Summary of CSMEP Str engths and Weaknesses Assessment

1. Summary of CSMEP Strengths and Weaknesses Assessment Oregon prepared by Dave Ward, ODFW Nick Bouwes, Eco Logical Research Data Rich subbasin: Imnaha Species: spring chinook, steelhead Data Poor subbasin: Lower Columbia Species: fall chinook, coho

2. Data poor Data rich Pilot Subbasins L. Columbia Imnaha

3. Imnaha Subbasin Oregon Northeast Oregon Snake tributary 850 square miles

4. Lower Columbia River Subbasin, ORScappoose Cr., Clatskanie R., Big Cr., Youngs BayPopulations

5. Data Rich (Imnaha) Strengths: Extremely long time series Comprehensive and consistent data collection Weaknesses: Weir is above 30-40% of spawning habitat. Data Poor (Lower Columbia) Strengths: Extremely long time series Weir/falls count in two drainages Weaknesses: Small stream segments were surveyed. Non-randomized sampling designs. Few weir counts The ability to expand redd counts to non-surveyed areas is unknown Documentation not readily available What is size of CRB fish populations?

6. Data Rich (Imnaha) Strengths: Extremely long time series (escapement) Weaknesses: Weir is above 30-40% of spawning habitat Data Poor (Lower Columbia) Strengths: Extremely long time series Weir/falls count in two drainages Weaknesses: Small stream segments were surveyed. Non-randomized sampling designs. Few weir counts The ability to expand redd counts to non-surveyed areas is unknown Documentation not readily available What is the annualized growth rate of CRB fish populations?

7. Data Rich (Imnaha) Strengths: Existing infrastructure can be used to answer question. Weaknesses: Snorkeling discontinued because of variability. Migrant trap not operated throughout all migration periods Data Poor (Lower Columbia) Strengths: Juvenile surveys have been conducted for coho through electroshocking and seining since 1972. Weaknesses: Not aware of fall chinook juvenile information. Hatchery releases of coho confound surveys. Juvenile densities not standardized by adult abundance. What is the freshwater productivity?

8. Data Rich (Imnaha) Strengths: Long time series Comprehensive and consistent data collection. Weaknesses: Potential bias associated with easily observed carcasses. Potential bias towards less mobile females. No information above weir. Data Poor (Lower Columbia) Strengths: CWT and scales have been used to address age-structure for fall chinook Coho age-structure has low variability Weaknesses: Potential bias associated with easily observed carcasses. Potential bias towards less mobile females Validation of scales? What is the age-structure of CRB fish populations?

9. Data Rich (Imnaha) Strengths: Essentially a census – close to 100% sampling with a relatively large sample size Weaknesses: Potential bias associated with easily observed carcasses. Potential bias towards less mobile females. No information above weir. Data Poor (Lower Columbia) Strengths: A fraction of the hatchery fish have been fin clipped and CWT Weaknesses: Only a fraction of the hatchery fish have been fin clipped and CWT What is the fraction of potential natural spawners that are of hatchery origin?

10. Data Rich (Imnaha) Strengths: Existing infrastructure can be used to help answer the question. Weaknesses: Little genetic data available. Data Poor (Lower Columbia) Strengths: Existing infrastructure can be used to help answer the question. Some genetic information has been evaluated Weaknesses: This question has been mainly qualitatively addressed Many original wild stocks are likely extirpated What life history types make up different populations?

11. Data Poor (Lower Columbia) Strengths: Several monitoring programs are addressing this question. Weaknesses: Effort is broadscale and may not provide enough samples sites within drainages to address questions specific to subpopulations of concern. What is the biological condition of CRB fish spawning and rearing habitat? • Data Rich (Imnaha) • Strengths: • Weaknesses: • Efforts are broadscale and may not provide enough samples sites within drainages to address questions specific to subpopulations of concern.

12. Data Poor (Lower Columbia) Strengths: Several monitoring programs are addressing this question. TMDL evaluations in several tributaries Weaknesses: Some efforts are broadscale and may not provide enough samples sites within drainages to address questions specific to local populations of concern. Data Rich (Imnaha) Strengths: Thermographs have been placed and monitored throughout subbasin. TMDL being developed Weaknesses: Many areas of subbasin not surveyed. Data exists for water temperature only. What is the chemical water quality in CRB fish spawning and rearing habitat?

13. Data Rich (Imnaha) Strengths: Comprehensive and consistent data collection – ODFW protocol. Weaknesses: Many areas of subbasin not surveyed. Data Poor (Lower Columbia) Strengths: Several monitoring programs are addressing this question. TMDL evaluations in several tributaries Weaknesses: Some efforts are broadscale and may not provide enough samples sites within drainages to address questions specific to local populations of concern. What is the physical habitat condition of CRB fish spawning and rearing habitat?

14. Opportunities for Action Effectiveness Evaluations Data Poor (Lower Columbia) Strengths: • ODFW has implemented habitat restoration activities and are monitoring their effect Weaknesses: • Not enough supporting studies to make mechanistic link between actions and fish production Data Rich (Imnaha) • Little Sheep Creek supplementation