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

Salmon
Comment: There are advocates of active Atlantic salmon restoration and would like it to
be speeded up to 10 years rather than 40.
Response: Ten years encompasses only two Atlantic salmon generations
(approximately 5 years per generation). This time frame is far too short for 1) a
sustained population response, and 2) to implement management actions and adjust as
the actions are either successful or unsuccessful. Furthermore, longer time frames are
necessary when habitat improvements are needed for restoration. However, the plan is
to restore sections of the basin over time: this may result in important sections of the
basin restored over a much shorter time frame. The 40 year time table is aggressive,
but allows time to test management strategies and improve management. It also allows
time for habitat improvements to occur and have an effect on the ecosystem. Finally,
with limited resources, all possible actions cannot be performed everywhere; therefore a
phased approach over time is necessary. This timeline is intended to inform managers
as to how to structure recovery actions over space and time, and to assess progress
towards recovery objectives. It does not preclude faster recovery, but does provide a
yardstick by which to measure our progress.
Comment: A commenter recommended more use of instream hatcheries for salmon.
Response: The objective of salmon restoration is to establish a self-sustaining salmon
population. This operational plan was developed to maximize the benefit from
hatcheries within the constraints of the current salmon program. Ultimately, hatcheries
would not be needed. With that said, in basin hatcheries would provide many benefits
to the salmon program. For example, timing of hatching and emergence would be
synchronized with natural production in the River. However, It is likely that the hatchery
environment itself is a bigger factor than location.
Comment: Predation by cormorants and seals is not addressed in the plan.
Response: Predation of salmon by cormorants and seals is an issue that we are
concerned about. One hypothesis is that by restoring other diadromous species such
as alewife, blueback herring, and shad, predators will have an alternative prey base.
Thus, providing a “prey buffer” for salmon as well as, trout and smallmouth bass. One
unknown is the possibility of a numerical response, an increase in the abundance of a
predator species. If food resources are the limiting factor for a predator species, we
would expect an increase in their population. However, if another factor is limiting their
abundance, such as roosting sites, then an increase in their forage base would not
result in a numerical response.
Comment: Several people expressed skepticism of the fry stocking program.
Response: Currently, the salmon program is geared towards fry stocking and smolt
production. There is limited ability to change that in the near-term. However, there are
several tasks in the operational plan that are directly and indirectly related to fry
stocking and freshwater production. Task 12.1.1 (p37) the development of a
Broodstock Management Plan will outline a strategy for the disposition of adult returns.
The primary objective of the management plan is to increase adult escapement. By
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