Evaluate Bull Trout Movements in the Tucannon & Lower Snake Rivers Mike Faler - USFWS, Ahsahka, ID Glen Mendel - WDFW, Dayton, WA
Background Occurrence of bull trout at the Snake River dams is only incidentally known Status of the Tucannon River population is considered healthy It s unknown if the hydropower system limits Tucannon River bull trout in completion of their migratory behavior
Background Occurrence of bull trout at the Snake River dams is only incidentally known Status of the Tucannon River population is considered healthy It s unknown if the hydropower system limits Tucannon River bull trout in completion of their migratory behavior
Background Occurrence of bull trout at the Snake River dams is only incidentally known Status of the Tucannon River population is considered healthy It s unknown if the hydropower system limits Tucannon River bull trout in completion of their migratory behavior
Limiting Factors identified in the Data gaps Subbasin Summaries Out-of-basin effects migration corridor survival Fish passage Entrainment/Fall Back timing of bull trout usage & extent
Identified Needs (Mainstem Snake Subbasin) Determine passage requirements of bull trout at Lower Snake River dams Determine presence and use of bull trout in the mainstem Snake River - distribution, timing, & usage at the dams and reservoirs
Identified Needs (Tucannon Subbasin) Full assessment of distribution, habitat use, life history Expand monitoring and assessments to enhance understanding of bull trout
Objectives Determine the spatial distribution, migration timing, and movements. Determine bull trout use and passage efficiency in fishways. Estimate frequency of bull trout fall back. Determine if bull trout losses result from FCRPS operation.
Objectives Determine the spatial distribution, migration timing, and movements. Determine bull trout use and passage efficiency in fishways. Estimate frequency of bull trout fall back. Determine if bull trout losses result from FCRPS operation.
Objectives Determine the spatial distribution, migration timing, and movements. Determine bull trout use and passage efficiency in fishways. Estimate frequency of bull trout fall back. Determine if bull trout losses result from FCRPS operation.
Objectives Determine the spatial distribution, migration timing, and movements. Determine bull trout use and passage efficiency in fishways. Estimate frequency of bull trout fall back. Determine if bull trout losses result from FCRPS operation.
Methods Collect bull trout each spring at the Tucannon Hatchery Weir
Methods Surgically implant 1 or 2 year radio tags in 15-40 bull trout at the Tucannon Hatchery
Methods Monitor movements with mobile receivers
Methods Track using fixed receivers, winter-spring, 2002-2005
Analysis Delineate distribution and migration timing Calculated passage rates Determine occurrence & frequency of fall back Determine % return back to the Tucannon River Determination of loss
Tucannon Hatchery Bull Trout Trapping Data 1998-2002 Year Total # BT Capture Dates Ave. Length 1998 82 4/1-8/29 396 mm 1999 40 5/20-7/12 449 mm 2000 41 4/17-8/29 437 mm 2002 134 5/17-6/26 404 mm
Cumulative Capture at Tucannon Hatchery Weir 100.00% 80.00% Cumulative % of Capture 60.00% 40.00% 20.00% 2002 1998 n=82 1999 n=40 2000 n=41 0.00% 4/1/01 5/1/01 6/1/01 7/1/01 8/1/01 Date
Length Frequency of Bull Trout Captured at WDFW Tucannon Hatchery, 2002 (n=105) Individual Frequency 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 295 345 395 445 495 545 Length Categories (5 mm bins)
Lo Mo Pool Fixed Telemetry Sites Pataha Creek Tucannon River Marengo Kilometers 0 3 6 9 -N- Tucannon Hatchery Cummings Creek Little Tucannon River Sheep Creek Meadow/Panjab Bear Creek
Lo Mo Pool Spawning Distribution Pataha Creek Tucannon River Marengo Kilometers 0 3 6 9 -N- Tucannon Hatchery Cummings Creek Little Tucannon River Sheep Creek Meadow/Panjab Bear Creek
Lo Mo Pool Current Distribution Pataha Creek Tucannon River Marengo Kilometers 0 3 6 9 -N- Tucannon Hatchery Cummings Creek Little Tucannon River Sheep Creek Meadow/Panjab Bear Creek
Report Card A+ Known distribution of migratory bull trout in the Tucannon River
Report Card I Known distribution of bull trout in the Mainstem Snake River
Report Card I Identified limiting factors in the FCRPS