CHUM SALMON - WASHINGTON STATE. Oncorhynchus keta. Sometimes known as Dog Salmon, Calico Salmon SUMMARY

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1 CHUM SALMON - WASHINGTON STATE Oncorhynchus keta Sometimes known as Dog Salmon, Calico Salmon SUMMARY Chum Salmon is an anadromous fish, meaning it migrates from freshwaters to ocean waters to feed for several years and then back to freshwaters to reproduce. They are found in the North Pacific Ocean, with many distinct reproductive populations occurring along the coasts of North America and Asia. They reach sexual maturity between 3-5 years and have a short life span, reproducing only once and then dying. In Washington State, Chum Salmon abundance is at healthy level for many populations. However, some Chum Salmon populations are at critically low abundance levels and considered threatened with extinction. Fishing for Chum Salmon is only allowed on healthy populations. Chum Salmon are caught upon their return to coastal waters to reproduce, primarily with drift gillnets and purse seines. These gear types have minimal habitat impacts and low bycatch, but some threatened/endangered salmon species can be caught. Criterion Points Final Score Color Life History Abundance Habitat Quality and Fishing Gear Impacts Management 2.75 Bycatch 2.50 Final Score 2.60 Color

2 LIFE HISTORY Core Points (only one selection allowed) If a value for intrinsic rate of increase ( r ) is known, assign the score below based on this value. If no r-value is available, assign the score below for the correct age at 50% maturity for females if specified, or for the correct value of growth rate ('k'). If no estimates of r, age at 50% maturity, or k are available, assign the score below based on maximum age Intrinsic rate of increase <0.05; OR age at 50% maturity >10 years; OR growth rate <0.15; OR maximum age >30 years Intrinsic rate of increase = ; OR age at 50% maturity = 5-10 years; OR a growth rate = ; OR maximum age = years Intrinsic rate of increase >0.16; OR age at 50% maturity = 1-5 years; OR growth rate >0.30; OR maximum age <11 years. Chum Salmon are one of seven North American Pacific salmon fish species (Family: Salmonidae). Like other salmon, Chum Salmon are anadromous, meaning they spend most of their lives in the ocean but migrate to freshwater streams/rivers to reproduce, usually to the same stream/river of their birth. As a result, there are many distinct reproductive populations and there is a high amount of life history variation among these populations, but the general life cycle is the same. Life for the Chum Salmon begins in freshwater rivers, but in contrast to most other salmon, new born Chum Salmon (known as fry) spend very little time in freshwaters, migrating almost immediately to estuarine or near shore oceanic waters (Bakkala 1970, Hale 1981, DFO 2011a, WDFW 2012a). The young Chum Salmon will spend a few months in near shore waters before migrating to open-ocean waters of the North Pacific by the end of year 1. At this time they will average 28 cm (11 in) in length (WDFW 2012a). They will then spend the next several years in the open-ocean waters feeding and growing. Chum Salmon grow rapidly in these oceanic waters, commonly reaching sizes of cm (24-30 in.) in length and 4-7 kg (8-15 lbs) in weight (Bakkala 1970, Merrell 1970, Morrow 1980, WDFW 2012a, NMFS 2012a). The maximum observed size for Chum Salmon is 1.1 m (3.6 ft) and 20 kg (45 lbs), which is second in size only to the chinook salmon (NMFS 2012a). Most Chum Salmon will reach sexual maturity between 3-5 years of age, with fish at northern latitudes tending to become sexually mature at a slightly later age compared to fish at more southern latitudes (Gilbert et al. 1983, WDFW 2012a, NMFS 2012a). Once they reach sexual maturity they will migrate back to freshwater to reproduce, completing the cycle. After reproduction, Chum Salmon die. The maximum age for Chum Salmon is six years (ADFG 2012, DFO 2011a). Since Chum Salmon are short-lived, reach sexual maturity at an early age, and seem to grow quickly, a score of 3 is awarded.

3 Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) Species has special behaviors that make it especially vulnerable to fishing pressure (e.g., spawning aggregations; site fidelity; segregation by sex; migratory bottlenecks; unusual attraction to gear; etc.). Like other salmon, Chum Salmon are anadromous, being born in freshwater, then moving out to ocean waters, and returning to freshwaters to reproduce. Larval Chum Salmon (also known as fry), typically move to estuarine or near shore oceanic waters immediately following birth, and tend to form schools, likely to protect themselves from predators (Bakkala 1970, Hale 1981, NMFS 2012a). After spending a few months in near shore waters, they move to deeper, open waters in the North Pacific, where they spend several years before returning to freshwaters to reproduce (NMFS 2012a, WDFW 2012a). It is upon their return to coastal areas/freshwaters that Chum Salmon become vulnerable to capture. They migrate back to freshwaters in groups, along predictable coastal routes, which makes them easy targets for commercial, recreational, and tribal fishermen (WDFW 2012a, DFO 2011a). Additionally, most Chum Salmon return to the same river/stream where they were born, known as natal homing, which makes individual spawning populations very susceptible to depletion. Points are subtracted Species has a strategy for sexual development that makes it especially vulnerable to fishing pressure (e.g., age at 50% maturity >20 years; sequential hermaphrodites; extremely low fecundity). Chum Salmon mate or spawn in gravel beds in the lower reaches of rives or streams (NMFS 2012a, Buklis 1994). In several rivers/streams there is both a summer spawning run (September-October) and a fall spawning run (November-December), and in Puget Sound, Washington there is also a winter spawn (January-February) (Gilbert et al. 1988, DFO 2011a, WDFW 2012a). The majority of Chum Salmon though spawn in the fall. Females use their body or tail to construct nests (known as redds) to deposit their eggs in, which are then fertilized by the males (WDFW 2012a). Females will then guard the nest until they become weak and die, while males will continue to compete for mates until they die (WDFW 2012a). This reproduction process takes around 10 days. On average, females can produce 2,000-3,000 eggs; however, many of the eggs will suffer mortalities over the four month incubation period as a result of predation, erosion of the eggs from flooding, a lack of oxygen, or other various environmental factors (Bakkala 1970, Buklis 1994). The survival rate from the egg to larval or fry stage is typically less than 10% (Hale 1981). When the eggs hatch, the young larvae will remain in the gravel nests for another month and a half, before emerging, at which point they will immediately begin moving downstream to ocean waters (WDFW 2012a). Chum Salmon are considered to have a medium fecundity (e.g. egg production), so no points are subtracted.

4 -0.25 Species has a small or restricted range (e.g., endemism; numerous evolutionarily significant units; restricted to one coastline; e.g., American lobster; striped bass; endemic reef fishes). Chum Salmon have the widest distribution of the North Pacific salmon fishes, ranging from Monterey, California northward to arctic Alaska, and in Asia along the coast of Russia south to Japan and Korea (NMFS 2012a). Presently though, Chum Salmon spawning populations are typically not found south of Tillamook Bay, Oregon on the North American coast (NMFS 2012a). Although, Chum Salmon are widely disturbed, like other salmon they exhibit natal homing, returning to reproduce/spawn at the same river/stream where they were born. As a result, this leads to many discrete reproductive populations that have each genetically adapted to their unique environment (Taylor 1991, Dittman and Quinn 1996). Each genetically distinct population/group is at risk of being depleted, and if lost is unlikely to be able to naturally recolonize itself (DFO 2005). In the U.S., genetically distinct populations or groups of salmon populations are referred to as Evolutionary Significant Units (ESU) (NMFS 2012a). There are currently four defined ESUs for Chum Salmon in Washington, Oregon, and California (NMFS 2012a). Although, there are several genetically distinct populations for Chum Salmon, they have fewer discrete populations compared to some other salmon species. Overall, we consider Chum Salmon to have a moderate distribution, so no points are subtracted Species exhibits high natural population variability driven by broad-scale environmental change (e.g. El Nino; decadal oscillations). Several studies have indicated that North Pacific salmon growth and survival can be significantly affected by broad scale environmental change. The main source of interdecadal climate variability in the northwest Pacific is the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), which causes a regime shift in ocean temperatures every years, alternating between a warm phase and a cool phase (WDFW 2012a, CIG 2012). The PDO regime shift to warmer condition in the 1970s appears to have had a positive impact on the abundance of some Pacific salmon species, including Chum Salmon, while negatively impacting other salmon species (Helle and Hoffman 1998, CIG 2012, WDFW 2012a). Additionally, El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, which occur over short timescales (2-7 years) and result in above-average ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific and sometimes in the northwest Pacific, have had some impacts on salmon populations as well (Hare et al. 1999, WDFW 2012a). In the coming years, salmon populations could be further impacted by global climate change (CIG 2012). Points are therefore subtracted Species does not have special behaviors that increase ease or population consequences of capture OR has special behaviors that make it less vulnerable to fishing pressure (e.g., species is widely dispersed during spawning).

5 +0.25 Species has a strategy for sexual development that makes it especially resilient to fishing pressure (e.g., age at 50% maturity <1 year; extremely high fecundity) Species is distributed over a very wide range (e.g., throughout an entire hemisphere or ocean basin; e.g., swordfish; tuna; Patagonian toothfish) Species does not exhibit high natural population variability driven by broad-scale environmental change (e.g., El Nino; decadal oscillations) Points for Life History ABUNDANCE Core Points (only one selection allowed) Compared to natural or un-fished level, the species population is: 1.00 Low: Abundance or biomass is <75% of BMSY or similar proxy (e.g., spawning potential ratio) Medium: Abundance or biomass is % of BMSY or similar proxy; OR population is approaching or recovering from an overfished condition; OR adequate information on abundance or biomass is not available. Chum Salmon are captured in commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries throughout their range when they return to freshwater rivers to reproduce. In the U.S., Chum Salmon commercial catches have ranged from 10,000 to 70,000 metric tons ( million lbs) from 1950 to 2010, averaging 50,000 mt (112 million lbs) over the last decade. The majority of this catch is taken in Alaska, while about 10% of the catch (5,000 mt) occurs is Washington State (NMFS 2012b). This report is focused on Chum Salmon captured in Washington State only, as Alaska Chum Salmon have been assessed in a separate report. Within Washington, most of the Chum Salmon caught come from the Puget Sound population, with small catches from the Pacific Coast population (WDFW 2012a). It should be realized that several salmon hatcheries have been established to enhance U.S. Pacific coast Chum Salmon populations and that catch numbers reflect both wild caught and hatchery caught fish. In the following discussion of population abundances, it will be noted when possible the contribution of the wild vs. hatchery raised fish. In Washington, Chum Salmon populations are divided into three regions: Puget Sound, Coastal, and Columbia River. Salmon stock are assessed by determining the total number of fish that return from the ocean to reproduce and escape the fishery (i.e. those not

6 caught), and thus actually spawn. For each population or group of populations, the number of fish required for reproduction to maintain a healthy population is estimated and used to set a target escapement goal. Populations are then categorically ranked as healthy, depressed, or critical based on whether they are meeting these escapement goals (WDFW 2012a). In Puget Sound, there has been an overall increase in Chum Salmon abundance since the 1970s. As of 2002, 38 of the 55 spawning populations in this region were considered to be at healthy abundance levels, while 13 were of unknown status. Since then, most populations have continued to meet escapement goals, and thus remain at healthy levels. Wild fish account for around 55-75% of the total Chum Salmon that return to the rivers, while hatchery produced fish make up the rest (WDFW 2012a). The exception to the healthy Puget Sound populations is the Hood Canal and Strait of Juan de Fuca summer Chum Salmon spawning populations, which are actually considered to be a genetically distinct population group from the rest of the Puget Sound Chum. These populations are at critically low abundances and are considered to be threatened with extinction under the Endangered Species Act (WDFW 2012a, NMFS 2012a). In the Coastal region, the larger populations in the south are all considered healthy, while the statuses of the smaller populations in the northern region are unknown (WDFW 2012a). For the southern populations, average Chum Salmon escapements from have been right around target escapement goals; although in the most recent years escapement numbers have been slightly below target levels (WDFW 2012a). Most of the Chum Salmon from the southern populations are of wild origin. In the Columbia River region, Chum Salmon populations are at very low abundance levels, at only 3% of historical levels and 12% of levels observed in the early 1950 s (WDFW 2012a). Like the Hood Canal/Strait of Juan de Fuca summer Chum Salmon, Columbia River Chum Salmon are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (NMFS 2012a). There are no targeted fisheries for Chum Salmon in the Columbia River region. Overall, many Chum Salmon populations in Washington are at healthy abundance levels, but some populations are of critical conservation concern. However, fisheries for Chum Salmon are only permitted to occur on healthy populations and significant measures have been taken to protect threatened Chum Salmon populations from fishing impacts (Ames et al. 2000, Brewer et al. 2005, NMFS 2012d). We have therefore awarded a score of 2 to account for the fact commercially caught Chum Salmon come from healthy populations High: Abundance or biomass is >125% of BMSY or similar proxy. Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) The population is declining over a generational time scale (as indicated by biomass estimates or standardized CPUE) Age, size or sex distribution is skewed relative to the natural condition (e.g., truncated size/age structure or anomalous sex distribution).

7 -0.25 Species is listed as "overfished" OR species is listed as "depleted", "endangered", or "threatened" by recognized national or international bodies. In Washington, Hood Canal/Strait of Juan de Fuca summer spawning Chum Salmon and Columbia River Chum Salmon are listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (NMFS 2012a). However, most other Chum Salmon populations in Washington are healthy. Additionally, directed fishing for Chum Salmon only occurs on the healthy populations, and measures are in place to ensure that fisheries have minimal impacts on threatened populations (Ames et al. 2000, Brewer et al. 2005, NMFS 2012d). Therefore we have not subtracted points Current levels of abundance are likely to jeopardize the availability of food for other species or cause substantial change in the structure of the associated food web. Chum Salmon feed on a variety of prey. Young Chum Salmon in river and near shore waters feed on insects, small shrimp-like crustaceans, and small herring. In the open ocean, adults will prey on copepods, various fishes, mollusks (e.g. clams), squid, and tunicates (ADFG 2012, NMFS 2012a). Predators of young Chum Salmon include a variety of fishes, such as trout or coho salmon, and birds (e.g. cormorants) (Hale 1981, Gilbert et al. 1983, WDFW 2012a). It is during their migrations from freshwater to saltwater that predation is the highest. As Chum Salmon grow larger in size, predation decreases and only larger animals feed on them. In the open ocean important predators of Chum Salmon are killer whales, sea lions, harbor seals, and various pelagic fishes and sharks (Bakkala 1970, WDFW 2012a ADFG 2012). Salmon species are considered to be important components of the food web (DFO 2011b, c). Many Chum Salmon populations in Washington are at healthy abundance levels, but some populations are critically depleted. It is unknown if the low abundance of Chum Salmon in some areas has negatively impacted the food web. No points are subtracted The population is increasing over a generational time scale (as indicated by biomass estimates or standardized CPUE). Abundance of Chum Salmon in Washington is based on the number of fish that return from the ocean to the rivers/streams to spawn/reproduce and the number of fish that escape the fishery and thus actually spawn. In the Puget Sound region, there has been an overall increase in the abundance of Chum Salmon since the 1970s, while in the Coastal region abundance of Chum Salmon has fluctuated, with no overall trend (WDFW 2012a). In the Columbia River region, populations have been depressed and low for several decades, with no signs of improvement (NMFS 2011a). Due to differences in abundance trends among regions, no points are added.

8 +0.25 Age, size or sex distribution is functionally normal. Chum Salmon become sexually mature and migrate from open-ocean waters to freshwater rivers and streams to reproduce between 3-5 years of age. Following reproduction they die. There have been some observed changes in the age/size at maturity in Chum Salmon over the years, but these changes appear to be related to environmental factors (Helle and Hoffman 1998). Changes in population structure are not known to have occurred as a result of fishing, so points are added Species is close to virgin biomass Current levels of abundance provide adequate food for other predators or are not known to affect the structure of the associated food web Points for Abundance HABITAT QUALITY AND FISHING GEAR IMPACTS Core Points (only one selection allowed) Select the option that most accurately describes the effect of the fishing method upon the habitat that it affects 1.00 The fishing method causes great damage to physical and biogenic habitats (e.g., cyanide; blasting; bottom trawling; dredging) The fishing method does moderate damage to physical and biogenic habitats (e.g., bottom gillnets; traps and pots; bottom longlines) The fishing method does little damage to physical or biogenic habitats (e.g., hand picking; hand raking; hook and line; pelagic long lines; mid-water trawl or gillnet; purse seines). In Washington, average Chum Salmon commercial catches from 2000 to 2010 were 50,000 mt (112 million lbs) (NMFS 2012b, WDFW 2012a). The primary gears used to catch Chum Salmon are purse seines and gillnets, but in some areas, reefnets and/or trolls may also be used (WDFW 2012a, NMFS 2012c). Purse seines are long nets, with floats on the top line and weights on the bottom line, which are designed to catch schools of fish. They are set from a boat in a circle around a school of fish, and then the bottom edges are drawn to together in a purse to trap the fish. Gillnets are rectangle nets that hang vertically in the water column, and entangle fish by their gills. Like purse seines,

9 they have floats on the top line and weights on the bottom line. Gillnets are typically set near inlets or rivers, across migration routes known to be taken by salmon (WDFW 2012a, DFO 2011b). A reefnet is a three sided open-ended floating trap net that uses leaders to direct the fish into the trap. One salmon enter the trap the net is closed (WDFW 2012a). Trolling is a method of hook and line fishing, in which lines with lures are suspended from large poles that extend from the fishing vessel (DFO 2011b). All of the gears used in the Chum Salmon fisheries are fished in surface or mid-waters, and thus cause minimal habitat damage. Therefore, a score of 3 is awarded. Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) Habitat for this species is so compromised from non-fishery impacts that the ability of the habitat to support this species is substantially reduced (e.g., dams; pollution; coastal development). Chum Salmon are dependent on various habitats, from freshwater rivers to the open ocean, throughout their life cycle. Reproduction by Chum Salmon in freshwater rivers/streams requires low-moderate stream flow and good water quality to allow for migration in/out of the streams and optimal egg and early larval survival. Additionally, healthy estuarine environments provide important food sources for young Chum Salmon and protection from a variety of fish and bird predators. Juvenile and adult Chum Salmon also depend on optimal open-ocean environmental conditions for fast growth and survival to sexual maturity (WDFW 2012a). River and near shore Chum Salmon habitats have been significantly affected by nonfishery impacts. Various land use practices, like logging, agriculture, and water resource development have altered natural river/stream water flows that are necessary for migration, spawning, and rearing of Chum Salmon, and have degraded coastal habitats (NMFS 2012a, WDFW 2012a, DFO 2011a). It been estimated that 40% of coastal wetlands in Washington state and that 70% of emergent wetlands in the Puget Sound region have been lost, limiting the amount of suitable estuarine habitat available for young Chum Salmon (WDFW 2012a). These reductions in habitat quantity and quality are a contributing factor to the decline in Chum Salmon for several populations. For example, the Columbia River Chum Salmon populations which are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, have suffered from reduced river flow and other habitat changes, which have resulted in increased predation rates on migrating larval or fry Chum Salmon (WDFW 2012a). Although, open-ocean habitats have not been impacted by human-development projects, they are affected by natural climate processes which can influence food availability, growth, and survival of salmon species (WDFW 2012a). In addition to the above impacts on Chum Salmon habitat, there is also concern that hatchery programs, which were established to enhance declining Chum Salmon populations, may actually have negative impacts on wild Chum Salmon. For instance,

10 they may compete for food resources, alter the genetic structure of the wild populations if they spawn with wild fish, and transmit diseases (NMFS 2012a). In addition, the release of hatchery fry or larvae has also been known to result in large predator aggregations, which can then lead to increased predation on wild Chum Salmon larvae (WDFW 2012a). Although there have been efforts in recent years to protect and restore Chum Salmon habitats (discussed below), the availability of suitable habitat is still a major concern for many Chum Salmon populations. Points are subtracted Critical habitat areas (e.g., spawning areas) for this species are not protected by management using time/area closures, marine reserves, etc. Over the last decade or two, there have been increased efforts to protect and restore critical freshwater and estuarine salmon habitats needed for spawning and early larval development (WDFW 2012b). These efforts have included removing migration barriers to spawning grounds, working to improve water quality or restore the natural flow of rivers, developing guidelines for land use in coastal areas, restoring estuarine habitats, planting vegetation, and building side channels for migration routes (WDFW 2012b). Critical habitat areas have also been designated and protected for populations listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (NMFS 2012a). Management has also implemented measures to limit hatchery impacts on wild Chum Salmon populations (Ames et al. 2000, Brewer et al. 2005). However, despite these efforts, many critical spawning habitats for Chum Salmon remain in poor condition and the lack suitable habitat remains a limiting factor in the rebuilding of threatened Chum Salmon populations (NMFS 2011a, b). Recent evaluations of threatened salmon populations indicated that further habitat protection/restoration measures are needed in Washington (NMFS 2011a, b). We have therefore subtracted points No efforts are being made to minimize damage from existing gear types OR new or modified gear is increasing habitat damage (e.g., fitting trawls with roller rigs or rockhopping gear; more robust gear for deep-sea fisheries) If gear impacts are substantial, resilience of affected habitats is very slow (e.g., deep water corals; rocky bottoms) Habitat for this species remains robust and viable and is capable of supporting this species Critical habitat areas (e.g., spawning areas) for this species are protected by management using time/area closures, marine reserves, etc.

11 +0.25 Gear innovations are being implemented over a majority of the fishing area to minimize damage from gear types OR no innovations necessary because gear effects are minimal. Chum Salmon are captured with purse seines, gillnets, and trolls. These gears are typically fished in surface or mid-waters, and thus gear effects on habitats are minimal If gear impacts are substantial, resilience of affected habitats is fast (e.g., mud or sandy bottoms) OR gear effects are minimal. Gear effects are minimal Points for Habitat Quality and Fishing Gear Impacts MANAGEMENT Core Points (only one selection allowed) Select the option that most accurately describes the current management of the fisheries of this species Regulations are ineffective (e.g., illegal fishing or overfishing is occurring) OR the fishery is unregulated (i.e., no control rules are in effect) Management measures are in place over a major portion over the species' range but implementation has not met conservation goals OR management measures are in place but have not been in place long enough to determine if they are likely to achieve conservation and sustainability goals. The Chum Salmon fisheries in Washington State are co-managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Native American treaty tribes (WDFW 2012a). Management is also influenced by the Pacific Salmon Treaty, a co-operative management agreement between the U.S. and Canada that regulates salmon populations of mutual concern (PSC 2009) and federal regulations pertaining to populations listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Chum Salmon fisheries are managed to ensure an adequate amount of mature adults escape the fishery and survive to reproduce (WDFW 2012a). The number of fish that survive all sources of mortality (natural and fishing) and arrive in the rivers to reproduce represents the escapement. For all reproductive populations or population groups, escapement goals are set and used to determine fishery regulations. Prior to Chum

12 Salmon fishing seasons each year, scientists predict how many fish will return to each freshwater population to spawn, based on information from the past years returns and abundance counts. For a given population, if the number of returning fish is expected to be above or in excess of the escapement goal, then the fishery will typically be opened to allow fishermen to catch the surplus fish, but for populations in which returns are expected to be right at or below escapement goals, fisheries will not be allowed (WDFW 2012a). To ensure only the surplus fish are caught, managers may regulate fishing season length, number of fishing days, and set catch limits. Chum Salmon populations are also frequently monitored during the fishing season and fishing regulations may be adjusted if necessary based on updated abundance estimates (WDFW 2012a). Additionally, since fish from different populations are often mixed together before they enter their respective rivers, managers try to ensure that fisheries only occur in areas and during times when salmon from low populations can be avoided or minimally impacted (WDFW 2012a). The Chum Salmon populations that are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act are managed to rebuild populations. Rebuilding measures include strictly limiting fishing on these populations (no or minimal catch), protecting and restoring habitats, and safely enhancing populations through hatchery production (Ames et al. 2000, Brewer et al. 2005, NMFS 2012d, LCFRB 2010). There have been small improvements in the status of the Hood Canal/Strait of Juan de Fuca Summer Chum Salmon populations (NMFS 2011b), but Columbia River Chum Salmon populations have shown no signs of improvement (NMFS 2011a). In both cases, a lack of suitable habitat is the primary factor impeding population recovery, and thus further habitat restoration/protection measures are likely needed (NMFS 2011a, b, 2012 d). Although many Chum Salmon populations are meeting conservation goals, some populations remain threatened with extinction. We have therefore awarded a score of Substantial management measures are in place over a large portion of the species range and have demonstrated success in achieving conservation and sustainability goals. Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) There is inadequate scientific monitoring of stock status, catch or fishing effort Management does not explicitly address fishery effects on habitat, food webs, and ecosystems This species is overfished and no recovery plan or an ineffective recovery plan is in place Management has failed to reduce excess capacity in this fishery or implements subsidies that result in excess capacity in this fishery.

13 +0.25 There is adequate scientific monitoring, analysis and interpretation of stock status, catch and fishing effort. Chum Salmon catches and abundances are closely monitored for most Chum Salmon populations in Washington. Populations are monitored both during and at the end of the fishing season to ensure that an adequate number of fish escape the fishery and survive to reproduce. The number of fish that escape the fishery and survive to reproduce is typically monitored by counting live or dead fish on the spawning grounds. Fishing regulations are set and adjusted in-season based on abundance/escapement estimates for each population (WDFW 2012a). Although, not all populations are able to be monitored, since the majority of populations have extensive monitoring and known populations statuses, points are added Management explicitly and effectively addresses fishery effects on habitat, food webs, and ecosystems. Managers of Chum Salmon fisheries typically address fishery effects on ecosystems. The fishing gears used in the salmon fisheries have low impacts on habitats and efforts are made to limit bycatch by using area/time restrictions and selective fishing practices (WDFW 2012a, WDFW 2011). Points are therefore added This species is overfished and there is a recovery plan (including benchmarks, timetables and methods to evaluate success) in place that is showing signs of success OR recovery plan is not needed. Hood Canal/Strait of Juan de Fuca Sumer Chum Salmon and Columbia River Chum Salmon are listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (NMFS 2012a). There is a formal recovery plan in place for Hood Canal/Strait of Juan de Fuca Summer Chum, which includes regulations to strictly limit fishing mortality, measures to reduce negative impacts caused by salmon hatchery production, and habitat protection measures/restoration projects (Ames et al. 2000, Brewer et al. 2005). Abundance has increased some since this population was listed as threatened in 1999, but habitat quality is still a significant concern (NMFS 2011b). For Columbia River Chum Salmon, which has also been listed as threatened since 1999, there have been few signs of improvement thus far (NMFS 2011a). There is not yet a formal recovery plan in place for this population, although a recovery plan has been proposed (NMFS 2012d), and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has initiated recovery efforts (LCFRB 2010). A lack of suitable habitat is the primarily factor preventing rebuilding, and thus recovery efforts are focused on habitat restoration (NMFS 2012d). Because recovery efforts have been slow and have had limited success so far, particularly for Columbia River Chum Salmon, no points are added.

14 +0.25 Management has taken action to control excess capacity or reduce subsidies that result in excess capacity OR no measures are necessary because fishery is not overcapitalized. Excess capacity has been controlled in the Washington Chum Salmon fisheries, by limiting the number of licenses issued for commercial salmon fishing (NMFS 2011d). Additionally, fishing effort is controlled by restricting the areas /times in which fishing is allowed, and catches and escapement are monitored during the fishing season to ensure populations are not overexploited (WDFW 2012a) Points for Management BYCATCH Core Points (only one selection allowed) Select the option that most accurately describes the current level of bycatch and the consequences that result from fishing this species. The term, "bycatch" used in this document excludes incidental catch of a species for which an adequate management framework exists. The terms, "endangered, threatened, or protected," used in this document refer to species status that is determined by national legislation such as the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (or another nation's equivalent), the IUCN Red List, or a credible scientific body such as the American Fisheries Society Bycatch in this fishery is high (>100% of targeted landings), OR regularly includes a "threatened, endangered or protected species." 2.00 Bycatch in this fishery is moderate (10-99% of targeted landings) AND does not regularly include "threatened, endangered or protected species" OR level of bycatch is unknown. Chum Salmon are caught in both Puget Sound and off coastal Washington, primarily with purse seines and gillnets, but also occasionally with reefnets and trolls. Chum Salmon fisheries tend to be fairly selective, as fishing typically occurs in areas and during times in which bycatch can be limited (WDFW 2011). However, some bycatch of other salmon species, including some salmon from populations listed as threatened/endangered or of conservation concern, does occur. An estimate of the overall bycatch percentage in Chum Salmon fisheries is not available, but a recent study that investigated the bycatch of chinook and coho salmon in Chum Salmon fisheries in Puget Sound, suggests bycatch of these species is fairly low (1-2% of the targeted Chum catch) for both purse seines and gillnets (Matthews 2012). Even low bycatch levels could impact these species though,

15 since chinook salmon is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and coho Salmon is listed as a species of concern. Gillnet fishermen are generally allowed to retain their bycatch (since it assumed most will die and so it can be accounted for), while purse seine fishermen are typically required to carefully release their bycatch (Matthews 2012, WDFW 2011). Mortality rates of released fish in the purse seine fisheries were determined to be low for coho salmon, particularly if careful handling regulations are followed, but high (>50%) for chinook salmon (PSC 1997, Matthews 2012). Salmon bycatch and mortality rates are considered when developing salmon fishing plans each year. An additional concern for the gillnet fisheries is the capture of seabirds and marine mammals. In Washington, gear restrictions, as well as area and time closures, are in place to limit seabird catches in fisheries in which this is a concern (Melvin 1997, WDFW 2011). The Puget Sound salmon gillnet fishery is listed as a category II fishery under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which means the fishery occasionally causes mortalities or serious injuries to marine mammals, including Dall s porpoise, harbor porpoise, and harbor seals (NMFS 2011c, d). All other Washington salmon fisheries are ranked as category III fisheries, meaning they have a remote likelihood of causing mortality or injury to marine mammals (NMFS 2011c). A score of 2 is awarded to account for the limited bycatch information and the potential bycatch impacts on salmon populations that are of critical conservation concern Bycatch in this fishery is low (<10% of targeted landings) and does not regularly include "threatened, endangered or protected species." Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) Bycatch in this fishery is a contributing factor to the decline of "threatened, endangered, or protected species" and no effective measures are being taken to reduce it Bycatch of targeted or non-targeted species (e.g., undersize individuals) in this fishery is high and no measures are being taken to reduce it Bycatch of this species (e.g., undersize individuals) in other fisheries is high OR bycatch of this species in other fisheries inhibits its recovery, and no measures are being taken to reduce it The continued removal of the bycatch species contributes to its decline.

16 +0.25 Measures taken over a major portion of the species range have been shown to reduce bycatch of "threatened, endangered, or protected species" or bycatch rates are no longer deemed to affect the abundance of the "protected" bycatch species OR no measures needed because fishery is highly selective (e.g., harpoon; spear). In the Chum Salmon fisheries, other salmon species from populations that are listed as threatened or endangered may be caught. To try to limit bycatch of salmon from populations with low abundances, several measures are used. In general, managers limit fishing to areas and times when salmon from healthy populations can be caught, while catches of salmon from low populations can avoided or limited (WDFW 2012a). There are also various gear restrictions in place, such as mesh size restrictions, net length restrictions, and in some cases limits to the amount of time gillnets are allowed to be left in the water (WDFW 2011). Additionally, selective fishing techniques may also be required in certain areas. For example, to reduce mortality of released bycatch, fishermen may be required to place their bycatch in recovery boxes or revival tanks before releasing them, and purse seine fishermen may be required to brail and release (i.e. use a dip net to carefully retrieve the catch from the net rather than bringing it aboard), so unwanted catch can be returned to the sea with minimal harm (WDFW 2011). In Washington, measures have also been taken to minimize seabird catches in the salmon gillnet fisheries (Melvin 1997, WDFW 2011). Since significant measures are in place to limit bycatch of threatened/engendered species, points will be added There is bycatch of targeted (e.g., undersize individuals) or non-targeted species in this fishery and measures (e.g., gear modifications) have been implemented that have been shown to reduce bycatch over a large portion of the species range OR no measures are needed because fishery is highly selective (e.g., harpoon; spear). As mentioned above, several selective fishing techniques, which include area, time and gear restrictions, have been implemented in Washington to limit the catch of non-target species in Chum Salmon fisheries (WDFW 2011), and bycatch in these fisheries is generally considered to be low. Therefore, points are added Bycatch of this species in other fisheries is low OR bycatch of this species in other fisheries inhibits its recovery, but effective measures are being taken to reduce it over a large portion of the range. Chum Salmon are taken as bycatch in the Bering Sea Pollock fishery. Chum Salmon catches in this fishery have ranged from around 50,000 fish to 700,000 fish from 1991 to 2009 (NPFMC 2010). The Chum Salmon caught in this fishery are from a mix of origin populations and include fish from Washington, as salmon from both North America and Asia migrate to the Bering Sea to spend several years feeding and growing. In the past, Chum Salmon bycatch in this fishery has been managed by using time and area closures,

17 but these measures have not been sufficient to limit bycatch, so new measures are now being considered (NPFMC 2010, 2012). Some Chum Salmon may also be caught in Pacific coast groundfish fisheries, though this does not appear to be a major concern, and fisheries for other salmon species. Like in the fisheries for Chum Salmon, area, time, and gear restrictions are used in other salmon fisheries to minimize bycatch of non-target species (WDFW 2011). Although measures have been implemented to minimize bycatch of Chum Salmon in other fisheries, the measures established in the Bering Sea Pollock fishery to limit bycatch have proved to not been sufficient and bycatch of Chum Salmon from populations with low abundances can be a significant concern. Thus, no points were added The continued removal of the bycatch species in the targeted fishery has had or will likely have little or no impact on populations of the bycatch species OR there are no significant bycatch concerns because the fishery is highly selective (e.g., harpoon; spear) Points for Bycatch REFERENCES Ames J, Graves G, Weller C (eds) (2000) Summer chum salmon conservation initiative: an implementation to recover chum salmon in Hood Canal and Strait of Juan de Fuca region. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Point-No-Point Treaty Tribes. Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) (2012) Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta). Online at Bakkala, R.G Synopsis of biological data on the chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta (Wal baum 1792). FAO Species Synopsis. No. 41. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Bur. Comm. Fish. Circ pp. Brewer S, Watson J, Christensen D, Brocksmith R (2005) Hood Canal and eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca summer chum salmon recovery plan. Hood Canal Coordinating Council and NMFS. Buklis LS (1994) Chum Salmon. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Notebook Series. Climate Impacts Group (CIP) Climate Impacts on Pacific Northwest Salmon. Online at cses.washington.edu/cig/pnwc/pnwsalmon.shtml

18 Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (2005) Canada s policy for conservation of wild Pacific Salmon. June DFO (2011a) UnderwaterWorld: Pacific salmon. Online at /publications/uww-msm/articles/pacificsalmon-saumon acifique-eng.htm DFO (2011b) Pacific Region Integrated Fisheries Management Plan Salmon Northern B.C. June 1, 2011 May 31, Available Online at DFO (2011c) Pacific Region Integrated Fisheries Management Plan Salmon Southern B.C. June 1, 2011 May 31, Available Online at Dittman AH, Quinn, T.P (1996) Homing in Pacific Salmon: Mechanisms and ecological basis. The Journal of Experimental Biology 199: Hale, S. S Freshwater habitat relationships for chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta). Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Anchorage. Contract Rep. No PP. Hare SR, Mantua NJ, Francis RC (1999) Inverse production regimes: Alaska and west coast Pacific Salmon. Fisheries Habitat 24:6-13. Helle JH, Hoffman MS (1998) Changes in size and age at maturity of two North American stocks of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) before and after a major regime shift in the North Pacific Ocean. North Pacific Anadromous Fish Community Bulletin No. 1: Lower Columbia River Fish Recovery Board (LRFRB) (2010) Lower Columbia River salmon recovery and fish and wildlife subbasin plan. May 28, Matthews S (2012) Salmonid by-catch in targeted chum salmon fisheries of Puget Sound. Commissioned report for the Puget Sound Salmon Commission. February Merrell TR (1970) Alaska s fishery resource- the chum salmon. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Leaflet No pp. Morrow JE (1980) The freshwater fishes of Alaska. A1aska Northwest Publishing Co., Anchorage. 248 pp. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (2011a) 5-year review: summary and evaluation of lower Columbia River Chinook, Columbia River chum, lower Columbia River Coho, lower Columbia River steelhead. NMFS, Northwest Region, Portland, OR. July 26, NMFS (2011b) 5-year review: summary and evaluation of Puget Sound Chinook, Hood Canal summer chum, Puget Sound steelhead. NMFS, Northwest Region, Portland, OR. July 26, NMFS (2011c) List of Fisheries. Online at interactions/lof/

19 NMFS (2011d) WA Puget Sound salmon drift gillnet fishery. NOAA Fisheries, Office of Protected Resources, List of Fisheries fact sheets. Available online at pr/ interactions/lof/ NMFS (2012a) Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta). NMFS, Office of Protected Resources. Online at htm NMFS (2012b) Annual Commercial Landings Query: Chum Salmon ( , All states by state). NOAA Fisheries: Office of Science and Technology. Online at: nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/commercial/. Accessed June 6, NMFS (2012c) Annual Commercial Landings by Gear Type Query: Chum Salmon ( , Washington). NOAA Fisheries: Office of Science and Technology. Online at: nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/commercial/. Accessed June 6, NMFS (2012d) Proposed ESA recovery plan for: lower Columbia River coho salmon, lower Columbia River chinook salmon, Columbia River chum salmon, and lower Columbia River steelhead. April North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) (2010) Chum Salmon bycatch discussion paper. June Available online at ChumBycatch.html NPFMC (2012) Bering Sea Chum Salmon Bycatch. Online at bycatch-controls/bschumbycatch.html Pauley GB, Bowers K.L., Thomas GL (1988) Species profiles: life histories and environmental requirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Report 82(11.81) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, TR EL pp. Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) (1997) Incidental fishing mortality of Chinook salmon: mortality rates applicable to Pacific Salmon Commission fisheries. Joint Chinook Technical Committee Report Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) (2009) Treaty between the government of Canada and the government of the United States of American concerning Pacific salmon. Updated January 27, Taylor EB (1991) A review of local adaptation in Salmonidae, with particular reference to Pacific and Atlantic salmon. Aquaculture 98: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) (2011) 2011 Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Fishing Regulations. Available online at pub.php?id =01217 WDFW (2012a) Chum (Dog) Salmon. Online at

20 WDFW (2012b) Salmon Conservation. Online at