Comment on proposed FY 2006 budget

The proposed budget is identical to the budgets for FY2004 and FY2005. Freezing the budgets in FY2003, FY2005 and FY2006 has and does not allow for increases in the cost of living and other wage increases, rising utility and fuel and other materials costs, and associated administrative costs let alone project costs that were unforseen when proposals were last submitted in 2002. We have absorbed these cost increases for the last 4 years. It will become more difficult if not impossible to implement the project properly without concurrent funding increases. To cover these additional costs, CTUIR requests that the project budget be increased by 10% from $501,090 to $551,199. This project represents a long-term core component of the F&W Program and proposed '06 increases represent a ramp up towards increased '07 costs that the NPCC must recognize as necessary to maintain past investments in this "base program".

Accomplishments since the last review

2003: 1)Continued efforts to increase larval densities of Pacific lamprey by outplanting sexually mature adults into the Umatilla River. 2)Estimated: larval densities at index sites and the abundance of outmigrating and upmigrating lamprey in the Umatilla River. 3)Conducted a pilot study to determine spawning habitat requirements. 4)Investigated the role of olfaction in the migration and spawning behaviors of adult Pacific lampreys. 5)Initiated study to identify stressors adversely affecting lampreys along the west coast. 6)Using inter-population estimates of genetic distance we described population genetic affinities in allele frequency across two loci. 7) Published three peer reviewed journal articles. 2004: 1)Continued efforts to increase larval densities of Pacific lamprey by outplanting sexually mature adults in the upper watershed of the Umatilla River. 2)Estimated larval densities at index sites (electro shocking); abundance of larval and metamorphosed lamprey migrating out of the Umatilla River. 3) Continued efforts to identify stressors adversely affecting lampreys along the west coast. 4) Published three peer-reviewed journal articles. 2005: 1) Continued efforts to increase larval densities of Pacific lamprey by outplanting sexually mature adults in the upper watershed of the Umatilla River. 3) Estimate larval densities, outmigrants and upmigrants in the Umatilla River. 4) Initiated a study to quantitatively assess the migratory behavior and timing of adult lamprey in the Umatilla River. 5) Began study to assess the functional role of larval Pacific lamprey in the river ecosystem. 6) Continued efforts to characterize stress related steroids in Pacific lamprey. 7) Continued efforts to analyze the population genetics of Pacific lamprey by applying AFLP and FIASCO techniques to seven different populations from different geographic locations.

FY 2006 goals and anticipated accomplishments

1) We will continue efforts to increase larval densities in the Umatilla River by collecting, holding and outplanting sexually mature adults in the upper watershed. 2) We will estimate larval densities at index sites (electro shocking); abundance of larval and metamorphosed lamprey migrating out of the Umatilla River to begin the ocean stage of their life cycle; and the number of adult lampreys migrating in the Umatilla River. We will statistically analyze the five-year data set to observe trends in lamprey densities. 3) Continue study to quantitatively assess the migratory behavior and timing of adult lamprey in the Umatilla River to determine the passage success of adult Pacific lamprey at Three Mile Dam and irrigation diversions on the Umatilla River; document the rate and route of migration; and quantitatively assess the spawning habitat selection of adult lamprey. 4) We will continue efforts to characterize stress related steroids in Pacific lamprey.

Subbasin planning

How is this project consistent with subbasin plans?

This project is consistent with and implements Aquatic Assessment 1.2.8 of taxa of interest (p. 1-14-18)), Focal Species Characterization and Status (3.2)of Species Designated as Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive (3.2.1.1, pgs 3-68-74), Species Designated by Columbia Plateau Tribes as Having Cultural or Religious Values (3.2.1.4, pgs. 3-85-86), Focal Species Population Data, Life History, and Distribution (3.2.3.2, pgs. 3-140-142). These elements relate to Aquatic Management Plan (Section 1.4.1, pgs 1-25-7))as follows: 1) Population and Environmental Status: Monitor the status and trends Pacific lamprey throughout the Umatilla Basin. 2) Natural Production: Maintain and enhance natural production, productivity, abundance, throughout the Umatilla Basin by understanding passage requirements. 3) Hatchery Program: Enhance natural production, productivity, abundance, life history characteristics of lamprey throughout the Umatilla Basin using supplementation. 4) Fisheries: Maintain and enhance tribal and non-tribal lamprey fisheries compatible with production, population, and conservation objectives. 5) Collaboration and Communication: Maximize effectiveness of Umatilla Subbasin RM&E projects with collaborative study planning and implementation, synthesis of results, and results dissemination.

How do goals match subbasin plan priorities?

Our 2006 goals match subbasin management priorities as follows: 1) Population and Environmental Status. Our study monitors the status and trends of larval and adult lamprey in the Umatilla basin. Our efforts include understanding the adult migrants, outmigrants and larval residents. 2) Natural Production: Through our outplanting efforts, we are enhancing the natural production, productivity, and abundance of lamprey throughout the Umatilla Basin. 3)Hatchery Program: Through our broodstock program, we maintain, augment, and enhance natural production, productivity, abundance, life history characteristics and genetic diversity of lamprey throughout the Umatilla Basin. 4)Flow and Passage: Our efforts to track the movement of lamprey in the Umatilla will allow us to understand more about flow requirements and passage success of Pacific lamprey. Specifically our goals are to: determine the passage success of adult Pacific lamprey at Three Mile Dam and irrigation diversions on the Umatilla River; document the rate and route of migration; and quantitatively assess the spawning habitat selection of adult lamprey. 5)Fisheries: Our outplanting efforts enhance tribal and non-tribal lamprey fisheries compatible with production, population, and conservation objectives. 6)Collaboration and Communication: Through our involvement with the Lamprey Technical Group, and public forums, we involve a variety of stakeholders in our work. In addition, our written reports, including annual reports and publications, allow us to disseminate results.

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