BURBOT IN THE KOOTENAI RIVER, IDAHO: A STORY OF SUCCESS T.J. Ross, Ryan Hardy, and Andy Dux, Idaho Department of Fish and Game Shawn Young, Nate Jensen, and Sue Ireland, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
OVERVIEW Objectives and agency roles Conceptual framework Monitoring and evaluation basics Population status update Fishery Justification, status, structure, and monitoring
OVERVIEW Objectives and agency roles Conceptual framework Monitoring and evaluation basics Population status update Fishery Justification, status, structure, and monitoring
OVERVIEW Objectives and agency roles Conceptual framework Monitoring and evaluation basics Population status update Fishery Justification, status, structure, and monitoring
OVERVIEW Objectives and agency roles Conceptual framework Monitoring and evaluation basics Population status update Fishery Justification, status, structure, and monitoring
OVERVIEW Objectives and agency roles Conceptual framework Monitoring and evaluation basics Population status update Fishery Justification, status, structure, and monitoring
OBJECTIVES AND AGENCY ROLES Overarching objective Restore a naturally reproducing and harvestable Burbot population in the Kootenai River IDFG roles Population monitoring and evaluation Spawning characterization Movement and habitat use Recruitment limitation testing and monitoring Success of various stocking strategies Fishery opening and regulations
OBJECTIVES AND AGENCY ROLES Overarching objective Restore a naturally reproducing and harvestable Burbot population in the Kootenai River IDFG roles Population monitoring and evaluation Spawning characterization Movement and habitat use Recruitment limitation testing and monitoring Success of various stocking strategies Fishery opening and regulations
OBJECTIVES AND AGENCY ROLES Overarching objective Restore a naturally reproducing and harvestable Burbot population in the Kootenai River IDFG roles Population monitoring and evaluation Spawning characterization Movement and habitat use Recruitment limitation testing and monitoring Success of various stocking strategies Fishery opening and regulations
OBJECTIVES AND AGENCY ROLES Overarching objective Restore a naturally reproducing and harvestable Burbot population in the Kootenai River IDFG roles Population monitoring and evaluation Spawning characterization Movement and habitat use Recruitment limitation testing and monitoring Success of various stocking strategies Fishery opening and regulations
OBJECTIVES AND AGENCY ROLES Overarching objective Restore a naturally reproducing and harvestable Burbot population in the Kootenai River IDFG roles Population monitoring and evaluation Spawning characterization Movement and habitat use Recruitment limitation testing and monitoring Success of various stocking strategies Fishery opening and regulations
OBJECTIVES AND AGENCY ROLES Overarching objective Restore a naturally reproducing and harvestable Burbot population in the Kootenai River IDFG roles Population monitoring and evaluation Spawning characterization Movement and habitat use Recruitment limitation testing and monitoring Success of various stocking strategies Fishery opening and regulations
OBJECTIVES AND AGENCY ROLES Overarching objective Restore a naturally reproducing and harvestable Burbot population in the Kootenai River IDFG roles Population monitoring and evaluation Spawning characterization Movement and habitat use Recruitment limitation testing and monitoring Success of various stocking strategies Fishery opening and regulations
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK RESTORE A NATURALLY REPRODUCING AND HARVESTABLE BURBOT POPULATION IN THE KOOTENAI BASIN
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK RESTORE A NATURALLY REPRODUCING AND HARVESTABLE BURBOT POPULATION IN THE KOOTENAI BASIN CONSERVATION AQUACULTURE
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK RESTORE A NATURALLY REPRODUCING AND HARVESTABLE BURBOT POPULATION IN THE KOOTENAI BASIN CONSERVATION AQUACULTURE HATCHERY BURBOT ARE THEY SURVIVING? ARE THEY SPAWNING? WHICH STOCKING STRATEGIES ARE BEST? POPULATION STATUS?
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK RESTORE A NATURALLY REPRODUCING AND HARVESTABLE BURBOT POPULATION IN THE KOOTENAI BASIN CONSERVATION AQUACULTURE HATCHERY BURBOT ARE THEY SURVIVING? ARE THEY SPAWNING? WHICH STOCKING STRATEGIES ARE BEST? POPULATION STATUS? NATURAL REPRODUCTION ARE THEY REPRODUCING? WHAT IS HOLDING THEM BACK? CAN WE ADDRESS THE ISSUE? APPROACHING RESTORATION?
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK RESTORE A NATURALLY REPRODUCING AND HARVESTABLE BURBOT POPULATION IN THE KOOTENAI BASIN CONSERVATION AQUACULTURE HATCHERY BURBOT ARE THEY SURVIVING? ARE THEY SPAWNING? WHICH STOCKING STRATEGIES ARE BEST? POPULATION STATUS? NATURAL REPRODUCTION ARE THEY REPRODUCING? WHAT IS HOLDING THEM BACK? CAN WE ADDRESS THE ISSUE? APPROACHING RESTORATION?
BC ID MT Baited hoopnetting Dec 1-March 31, annually Hoop nets: 60cm x 2m 38 sites, 82 total hoop nets Consistent since 1990s
MONITORING AND EVALUATION BASICS
MONITORING AND EVALUATION BASICS
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Early life stage survival and growth Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
CPUE (# Burbot/net-d) Effort (days) POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: INCREASING CATCH RATES 0.35 2500 0.30 0.29 0.31 0.29 2000 0.25 0.20 0.18 1500 0.15 0.10 0.11 0.09 0.13 1000 0.05 0.00 0.03 0.06 0.04 0.04 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.06 500 0 Year
CPUE (# Burbot/net-d) Effort (days) POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: INCREASING CATCH RATES 0.35 2500 0.30 0.29 0.31 0.29 2000 0.25 0.20 0.18 1500 0.15 0.10 0.11 0.09 0.13 1000 0.05 0.00 0.03 0.06 0.04 0.04 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.06 500 0 Year
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
CPUE (fish/net-d) POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: CONSISTENT SPAWN TIMING 3.50 1.20 3.00 1.00 2.50 0.80 2000 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2.00 0.60 1.50 0.40 1.00 0.20 0.50 0.00 12/5 12/12 12/19 12/26 12/26 1/2 1/2 1/9 1/9 1/16 1/16 1/23 1/231/30 1/302/6 2/6 2/13 2/13 2/20 2/20 2/27 2/27 3/6 3/13 3/6 3/20 3/13 3/27 3/20 3/27 Date Date
Number of unique daily detections POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: CONSISTENT SPAWN TIMING 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 10/19/2015 11/19/2015 12/19/2015 1/19/2016 2/19/2016 3/19/2016 4/19/2016 5/19/2016 6/19/2016 Date
Number of unique daily detections POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: CONSISTENT SPAWN TIMING 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Date
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
Total length (mm) POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: COMPARABLE GROWTH RATES 900 800 700 Kootenai River (2012-2015) Kootenai River (1957-58; Partridge 1982) Kootenai River (1979-81; Partridge 1982) 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Age
Total length (mm) POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: COMPARABLE GROWTH RATES 900 800 700 Kootenai River (2012-2015) Kootenai River (1957-58; Partridge 1982) Kootenai River (1979-81; Partridge 1982) 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Age
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
Relative frequency (%) 30 25 20 POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: DIVERSE AGE AND SIZE STRUCTURE 2013-14 SEASON 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Unknown 15 10 5 0 Total length (mm)
Relative frequency (%) 30 25 20 POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: DIVERSE AGE AND SIZE STRUCTURE 2014-15 SEASON 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Unknown 15 10 5 0 Total length (mm)
Relative frequency (%) 30 25 20 POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: DIVERSE AGE AND SIZE STRUCTURE 2015-16 SEASON 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Unknown 15 10 5 0 Total length (mm)
Relative Frequency (%) 30 25 20 POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: DIVERSE AGE AND SIZE STRUCTURE 2016-17 SEASON 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Unknown 15 10 5 0 Total length (mm)
Relative Frequency (%) 30 25 20 POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: DIVERSE AGE AND SIZE STRUCTURE 2017-18 SEASON 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Unknown 15 10 5 0 Total Length (mm)
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: REASONABLE SURVIVAL RATES 1.0 0.95 0.84 0.93 0.89 0.82 0.8 Survival 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.09 0.0 0 1 2 3 4 5 Age
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: NATURAL REPRODUCTION Documented natural reproduction for the first time in 2017-18 winter season 15 wild Burbot captured from December 1, 2017-March 31, 2018 7 Remnant Kootenai River genetic group 2 Lake Koocanusa genetic group 5 Hatchery x Hatchery genetic group I unknown
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: NATURAL REPRODUCTION Documented natural reproduction for the first time in 2017-18 winter season 15 wild Burbot captured from December 1, 2017-March 31, 2018 7 Remnant Kootenai River genetic group 2 Lake Koocanusa genetic group 5 Hatchery x Hatchery genetic group I unknown
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: NATURAL REPRODUCTION Documented natural reproduction for the first time in 2017-18 winter season 15 wild Burbot captured from December 1, 2017-March 31, 2018 7 Remnant Kootenai River genetic group 2 Lake Koocanusa genetic group 5 Hatchery x Hatchery genetic group I unknown
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: NATURAL REPRODUCTION Documented natural reproduction for the first time in 2017-18 winter season 15 wild Burbot captured from December 1, 2017-March 31, 2018 7 Remnant Kootenai River genetic group 2 Lake Koocanusa genetic group 5 Hatchery x Hatchery genetic group I unknown
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: NATURAL REPRODUCTION Documented natural reproduction for the first time in 2017-18 winter season 15 wild Burbot captured from December 1, 2017-March 31, 2018 7 Remnant Kootenai River genetic group 2 Lake Koocanusa genetic group 5 Hatchery x Hatchery genetic group I unknown
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: REASONABLE SURVIVAL RATES 1.0 0.95 0.84 0.93 0.89 0.82 0.8 Survival 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.09 0.0 0 1 2 3 4 5 Age
Juvenile release group
Juvenile release group Age-1 survivors 0.09
Juvenile release group Age-1 survivors Age-2 survivors
Juvenile release group Age-1 survivors Age-2 survivors Age-3 survivors
Juvenile release group Age-1 survivors Age-2 survivors Age-4 survivors Age-3 survivors 0.93
17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
POPULATION STATUS UPDATES: WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE? Increasing catch rates Consistent spawn timing Comparable growth rates Diverse age and size structure Reasonable survival rates Natural reproduction Restoration targets for adults met
17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
FISHING MORTALITY = 0% 17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
FISHING MORTALITY = 5% 17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
FISHING MORTALITY = 10% 17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
FISHING MORTALITY = 15% 17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
No density dependence F=0.20 FISHING MORTALITY = 20% 17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
No density dependence F=0.25 FISHING MORTALITY = 25% 17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
FISHING MORTALITY = 15% 17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
No density dependence FISHING MORTALITY = 15% F=0.15 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
FISHING MORTALITY = 5% 17, 500 adult Burbot 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year
FISHERY: STRUCTURE Proposed rules: Daily bag limit of six fish, any size Season will be open all year on the Kootenai River and tributaries All of the same rules will apply to Bonner Lake (~4,000 released since 2014) If approved, rules will take effect on January 1, 2019 and run through 2021 Rule change mechanisms in place, if necessary Emergency regulation change Mid-cycle regulation change
FISHERY: STRUCTURE Proposed rules: Daily bag limit of six fish, any size Season will be open all year on the Kootenai River and tributaries All of the same rules will apply to Bonner Lake (~4,000 released since 2014) If approved, rules will take effect on January 1, 2019 and run through 2021 Rule change mechanisms in place, if necessary Emergency regulation change Mid-cycle regulation change
FISHERY: STRUCTURE Proposed rules: Daily bag limit of six fish, any size Season will be open all year on the Kootenai River and tributaries All of the same rules will apply to Bonner Lake (~4,000 released since 2014) If approved, rules will take effect on January 1, 2019 and run through 2021 Rule change mechanisms in place, if necessary Emergency regulation change Mid-cycle regulation change
FISHERY:STATUS March 2018 Two public scoping meetings were held
FISHERY:STATUS March 2018 February-March 2018 Two public scoping meetings were held Scoping comments could be submitted online
FISHERY:STATUS March 2018 February-March 2018 Early summer 2018 Two public scoping meetings were held Scoping comments could be submitted online Fishing rules drafted
FISHERY:STATUS March 2018 February-March 2018 Early summer 2018 July 2018 Two public scoping meetings were held Scoping comments could be submitted online Fishing rules drafted IDFG Commission viewed and approved release of draft rules for public comment
FISHERY:STATUS March 2018 February-March 2018 Early summer 2018 July 2018 Two public scoping meetings were held Scoping comments could be submitted online Fishing rules drafted IDFG Commission viewed and approved release of draft rules for public comment September 7-October 7, 2018 Online survey to get input on proposed rules 77% support 20% neutral 3% opposed
FISHERY:STATUS March 2018 February-March 2018 Early summer 2018 July 2018 Two public scoping meetings were held Scoping comments could be submitted online Fishing rules drafted IDFG Commission viewed and approved release of draft rules for public comment September 19, 2018 Open house at Region 1 office. September 7-October 7, 2018 Online survey to get input on proposed rules 77% support 20% neutral 3% opposed
FISHERY:STATUS March 2018 February-March 2018 Early summer 2018 July 2018 Two public scoping meetings were held Scoping comments could be submitted online Fishing rules drafted IDFG Commission viewed and approved release of draft rules for public comment Currently Comments being reviewed. Rules will be revised, if necessary. September 19, 2018 Open house at Region 1 office. September 7-October 7, 2018 Online survey to get input on proposed rules 77% support 20% neutral 3% opposed
FISHERY:STATUS March 2018 February-March 2018 Early summer 2018 July 2018 Two public scoping meetings were held Scoping comments could be submitted online Fishing rules drafted IDFG Commission viewed and approved release of draft rules for public comment November 2018 Currently September 19, 2018 September 7-October 7, 2018 IDFG Commission to view and approve/modify rules. Comments being reviewed. Rules will be revised, if necessary. Open house at Region 1 office. Online survey to get input on proposed rules 77% support 20% neutral 3% opposed
FISHERY:STATUS March 2018 February-March 2018 Early summer 2018 July 2018 Two public scoping meetings were held Scoping comments could be submitted online Fishing rules drafted Final rules will be printed and take effect January 1, 2019. Rules will be in effect for three years. IDFG Commission viewed and approved release of draft rules for public comment November 2018 Currently September 19, 2018 September 7-October 7, 2018 IDFG Commission to view and approve/modify rules. Comments being reviewed. Rules will be revised, if necessary. Open house at Region 1 office. Online survey to get input on proposed rules 77% support 20% neutral 3% opposed
FISHERY:STATUS A resource lost to the community since 1992 will once again be available for recreational and consumptive use!
FISHERY: MONITORING Extensive creel survey to monitor: Harvest numbers Angler effort Catch rates Composition of catch Law enforcement support
FISHERY: MONITORING Extensive creel survey to monitor: Harvest numbers Angler effort Catch rates Composition of catch Law enforcement support
SUMMARY All indicators suggest the Burbot population is growing Extensive modeling efforts indicate the fishery is sustainable Clear stakeholder support for the fishery January 1, 2019 isn t too far away!
SUMMARY All indicators suggest the Burbot population is growing Extensive modeling efforts indicate the fishery is sustainable Clear stakeholder support for the fishery January 1, 2019 isn t too far away!
SUMMARY All indicators suggest the Burbot population is growing Extensive modeling efforts indicate the fishery is sustainable Clear stakeholder support for the fishery January 1, 2019 isn t too far away!
SUMMARY All indicators suggest the Burbot population is growing Extensive modeling efforts indicate the fishery is sustainable Clear stakeholder support for the fishery January 1, 2019 isn t too far away!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ARI Joe Evavold Ken Cain Neil Ashton Hatchery staff KTOI Sue Ireland Shawn Young Nate Jensen Hatchery staff IDFG Diane Wakkinen Ryan Hardy IDFG field crews BC Sarah Stephenson Val Evans MFWP Jim Dunnigan Ryan Sylvester