columbia river basin fish and wildlife program annual ...

4.17.54.17.5 WILLAMETTE BASIN STUDY PLAN(Fund; Coordinate with Supplementation Work Plan)703(h)(2)[Abstract] BPA shall provide funds to study the best method ofsupplementing natural stocks of spring chinook with hatcherystocks in the Willamette River.ACTION ITEM ACTIVITY SUMMARY:Objectives:To fund a study to supplement the Willamette spring chinook runswithout adversely affecting natural runs of resident fishery or thegenetic integrity of the Columbia Basin fish populations.Background and Progress to Date:Supplementation, or outplanting, has been identified by the agencies,Tribes, and the Council as one of the main ways to increase ColumbiaRiver salmon and steelhead runs. This project aims to develop thebest methods for supplementing spring chinook in the WillametteBasin, in order to develop and maintain maximum sustained yield andto maintain genetic diversity.Phase I, completed during September 1985, surveyed the literature ofoutplanting efforts and developed a detailed study design forevaluating possible Willamette Basin strategies. Phase II proposedplanting fry, presmolts, and adults in areas with differentproduction potential. The g-year evaluation would determine whichlife stage of spring chinook to outplant for maximum survival.A major review included the study design and the relationship toSection 703(h)(l), the overall work plan for supplementation.Section 703(h)(2) concerns only Willamette Basin spring chinook. Thereview, completed in FY 1986, concluded that the initial study designviewed outplanting as a potential continuing effort to supplementhatchery production by using hatchery surpluses. However, bothMeasures 703(h)(l) and 703(h)(2) view outplanting as a temporarymeans of enhancing natural production or re-establishing naturalruns. Rebuilding natural runs was not addressed in the study plan,though it is one of the highest priorities of the Program.The impacts of outplanting on resident fish will not be answered bythis study design. BPA believes, however, that these impacts shouldbe addressed in supplementation research.1 1 3