Operational Plan for the Restoration of Diadromous Fishes to the ...

passages, weekly biological samples taken at Milford, biweekly beach seine
surveys, and annual boat electrofishing survey. Additional special methods may be
needed for the remaining species.
Operational Objectives, Measures, and Strategies
Throughout this section of the Operational Plan the first migration season after the
removal of both Great Works Dam and Veazie Dam is termed Yr0. Further, selfsustaining
is defined as “A population that exists in sufficient numbers to replace
itself through time without supplementation (hatchery or wild caught fish or eggs).”
1.0 Objective: Rebuild the shortnose sturgeon population to self-sustaining
levels in historical habitat within 40 years.
1.1 Measure: Beginning in Yr0 the shortnose sturgeon population will increase by
30% 5 each generation (14 years) by natural reproduction of wild fish.
1.1.1 Strategy: Estimate the size of the existing population by 2012 (or prior to Yr0).
1.1.2 Strategy: Identify existing essential habitat by 2012 (or prior to Yr0).
1.1.3 Strategy: Obtain genetic analysis by 2012 (or prior to Yr0).
1.1.4 Strategy: Identify and quantify sources of mortality.
1.1.5 Strategy: Estimate the size of the population at least 20 and 40 years after Yr0.
1.1.6 Strategy: Reassess essential habitat 1-2, 20 and 40 years after Yr0.
2.0 Objective: Rebuild the Atlantic sturgeon population to self-sustaining
levels in historical habitat within 40 years.
2.1 Measure: Beginning in Yr0 the Atlantic sturgeon population will increase by 30% 6
each generation (20 years) by natural reproduction of wild fish.
2.1.1 Strategy: Estimate the size of the existing population by 2012 (or prior to Yr0).
2.1.2 Strategy: Identify existing essential habitat by 2012 (or prior to Yr0).
2.1.3 Strategy: Obtain genetic analysis by 2012 (or prior to Yr0).
2.1.4 Strategy: Identify and quantify sources of mortality.
2.1.5 Strategy: Estimate the size of the population at least 20 and 40 years after Yr0.
2.1.6 Strategy: Reassess essential habitat 1-2, 20 and 40 years after Yr0.
5 Based on rate of increase in Kennebec River shortnose sturgeon determined from mark-recapture
population estimates made in the late-1970s and mid-1990s. During this period there was significant
improvement in water quality, but no change in available habitat. Ongoing telemetry studies indicate
that shortnose sturgeon in the Penobscot River may be part of the Kennebec/Androscoggin
population.
6 CPUE data for Atlantic sturgeon in the Kennebec River increased by a factor of 10-25 over a 20year
period from 1977 to 2000. However, the data are limited, and high flows in the early years may
have caused low catches and low CPUE. In the absence of other data, we have assumed that
Atlantic sturgeon will increase at the same rate as shortnose sturgeon.
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