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

adaptive management structure. Results will be assessed in terms of relevant shortterm
measures, and more importantly, in terms of the overarching plan objectives
and measurable demographic rates. Initially, these meetings will focus more heavily
on developing assessments and analyses, while performing the analyses and
deriving management recommendations will be the primary focus. The group will
produce documents annually describing their work and meet with managers to
inform the adaptive management process. The core team will consist of the BSRFH
Biologist working on the Penobscot. Other participants that the team believes can
assist in and improve their work will be invited. The idea is for the team to function
efficiently as a streamlined workgroup. Broader participation should be achieved
with informational meetings and documents.
12.0.3 Write Annual Penobscot Report
An annual report will be produced that summarizes MDMR activities in the
Penobscot drainage. The report is part of our efforts to document our management
and research activity, report results, and document management actions based on
those results.
12.1.1 Develop Broodstock Management Plan
Develop criteria and for disposition of adult Atlantic salmon trapped at the Veazie
Dam fishway trap and subsequently the Milford Fish lift once operational. The
Broodstock management plan (BSMP) requires an expanded section on Penobscot
broodstock management. This task will be carried out by the Genetic Diversity
Action Team (GDAT). The plan should cover all aspects of the Penobscot
broodstock, including but not limited to alternate sources (life stages) of broodstock,
target numbers, proportion of hatchery and wild fish in the broodstock, best use and
management of the F2 line, effective population size issues, and domestication
issues. This task is currently in the list of tasks under the GDAT.
12.1.2 Evaluate the best use (disposition) of returning wild and hatchery origin
Atlantic salmon captured at the Veazie Dam fishway trap
Naturally spawning wild Atlantic salmon are the most important step toward restoring
Atlantic salmon to the Penobscot River. However, the low numbers of fish and low
survivals, coupled with the desire to minimize divergence of conservation hatchery
and wild fish complicate the use of wild adults. Any strategy developed under this
task will need to be fully compatible with the Broodstock Management Plan and will
need to be vetted through the GDAT. Assemble a small team to review information
and develop ideas.
12.1.3 Update and revise Penobscot adult Atlantic salmon collection protocol
Adult Atlantic salmon collection protocols will need to be updated to reflect changes
in the BSMP and the collection facility at Milford. The protocol will be adapted and
updated from current protocols used at the Veazie Dam fishway trap and other lifts
in the State. Safeguards that are in place to protect Atlantic salmon should not
change. We anticipate that procedures related to the operation of the new lift and
the logistics of the location will change.
PRFP Page 36