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This project aims to monitor and evaluate the success of hatchery salmonids for reintroducing anadromous salmonids in the Upper Cowlitz Basin. Through comprehensive monitoring of spawning distribution, juvenile populations, and survival rates, the project seeks to assess reproductive and reintroduction success, identify crucial reaches, and establish a long-term monitoring program.
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Monitor and evaluate the success of hatchery salmonids for reintroduction of anadromous salmonids to the upper Cowlitz Basin John Serl & Charles Morrill, WDFW Mike Kohn, LCPUD/BPA
Purpose: • To provide monitoring and evaluation for Cowlitz Falls Anadromous Fish Reintroduction project
Cowlitz Falls Anadromous Fish Reintroduction Project • BPA-GAIA plan, 1994 • Indigenous stocks • Facility completed in 1996 • Trap and haul
Cowlitz Falls Anadromous Fish Reintroduction Project: Initial Results
Cowlitz Falls Anadromous Fish Reintroduction Project: Initial Results
Cowlitz Falls Anadromous Fish Reintroduction Project: Initial Results Project Adults and Smolt-to-Adult Returns: • Steelhead295 of 795 Total {~2.5% SAR} • Coho up to 6,000 of 48,000 {~5% SAR} • Cutthroat54 total returns {~2.5% SAR}
The Problem • Current funding provides only for operation of the fish facility and collection efficiency improvement research • Upper watershed treated as a “black box”
Proposed Project • Monitor adult spawning, juvenile abundance and juvenile survival within reaches of the Upper Cowlitz Watershed • Link this information to assess reproductive success, assess reintroduction success and identify important reaches • Build a valid long-term monitoring program
Project Objectives 1. Monitor spawning distribution of chinook, coho, steelhead and cutthroat 2. Monitor juvenile population distribution and abundance 3. Estimate reach and tributary survival with PIT tags
1. Monitor spawning distribution of chinook, coho, steelhead and cutthroat in the upper watershed • Spawning and redd surveys • Estimate angler harvest • Estimate fall back loss rates with radio telemetry
2. Monitor juvenile population distribution and abundance • Snorkel survey to document distribution • Snorkel surveys to estimate population abundance • Electro-fish to calibrate snorkel population estimates, size information and tagging
3. Estimate reach and tributary survival with PIT tags • Capture and mark juveniles in selected tributaries and river reaches by electro-fishing, beach seining and trapping • Detect tagged smolts at the Cowlitz Falls Fish Facility • Estimate group specific juvenile-to-smolt survivals, growth and migration timing
Secondary Project Objectives 4. Monitor impacts of the reintroduction on resident fishes 5. Collect stock information on adults returning to the Upper Cowlitz Basin 6. Tributary trap to measure survival and emigration (2004-5)
Linking Data • Link adult spawning with juvenile abundance and smolt production within specific areas • Calibrate efficient and low impact methods for long-term monitoring plan
Project Justification • Apply To Other Reintroduction Projects • Evaluate Upper Cowlitz Reintroduction Program • Increase Wild Salmonid Populations in the Lower Columbia River
Apply To Other Reintroduction Projects • Can hatchery populations be successfully used to reestablish wild, self-sustaining populations? (RPA 182) • Success and time frame of reintroductions • Utilization of previously inaccessible habitats
Evaluate Upper Cowlitz Reintroduction Program • Estimate proportion of habitat utilization • Measure population parameters • Reduce chance of project failure • Prioritize upper watershed areas for habitat protection and enhancement
Increase Wild Salmonid Populations in the Lower Columbia River • Importance of Cowlitz River to Lower Columbia River salmonid production
