on the Middle Fork Willamette River in the Willamette subbasin, Lane County, Oregon. SAFE program functions include: Broodstock source Broodstock collection Adult holding Spawning 2) Willamette Hatchery incubation and rearing facility is at RM 3 of Salmon Creek in the Willamette subbasin, Lane County, Oregon. SAFE program functions include: Incubation Rearing 3) Gnat Creek Hatchery is at RM 2.5 on Gnat Creek in the Columbia Estuary watershed, Clatsop County, Oregon. SAFE program functions include: Incubation and Rearing SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP 3

4 NOTE: Because of 2001 spring chinook broodstock shortages at Willamette Hatchery, Gnat Creek Hatchery received ~850,000 eyed eggs from South Santiam and Clackamas hatcheries. Because the Clackamas and South Santiam hatcheries were only involved for that year, descriptions of those facilities were not included in this HGMP. Please refer to Willamette Basin spring chinook HGMPs for descriptions of those facilities and programs. 4) Youngs Bay net pens are at RM in Youngs Bay in the Columbia Estuary watershed, Clatsop County, Oregon. SAFE program functions include: Rearing and release 5) Blind Slough net pens are at RM 27 on the Columbia River in the Columbia Estuary watershed, Clatsop County, Oregon. SAFE program functions include: Rearing and release 6) Tongue Point Marine Environmental and Training Station (MERTS) net pens are at RM 20 on the Columbia River in the Columbia Estuary watershed, Clatsop County, Oregon. SAFE program functions include: Rearing and release 7) John Day River net pens are at RM 3.0 of thr John Day River that enters Columbia River at RM 20 in the Columbia Estuary watershed, Clatsop County, Oregon. SAFE program functions include: Rearing and release 8) South Fork Klaskanine Hatchery is at RM 3 on the South Fork Klaskanine River in the Columbia Estuary watershed, Clatsop County, Oregon. SAFE program functions include: Rearing and release (Note: Releases of 2004 brood spring chinook in 2006 may conclude spring chinook production at CEDC s South Fork Klaskanine Hatchery since August-September water rights were recently denied for this facility. Future production may focus on Select Area Bright (SAB) fall chinook with potential for additional over-winter rearing or acclimation of coho onsite also). 1.6) Type of program. Isolated harvest 1.7) Purpose (Goal) of program. The primary goal of the program is to mitigate the loss of spring chinook catch in sport and commercial fisheries that was lost due to habitat and passage loss or degradation in the Columbia River Basin. Specifically, this program aims to provide a high quality spring chinook for harvest SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP 4

5 in LCR Select Area commercial and recreational fisheries. Select Area fisheries provide harvest of hatchery produced salmon released in and returning to Select Areas with very minimal interception of non-local salmon stocks. A secondary goal is to supplement harvest in Oregon commercial troll, Oregon ocean recreational, and Columbia River mainstem commercial and recreational fisheries. 1.8) Justification for the program. Production by this program provides fish in sufficient numbers to meet harvest goals in the fisheries (as defined by location, time, and gear) that are intended to benefit from the program. Spring chinook are a desirable species for this program because their excellent flesh quality commands a superior market value and is attractive to recreational anglers. This stock is not native to the area where the fisheries are located. These hatchery fish are 100% marked with an adipose fin clip so they can be harvested in selective fisheries designed to protect wild fish from harvest. Select Area fisheries provide harvest of hatchery produced salmon released in and returning to Select Areas with very minimal interception of non-local salmon stocks. Harvest impacts to non-local stocks are managed through time and area regulations, and by selectively harvesting marked hatchery fish. Potential genetic impacts to wild spring chinook are minimal due to very high harvest rates on SAFE spring chinook low stray rates, lack of native spring chinook populations in the local area, and lack of suitable spawning habitat (North et al. 2004). Ecological impacts on wild spring chinook and other juvenile salmonids migrating through the estuary are minimized through release strategies (see Section 12) that promote rapid emigration from release locations that are all located low in the system (away from upriver rearing areas and migration corridors). Research (see Section 12) is an integral part of the SAFE program, and results have been used to modify the program as necessary to ensure that impacts to wild salmonids are as low as possible. 1.9) List of program Performance Standards. See Section ) List of program Performance Indicators, designated by "benefits" and "risks." ) Performance Indicators addressing benefits. Benefits Performance Standards Performance Indicators Monitoring & Evaluation Annual releases meet production goals. Contribution of SAFE spring chinook catch to sport and commercial fisheries. Combined smolt releases from Youngs Bay, Blind Slough, Tongue Point, John Day River and SF Klaskanine of 1.55 million. Numbers of spring chinook harvested annually, fisher participation, and angler success / harvest rate. Monitor egg to fry survival of fish incubated and reared at Gnat Creek Hatchery, and fry to smolt survival at SF Klaskanine Hatchery and SAFE net pens. Fish buyer, dock side sampling, and sport creel surveys, recoveries of coded-wire tagged (CWT) and marked fish. Annual structure and regulations of fishing seasons. SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP 5

6 Increase economic value of SAFE program commercial harvest Adaptive management through design and implementation of projects that improve the quality of SAFE spring chinook Release groups are marked and tagged for identification Program hatcheries will be operated in compliance with ODFW s Fish Health Management Policy and Fish Hatchery Management Policy, and the Integrated Hatchery Operations Team (IHOT) fish health guidelines. Total annual economic impact of SAFE programs. Projects are identified, reviewed, and implemented that aim to increase survival of program fish while minimizing impacts on wild fish. All releases are marked to identify adults as hatchery origin fish, and pre-release checks indicate at least 95% retained the mark. All production releases include a CWT groups to identify the source program. Rearing survival rates, egg to fry, and fry to smolt. Number of juveniles sampled and pathogens observed during rearing and immediately prior to release. Monitor change in economic value of SAFE commercial fisheries as a result of partial reprogramming of coho to spring chinook production Research and monitoring programs will be incorporated into project designs. Examples of projects include: rearing/release studies and feeding studies. Mark quality and tag retention checks are performed: daily during marking; on each pond immediately post-marking; and for each mark type prior to release, at least one month post-marking. Juvenile fish health is monitored on at least a monthly basis at the rearing hatchery. A fish health specialist will examine affected fish and recommend remedial or preventative measures. Disposal of affected eggs or fish follows IHOT policy ) Performance Indicators addressing risks. Risks Performance Standards Performance Indicators Monitoring & Evaluation Harvest of hatchery produced fish minimizes impacts to wild fish populations. Juvenile hatchery releases minimize interactions (competition and predation) with wild fish species. Minimize disease risk to wild fish. Straying of hatchery fish is minimized. Natural spawning of program fish is minimized. Number of non-target or wild fish caught in commercial and sport fisheries Release timing, location, condition, and emigration patterns of smolts Program complies with all state and federal health monitoring, transfer, and release guidelines. Recovery of program fish in nontarget fisheries and watersheds. Escapement of hatchery fish to natural spawning areas (through straying). Impact rates on listed stocks are estimated annually based on sampling of the landed catch (sport and commercial) for CWTs, visual stock identification and adipose finclips. Effective rearing studies and monitoring of juvenile health. Size, location and timing of smolts released. Juvenile fish health is monitored on at least a monthly basis at the rearing hatchery. CWT recoveries throughout the Columbia Basin are recorded and summarized annually in order to estimate the amount of straying of program fish. CWT analysis and spawning ground surveys are conducted annually in Youngs Bay drainage streams to determine extent of natural spawning. SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP 6

7 1.11) Expected size of program ) Proposed annual broodstock collection level (maximum number of adult fish). SAFE spring chinook broodstock are not collected as part of this program. Broodstock used in this program are collected at the following locations: Middle Fork Willamette, RM 17, Willamette; And from the following stocks: Spring chinook stock 022: Refer to the broodstock information for spring chinook stock 022 in the Willamette Hatchery Spring Chinook HGMP; Alternative option if needed: Spring chinook stock 024: Refer to the broodstock information for spring chinook stock 024 in the South Santiam Hatchery Spring Chinook HGMP ) Proposed annual fish release levels (maximum number) by life stage and location. Life Stage Release Location Annual Release Level Eyed Eggs NA NA Unfed Fry NA NA Fry NA NA Fingerling NA NA Yearling Youngs Bay 450,000 Blind Slough 300,000 a Tongue Pt. - MERTS 75,000 Tongue Pt. - John Day 25,000 SF Klaskanine 600,000 a Excludes additional experimental releases of 150,000 smolts by NOAA Fisheries. This program currently includes annual releases of ~600,000 yearling smolts into the South Fork Klaskanine River (first release in 2004), and up to 850,000 yearling smolts from net pens in Youngs Bay, Tongue Point (including the John Day acclimation site), and Blind Slough Select Areas. In future years, the intent is to maintain releases of 300,000 at Blind Slough (excluding experimental NOAA releases), and to increase releases from Youngs Bay net pens to 850,000, and re-instate production-level releases at Tongue Point of up to 250K (pending favorable homing of release groups) for a total SAFE spring chinook release of up to 1.9 million smolts (assuming spring cinook production is discontinued at the South Fork Hatchery). Target production levels for SAFE spring chinook will also be driven by allowable impact levels for future SAFE winter-summer fisheries that can constrain harvest opportunities. Production levels should not be expanded to a level that creates adult returns in excess of harvest constraints. The John Day release of 25,000 smolts was only intended to occur from as a control for the MERTS morpholine-acclimated releases. However this release group may continue in the future as a community outreach tool. Increasing releases from the MERTS site is contingent SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP 7

8 upon verified homing that will be evaluated in via test fishing/limited participation fisheries. Therefore, the 1.9 million target production is not likely to be in place until the 2008 brood year. 1.12) Current program performance, including estimated smolt-to-adult survival rates, adult production levels, and escapement levels. Indicate the source of these data. The purpose of this hatchery program is to provide high quality salmon for harvest in Select Area commercial and recreational fisheries while minimizing impacts to listed stocks. Performance is measured by catch and homing rates. The total catch of this stock since 1990 is provided in Table 1. Table 1. Annual harvest of locally-produced spring chinook in winter, spring, and summer Select Area fisheries, Data based on commercial and recreational sampling (North et al. 2004). Return year Commercial Harvest a Recreational Harvest Total Harvest ,613 1, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,663 b 1,081 9, ,000 b 100 b 2,250 b a Includes small numbers of Select Area Bright fall chinook in some years. b Approximate SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP 8

9 Table 2. Annual smolt-to-adult survival rates (%) of Select Area spring chinook by release site, brood years (North et al. 2004). South Fork Klaskanine Hatchery Brood Youngs Bay Blind Slough Year Net Pens Net Pens Na Tongue Point Net Pens 1.13) Date program started (years in operation), or is expected to start. Willamette River stock spring chinook were first released from Youngs Bay (South Fork Klaskanine Hatchery and Youngs Bay net pens) in 1989 (1988 brood). Releases have continued annually from the net pens with the exception of 1993 when rearing strategies shifted from subyearling (0+) to yearling (1+) life history patterns. Experimental spring chinook releases from CEDC s South Fork Klaskanine facility were discontinued in 1997 (1995 brood) due to generally poor returns, most likely due to high levels of bacterial kidney disease (BKD). Initiation of the BPA-funded SAFE project in 1993 provided opportunities to expand the spring chinook program in Youngs Bay and initiate releases at other SAFE sites. Releases from Youngs Bay net pens were increased in 1995 with development of the SAFE Project and releases for site comparison were initiated at Tongue Point and Blind Slough in Production-level spring chinook releases were initiated at the South Fork site in 2004 (2002 brood) in an attempt to further improve the economic benefit of the SAFE Project. This program continues currently but will likely be terminated following release of the 2004 brood in April 2006 due to recent loss of yearround water rights for the hatchery. 1.14) Expected duration of program. The program is on-going with no planned termination. 1.15) Watersheds targeted by program. Klaskanine River (through 2006); Columbia River and Youngs Bay estuaries; John Day River (Clatsop County) SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP 9

10 1.16) Indicate alternative actions considered for attaining program goals, and reasons why those actions are not being proposed ) Brief Overview of Key Issues Issue 1. Increase harvest opportunities on SAFE spring chinook, or an acceptable alternative stock, while minimizing harvest risks to listed stocks. Spring chinook (Willamette River stock) are currently reared and released by the SAFE project to provide commercial and recreational harvest opportunities in the lower Columbia River area with minimum negative impacts to listed stocks. Spring chinook were first released from Youngs Bay in 1989, and from Tongue Point and Blind Slough in Production-level releases continue in Youngs Bay and Blind Slough but were terminated at Tongue Point after 2000 (1998 brood) to address modest adult straying observed for releases from this site. Approximately 900,000 eggs are obtained each year from Willamette Basin hatcheries and reared at Gnat Creek Hatchery. Final rearing and release occurs from net pens in Youngs Bay, Blind Slough, and Tongue Point (MERTS site and John Day River; ). In 2004, an additional 639,000 smolts were reared and released from CEDC s South Fork Hatchery following transition from coho production at this facility. Beginning with the 1998 brood, all releases of spring chinook from Select Areas were mass-marked by removing the adipose fin. Releases from the four rearing sites during ranged from 730, ,000 smolts annually. The 2004 and 2005 releases increased to 1.55 and 1.40 million smolts, respectively. Overall, the program has been very successful. Adult survival rates are generally equal to or higher than other Willamette River Basin hatcheries with most fish being harvested in SAFE fisheries as intended. With the exception of releases from Tongue Point, straying has been limited and less than half the rate observed for Willamette Basin hatchery releases (15.3%; broods) (North et al. 2004). To resolve the straying issue at the Tongue Point fishing site, a new rearing site was constructed 1.2 miles upstream (east) of the present site. During an experimental group of ~25,000-35,000 spring chinook treated with a chemo-attractant (morpholine) were released annually from this new site. For comparison, a non-treated control group of ~25,000 smolts was released approximately 3.0 miles up the nearby John Day River during each year. Test fishing in the Tongue Point fishing area was initiated in 2005 concurrent with the initial adult (age-4) returns of the 2003 experimental releases. Additional test fishing or limited participation fisheries are planned for Survival and straying of adults returning from these releases will be used to determine if production-level releases of spring chinook can be re-instated at this site. Harvest of chinook in SAFE winter-summer commercial and spring recreational fisheries has increased significantly over time from 155 fish landed in 1994 to over 12,000 fish in Combined harvest in SAFE fisheries was 8,814, 11,581, and 2,596 adult spring chinook, respectively. Perhaps the biggest drawback to this program has been the recent rise in impacts to listed upriver spring chinook stocks as a result of SAFE commercial fisheries. From , combined annual upriver spring chinook impact rates in Youngs Bay winter-summer fisheries averaged 0.025%, compared to a SAFE management guideline of 0.20%. The average for was 0.16%, due to unusually high mixing of non-local stocks in most of the Select Areas as a result 10 SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP

11 of much improved upriver spring chinook returns. This increase in impacts prompted fishery managers to rescind several adopted fishing periods during the peak of the season in 2003 to prevent the fishery from exceeding impact guidelines for non-local upriver stocks. Lack of harvest opportunities frustrated fishers who had become accustomed to liberal seasons and limited in-season management within Select Area fisheries. The 2004 impact rate on upriver spring chinook in SAFE winter-summer fisheries was 0.10% (compared to a SAFE management guideline of 0.10%); similar to 2001 and about half of The 2005 commercial fishery was also constrained due to an in-season downward adjustment of the upriver spring chinook run size and a maximum upriver spring chinook impact guideline of 0.10%. Actual impacts postseason were extremely low (0.012%) as a result of extremely conservative management. Impact rates on steelhead are assumed to be low due to mesh size restrictions that allow most steelhead to pass through nets, and results of test fishing results conducted during the fishery development phase of the project which exhibited very low steelhead catch rates. The SAFE project was initially designed to include three phases of development including research, expansion, and implementation. Maximum production of spring chinook in Oregon Select Areas has not yet been achieved. Considering the value of this fishery, additional production of spring chinook is attractive. However, careful management will be necessary to provide increased harvest opportunities without exceeding allowable impact rates to listed stocks ) Potential Alternatives to the Current Program Issue 1. Increase harvest opportunities on SAFE spring chinook, or an acceptable alternative stock, while minimizing harvest risks to listed stocks. Alternative 1: Initiate re-consultation of SAFE fishery impact rates with NOAA Fisheries. This option was investigated and a Biological Assessment was written in preparation for seeking authorization from NOAA Fisheries to marginally increase allowable impacts to several listed stocks within SAFE fisheries. However, recent adoption of the Interim Management Agreement for limits all non-indian fishery impacts on upriver spring chinook to 2.0%. Therefore, impact rates for SAFE winter-summer commercial fisheries will likely remain identical to previous years. This agreement reduces management flexibility regarding implementation of expanded SAFE fisheries but may be sufficient to operate existing SAFE spring chinook fisheries with conservative, and creative management strategies.. Alternative 2: Increase the number of spring chinook smolts released in Oregon Select Areas. Currently, the potential for expansion of spring chinook production in Oregon Select Areas varies by site. Given existing facilities and production, expansion at Youngs Bay is limited to less than 200,000 additional smolts. With additional funds for new net pens and feed, production could be expanded significantly at this location. In Blind Slough, current coho and spring chinook production utilizes all available rearing space. Additional site and waste discharge permits would be needed to expand releases at this site. At Tongue Point, the new MERTS site can accommodate up to 80 net pens under the existing water discharge permit. Because this site is considered concurrent state waters, commercial fishers from both Oregon and Washington would benefit from expansion of spring chinook production at this site. With additional funds 11 SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP

12 spring chinook production at this site could be increased substantially. However, the potential for straying and impacts to upriver stocks stemming from expanded seasons needs to be addressed. The SAFE project is currently experimenting with artificial imprinting of experimental releases of spring chinook at the MERTS site using the chemo-attractant morpholine to determine if stray rates can be reduced and production level releases reestablished. Limited use of morpholine on an experimental basis is supported by the ODFW fisheries management and propagation staff. Alternative 3: Maximize the survival of current releases. Salmon smolts released from net pens in Youngs Bay have likely been subjected to substantial avian predation based on visual observations at time of release. To address this problem, the SAFE project conducted experimental releases of coho smolts during to evaluate differences in adult survival and straying rates for fish reared and released from net pens within Youngs Bay (control) with fish reared in Youngs Bay but released in the mainstem Columbia River. Experimental release groups were drifted out of Youngs Bay during an ebb tide with navigation provided by three to four contracted commercial fishing vessels. Based on recovery of 3,656 coded-wire tags from brood coho adults ( release groups), the average survival of fish towed out of Youngs Bay prior to release (3.7%) was higher than for the control group (3.27%), although other release groups exhibited survival higher than the towed groups. Straying of towed fish (0.34%) was lower than all other release strategies including the control groups released from Youngs Bay (1.1%). Although towing results compared favorably to control releases, it is unclear if the difference is due to benefits of towing or because the control fish faired poorer than other rearing and release strategies. Because towed fish survived well and did not stray excessively, this release option warrants further evaluation with spring chinook. It may serve as a useful tool to circumvent avian predation in certain years or as a means of minimizing interaction and competition with wild salmonids in the Columbia River Estuary based on rapid outmigration rates observed for sonic-tagged spring chinook towed and released (see results for telemetry study in Section 12). Mainstem releases of SAFE Project spring chinook via towing is an alternative supported by ODFW, particularily on an experimental scale until CWT return data is available to determine affects of towing on survival and straying for this species. Alternative 4: Increase SAFE fishery value by replacing coho production with spring chinook production. Due to poor ex-vessel prices paid for coho salmon in 2001 and 2002 ($0.27 and $0.33 per pound), species-specific production goals for the SAFE Project were evaluated to determine how to maximize the economic value of the project. The CEDC Fisheries Project proposed that coho production at their South Fork Hatchery be replaced with spring chinook to increase the value of the harvest in Youngs Bay. Based on this request, releases of coho from the South Fork Hatchery were discontinued following the 2003 release of 641,555 smolts. Beginning in 2003 (2002 brood), approximately 675,000 Willamette stock spring chinook were ponded at the South Fork Hatchery. The subsequent release of 639,446 smolts in 2004 represents an approximate 140% increase in spring chinook production in Youngs Bay and a 29% decrease in coho production based on recent five year average releases for both species. Based on the larger size and higher value ( average of $2.33/pound) of SAFE spring chinook, this production exchange should increase the overall value of SAFE commercial harvest. However, further reductions in coho production should be carefully evaluated so that 12 SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP

13 fall fisheries are not jeopardized. Given the 2003 SAFE coho return of 117,133 fish and an exvessel value of ~$0.50/pound, the SAFE coho fishery is of considerable importance to the economy in lower Columbia River fishing communities. Due to recent Mitchell Act funding constraints, approximately 1,000,000 coho smolts from Eagle Creek Hatchery that had historically been acclimated in Youngs Bay and Tongue Point net pens prior to release are no longer available, further reducing future coho returns to Select Areas. In light of recent limitations on dedicated upriver spring chinook impacts for Select Area fisheries and increasing coho value (~$1.00-$1.25/lb), emphasis should be placed on re-establishing Select Area coho releases rather than further replacing coho with spring chinook. Consequently, this alternative is not supported in any form by ODFW until some of the lost coho production can be replaced in order to maintain a balance between maximizing economic return and maintaining a variety of viable harvest opportunities, including fall fisheries. Alternative 5: Install a supplemental oxygen system at Gnat Creek Hatchery to increase production. Currently, the dissolved oxygen level of the rearing water supply during summer months is a factor limiting increased production of spring chinook at Gnat Creek Hatchery. A supplemental oxygen system would increase dissolved oxygen levels and hopefully yield faster growth rates, better fish conditions, and allow more fish to be reared for out-planting to net pen release sites. A feasibility evaluation of O 2 supplementation is currently ongoing at Gnat Creek Hatchery. This option is supported by ODFW if feasibility trials show improved fish health, pond carrying capacity and a net increase in juvenile production from this facility. Alternative 6: Discontinue releases of spring chinook in Oregon Select Areas. The SAFE project was initiated to provide and expand commercial and recreational fishing opportunities in off-channel areas of the lower Columbia River without negatively affecting listed stocks. Due to high value and an ability to harvest fish at a much higher rate than in the mainstem Columbia River, spring chinook released from the SAFE project contribute substantially to SAFE commercial and recreational fisheries. During Select Area fisheries were able to harvest 3-8 times as many spring chinook per upriver impact than occurred in mainstem Columbia River commercial fisheries. Elimination of SAFE spring chinook releases is unacceptable since it would jeopardize lower Columbia River commercial fisheries without improving the likelihood of recovery of listed stocks. This alternative is not supported by ODFW or industry ) Potential Reforms and Investments Reform/Investment 1: Fund increased production of spring chinook at the Tongue Point/South Channel site. The Tongue Point/South Channel site represents a significant opportunity for expansion, if stray rates can be reduced and harvest strategies that minimize SAFE fishery impacts to upriver spring chinook can be resolved. Preliminary results from ongoing straying studies may be available as soon as Results of these studies will hopefully be powerful enough to determine whether the past straying issue has been resolved at this site, thereby allowing for expanded production of spring chinook. Modifications (reduced fishing area) to the existing fishing site or season structure (closed during period of peak upriver spring chinook migration) may be needed to minimize impacts to ESA-listed stocks. Additional production at this location would require additional net pens to accommodate increased smolt numbers. Costs 13 SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP

14 associated with spring chinook production at this site would include a one-time cost to build and install the net pens, and additional annual costs to rear more smolts. Fish could be received at the net pen site as either juveniles or smolts.. Reform/Investment 2: Identify a source for additional spring chinook pre-smolts and secure funding for additional net pens, feed and labor to increase production in Select Areas. This option would yield additional spring chinook for harvest. Risks to listed stocks should be minimal if smolts are released when physiologically prepared to emigrate to the ocean and seasons can be modified to allow harvest of local production without imparting significant additional impacts to listed stocks. Costs have not been determined but would be significant. Reform/Investment 3: Secure funds to pay for experimental towing of spring chinook out of Select Areas. Based on preliminary return data for coho, this option could minimize interactions between SAFE spring chinook and listed stocks during juvenile out-migration through the Columbia River Estuary, while maintaining survival rates and homing ability. The cost would be approximately $10,000, annually. Reform/Investment 4: Secure funds to pay for continued collection and analysis of ATPase samples to ensure spring chinook smolts are physiologically ready to emigrate to the ocean. This action would likely increase adult survival since smolts could be released at an optimum time, thereby minimizing avian predation within SAFE sites and the Columbia River estuary. Results of a recently completed telemetry project (see Section 12) that monitored residency time of spring chinook released from Youngs Bay should provide insight into the correlation between ATPase levels and out-migration rate. Risks to listed stocks would be reduced since the potential for interaction between SAFE spring chinook and wild stocks during juvenile out-migration through the Columbia River Estuary would be lessened if ATPase could be used as a tool to determine optimum release timing. Costs are very low, possibly less than $1,000 annually. Reform/Investment 5: Install an oxygen supplementation system at Gnat Creek Hatchery to improve dissolved oxygen levels. A trial system has already been designed for this facility and is currently being evaluated. Costs for the experimental system are estimated to be minimal with installation requiring approximately $3,000 and annual operation costs of approximately $4,000. Costs for installing a full scale system at the hatchery would be approximately $10,000 and annual operation costs would be approximately $10,000. SECTION 2. PROGRAM EFFECTS ON NMFS ESA-LISTED SALMONID POPULATIONS. (USFWS ESA-LISTED SALMONID SPECIES AND NON-SALMONID SPECIES ARE ADDRESSED IN ADDENDUM A) 2.1) List all ESA permits or authorizations in hand for the hatchery program. Fish production activities conducted by the Select Area Fisheries Project are covered by a Biological Opinion received from NMFS in Re-initiation of consultation regarding SAFE production was planned to begin in spring 2004 with a new production Biological Assessment 14 SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP

15 (BA); however, this and other species-specific HGMPs for the SAFE project may serve as the basis for a new BA or may serve to replace it (personal communication with Rich Turner; NOAA). 2.2) Provide descriptions, status, and projected take actions and levels for NMFS ESAlisted natural populations in the target area ) Description of NMFS ESA-listed salmonid population(s) affected by the program. All Columbia River anadromous salmonids that successfully return to spawn must migrate through the lower Columbia River and estuary twice during their life cycle. Thus, hatchery programs in the lower Columbia have the potential to affect the 13 listed Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) in the Columbia River Basin. However, it is more probable that the program could affect those ESA-listed natural salmonid populations that occur in the subbasin where the program fish are collected and released, including: The lower Columbia River chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) ESU is federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, effective May 24, The Columbia River chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) ESU is federally listed as threatened, effective May 24, The wild population of coho salmon in the Lower Columbia River is part of the lower Columbia River Coho ESU. This ESU was listed by NOAA Fisheries as threatened on June 28, 2005 with a final determination expected soon. Lower Columbia River coho are currently considered an endangered species by the State of Oregon under the state ESA. - Identify the NMFS ESA-listed population(s) that will be directly affected by the program. Broodstock for the program are derived from Willamette (stock 022) spring chinook. Annually, these stocks are collected in the Willamette Basin and transferred to the South Fork Klaskanine Hatchery (likely terminated after 2006 release) or Gnat Creek hatcheries at the eyed-egg stage or later as fry. Because some unmarked fish are collected for broodstock (<10% of fish collected), there is some chance that listed Upper Willamette spring chinook may be taken for broodstock in this program. However, most of these unmarked fish are not naturally produced (see Section 6.2.2). - Identify the NMFS ESA-listed population(s) that may be incidentally affected by the program. Some ESA-listed chinook populations in the Columbia River Basin (e.g. Snake River spring/summer, Upper Columbia spring, Upper Willamette spring, Lower Columbia spring) may be directly affected by this program through incidental harvest of fish in the SAFE wintersummer commercial fisheries. Impact rates on these stocks have typically been low in SAFE 15 SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP

16 fisheries (see Table 8). Fisheries are managed to minimize impacts to these listed stocks primarily through the nature of the fishing sites which are located in off-channel areas and through time restrictions designed to provide harvest opportunity prior to, and after peak abundance of non-target upriver spring chinook in the areas. Typically, fishing does not occur during mid-march through mid-april to minimize impacts to listed upriver spring chinook. Additionally, pre-fishery test fishing has been used to verify assumed low abundance of listed fish in the fishing areas when seasons are considered that would approach or overlap this nonfishing period. Reduced fishing hours and reduced fishing area (ie above old Youngs Bay bridge) regulations have been used to further minimize impacts to listed spring chinook. The fall component of the Lower Columbia River Chinook ESU is comprised of two groups: tules and brights. Native fall chinook in Oregon tributaries of the lower Columbia River are almost all tule fall chinook, with the exception of bright stock fall chinook produced in the Sandy River. Small scattered naturally spawning fall chinook populations are observed in small Oregon tributaries, with the largest numbers in Big Creek and Plympton Creek (Fulop 2003). In these creeks a significant portion of the natural spawning is comprised of hatchery produced tule fall chinook adults. Small numbers of tule fall chinook spawn in Youngs Bay tributaries in some years. Tule fall chinook generally arrive at the mouth of the Columbia River beginning in August, with peak migration generally in September; bright fall chinook return timing generally is later than tules. Tule fall chinook are sexually mature upon river entry and spawn soon after arrival to the spawning grounds, while bright fall chinook are sexually immature and may hold in freshwater for months prior to spawning. Populations in the lower Columbia have short migrations, which are more characteristic of coastal populations than upper Columbia populations. Depending on spawn timing and water temperature, tule fall chinook juveniles in the lower Columbia River generally emerge beginning in March-April and follow an ocean-type life history, emigrating in late spring/early summer of their first year as sub-yearlings. Meanwhile, bright fall chinook juveniles in the lower Columbia River generally emerge from March-June and emigrate in early/late summer. Ocean distribution of lower Columbia fall chinook extends from the coast of Washington to Southeast Alaska; bright fall chinook salmon are generally more northerly distributed (Wahle and Vreeland 1977). Lower Columbia River chum salmon are occasionally observed in the Klaskanine River and Big Creek. Chum salmon in the lower Columbia generally arrive at the mouth of the Columbia River beginning in late October, with peak migration generally in November (WDFW and ODFW 2002). Chum salmon are sexually mature upon river entry and spawn soon after arrival to the spawning grounds. Depending on spawn timing and water temperature, chum fry begin emerging in early spring (March) and emigrate shortly after emergence, peak emigration is usually late April. Current chum salmon ocean distribution is not well documented but is expected to extend along the coast from Washington to Alaska. Lower Columbia River coho salmon are present in Youngs Bay tributaries and Big Creek. Evidence suggests that most coho observed in these subbasins are Type S hatchery stocks and that relatively few wild fish are present (ODFW 2004). Lower Columbia River coho are categorized as either Type S or Type N, based on their general ocean distribution either south or north of the Columbia River. Managers also refer to Type S as early stock coho and Type N as late stock. Early stock coho salmon in the lower Columbia generally enter the Columbia River 16 SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP

17 beginning in August, with peak spawn timing generally in late October. Late stock coho salmon in the lower Columbia generally enter the Columbia River beginning in September, with peak spawn timing generally in late November and December (Watts 2003). Depending on spawn timing and water temperature, coho fry begin emerging in the spring and rear for a year in freshwater. Emigration begins the following spring. Listed populations that may be incidentally affected by the SAFE spring chinook salmon program include species utilizing habitat in the North and South Forks of the Klaskanine River, Youngs River, Lewis and Clark River, Youngs Bay, Big Creek, and the Columbia River and estuary downstream of Youngs Bay. All NMFS ESA-listed salmonids use the lower Columbia River as a migratory route, although effects of the SAFE spring chinook salmon program are expected to be minimal due to rapid outmigration of smo;ts and proximity yof release sites to the Columbia River mouth (limited overlap in outmigration). Potential for impacts associated with the SAFE spring chinook program are more likely to occur in populations of threatened chinook and chum, as well as ESA candidate coho salmon that may occur in the Youngs Bay tributaries. Lower Columbia tule fall chinook abundance is generally low and other Columbia River chinook stocks (e.g. Lower River Bright, Upriver Brights, etc.) have not been observed spawning in the Youngs Bay tributaries. The Rogue River Bright stock, which are produced in the SAB fall chinook program, are currently the most abundant fall chinook stock spawning in the Youngs Bay tributaries. Big Creek natural spawning fall chinook are predominately Lower River tule stock, however, it is assumed that a large proportion of the natural spawners are hatchery produced fish (Table 3). Chum salmon are periodically observed in South Fork Klaskanine River and are trapped at Big Creek Hatchery, although abundance is quite low (Table 4). Estimates of total escapement have not been quantified for coho salmon in the Youngs Bay area. However, fish per mile estimates have been made for the Youngs River and for Big Creek. The fish per mile data represents only wild coho as marked hatchery fish could be accounted for and removed from the data (Table 4). Table 3. Fall chinook aggregate natural spawning escapement estimates for select lower Columbia River subbasins, , Youngs Bay tributaries, , and Big Creek, Aggregate Youngs Bay Tributaries Big Creek Run Year Lower Columbia Tribs a North Fork Klaskanine South Fork Klaskanine Lewis and Clark Youngs LRH b RRB c LRH b RRB c LRH b RRB c LRH b RRB c LRH b RRB c ,545 na na na na na na na na na na ,712 na na na na na na na na na na ,230 na na na na na na na na na na ,225 na na na na na na na na na na ,189 na na na na na na na na na na ,906 na na na na na na na na na na ,307 na na na na na na na na na na ,175 na na na na na na na na na na , , , , , , , , , , SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP

18 a Expanded spawning ground surveys for nine Oregon lower Columbia River tributaries; South Fork Klaskanine, North Fork Klaskanine, Lewis and Clark River, Youngs River, Bear Creek, Big Creek, Plympton Creek, Gnat Creek, and Clatskanine River. b LRH = Lower River Hatchery stock. c RRB = Rogue River (Select Area Bright; SAB) stock. Table 4. Chum and coho salmon escapement estimates in select lower Columbia River subbasins, Chum Coho Run Year Big Creek Hatchery Trap S. Fork Klaskanine Hatchery Youngs River a (fish/mile) Big Creek a (fish/mile) Not avail Not avail Not avail Not avail Not avail Not avail Not avail Not avail Not avail Not avail a Escapement estimates represent fish per mile counts. Estimates from represent wild fish only while pre-2000 estimates include both hatchery and wild fish, of which, many are hatchery fish ) Status of NMFS ESA-listed salmonid population(s) affected by the program. - Describe the status of the listed natural population(s) relative to critical and viable population thresholds (see definitions in Attachment 1"). The Willamette/Lower Columbia Technical Review Team (WLC-TRT) has not determined critical and viable population thresholds for the Oregon lower Columbia fall chinook, chum, or coho populations in the vicinity of the SAFE spring chinook program. However, the WLC-TRT has established default value minimum population viability criteria of 1,400 for chinook and 1,100 for chum for use as a general value for lower Columbia fall chinook and chum populations. A default minimum viable population criteria has not been identified by the WLC- TRT for coho. Although the Lower Columbia Recovery Board (LCFRB) has assumed a value of 600 for Washington lower Columbia coho populations, which is the same criteria identified by the WLC-TRT for lower Columbia steelhead. The WLC-TRT and ODFW have both assessed the current viability status of salmon and steelhead populations in the lower Columbia and Willamette ESUs. Both assessments used the same persistence probability criteria to estimate extinction risk for each population. To estimate the extinction risk, four key attributes were evaluated: 1) abundance and productivity, 2) 18 SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP

19 diversity, 3) spatial structure, and 4) habitat. The populations were ranked from 0-4, with category 0 representing a 0-40% chance of persistence in the next 100 years and category 4 representing a 99 percent chance of persistence in the next 100 years. A population was considered viable with a category 3 or higher score. The status assessment includes fall chinook, coho, and chum populations in Youngs Bay tributaries, Big Creek, Scappoose Creek, and the Clatskanie River. The persistence probability scores of both the WLC-TRT and ODFW are reflected as a range (Figure 1). The scores for fall chinook are generally low ranging from 1 to 2, for chum very low at less than 1, and for coho low from 1 to 2. Chinook Chum Coho Figure 1. Current viability status of fall chinook, chum and coho salmon populations in Youngs Bay, Big Creek, Clatskanie River, and Scappoose Creek. Figure adapted from McElhany et al. (2004). - Provide the most recent 12 year (e.g present) progeny-to-parent ratios, survival data by life-stage, or other measures of productivity for the listed population. Indicate the source of these data. These data are not available. - Provide the most recent 12 year (e.g ) annual spawning abundance estimates, or any other abundance information. Indicate the source of these data. (Include estimates of juvenile habitat seeding relative to capacity or natural fish densities, if available). Most recent available spawning escapement estimates are shown in Table 3 and Table SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP

20 - Provide the most recent 12 year (e.g ) estimates of annual proportions of direct hatchery-origin and listed natural-origin fish on natural spawning grounds, if known. These data are not available for chum. Although few hatchery chum salmon are expected to be present in Oregon tributaries of the lower Columbia because of a lack of chum salmon hatchery programs in the region. Two programs across the river at Grays River and Chinook River may contribute strays. Natural chinook spawning escapements in Oregon tributaries of the lower Columbia River have been separated by stock components since No wild fish (LRW) have been observed during that time; the primary stock components are LRH and RRB. Thus, all chinook in these Oregon tributaries are expected to be of hatchery-origin. Available hatchery coho proportions are summarized below (Table 5). Naturally spawning unmarked coho are thought to be primarily of hatchery origin due to the long history of extensive hatchery releases and outplantings in lower Columbia River tributaries, as well as the lack of genetic distinction between hatchery and naturally produced coho (NMFS 1991). Table 5. Estimated percent of hatchery coho in the natural spawning escapement for select Oregon lower Columbia tributaries. Year Youngs River Big Creek Clatskanie River Scappoose Creek % % 49% 9% % 92% 17% 20% % 91% 60% 0% % 65% 0% 1% 2.2.3) Describe hatchery activities, including associated monitoring and evaluation and research programs, that may lead to the take of NMFS listed fish in the target area, and provide estimated annual levels of take (see Attachment 1" for definition of take ). - Describe hatchery activities that may lead to the take of listed salmonid populations in the target area, including how, where, and when the takes may occur, the risk potential for their occurrence, and the likely effects of the take. Incidental take of lower Columbia River chinook, Columbia River chum, or Columbia River coho will not occur through activities associated with adult broodstock collection for the SAFE spring chinook program. Broodstock are not collected locally. Broodstock are derived from the Willamette (stock 022) and are collected in the Willamette Basin. In 2001, eyed eggs were received from Clackamas and South Santiam hatcheries due to egg shortages at Willamette Hatchery. Spring chinook incidental take as a result of broodstock collection is addressed in the respective HGMPs for those three hatchery programs. During recent years, adult fish that escaped harvest and returned to Big Creek Hatchery have been collected in the hatcheries fish trap and either recycled to the Blind Slough fishery or sacrificed and donated to local charities. Trapping and transport associated with these adult 20 SAFE Spring Chinook Salmon HGMP