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

smolts needs to be documented (Task 13.2.7). Future allocations need to consider:
1) homing to suitable habitat, 2) survival due to migration through dams (Appendix
H), 3) seasonal timing, 4) physiological timing, 5) stocking of other salmon life
stages, and 6) broodstock targets. Rearing and release strategies (e.g. smolt
ponds) that have the potential to improve smolt “quality” and survival need to be
evaluated and tested. The return rate of marked smolts is the primary method for
assessing the effectiveness of management actions. Reproductive success relative
to other stocked life history stages and wild fish will also need to be assessed, and
should be coupled with return rate to inform management decisions.
14.2.2 Stock smolts and assess according to existing management practices
MDMR is currently refining stocking and assessment practices to improve adaptive
management. Prior to these transitions, smolt stocking and assessment will
continue according to current standard operating procedures (Appendix E). The
stocking plan for 2009 will follow the same stocking regimes as 2007 and 2008.
~ 175,000 tagged PN stocked above the Veazie Dam (Morin Fuel)
~ 200,000 PN stocked in the Pleasant River (Milo)
~ 200,000 PN stocked at Passadumkeag boat launch (mainstem Penobscot)
~ 25,000 PN stocked into West Enfield smolt ponds
14.2.3 Stock smolts according to smolt stocking adaptive management plan
Once the stocking adaptive management plan (Task 14.2.1) has been developed,
smolt will be stocked accordingly.
14.3.1 Proposal to evaluate downstream smolt passage efficiency in the
Piscataquis River
The Upper Piscataquis River contains over 3,000 units of the most productive
Atlantic salmon habitat in the Penobscot watershed. Safe downstream passage for
migrating smolts is essential for restoration of this critical habitat, but downstream
passage efficiency data are lacking for Piscataquis River dams (except Howland
Dam which is scheduled to be bypassed as part of the PRRP). Downstream
passage efficiency data are required to confirm adequate downstream passage, or
to identify and correct deficiencies at the Guilford Industries, Moosehead
Manufacturing, and Browns Mill dams.
14.3.2 Collaborate with PRRT to test downstream passage measures (e.g.
manipulate operating regimes) at PRRT owned dams prior to dam removal
MDMR would like to capitalize on a unique opportunity to investigate operating
regimes at hydro-electric dams to enhance downstream fish passage efficiency.
Modifications to operating regimes with potential to improve downstream passage
efficiency will be identified and tested. Techniques that prove effective will be
applied at hydro-power facilities that are not scheduled for removal to improve
downstream passage and survival of migrating salmon.
15.1.1 Assess feasibility of increasing or reallocating hatchery smolt
production to produce more adult returns
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