Response for project 199801003: Spawning distribution of Snake River fall Chinook
Comment on proposed FY 2006 budget
I confirm that I want project 1998-010-03 renewed for Fiscal Year 2006. The Council staff Fiscal Year 2006 budget is consistent with my expectations.
Accomplishments since the last review
Findings from 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005 field seasons were presented in annual reports to BPA. In 2004 we published information from project 1998-010-03 in an article titled "Movement and spawner distribution of hatchery fall chinook salmon adults acclimated and released as yearlings at three locations in the Snake River basin" (North American Journal of Fisheries Management, 24:1134-1144). In cooperation with biologists from the Nez Perce Tribe and Idaho Power Company, we prepared an additional article, "Fall Chinook Salmon Redd Counts and Management Goals in the Snake River Basin, 1993–2003", that we expect will be published in 2005. Data were distributed annually to cooperating managers and researchers.
FY 2006 goals and anticipated accomplishments
Fall 2005 – Conduct redd searches in shallow-water spawning areas in the Snake River from a helicopter at roughly 7-d intervals. Search deep-water spawning areas using underwater video equipment in cooperation with Idaho Power Company. Winter 2005 – Manage and maintain spawning database. Spring 2006 – Analyze, interpret, and report data. Late summer 2006 – Coordinate fall field work.
Subbasin planning
How is this project consistent with subbasin plans?
Spawning surveys are used to determine the distribution and status of fall Chinook salmon in the Snake River. Distribution and status are fundamental elements of the Snake Hells Canyon Subbasin Assessment regarding fall Chinook salmon (3.4.2. pages 125-134, and 4.1.2. pages 196-197). The impact of hatchery fish and hydropower operations are highlighted concerns regarding fall Chinook salmon (4.2.1. pages 196-197), but cannot be assessed without the use of spawning surveys. The Subbasin Assessment points out the importance of carrying capacity (3.4.2. page 130) and habitat condition (3.4.2. page 132-133) to fall Chinook salmon management. Spawning survey data are key elements in the determination of carrying capacity and habitat condition.
How do goals match subbasin plan priorities?
Managing and monitoring fall Chinook salmon populations are high priorities throughout Snake River basin.