Rivers Inlet Salmon Initiative

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Diane Smith
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1 Rivers Inlet Salmon Initiative 5-YEAR BUSINESS PLAN C AS E F O R S U P P O R T M AR C H

Dedication Rick Hansen had been inspired to go to Rivers Inlet in July 2010 by his good friend, and fellow Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society founding board member, Calvin Higano.

2 Dedication Rick Hansen had been inspired to go to Rivers Inlet in July 2010 by his good friend, and fellow Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society founding board member, Calvin Higano. Calvin had been battling lung cancer and joined Rick on the second day of the trip. Only a few months later, in October 2010, Calvin passed away. Calvin s compassion and dedication to make a difference continues on in the efforts for salmon recovery in Rivers Inlet. The work done on this project is dedicated to the memory of Calvin Higano, who has inspired us to take actions to understand, conserve and protect the amazing salmon stocks of Rivers Inlet. Calvin Higano fishing on the Fraser River, 2003

Rivers Inlet Rivers Inlet is located in the central coast of British Columbia and is known

It is the traditional territory of the Wuikinuxv First Nations.

banks of the Waanukv River, which connects Owikeno Lake to the head of Rivers Inlet.

For generations, Wuikinuxv culture and survival has been linked to the abundance of salmon returning to

3 Rivers Inlet Rivers Inlet is located in the central coast of British Columbia and is known internationally for the majesty of its scenery, its unspoiled wilderness and for the legendary Chinook. It is the traditional territory of the Wuikinuxv First Nations. The Wuikinuxv Nation The traditional territory lies 300 miles northwest of Vancouver, located on the banks of the Waanukv River, which connects Owikeno Lake to the head of Rivers Inlet. Traditionally one of the largest nations on the West Coast, today the band membership is over 300. For generations, Wuikinuxv culture and survival has been linked to the abundance of salmon returning to the streams of Rivers Inlet. The salmon population has dropped so dramatically that commercial fishing is now nearly non-existent among the Wuikinuxv. Images and content sourced via wuikinuxv.net

Collapse of the Rivers Inlet Sockeye Salmon Fishery Historically, Rivers Inlet was one of the most abundant and productive salmon based ecosystems in all of British

The annual average commercial catch from 1960-1995 was 467,00 sockeye, with a peak catch of over 2.6 million fish recorded in 1968.

4 Collapse of the Rivers Inlet Sockeye Salmon Fishery Historically, Rivers Inlet was one of the most abundant and productive salmon based ecosystems in all of British Columbia. It once had the third largest sockeye salmon fishery in the province, but also supported coho, chum, chinook, and pink salmon. The annual average commercial catch from was 467,00 sockeye, with a peak catch of over 2.6 million fish recorded in Logging around spawning streams, poor marine survival, changes in seasonal plankton blooms, and overfishing might have all played a role in causing the stock to collapse to an all time low of 3,600 in Images and content sourced via wuikinuxv.net

Executive Summary In 2011, the Wuikinuxv First Nation, local lodge owners, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Rick Hansen, Pacific Salmon Foundation and independent scientists confirmed their commitment

A Steering Committee was established to guide the development of an action plan for Wannock Chinook and long-term plans for other Rivers Inlet stocks and salmon species.

5 Executive Summary In 2011, the Wuikinuxv First Nation, local lodge owners, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Rick Hansen, Pacific Salmon Foundation and independent scientists confirmed their commitment to work together to achieve healthy and sustainable salmon populations in Rivers Inlet. The group agreed that the initial focus should be Wannock Chinook. A Steering Committee was established to guide the development of an action plan for Wannock Chinook and long-term plans for other Rivers Inlet stocks and salmon species. Rivers Inlet, July 2010 Over the past three years, we have made significant progress towards building the programs needed to achieve healthy and sustainable salmon populations in Rivers Inlet. Information collected in was used to develop this 5-year Business Plan.

Initial Objectives Accomplished 2012 2013-14 In 2012, two DIDSON hydroacoustic monitoring systems were deployed on the Wannock River and the data collected was used to produce daily counts of salmon

In 2013, DIDSON and ARIS hydroacoustic monitoring systems were deployed and were used to determine an escapement estimate for Wannock Chinook of 6,400, which is an increase from the 2012 estimate of

6 Initial Objectives Accomplished In 2012, two DIDSON hydroacoustic monitoring systems were deployed on the Wannock River and the data collected was used to produce daily counts of salmon migrating upstream and a reliable estimate of the number of the large Wannock Chinook. In 2013, DIDSON and ARIS hydroacoustic monitoring systems were deployed and were used to determine an escapement estimate for Wannock Chinook of 6,400, which is an increase from the 2012 estimate of 4,800. In July 2014, a fishwheel was built and deployed on the Wannock River to assess feasibility of obtaining the species composition data needed to convert the July and August sonar counts to species specific escapement estimates. Servicing of a Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON) used in the 2012 feasibility study. Local recreational fishery catch monitoring efforts were also expanded through coordinated efforts by local lodge owners and DFO. These efforts provided the best information collected to date on mark-rates, total Chinook catch and DNA stock proportions for the Rivers Inlet recreational fishery. Fishwheel arrives in Rivers Inlet, 2014

Examples of Data Collected in 2012 Chinook Sampled 50 40 30

103 107 111 115 119 123 127 131 135 Fork-Length (cm) Figure

the broodstock collection and deadpitch surveys conducted

7 Examples of Data Collected in 2012 Chinook Sampled Dead-pitch (n=363) Broodstock (n=99) Fork-Length (cm) Figure 12.Length distribution of Chinook salmon measured during the broodstock collection and deadpitch surveys conducted on the Wannock River in Examples of Data Collected in 2013

8 Examples of Data Collected in 2014 Sample (% of time counted) 96% Sockeye Escapement Estimate = 300,000 Size Category 2 (50-70 cm) South Est. North Est. Sample % Total = 355,200 (311,000 prior to Aug 14) % 15% 10% 5% 0% 11-Jul 14-Jul 17-Jul 20-Jul 23-Jul 26-Jul 29-Jul 01-Aug 04-Aug 07-Aug 10-Aug 13-Aug 16-Aug 19-Aug 22-Aug 25-Aug 28-Aug 31-Aug 03-Sep 06-Sep 09-Sep 12-Sep 15-Sep 18-Sep 21-Sep 24-Sep 27-Sep 30-Sep Daily Upstream Estimate Mostly Coho & Chum Escapement Estimate= 8,010 Size Category 3 (70-90 cm) South Est. North Est. Sample % Sample (% of time counted) Total = 8,010 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 11-Jul 14-Jul 17-Jul 20-Jul 23-Jul 26-Jul 29-Jul 01-Aug 04-Aug 07-Aug 10-Aug 13-Aug 16-Aug 19-Aug 22-Aug 25-Aug 28-Aug 31-Aug 03-Sep 06-Sep 09-Sep 12-Sep 15-Sep 18-Sep 21-Sep 24-Sep 27-Sep 30-Sep Daily Upstream Estimate 100% Chinook Escapement Estimate= 3,960 Size Category 4 (>90 cm) South Est. North Est. Sample % 350 Total = 3,960 20% % 10% 5% 0% 11-Jul 14-Jul 17-Jul 20-Jul 23-Jul 26-Jul 29-Jul 01-Aug 04-Aug 07-Aug 10-Aug 13-Aug 16-Aug 19-Aug 22-Aug 25-Aug 28-Aug 31-Aug 03-Sep 06-Sep 09-Sep 12-Sep 15-Sep 18-Sep 21-Sep 24-Sep 27-Sep 30-Sep Sample (% of time counted) Daily Upstream Estimate

Rebuilding of depleted salmon stocks through a combination of improved monitoring, fisheries management actions and targeted enhancement efforts; 3.

9 Five Year Business Plan Goals: 1. Design and implement improved escapement monitoring systems for Chinook, Sockeye and other salmon species; Deadpitch survey of broodstock, 2013 Wuikinuxv Fisheries Crew, Rebuilding of depleted salmon stocks through a combination of improved monitoring, fisheries management actions and targeted enhancement efforts; 3. Secure funding for monitoring and enhancement efforts in Rivers Inlet, ensuring they are consistent with escapement goals and stock recovery plans 4. Provide information that could be used to make better in-season fisheries management both present and future. The work completed over the past two years provides ample evidence of our commitment and success at making good progress toward achieving all of our initial objectives and longer-term goals. By combining local knowledge, modern technology and a successful leadership model, we have made significant progress on achieving our initial program goals. In 2014, a 5-year business plan was developed to define the projects and resources needed to achieve our long-term goals.

Annual Cost $90,000 2015 objectives: Rearing, tagging, and release of 300,000 Wannock Chinook smolts.

10 Annual Cost $90, objectives: Rearing, tagging, and release of 300,000 Wannock Chinook smolts. Wannock Chinook Enhancement Project These enhancement efforts have increased the productivity and egg-fry survival Wannock Chinook while providing important data on the contribution of these unique fish to coastal fisheries in BC and Alaska. The knowledge gained from these efforts will be used in 2014 and beyond to guide enhancement and fisheries management efforts planned for Kilbella/Chuckwalla Chinook and Wannock River. The Wuikinuxv First Nation, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and Rivers Inlet lodge owners have been working together on broodstock collection, hatchery rearing, CWT tagging and the release of 200, ,000 Wannock Chinook smolts since % of the Chinook caught in Rivers Inlet originate from enhancement efforts that date back to Deadpitch Crew in 2013 The plan for 2015 is to continue this program at a level similar to recent years.

Annual Cost $198,000 2014-16 objectives: Obtain 50,000 eggs and adequate milt from each stock. 2016-2018 objectives: Collect 75,000 eggs and adequate milt annually from each stock.

11 Annual Cost $198, objectives: Obtain 50,000 eggs and adequate milt from each stock objectives: Collect 75,000 eggs and adequate milt annually from each stock. Chuckwalla Broodstock Collection 2014 Stock Recovery Enhancement for Kilbella/Chuckwalla Chinook Chinook returns to the Kilbella and Chuckwalla river have declined to dangerously low levels in recent years. The experience gained through the Wannock Chinook enhancement program will be used to rebuild the Kilbella/Chuckwalla Chinook stock. Kilbella/Chuckwalla (K/C) Chinook have represented a significant portion of the Chinook caught in Rivers Inlet recreational fishery. Purpose is to increase Chinook returns to the K/C watershed through a small scale targeted enhancement program and apply CWT s so we can determine where these fish are harvested in marine fisheries. Experience gained through 30 years of similar scale enhancement efforts will ensure this project is a success, all in collaboration with the Snootli Hatchery and Wuikinuxv Fisheries personnel. The ultimate goal will be to rebuild the number of spawners in the Kilbella and Chuckwalla rivers to a total of at least 1,000 adult Chinook from September 2018 and beyond.

Annual Cost $229,000 2015 objectives: Implement Phase III of the improved escapement monitoring system for all salmon species returning to the Wannock/Owikeno watershed using DIDSON/ARIS systems, the

12 Annual Cost $229, objectives: Implement Phase III of the improved escapement monitoring system for all salmon species returning to the Wannock/Owikeno watershed using DIDSON/ARIS systems, the fishwheel built in 2014 and an expanded Wuikinuxv Test Fishery. Secure the funds required to support annual escapement monitoring using the sonar, fishwheel and test fisheries systems designed and operated over the past three years. Wannock/Owikeeno Multi-species Escapement Monitoring Reliable estimates of annual escapement through the Wannock River are needed for each salmon species. A single multi-species monitoring system is more cost effective than five separate systems. The DIDSON/ARIS systems operated in 2012, 2013 and 2014 have provided clear evidence of our ability to obtain reliable estimates of the numbers Chinook salmon migrating upstream in the Wannock River. In 2014,we also produced the first reliable estimate of the numbers of sockeye escaping to the Owikeno watershed. On-site field crew review 15% of the data collected each and records counts of individual fish in 3 size categories. Fishwheels and test fisheries have been used on numerous rivers in Alaska and BC to provide information need to estimate the abundance of upstream migrating salmon. In 2014, species composition was monitored using one fishwheel and test fishery nets on the Wannock River. Wannock River fishwheel 2014 The Wuikinuxv test fishery provide daily estimates of the species composition through the 2014 sockeye run. Unusually clear water conditions in 2014 resulted in very low fishwheel catches.

Annual Cost $10,000 2015 objectives: Implement improved catch monitoring systems for recreational fisheries in Rivers Inlet to ensure that reliable estimates of catch by species, CWT mark rates and

13 Annual Cost $10, objectives: Implement improved catch monitoring systems for recreational fisheries in Rivers Inlet to ensure that reliable estimates of catch by species, CWT mark rates and biological samples are obtained each year. Rivers Inlet Recreational Catch Monitoring To have more reliable information on how many fish are caught and where they originated, and ultimately have a comprehensive understanding with all stakeholders who harvest salmon in Rivers Inlet. From , Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the sport fishing lodges implemented several improvements to their recreational catch monitoring and sampling efforts, including providing digital cameras to a large portion of Rivers Inlet so that fish missing their adipose fish could be identified. Total number of Chinook examined increased from 99 in 2011 to 1,211, 1,321, and 1,469 in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Reliable mark-data was recorded for 67-72% of reported Chinook catch by anglers in Rivers and Smith Inlets (1,954 in 2013 and 2,041 in 2014). Rivers Inlet Recreational Fishery 2011 These efforts have improved the estimates of the total Chinook catch and contribution of CWT (hatchery produced) Chinook to the Rivers Inlet recreational fishery.

One-time Cost $1,500,000 (2016) Annual Cost $250,000 (2017 2018) 2015 objectives: Develop a detailed plan for financing and capacity building associated with small scale salmon hatchery constructing

14 One-time Cost $1,500,000 (2016) Annual Cost $250,000 ( ) 2015 objectives: Develop a detailed plan for financing and capacity building associated with small scale salmon hatchery constructing near the Wuikinuxv village. Implement the plan for obtaining necessary funding for this initiative. Wuikinuxv Salmon Hatchery To have a hatchery facility that is strategically located where enhancement needs to occur, for multi-species enhancement that will provide economic, social, and environmental benefits to the Wuikinuxv community. Several potential sites for the hatchery have been identified and we are currently in the process of assessing each site and obtaining cost estimates for the alternative hatchery options for each site. Building of a facility to produce 500,000 chinook pre-smolts and 100,000 pre-smolts of other species. Identify and secure the funding to build and operate a small hatchery facility in Rivers Inlet in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans, and the Snootli Hatchery cost: $20,000 Wannock Chinook Broodstock, 2014

Annual Cost $5,000 2015 objectives: Assess the feasibility of obtaining chum broodstock and improving spawning habitat for Wannock chum.

15 Annual Cost $5, objectives: Assess the feasibility of obtaining chum broodstock and improving spawning habitat for Wannock chum. Wannock Chum Stock Recovery Enhancement Chum returns to the Wannock River have declined to very low levels in recent years. Local knowledge from Wuikinuxv fisheries and community members will be used to assess the best approach for rebuilding the Wannock chum stock. Challenges associated with enhancement effort include catching Wannock chum broodstock. Surveys were conducted in 2013 to assess the feasibility of obtaining the broodstock required for a successful program. The limiting factor for Wannock Chum is likely suitable spawning gravel. A large portion of the good spawning gravel on the north side of the Wannock River was buried by a landslide in Efforts to enhance Wannock chum must include improvements to the quality and quantity of spawning habitat. Wannock Chum, 2013

Annual Cost $5,000 2015 2018 objectives: Implement a Chinook and Coho escapement monitoring system for the Kilbella and Chuckwalla rivers.

Kilbella/Chuckwalla Chinook and Coho Escapement Monitoring Reliable estimates of escapement are essential for evaluating the success of the Kilbella/Chuckwalla Chinook enhancement

16 Annual Cost $5, objectives: Implement a Chinook and Coho escapement monitoring system for the Kilbella and Chuckwalla rivers. Most of the costs are associated with the enhancement efforts for K/C Chinook. Kilbella/Chuckwalla Chinook and Coho Escapement Monitoring Reliable estimates of escapement are essential for evaluating the success of the Kilbella/Chuckwalla Chinook enhancement program. Methods developed for assessing Chinook escapement should be useful for improving the escapement estimates for Kilbella/Chuckwalla Coho. Design and implement an escapement monitoring for Chinook and Coho returns to the Kilbella and Chuckwalla rivers. Kilbella and Chuckwalla Broodstock Collection and Escapement Monitoring, 2014

17 Annual Cost $30, objectives: Develop a communications, marketing, and fund raising plan building on the work conducted to date and assistance from current program partners. Implement communications, marketing and fund raising plan. Marketing, Fund Raising, and Communications The proposed approach for securing the funds and resources needed to implement the above projects should include: 1) Maintaining the support and commitment from Rivers Inlet recreational fishery lodge owners; 2) Preparing and submitting proposals to DFO, PSC, PSF and other potential funding sources; 3) Coordinating in-kind contributions from DFO, Wuikinuxv and industry in the form of equipment loans (e.g. DIDSON & ARIS systems), donated labour and logistic support (e.g. air transport & use of existing hatchery facilities); 4) Identifying opportunities for anglers and other visitors to participate in tagging, stock assessment and enhancement efforts and support these efforts through direct or in-kind contributions; 5) Financial and in-kind support from BC commercial fishing industry; 6) Identifying individuals and foundations that are likely to support one or more of the types of projects identified in this 5-year business plan; 7) Annual reports and presentations related to project activities delivered in-person to key project supporters and potential funding partners; 8) Collaboration with post-secondary and research institutions who could bring their expertise to the targeted areas of the plan; and 9) Working with media outlets and documentarians to promote uniqueness of area and the work that is being done to sustain it.

18 Five Year Total Funding Required Total Enhancement Wannock Chinook $90,000 $90,000 $92,700 $42,951 $44,240 $359,891 Kilbella/Chuckwalla Chinook $69,000 $198,000 $98,000 $98,000 $98,000 $561,000 Wannock Chum $5,000 $5,000 $5,150 $5,305 $5,464 $25,918 Wuikinuxv Salmon Hatchery $20,000 $20,000 $1,500,000 $250,000 $257,500 $2,047,500 Stock Assessment/ Monitoring Wannock/Owikeeno Escapement Kilbella/Chuckwalla Escapement Rivers Inlet Recreational Catch $265,000 $229,000 $235,870 $199,870 $205,866 $1,135,606 $5,000 $5,000 $10,000 $10,300 $10,609 $40,909 $5,000 $10,000 $10,300 $10,609 $10,927 $46,836 Resource Development Communications $5,000 $10,000 $10,300 $10,609 $10,927 $46,836 Fund Raising $10,000 $20,000 $20,600 $21,218 $21,855 $93,673 Total Cost $474,000 $587,000 $1,982,920 $648,862 $665,387 $4,358,169

19 JOIN US OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS AND BEYOND TO HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR RIVERS INLET SALMON.

PRE-SEASON PLANNING FOR FRASER SALMON and STOCKS OF CONCERN. Forum on Conservation and Harvest Planning for Fraser Salmon January 22, 2010

PRE-SEASON PLANNING FOR FRASER SALMON and STOCKS OF CONCERN Forum on Conservation and Harvest Planning for Fraser Salmon January 22, 2010 2 Outline South Coast Chinook Status Management Actions Recovery