State Agency Workplans

This plan describes the activities that will be undertaken by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) staff during 1997 to implement the measures in the Coastal Salmon Restoration Initiative (CSRI). Activities identified as "phase 2" require additional funding or staff before the activity can be accomplished. The main body of this plan describes general activities; more detailed actions to be taken by field staff in the coastal fish districts are provided in appendices. Activities are numbered to correspond to the measures in the CSRI plan.

ODFW-I.A.1 - Establish New Escapement Goals.

FULL TITLE: Establish new interim wild coho adult spawner escapement goals for each of four new disaggregated subunits encompassing Oregon coastal river basins and lakes.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, coho salmon escapement was estimated on the basis of total returns to all coastal drainages as a single aggregate known as the Oregon Coastal Natural (OCN). Escapement targets for the purpose of managing ocean fisheries were defined as 42 fish per mile in standard index sites within the entire OCN aggregate. The description of four separate Gene Conservation Groups (GCG) within coastal coho salmon, a shift in escapement estimation approach to stratified random surveys to estimate actual numbers rather than indices, and concern over continued depressed status of many coastal runs has led to the disaggregation of the OCN into four sub-aggregates. This approach is intended to lead to more precise assessment of run strength in smaller areas more closely similar (not identical) to the GCGs, yet still large enough to allow effective management of the mixed stock ocean fisheries.

There is also reason to define escapement targets for individual river basins and to define specific thresholds for particular purposes (e.g. to define critical conservation levels, populations suitable for reinitiating fisheries, and levels equivalent to fully recovered or fully seeded). At this time, the Spawner Rebuilding Criteria establish escapement levels suitable for adjusting fisheries. Additional efforts will be required to define other important levels and to apply targets to individual basins.

GOAL: Establish meaningful goals for spawner escapement to facilitate managing fisheries and to assure population recovery.

OBJECTIVE: To disaggregate the old Oregon Coastal Natural (OCN) aggregate into four sub-aggregates.

To establish escapement targets for each sub-aggregate to serve as fishery adjustment criteria and achieve Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) approval of the new approach.

To establish escapement target levels describing full production levels in individual basins.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Don McIsaac, Interjurisdictional (IJ) Team Leader, is responsible for establishing the new sub-aggregates and fishery adjustment criteria.

District Biologists are responsible for establishing basin specific escapement targets and monitoring plans.

RESULTS: The OCN aggregate has been separated into four components, and separate escapement targets (Spawner Rebuilding Criteria) have been proposed for each. This approach was included in the first draft of the CSRI plan, and has been revised to relate directly to the habitat based coho production model. The Mid-coast districts are presently working on establishing individual population targets for each mid-coast basin.

FUTURE: We anticipate that this approach to estimating run strength targets for the purpose of regulating ocean fisheries will be the basic approach used into the foreseeable future. Any future adjustments to the geographic scope of the sub-aggregates or to escapement targets will be made with input from our management partners. Individual escapement targets for each coastal basin will be made over the next few years.

FUNDING: This has been accomplished with existing ODFW funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Define new sub-aggregates and develop escapement targets.
Complete: Completed

Job: Finalize recommendations following public and peer review of CSRI plan.
Start Date: Underway
Complete: With completion of final draft of CSRI plan by end of February 1997.

Job: Establish basin specific objectives in Mid-Coast districts and develop monitoring plan.
Start Date: Underway
Complete: December 1997

ODFW-I.B.1. Adult escapement and Juvenile Coho Salmon Production Assessment.

FULL TITLE: Collect critical information on the status and distribution of wild adult escapement and juvenile coho salmon production on federal, non-federal, and private lands with information summarized and presented using GIS.

BACKGROUND: Accurate estimates of adult coho escapement and production are necessary for determining population size and trend, regulating allowable fishery harvest, determining the response of populations to restoration efforts, and measuring attainment of population targets.

GOAL: Annually estimate adult coho escapement individually for the major river basins, the sub-aggregate areas, and for the entire Oregon coast; also, annually determine the abundance of juvenile coho salmon in representative stream reaches.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct annual coho escapement surveys utilizing stratified random sampling (SRS) approach to estimate total coho return to the Oregon coast drainages, as an aggregate.

To expand the number of SRS surveys of coho escapement to allow estimation of coho returns to the four sub-aggregate areas and to individual river basins (Phase 2).

To conduct escapement surveys in the standard index areas to continue the long term escapement trend information until a total of ten years of dual surveys have been completed.

To collect locally important juvenile coho abundance data in some districts.

To develop and conduct a sampling program to estimate juvenile coho abundance in selected representative sites coast wide (Phase 2).

To maintain population data in a geographically based format.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Steve Jacobs, Coastal Salmon Inventory Project Leader, will supervise the conduct of the 1997 coho spawning ground surveys, including both the SRS and index area surveys, except in the North West Region, where District Biologists supervise survey crews. The project is responsible for data collection, analysis and storage. Steve will continue work with the Portland GIS staff to present data geographically. Project data bases are already GIS compatible, with survey locations and distribution of spawning habitat already available in GIS format. Spawner abundance data will be presented in GIS soon.

Coastal fish district staff support the project by providing space for field crews, provide technical and logistical advice and support, and in NW Region, supervise crews.

Milt Hill and the GIS staff assist the project with GIS database development and production of maps detailing survey locations and distribution of coho spawning habitat. In 1997, they will assist in presenting spawner abundance data in map format.

RESULTS: Spawner abundance data are maintained in an electronic data base (MS-Access) and are used to provide an estimate of the population size of adult coho salmon, follow population trends of the coastal population, and contribute a primary component in determining the allowable fishery related impact in establishing fishing seasons and regulations. An annual report is prepared, although recent reports have been delayed.

FUTURE: If new funding can be obtained, survey intensity will be at least doubled (Phase 2). An expanded number of surveys would allow adult abundance to be estimated for the individual OCN sub-aggregates and for individual basins, which are presently not possible because of inadequate sample size. The improved accuracy of coho escapement will lead to improved management of the ocean fishery to assure meeting spawning needs.

FUNDING: Funding from state revenue, Anadromous Fish, Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation and Sport Fish Restoration funds is secure for the current survey effort, which was increased from ~300 to ~400 miles in 1996.

When new funding is obtained (Phase 2) a project to conduct annual surveys of juvenile coho abundance in representative stream reaches will be developed and initiated.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Conduct SRS and standard index site surveys of coho spawner abundance.
Start Date: October 15, 1996
Complete: February 15, 1997

Job: Summarize data.
Complete: April 15, 1997

Job: Provide data to PFMC for fishery regulation process.
Complete: March 15, 1997

Job: Prepare annual report
Complete: December 31, 1997

ODFW-I.B.2. Information Base for Habitat Restoration

FULL TITLE: Provide information base for restoration of salmon spawning and rearing habitat through inventory of salmon habitat quality and distribution and juvenile salmon population distribution, and through determination of salmon production capacity based on habitat.

BACKGROUND: Because of the critical role habitat quality plays in determining the production of juvenile salmon, it is imperative that we obtain accurate assessments of habitat quality, both to identify areas of good quality which need to be protected and to identify areas which have been degraded and need to be restored.

GOAL: Assess the condition of salmonid habitat in all coastal watersheds, determine the distribution and abundance of juvenile salmonids, and estimate salmonid production capacity based on habitat quality and quantity.

OBJECTIVE: To inventory the habitat condition and record fish species presence in coastal streams, and accumulate the data over time until all watersheds have been surveyed.

To identify specific stream reaches where habitat quality has been degraded and where restoration is needed.

To maintain records of habitat condition from surveys and watershed assessments carried out by watershed councils and other CSRI partners.

To provide habitat information on surveyed streams to landowners and CSRI cooperators, utilizing GIS and other appropriate data formats.

To recommend specific restoration approaches for areas in degraded condition.

To maintain records of all habitat restoration activities carried out in coastal watersheds

To update estimates of maximum potential coho production for each major coastal basin based on estimates of habitat quantity and quality.

To monitor the abundance of juvenile salmonids in representative stream reaches in all coastal drainages (phase 2).

To initiate habitat assessment and monitoring in specific identified coho core areas in conjunction with monitoring of coho production, as funding becomes available (Phase 2).

RESPONSIBILITIES: Kim Jones, Aquatic Inventory Project Leader, will be responsible for conduct of habitat assessments. The project will be responsible for collecting habitat and population inventory data on coastal streams based on contracts developed with various partners, maintaining data in an electronic data base and making habitat information available in GIS and other formats to landowners and cooperators.

Kelly Moore/Andy Talabere, Habitat Analysis and Application Project, will be responsible for recommending specific restoration approaches for degraded areas and maintaining records of all habitat restoration activities.

Jeff Rodgers, Salmonid Habitat Studies, will coordinate consolidation and storage of juvenile salmonid abundance data collected by district biologists.

Tom Nickelson, Northwest Research Program Leader, will update estimates of maximum potential coho production based on habitat.

Barry McPherson, Habitat Restoration Coordinator, will assist in seeking and securing funds from various agencies and non-governmental sources, maintaining quality control of approaches and products, and facilitating information transfer to those who need it.

RESULTS: Results will include a growing inventory of habitat condition and distribution as new areas are surveyed and entered into the data base. The growing data base will provide increasing guidance to watershed councils, landowners and other CSRI partners regarding specific needs for habitat protection and restoration, leading to increased and more effective habitat restoration. Inventory data will serve as the baseline against which to measure changes in habitat and coho production potential over time related to restoration activities, climatic events and land use within the watersheds.

FUTURE: As the CSRI plan is implemented, we expect increasing emphasis on habitat assessment, monitoring and restoration. We will request additional funding to increase the rapidity of conducting habitat surveys, and also anticipate various partners will increase the number of habitat inventory surveys contracted for each year. As the data base builds, we anticipate being able to increase the number of re-surveys designed to measure the habitat changes which have occurred as the result of natural events and of habitat restoration efforts. New funding (phase 2) will also be required to establish a more comprehensive assessment and monitoring program for juvenile abundance. Habitat data and juvenile abundance data will be integrated with the habitat based production model in phase 2 to update estimates of coho salmon production capacity.

FUNDING: The project leaders of the Aquatic Inventory and the Habitat Analysis and Application projects are supported by ODFW state funding. The Salmonid Habitat Studies project is funded by Sport Fish Restoration and a contract with BLM. Funds for individual habitat surveys are obtained from contracts with landowners, agency partners, and other ODFW units that need fish habitat information. Limited surveys of juvenile salmonid abundance are conducted on ODFW funds as a portion of district biologists' workloads. Estimation of coho production potential in the freshwater production studies program are supported by Sport Fish Restoration and state funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Conduct Field Inventories - Fish Presence
Start Date: April 1997
Complete: June 1997

Job: Conduct Field Inventories - Habitat
Start Date: June 1997
Complete: October 1997

Job: Stream Analysis
Start Date: September 1997
Complete: March 1998

Job: Add Data to Database
Start Date: October 1997
Complete: June 1998

Job: Prepare Watershed Summaries
Start Date: October 1997
Complete: June 1998

Job: Final Report (by individual watershed)
Complete: Ongoing, as each watershed is completed

Job: Create GIS Layers (from prior year's data)
Start Date: January 1997
Complete: September 1997

Job: Update habitat based estimates of coho production potential
Start Date: Ongoing

ODFW-I.B.3. Habitat Restoration Evaluation

FULL TITLE: Provide information base for restoration of salmon spawning and rearing habitat by evaluating representative restoration projects to quantify the effectiveness of techniques used and determine appropriate restoration strategies for use in specific situations.

BACKGROUND: One major goal of CSRI is restoration of the salmonid production capacity of coastal watersheds. While long term goals include natural re-development of habitat quality and function, short term expedience requires artificial restoration in many areas of degraded habitat. In order to obtain the greatest benefit from limited restoration resources, it is essential to understand which specific restoration techniques are most effective and appropriate for addressing specific habitat deficiencies, and to monitor the resultant effects of restoration activities.

GOAL: Monitor the effectiveness of habitat restoration projects conducted under CSRI and conduct research to determine the effectiveness of habitat restoration techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To maintain an inventory of habitat restoration projects.

To determine the production capacity of various habitat features and effectiveness of habitat restoration techniques through research.

To monitor results of restoration projects through pre/post photo monitoring, spawner counts and on site evaluation by district staff.

To Evaluate effectiveness of a sub-sample of habitat restoration projects to document the resultant response of salmonid populations (phase 2).

RESPONSIBILITIES: Sussanne Maleki, Habitat Analysis and Application Project, is responsible for maintaining the inventory of projects, based on information provided by district biologists.

Biologists in the fish districts are responsible for providing project information for each habitat restoration project initiated by ODFW in their districts. The lead group or agency for projects not initiated or supervised by ODFW will be responsible for providing project information to the ODFW data base.

Mario Solazzi, Leader of the Salmonid Habitat Studies project, is responsible for continuing determination of habitat production capacity and evaluation of the effectiveness of specific habitat restoration techniques on coastal streams.

RESULTS: For the second year, requests for inventory information on habitat restoration projects have been sent out to district biologists, and the returned information is being added to the inventory data base, which is used to maintain records of all restoration projects undertaken as the first basic step in evaluating the results of the project in the future. Research into development of overwinter habitat for juvenile coho has demonstrated increased smolt production from restoration projects, with off-channel alcoves and deep dammed pools providing the greatest increase in over winter survival. Natural habitat created by beavers has also been documented to be beneficial to juvenile salmonids. Studies are continuing.

FUTURE: Funding is considered secure for the foreseeable future at the current phase 1 level. Funding is being requested for phase 2 to initiate evaluations of representative restoration projects. Under phase 2, sub-samples of the projects implemented and listed in the data base will be evaluated to determine project effectiveness. We anticipate an increased number of restoration projects as CSRI partners begin implementing plans. We would suggest that funding for evaluation be built into project plans.

FUNDING: The Salmonid Habitat Studies project is funded with Sport Fish Restoration Project (Wallop-Breaux) and a contract with BLM.

Sussanne Maleki is funded by the Habitat Analysis and Application Project.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Habitat restoration project inventory
Complete: Ongoing

Salmonid Habitat Studies:
Job: Construction of habitat restoration/improvement structures
Start Date: September 1996
Complete: October 1996

Job: Smolt outmigration monitoring - annually until 2002
Start Date: March
Complete: August

Job: Annual data analysis
Start Date: March 1997
Complete: December 1997

Job: Annual progress report
Complete: December 1997

ODFW-I.B.4. Inventory of Artificial Barriers

FULL TITLE: Complete an inventory of artificial barriers to fish passage.

BACKGROUND: No comprehensive inventory of structures blocking fish passage currently exists. However, significant amounts of spawning and rearing habitat for salmonids are presently not available due to the effects of a variety of artificial structures which block passage of adult or juvenile salmonids. These structures include, but are not limited to, road culverts, diversion dams, temporary in-channel or "push up" dams, hydroelectric dams, tide gates, etc. Restoration of salmonid production blocked by these structures can not be initiated until the specific locations of blockages are identified. This information is also needed to establish priorities for restoration activities.

GOAL: Develop an inventory of all artificial structures which impede fish passage

OBJECTIVE: To conduct an inventory of highway (state and county) culverts in coastal drainages which impede fish passage.

To coordinate with forest management agencies, landowners and forest industry groups who conduct assessments of road culverts on forest roads in coastal drainages for fish passage, and to maintain a database on these culverts.

In future years, to complete a database of other structures which impede fish passage on coastal salmonid streams.

In future years, to expand the inventory of structures impeding fish passage to interior drainages.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Al Mirati will coordinate the inventory of structures blocking fish passage and will construct and maintain the data base.

District biologists will conduct some of the assessments of culverts, and seasonal employees supervised by Al Mirati will assess others.

District biologists coordinate with other agencies, such as ODF, NRCS, county road shops, etc. and industry on identification of passage obstructions and provide information to land owners and other responsible parties to encourage and assist correction of problems.

RESULTS: Development of the data base of structures blocking fish passage has been initiated, with inventory of in-channel dams completed and inventories of state and county road culverts underway on coastal drainages. The data base will provide information to watershed councils, road maintenance crews, water users, and those involved in habitat restoration on where salmonid habitat is being kept out of production due to obstructed passage. The effort has already lead to replacement of some problem culverts, and will allow initiation of additional projects to rectify passage problems and restore production. The information will also identify situations where passage is being blocked illegally and where enforcement efforts should be initiated.

FUTURE: The data base of impediments to fish passage will serve as a primary resource for landowners, agencies, cooperative groups and watershed councils involved in habitat restoration efforts. Removal of artificial barriers is a straightforward and effective means to immediately increase the amount of available salmonid habitat, and this information will greatly facilitate those efforts.

FUNDING: Inventory of highway (state and county roads) culverts in coastal drainages is being conducted under a contract with ODOT, which runs through June, 1997.

Oregon Forest Industry Council is conducting an inventory and assessment of culverts on forest lands controlled by their members funded by the council and member companies.

Negotiations are underway to develop cooperative funding through ODOT for culvert assessments in steelhead habitat not already covered by the coastal assessment.

District biologists have located local grants to assist in surveys

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Maintenance of the fish passage data base
Start Date: Ongoing

ODFW/ODOT Culvert Assessment Project for coastal basins
Job: Field surveys
Start Date: July 1996 (Underway)
Complete: May 1997

Job: Plot problem culvert locations on quad maps
Start Date: July 1996
Complete: May 1997

Job: Enter information into database
Start Date: August 1996
Complete: May 1997

Job: Create GIS layers of problem culvert locations
Start Date: March 1997
Complete: May 1997

Job: Prepare project completion report
Start Date: April 1997
Complete: June 1997

Proposed ODFW/ODOT Culvert Assessment Project for steelhead habitat
Job: Conduct assessments in steelhead areas not already surveyed for coho.
Start Date: April 1997
Complete: March 1998

ODFW-I.C.1. Policy on Management of Salmonid Predators

FULL TITLE: Develop Oregon policy on management of salmonid predators within framework of federal responsibility for many predatory species

BACKGROUND: The effects of predation, particularly by marine mammals (seals and sea lions) and migratory birds (cormorants), has become a significant concern due to the depressed status of many coastal salmonid stocks. Populations of some of these predators are steadily increasing, while populations of several salmonids remain quite low. Popular opinion along the coast places much of the blame for the low salmonid populations on these predators. No objective data exists which establishes the actual predatory impacts, but the high and growing predator numbers, known piscivorous food habits and observations of extensive feeding on salmonids in certain locations suggest that these predators could potentially have an impact on the recovery of populations of salmonids in specific locations.

GOAL: Develop an agency policy that is consistent on a region wide basis, for addressing the issues and the approach for dealing with salmonid predators, in conjunction with the federal agencies which have legislative authority over these species and with the other states in the Pacific Northwest

OBJECTIVE: To develop an ODFW policy on marine mammal predation in conjunction with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the states of California and Washington.

To develop an ODFW policy on cormorant and other avian predation in conjunction with the Fish and Wildlife Service and the other Pacific Northwest states.

To develop an assessment report on the potential impacts from other predator species, particularly introduced fishes.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Robin Brown, ODFW marine mammal specialist, will take the lead in developing the marine mammal policy in conjunction with members of the Fish and Wildlife divisions of ODFW. Input from the NMFS, states and other interested parties will be incorporated into the policy, as appropriate.

Robin Brown will also coordinate the development of an avian predator policy in conjunction with members of the Fish and Wildlife divisions of ODFW. Input from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the states, and other interested parties will be incorporated into the policy statement as appropriate.

Ray Temple, Fish Division, is leading development of a report assessing the interactions of introduced fish and native salmonids and the potential management approaches available.

RESULTS: Development of these policies will allow for coordinated and consistent responses to incidences of marine mammal and avian predation. Statutory authority for management of these species rests with the federal agencies, while responsibility for salmonid populations resides with the states, unless they are listed under the ESA. Clearly articulated policies are needed to establish a common understanding of the magnitude of any problems, establish the parameters under which management activities will take place, assign specific responsibilities, and ensure consistent approaches. The policies will also allow for the incorporation of new information on predatory effects as data is gathered.

FUTURE: The draft policy developed under this action will be reviewed internally by the Fish and Wildlife divisions, the Director, and staff at NMFS and USFWS. Having a consistent and well thought out approach to dealing with predators is expected to improve effectiveness and reduce some of the controversy surrounding the predation issue.

FUNDING: Policy development will be done by existing staff on existing funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Marine Mammal Policy development
Start Date: April 1997
Complete: September 1997

Job: Avian Predator Policy development
Start Date: April 1997
Complete: September 1997

Job: Internal review of draft policies
Start Date: September 1997
Complete: Executive Management Team and Commission meetings, December 1997

Job: Assessment report on introduced fish issues
Start Date: Underway
Complete: January 31, 1997

ODFW-I.C.2. Determine Predator Impacts

FULL TITLE: Evaluate potential for impacts of predation by: a) migratory avian predators; b) marine mammals; and, c) introduced fishes to salmon restoration.

BACKGROUND: The issue of predatory impacts to weak salmonid stocks has become controversial, with some taking the position that predators are the primary cause of salmon declines, while others believe that as natural components of the ecosystem predators can not be a significant factor in the declines. Given the lack of objectively obtained data in recent years, it has become difficult to ascertain the appropriate level of concern to ascribe to the issue of predation. Because there is potential for locally abundant predators to seriously impact already weakened stocks, and in order to resolve the controversies and to guide appropriate management actions, it is essential that objective research be conducted to estimate the actual magnitude of impacts which are occurring as a result of predation.

GOAL: Determine the magnitude of predatory impacts to coho salmon populations.

OBJECTIVE: To initiate research proposals into predation effects on coho salmon and locate funding to conduct the research.

To determine the magnitude of impacts to depressed coho salmon populations from avian predators, primarily cormorants (phase 2).

To determine the magnitude of impacts to depressed coho salmon populations from marine mammals (phase 2).

To determine the magnitude of impacts to depressed coho salmon populations from predation by introduced fishes (phase 2).

RESPONSIBILITIES: Bruce Schmidt, ODFW Research Supervisor, and Robin Brown, Marine Mammal Specialist, will work with research institutions, federal agencies, other interested entities, and the Oregon Legislature (with Kay Brown) to secure funding and initiate research into the magnitude and effects of predation on coho salmon.

District Biologists are responsible for monitoring the cormorant hazing efforts and conducting some local assessments of predator abundance and activity.

RESULTS: While no specific research has been conducted into impacts of predators to coho salmon, there is some indication that there is potential for effects in specific situations. This is based on observations such as biologists observing large numbers of cormorants feeding on coho smolts in localized areas and sea lions taking up residence at fishways and feeding on weak salmon runs. Once funding is secured, research will be initiated in phase 2 to determine whether the amounts of predation occurring are actually detrimental to the salmon runs.

FUTURE: This research is expected to continue over several years and for various species. Once objective information is obtained, any resultant suggestion of a need for management of predators can be discussed more effectively. Study results will also be helpful in developing management strategies and updating predator management policies.

FUNDING: Funding does not presently exist for these research efforts, and conduct of these studies is considered a phase 2 activity. Funding to support the efforts to determine the research needs and secure funding will come from existing budgets.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Describe study needs and secure funding for research
Start Date: Ongoing
Complete: As funding contracts are completed.

ODFW-I.C.3. Predator Management

FULL TITLE: Manage predators in specific problem areas given current levels of understanding of the problem and existing methods for resolution.

BACKGROUND: Even though detailed information on the impact of predation on salmon stocks is not currently available, it may be necessary to implement management actions to respond to specific instances of obvious predatory activity. These situations are most likely to occur in locations where predators and salmonids are concentrated and the potential for a significant negative impact appears high. Management actions will be based on current levels of knowledge and will take advantage of currently available, non-lethal approaches.

GOAL: Apply appropriate management approaches to respond to obvious incidences of intense predation on salmonid stocks.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce marine mammal predation on salmonids where seals and sea lions take advantage of concentrations of salmonids at specific locations, using non-lethal approaches such as exclusion devices, hazing, relocation, etc.

To continue the experimental hazing of cormorants feeding on coho smolts in three estuaries on the North Coast, as authorized by the Oregon Legislature.

To identify and respond appropriately to incidences of predation in specific areas of concentration.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Robin Brown, ODFW Marine Mammals Specialist, will be responsible for coordinating with the federal managers and initiating management actions for specific areas where intensive predation by marine mammals is detected and impacts to salmon populations appear significant (for example, as at Willamette Falls fishway). Robin will also serve as a contact point and coordinator as problems with avian predation are identified.

Rick Klumph and Walt Weber, District Biologists, will coordinate with the individuals selected to conduct the legislatively approved cormorant hazing program. Kay Brown will be responsible for managing the hazing contracts.

Bruce Schmidt and Kay Brown will work with interested public and the Oregon Legislature to develop legislation for support of future cormorant hazing efforts and research into the effectiveness of the hazing.

RESULTS: If obvious incidences of predator impacts to salmonid populations are identified, reasonable management actions will be proposed and implemented as possible to reduce the level of impact and respond to public concerns.

FUTURE: Management of predatory situations will continue on an "as needed" basis as staff and funds are available until additional information on the impacts of predators to depressed salmonid populations is obtained from research activities. Any changes to this low level approach will be considered through revisions to the predator management policies developed under action I.C.1. in conjunction with the federal management agencies and neighboring states.

FUNDING: Any management activities to reduce predation impacts will be done with existing ODFW funding and/or with federal contract funds (e.g. from NMFS or USFWS).

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: React to specific predation "hot spots".
Start Date: As needed

Job: Develop 1997 contracts for cormorant hazing project.
Start Date: December 1997 (underway)
Complete: Signed contracts by March 1997

Job: Conduct the cormorant hazing in three North Coast estuaries.
Start Date: April 1997
Complete: June 1997

Job: Work with the Legislature to determine program for the 1997-99 biennium.
Start Date: Underway
Complete: June 1997

ODFW-I.D.1. Use of Volunteers

FULL TITLE: Emphasize use of volunteers to help implement CSRI coho restoration actions.

BACKGROUND: Volunteers have proven to be an effective means to bring considerable additional capability to ODFW programs. Formally organized programs like the Salmon & Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) have contributed significantly to fish propagation programs and habitat restoration projects. Efforts by other volunteers, both individuals and groups, have also proven effective. Given the limitations in ODFW staff, we see the use of volunteers as one means to increase the amount of department directed effort in accomplishing CSRI objectives.

GOAL: Expand the implementation of CSRI coho restoration actions through expansion and refocusing of volunteer efforts.

OBJECTIVE: To request assistance from formal volunteer programs (such as STEP) where appropriate to conduct specific actions from the CSRI plan. Such actions might include collection of wild broodstock, hatching and release of wild origin fry to reestablish wild native runs in depleted streams, habitat restoration projects, data collection projects, etc.

To recruit new volunteers and form new volunteer groups.

To refocus existing volunteer efforts toward priority CSRI measures, where feasible.

To investigate and develop other means of obtaining low cost work crews to support CSRI actions.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Charlie Corrarino, STEP Coordinator, will work with the STEP Advisory Committee to increase emphasis on CSRI related actions and will coordinate with STEP Biologists, District Biologists and other program managers to identify activities suitable for the volunteer groups.

Charlie Corrarino and STEP Biologists will encourage and support recruitment of volunteers specifically for work on CSRI measures. An additional source of manpower could be development of specialized habitat restoration work crews made up of inmates.

District and STEP biologists will work with STEP groups to increase the emphasis on CSRI measures and refocus activities where needed and as supported by the interests of the volunteers.

RESULTS: Over the past decade, STEP and other volunteers have provided ODFW with significant amounts of assistance in assessing stream conditions, building and maintaining facilities, rearing and releasing fish, conducting surveys and collecting data, and conducting habitat restoration projects. In these days of low funding for public agencies, this kind of assistance has become even more valuable. The significant increase in activities to restore coho and other salmonid populations under CSRI will require increased amounts of manpower and volunteers interested in Oregon's fish resources can provide much needed assistance.

FUTURE: We expect to see an increasing number of STEP and other volunteer groups participating in CSRI actions, or existing volunteer efforts refocused to the highest priority CSRI actions. Volunteers bring their own desires and priorities to their voluntary efforts, and ODFW will encourage volunteers to support activities contained in the CSRI plan. Existing volunteer efforts, such as STEP activities related to rearing and stocking fish, which are considered an integral part of ODFW's fish propagation program, could easily support conservation priorities such as reintroducing wild origin fish or supporting depressed wild populations. Other activities which might benefit from volunteer assistance include assistance with collecting wild broodstock, habitat restoration projects, fish carcass distribution, spawning ground counts, etc.

FUNDING: Funding for ODFW staff to guide and support volunteer efforts (STEP Coordinator and STEP Biologists in the districts) is provided through existing ODFW budgets. Because of the voluntary nature of this approach, the labor, and sometimes the costs of materials or equipment, are provided without charge to the department.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Use volunteers through the STEP program to carry out hatchery programs (including facility maintenance, rearing and release), habitat restoration , and other activities in support of CSRI objectives.
Start Date: Ongoing

Job: Recruitment of new volunteers and formation of new volunteer groups
Start Date: Ongoing

Job: Support and guide on the ground volunteer efforts
Start Date: Ongoing

ODFW-II.A.1. Implement Coho Wild Fish Management Policy Strategies

FULL TITLE: Implement the Wild Fish Management Policy strategies for coastal coho salmon as approved by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in 1994.

BACKGROUND: In 1994 the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted the Wild Fish Management Policy (WFMP) implementation strategies for coastal populations of wild coho salmon. Adoption of the WFMP strategies has led to changes in the coho hatchery program intended to reduce the potential for hatchery fish to interbreed with wild populations and potentially causing genetic risk and losses in productivity. Coastal coho broodstocks used now are developed from local wild sources, and these stocks are returned only to the appropriate drainages, regardless of rearing location. Numbers of coho stocked have been reduced to reduce the potential for straying and interbreeding with wild fish and are being reduced further due to economic reasons. Only 5 of over 100 populations were determined to pose a genetic risk in 1994. Full implementation of the WFMP is expected to significantly reduce the remaining risk.

GOAL: To fully implement the Wild Fish Management policy for all wild coastal coho populations to remove any significant genetic risks.

OBJECTIVE: To minimize the potential of hatchery fish escaping to spawning grounds by: 1) reducing releases of hatchery smolts; 2) remove hatchery origin fish as much as possible from natural spawning areas with traps at hatcheries or fish ladders, and 3) other WFMP strategies..

RESPONSIBILITIES: Mark Chilcote, Natural Production Program Coordinator, will be responsible for oversight of WFMP implementation.

District Biologists are responsible for implementation of WFMP in each district.

Rich Berry, Freshwater Program Director, Hatchery Managers and District Biologists will be responsible for planning the reduction in numbers stocked. They will also ensure that all hatchery produced coho will be externally marked to allow accurate assessment of hatchery/wild ratios on spawning grounds.

RESULTS: So far, WFMP implementation has led to reduced coho stocking, elimination of coho stocking in all but 11 drainages, and reduction in the potential for hatchery fish to interbreed with wild fish. Activities taken in the actions in Section II of the CSRI plan will further reduce any risks to wild stocks.

FUTURE: Future activities will include further refinement of hatchery programs to achieve WFMP compliance (II.A.2, II.A.3), investigation into new ways to utilize hatcheries specifically to restore wild populations (II.B.1.), construction of facilities to increase the number of returning hatchery fish which are captured and removed, and development of acclimation facilities and stocking procedures designed to maximize the removal of hatchery fish and minimize straying on to wild spawning grounds.

FUNDING: The Wild Fish Management Policy has been adopted by the Commission and is already being implemented. No further funding is needed for policy development. Funding for specific activities is presented individually for the actions in Section II of ODFW's actions in the CSRI plan. Funding has not yet been secured for phase 2 actions, such as construction of additional hatchery fish collection facilities or acclimation facilities.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Confine hatchery fish that return to hatcheries to prevent them from spawning in the wild.
Start Date: October 1997
Complete: Ongoing

Job: Monitor the proportion of hatchery strays on spawning grounds.
Start Date: November 1997
Complete: Ongoing

ODFW-II.A.2. Reduce Coastal Hatchery Coho Smolt Releases

FULL TITLE: Reduce coastal hatchery coho smolt releases from 6.4 million in 1990 and 3.4 million in 1997 to 2.3 million by 1998.

BACKGROUND: Because of declining revenue to support hatchery programs and restrictions on fisheries, coho stocking has been declining since 1990. This declining trend will continue, with egg taking quotas for the 1996 brood year for release in 1998 being reduced to produce only 2.3 million smolts.

GOAL: Reduce 1998 coho salmon smolt releases to 2.3 million.

OBJECTIVE: To release 2.3 million hatchery coho smolts in 1998.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Rich Berry, Freshwater Program Director, Hatchery Managers and District Biologists will work together to manage the 1996 brood year egg takes to assure production of 2.3 million smolts to be released in 1998.

RESULTS: These efforts will result in fewer excess hatchery coho returning to coastal streams.

FUTURE: Production of coho salmon in Oregon hatcheries will remain at a low level as long as survival conditions remain poor, the depressed state of wild coho stocks persists and fishery restrictions prevent access to hatchery fish. Any future adjustments to coho production would be made only in conjunction with hatchery program plans developed under action II.A.3. and through consultation with interested partners. Future increase in stocking would not exceed recent historic highs and would be conducted only in a manner specifically designed to maximize fishery interception and removal (actions III.B.2 and III.B.3) and to minimize interactions with wild fish.

FUNDING: The reduction in numbers of coho produced will not require additional funds. Reductions in federal funding for hatcheries under the Mitchell Act may necessitate the closure of several Columbia River hatcheries operated by Oregon.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Release coho salmon smolts from the 1996 brood year.
Start Date: April 1998
Complete: June 1998

Job: Collect coho eggs from the 1997 brood year.
Start Date: October 1997
Complete: December 1997

Job: Rear coho salmon from the 1996 brood year.
Start Date: January 1997
Complete: April 1998

Job: Hold production meetings to establish egg needs for the 1997 brood year.
Start Date: August 1997
Complete: October 1997

ODFW-II.A.3. Develop Management Objectives, Including Genetic Guidelines

FULL TITLE: Develop specific management objectives, including genetic guidelines, for each coastal coho hatchery program as required by the Hatchery Fish Gene Resources Management Policy (HFMP).

BACKGROUND: Although coho hatchery programs are already nearly in compliance with the Wild Fish Management Policy guidelines, it has become apparent that many outside ODFW are not familiar with the specific objectives of the various coho propagation programs. Therefore, it will be helpful to clearly describe the objectives for each program, both for current and planned future operations. This will provide readily available information on purpose, scope and conduct of the program at each hatchery for external parties as well as to guide hatchery operations.

GOAL: Develop hatchery management objectives and genetic guidelines for each coastal coho hatchery by the end of 1997.

OBJECTIVE: To develop written program management objectives and operation guidelines to conserve genetic resources for each hatchery producing coho salmon for coastal drainages. These will include information on purpose of program, genetic makeup of stocks produced, production targets, distribution of fish produced, genetic protections to be employed, and confirmation of consistency with WFMP.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Rich Berry, Freshwater Program Director, will be responsible for the ultimate completion of this action.

Mark Lewis and Leslie Schaeffer will be responsible for compiling hatchery objectives and guidelines with input from the Hatchery Managers and District Biologists.

Mark Chilcote, Wild Fish Management Policy Coordinator, will be responsible for providing input regarding genetic issues and WFMP compliance.

RESULTS: Approval of the HFMP by the Commission directs ODFW to provide objectives and genetic guidelines for each hatchery program. A brief description of current programs is underway now to provide more information on current objectives to CSRI partners, with more detailed information and genetic guidelines to be provided in these program plans.

FUTURE: Future hatchery programs will be consistent with HFMP implementation plans. Changes and adjustments in coastal coho propagation programs will be made in conjunction with revisions to the plans.

FUNDING: Development of the hatchery program plans will be done with existing ODFW funding and staff.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Draft management objectives and genetic operational guidelines for each coastal hatchery program.
Start Date: July 1997
Complete: September 1997

Job: Staff review of draft objectives and guidelines.
Start Date: September 1, 1997
Complete: September 20, 1997

Job: Objectives and guidelines finalized.
Start Date: September 20, 1997
Complete: October 1, 1997

ODFW-II.A.4. Mark All Hatchery Coho

FULL TITLE: Externally mark all Oregon hatchery coho prior to release as smolts, beginning with the 1995 brood .

BACKGROUND: Accomplishment of a variety of coho management and conservation actions, including selective fisheries and assessment of hatchery fish straying onto spawning grounds, requires that hatchery fish be readily distinguished from wild fish. The simplest approach is to externally mark all hatchery produced fish by removing the adipose fin. This approach to producing hatchery coho was initiated in all Oregon hatcheries for the 1995 brood year. This is now a continuing part of the propagation program.

GOAL: Mark all hatchery produced coho smolts and fed fry.

OBJECTIVE: To externally mark all coho smolts, and fed fry as possible, produced in Oregon, including federal hatcheries, by removal of the adipose or other fin, or by some other tagging method.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Rich Berry, Freshwater Program Director, will be responsible to assure that all coho smolts produced in Oregon are externally marked.

RESULTS: All coho smolts, beginning with the 1997 releases will be externally marked. This offers the opportunity to focus any remaining or future harvest towards hatchery fish only and requiring the release of unmarked wild fish. This will also facilitate the gathering of information from spawning surveys on the percentage of hatchery fish found on wild spawning grounds, thereby allowing a much clearer estimate of hatchery fish straying and its potential significance.

FUTURE: All future coho smolts will be marked prior to release.

FUNDING: Funds have been allocated within the ODFW budget to continue this program on an annual basis.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Fin clip hatchery production.
Start Date: April 1997
Complete: December 1997

ODFW-II.B.1. Assess the Effectiveness of Using Hatchery Production to Reintroduce or Rebuild Depressed Wild Coho Populations.

FULL TITLE Evaluate the potential and effectiveness of using hatchery production to rebuild or restore depressed wild populations of coastal coho salmon.

BACKGROUND: In the past, coho hatchery programs were primarily conducted with the purpose of providing additional fish for harvest. Although harvest augmentation will still occur, the current depressed condition of coastal coho runs raises the need to develop programs designed to supplement depressed wild runs. The intent of this action is to determine the effectiveness of such programs following the active principles of adaptive management (i.e. learn by doing and evaluating results). The initial phase of this action is to develop plans for how such wild fish supplementation can and should be conducted. Ultimately, this approach is seen as a temporary approach to reintroduce extirpated local populations or boost wild populations toward recovery rather than as a continuing management approach.

GOAL: Assess the effectiveness of using hatchery produced coho salmon from wild broodstock to temporarily supplement depressed or extirpated wild populations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of using hatchery fish of wild origin to supplement depleted populations or to reintroduce wild fish into extirpated areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Rich Berry, Freshwater Program Director, will be responsible for accomplishment of these objectives.

Mark Chilcote and Mark Lewis will lead the development of this concept.

RESULTS: Hatcheries have proven to be an effective tool to augment fisheries. Development of approaches designed to utilize hatchery capabilities to supplement wild populations is an unproven but potentially powerful tool for salmon restoration.

FUTURE: Development of this approach will provide a significant new tool which may offer significant potential to temporarily boost or reintroduce wild coho salmon in certain specific situations. This is not viewed as a "cure all" approach, but as another tool which can be temporarily used in certain situations. Widespread utilization of this approach will not occur until its effectiveness can be demonstrated.

FUNDING: Development of the implementation design for utilizing hatchery fish for conservation purposes will be done by existing staff using existing funding. Initiating the fish production phase of this project will depend on the availability of federal and state funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Develop the conceptual framework for the use of hatchery production to supplement depressed wild populations. Design a program plan for conducting experimental application of the approach on a test case basis.
Start Date: June 1997
Complete: September 1997

ODFW-III. A.1. Develop Management Strategies that Minimize Ocean Fishery Related Impacts on OCN Coho stocks and Provide for future Harvest Opportunities

FULL TITLE: Manage PFMC ocean area OCN coho harvest impacts under the CSRI plan's fishery management regime to meet Oregon OCN sub-aggregate adult spawner escapement criteria defined in action I.A.1. and the Fishery Rebuilding Matrix.

BACKGROUND: Concern over the depleted condition of Oregon's OCN coho salmon stocks in recent years has led regional fishery managers to set historically low levels of allowable harvest and overall exploitation rates on these stocks. Directed PFMC ocean coho fisheries have been almost entirely prohibited beginning in 1994. Only limited West Coast ocean and Oregon terminal area coho fisheries have been allowed on available regional hatchery stocks. Mortality on OCN coho occurring in these fisheries and from incidental impacts in other fisheries has been tightly managed at levels less than 15% since 1994. The PFMC and Oregon will continue these low harvest impacts until there is a change in ocean survival and a concurrent significant improvement in OCN coho adult spawning populations within all the CSRI plan OCN sub-aggregate stock groups as described in I.B.1.

GOAL: Maintain restrictions on PFMC ocean coho salmon fishing until OCN coho populations show substantial rebuilding and ocean survival conditions improve, as defined in the CSRI fishery adjustment criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain formal recognition and adoption of the CSRI plan and its fishery management plan by PFMC.

To work within the PFMC management framework to continue limiting fishing impacts on OCN coho salmon until the OCN adult spawning rebuilding criteria and proposed fishery management regime is adopted by the PFMC.

RESPONSIBILITIES: ODFW harvest managers, led by Burnie Bohn and Don McIsaac, IJ Management, will be responsible for submitting the fishery adjustment criteria to PFMC for formal review and adoption. The ODFW will be responsible for maintaining restrictions on coho fishing necessary to achieve restoration of the wild population and assuring that total fishing impacts meet the criteria.

RESULTS: ODFW efforts to place restrictions on wild coho impacts through the PFMC process have been successful. Total fishery related impacts on OCN coho salmon are now estimated (post-season) to be only 7-12% for the most recent three years, 1994 -1996. With elimination of most directed coho harvest for the past three years, benefits to spawning wild spawners should begin to be realized. Development of the fishery adjustment criteria provides assurance that any resumption in fishing will occur only in a controlled manner in conjunction with defined recovery of wild coho populations and improved ocean survival conditions, with maximum potential impacts well below historic highs.

FUTURE: Total fishery impacts will remain low (at or below 15%) until there is significant improvement in both ocean survival and wild OCN coho populations begin rebuilding under established spawning rebuilding criteria proposed in the CSRI plan. Changes in fishery harvest impacts will only be considered in compliance with the fishery rebuilding criteria, which has been established to prevent the possibility of suddenly resuming high exploitation rates as stocks begin to rebound. Controlling resumption of fisheries will remove the possibility that harvest impacts could reverse the improving population trends. Fishery management criteria are specifically designed to allow only marginal increases in OCN exploitation rates upon identifiable increases in OCN population levels. By definition, any increase in harvest-related impacts will not exceed levels which will allow continued expansion of OCN populations.

FUNDING: Establishing fishery regulations through the PFMC process and Oregon fish and Wildlife Commission is a routine ODFW and conducted with existing funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE:

Job: Adopt 1997 PFMC ocean and Oregon terminal area (state waters) fisheries that maintain OCN coho restrictions and low exploitation rate under the PFMCs, Salmon Fishery Management Plan, and its Amendment 11.
Start Date: January 1997; beginning of 1997 pre-season PFMC fishery planning process.
Complete: April 1997, with adoption of PFMC's 1997 ocean salmon harvest regulations

Job: Finalize recommendations a proposal to PFMC for Oregon's CSRI OCN coho rebuilding plan and fishery adjustment criteria for 1998 seasons and to Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Start Date: Underway
Complete: PFMC, Fall 1997, Oregon Fish & Wildlife Commission, Fall 1997.

ODFW-III.A.2. Manage Terminal Estuary and River Salmon Fisheries to Minimize Impact

FULL TITLE: Manage Oregon estuary and river salmon fisheries to minimize impacts on OCN coho populations.

BACKGROUND: Because of depressed coho runs, increasing restrictions have been placed on Oregon coastal estuary and river fisheries to protect returning wild coho salmon since the early 1990's, with near total prohibition on directed harvest since 1994. Only a few fisheries for strong runs of marked hatchery coho in specific streams remain. These restrictions will be maintained until the OCN adult spawner rebuilding criteria described in action I.A.1 are met, and any future relaxing of fishing restrictions will adhere to the fishery adjustment matrix in action III.A.1.

GOAL: Manage impacts on OCN coho in Oregon coastal estuary and river salmon and trout fisheries as part of the overall OCN exploitation rate to ensure attainment of the OCN spawner escapement rebuilding criteria defined under action I.A.1.

OBJECTIVE: To continue protection of wild coho through restrictions on salmon and trout fishery impacts in Oregon's coastal estuaries and rivers.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Steve King, IJ Program Salmon Manager, is responsible for salmon harvest regulations in coastal estuaries and rivers.

RESULTS: Oregon coastal estuary and in-river recreational coho fisheries have been severely restricted since the early 1990's, with a corresponding drop in OCN impacts. Direct harvest has been prohibited in most system since 1994. Only a few specific localized area coho fisheries exist that target healthy runs of marked hatchery fish, with minimal interception of wild stocks and release of all unmarked fish required.

FUTURE: Existing fishing restrictions for wild coho in coastal estuaries and rivers will be maintained into the foreseeable future. Any increase in fishing opportunity will be predicated on meeting the spawning and fishery rebuilding criteria described for the CSRI. New fishing opportunity will focus primarily on marked hatchery stocks, with some potential for wild stock harvest once stocks are restored.

FUNDING: Regulation setting to manage Oregon's coastal estuary and river recreational fisheries is a routine and ongoing process that is conducted with existing funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Set 1998 Oregon coastal salmon regulations for Oregon coastal estuaries and freshwater.
Start Date: April 1997
Complete: September 1997 through Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission action.

ODFW-III.A.3. Manage Trout Fisheries to Reduce Ecological Interactions and Mortality on Juvenile Salmonids.

FULL TITLE: Manage trout fisheries in coastal basins to reduce ecological interactions and harvest related mortality on juvenile salmonids through angling restrictions and shifting trout stocking from anadromous salmonid streams to standing water bodies.

BACKGROUND: Oregon's coastal rivers and streams are managed for a variety of fisheries in addition to coho salmon. Among these are popular fisheries for rainbow trout and coastal cutthroat trout, many of which have been supported by hatchery stocking. Concerns over depleted runs of sea run cutthroat, and drastic declines in return of stocked trout, resulted in eliminating trout stocking in nearly all streams with anadromous runs and closing or restricting trout fishing. Expected benefits include elimination of interbreeding of hatchery and wild trout and a significant reduction in trout fishing which would reduce the incidental catch of juvenile salmonids (although this is not a significant factor for coho, some benefit might result). Cessation of stocking will also result in elimination of any competition from hatchery trout for available food resources and suitable rearing space.

GOAL: Reduce the possibility of impacts to juvenile wild coho salmon from ecological interactions and hatchery supported trout fisheries in streams with anadromous salmonid populations.

OBJECTIVE: To complete the elimination of trout stocking from coastal streams with anadromous salmonid populations by the end of 1997.

To maintain recent changes in fishing regulations to reduce the incidental catch of coho salmon smolts and other juvenile salmonids

To inform the public of the recent changes in trout stocking and fishing regulations.

To complete the transfer of hatchery trout production from coastal streams with anadromous salmonid populations to standing waters.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Bob Hooton, Trout Program Coordinator, Assistant Regional Supervisors and District Biologists will be responsible for completing the adjustment of the trout management program to transfer trout stocking to standing waters without anadromous salmonid populations from coastal anadromous streams, and recommending trout regulation changes.

Coastal District Biologists will be responsible for recommending alternate stocking sites and making recommendations for specific regulation adjustments. They will also be responsible for explaining these changes to local constituents and working to build public support, with assistance from the I&E Section.

RESULTS: Hatchery trout programs have been evaluated, and based on concerns that trout stocking could cause interbreeding with wild trout, trout fishing may lead to incidental catch of wild juvenile salmonids and stocked trout may compete with wild salmonids, trout stocking programs in coastal anadromous streams are being transferred to standing waters. In addition, regulations have been changed to restrict or close trout fishing and remove the risk of incidental catch. In 1997, the remaining trout stocking programs will be transferred.

FUTURE: Restrictions on trout stocking and angling will be maintained into the future for anadromous coastal streams.

FUNDING: Trout propagation and stocking, and trout fishery management, are routine parts of the ODFW fish management program, and are conducted on existing funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Conduct stocking for the 1997 quotas of trout into standing waters.
Start Date: Late Winter 1997
Complete: Summer 1997

Job: Finalize stocking plans for 1998 to complete transfer to standing waters.
Start Date: Spring 1997
Complete: Summer 1997

ODFW-III.B.1. Develop Selective Ocean Coho Harvest Opportunities

FULL TITLE: Implement selective ocean coho salmon fisheries targeting regional "marked" (fin-clipped) hatchery stocks while meeting Oregon Coastal Natural (OCN) spawner escapement rebuilding criteria established under CSRI measure ODFWIIIA1.

BACKGROUND: Oregon Coastal Natural (OCN) coho are severely depressed. Oregon has proposed historic harvest and exploitation rate restrictions within a new fishery management regime described under the Oregon Coastal Salmonid Restoration Initiative (CSRI). The basis of this management strategy relies on meeting new OCN spawner rebuilding criteria for sub aggregate stock groups on the Oregon Coast, increased ocean survival, and the mass marking of public hatchery coho stocks to provide fish for selective ocean fisheries. Mass marking has been initiated by both Oregon and Washington beginning with the 1995 brood coho. The 1998 season would be the earliest year of possible ocean fishing opportunity under this plan if certain criteria are met under the plan. The basis of future directed Oregon ocean coho harvest will rely on the rebuilding status of OCN coho stocks and the continuation of a mass marking strategy.

GOAL: Develop future ocean harvest opportunity that applies a "selective harvest" strategy for marked hatchery coho.

OBJECTIVE: To utilize the availability of hatchery marked (fin-clipped) coho as a targeted catch in ocean fisheries.

To establish ocean selective fisheries based on meeting the OCN coho spawning escapement rebuilding criteria under the CSRI plan

To provide ocean fishing opportunity on hatchery marked (fin-clipped) coho as allowed under Oregon's new fishery management regime and harvest criteria.

To initiate field studies to test the potential and feasibility of selective coho fisheries as they are implemented.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Don McIsaac, ODFW IJ Fisheries Program Manager. Don McIsaac, the IJ staff, and Marine Resource salmon field data collection programs will jointly be responsible to collect and assess data from ocean selective fisheries to ensure such information meets OCN escapement and fishery management criteria established under Oregon's CSRI rebuilding plan for OCN coho. The IJ program will be responsible to synthesize collected information and technical analyses to support the appropriate management strategies in PFMC and Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) management forums.

RESULTS: Results of ocean selective (fin-clipped) hatchery coho fisheries will include several field (port sampling and at-sea studies) and technical evaluations to test the impacts on OCN wild stocks under a new selective fishery status. These results will continuously be evaluated to revise harvest strategies as needed to ensure meeting OCN rebuilding criteria.

FUTURE: The application of ocean selective fisheries for fin-clipped hatchery coho in conjunction with the new spawner rebuilding criteria is expected to be the primary ocean and terminal area harvest strategy for the foreseeable future. The application of this harvest approach will be evaluated in 2000 as part of the comprehensive, adaptive review on the status of OCN coho

FUNDING: Funding to implement an ocean selective coho fisheries management plan does not now exist. The only portion of the program that is currently funded is the initial 1995 brood marking of Oregon and Washington hatchery coho and the commitment of Oregon to ensure its hatchery fish are marked for the initial 5 year experimental period. Successful implementation of this phase 2 strategy to manage selective ocean coho fisheries will require participation from both federal and state funding sources. It will need to include: 1) funding for technical assessment and fishery modeling of OCN coho impacts both pre and post season, 2) changes in current field port sampling programs to incorporate the use of electron "wands" to detect coded wire tagged coho in landed catch, and 3) funding for at-sea encounter rate studies on the percentage of marked/unmarked coho by time and area so that future harvest strategies can better target marked stocks.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Prepare a technical modeling assessment on OCN coho for potential 1998 ocean selective (test) fishery harvest options to be discussed by PFMC and Oregon.
Start Date: Early 1997 (pending funding support)
Complete: Early 1998 to meet PFMC preseason regulation process

Job: Purchase electronic detection equipment for detection of coded wire tagged coho in landed catch.
Start Date: July 1997, beginning of the new 1997-99 Biennium.

Job: Develop revised sampling design and protocol for field port sampling under a coho selective fishery.
Start Date: 1997
Complete: January 1998

Job: Prepare an at-sea study to evaluate the encounter rates over time and fishery areas of marked hatchery and wild (OCN) coho stocks.
Start Date: 1997
Complete: January 1998

ODFW-III.B.2. Develop Opportunities for Terminal Area Recreational Coho Fisheries (phase 2)

FULL TITLE: Develop opportunities for Oregon coastal terminal estuary and river recreational coho salmon fisheries that target marked hatchery production and meet OCN coho spawner rebuilding criteria.

BACKGROUND: Oregon has developed specific criteria relating to OCN coho spawning escapement rebuilding and future exploitation rates allowed during the rebuilding process under the CSRI plan (ODFWIIIA1). Present terminal area coastal estuary and river recreational fisheries are already included in overall ocean and freshwater total exploitation allowed on OCN coho. Any future terminal fisheries will also be included

GOAL: To create recreational fishing opportunities in coastal estuaries and rivers as spawner rebuilding criteria are met.

OBJECTIVE: To develop coho recreational angling opportunities that focus on marked hatchery coho.

To implement a terminal area coho harvest strategy encompassing the OCN coho spawning escapement rebuilding and overall harvest exploitation rate criteria established in the CSRI plan.

To evaluate the potential for non-selective terminal area recreational coho fisheries when OCN coho stocks are restored.

To evaluate terminal marked hatchery coho fisheries for actual impacts on OCN coho stocks

RESPONSIBILITIES: ODFW IJ Fisheries Program will work with district biologists to identify potential sites for developing terminal fishing opportunities, evaluate feasibility and develop program plans.

RESULTS: Current ODFW efforts to restrict or eliminate terminal area recreational coho fisheries impacts on OCN stocks has been largely successful. The results of any future fisheries will be evaluated to ensure they allow for OCN spawner escapement rebuilding criteria and exploitation rates allowed under the new fishery management regime described in the CSRI.

FUTURE: Future Oregon coastal terminal area recreational fisheries are expected to be focused on returning adult marked public hatchery stocks. A potential may exist in the future, once stocks have been restored, for some harvest impact on healthy local wild stocks.

FUNDING: Yearly evaluation for establishing terminal area fisheries is currently part of ODFW's routine funding. Any future fisheries, however, would necessitate funding for angler creel studies and other investigations to evaluate impacts on OCN stocks and actual harvest rates.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Evaluate the potential for 1998 terminal area recreational fisheries on marked hatchery coho
Start Date: January-April 1997.
Complete: April 1997 with Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission action on terminal area fishery proposals.

ODFW-III.C.1. Develop an Improved Adult Oregon Coastal Natural (OCN) Abundance Predictor

FULL TITLE: Develop an improved adult preseason abundance predictor (forecast) for OCN coho

BACKGROUND: Oregon has evaluated several approaches and models to forecast OCN stock abundance preseason for management purposes, since 1983. Specific models have met with only limited success. Various statistical predictive techniques have predicted the number of adult OCN coho for harvest and escapement goal purposes. Accuracy of these models has not yet attained the level of needed accuracy and precision to assure attainment OCN rebuilding goals and harvest impacts of adopted management strategies. As a result, efforts need to continue to refine these models or develop new approaches which more accurately reflect the actual stock abundance of OCN coho.

GOAL: Develop a predictive model which accurately forecasts the size of each year's returning adult coho salmon population for the Oregon Coast and new approaches for predicting its four sub-aggregate stock grouping established under the CSRI plan.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an accurate preseason OCN abundance prediction with a level of accuracy necessary to be effective in setting harvest management strategies and attaining the OCN spawning rebuilding goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Dr. Peter Lawson, ODFW IJ Fisheries Program; Marine Resource Program-Ocean Salmon Program, will be responsible for model development.

RESULTS: Results to date have not achieved the levels of accuracy desired, although recent modeling approaches that have utilized added environmental factors, that affect OCN abundance, have shown promise, compared to historic spawner/recruit type models.

FUTURE: We anticipate continued improvement in the pre-season predictive modeling for OCN coho, particularly at the coast wide level. The CSRI plan; however, calls for additional predictive capability at a sub aggregate level for each of 4 coastal OCN coho aggregates.

FUNDING: Funding and staff to pursue full time development of an OCN coho predictor for coast wide and sub aggregate OCN grouping application is limited at this time. The ODFW should have at least one full-time technical specialist addressing this task given its central importance to the success of OCN stock rebuilding efforts.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Continue improvement for the 1997 preseason prediction of OCN coho.
Start Date: January-April 1997.
Complete: February 1997, for inclusion in PFMC preseason process for setting 1997 ocean salmon impacts and regulations.

Job: Prepare a study overview to develop a working technical approach to model OCN coho sub-aggregates as specified in the CSRI plan for possible implementation in 1998.
Start: 1997
Complete: January 1998

ODFW-III.C.2. Evaluate Coho Hook and Release Mortality Factors in Ocean Non-Coho Fisheries

FULL TITLE: Conduct ocean studies to evaluate coho hook-and-release mortality rates in Ocean commercial troll and recreational non-coho fisheries off Oregon.

BACKGROUND: West Coast ocean salmon fisheries have developed extensive single species or species-selective fisheries to protect various regional critical stocks. Both chinook-only and coho-only fisheries have been utilized to provide some fishing opportunity while prohibiting harvest (or impacts) on the other. As part of the federal NW Salmon Disaster Relief Program, funds have been made available to complete at-sea research to evaluate "hook and release" mortality factors using salmon fishers and their vessels under charter during 1995 and 1996. Further work is expected in 1997, the final year of available federal funding. Work off Oregon has been conducted through federal contracts with a private consultant, Natural Resource Consultants of Seattle, Washington, in consultation with ODFW.

GOAL: Provide additional information on the actual mortality rates and impacts on coho salmon resulting from Chinook-only ocean fisheries.

OBJECTIVE: To further study the impact on caught and released coho in ocean chinook-only fisheries, both commercial troll and recreational. Such information can be an important element in more accurately assessing harvest mortality factors for OCN coho and in meeting their stock rebuilding goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Study results from the Oregon ocean hooking mortality studies will be evaluated by the ODFW IJ Fisheries and Ocean Salmon Management Programs and used as appropriate in the PFMC and PSC management forums along with other regional study results.

RESULTS: Technical committees from both the PSC and PFMC have evaluated recent historical hook and release mortality data from West Coast ocean salmon fisheries. These evaluations include the 1995-96 NRC work off Oregon. Their conclusions and recommendations have been submitted to the PFMC and PSC management forums for consideration. It is expected that the ODFW, through the PFMC process, will directly consider existing catch and release mortality information for both chinook and coho prior to developing harvest management options and regulations for 1997 fisheries.

FUTURE: It is important to evaluate mortality factors resulting from catch and release of coho salmon as it will be a direct consideration in assessing projected harvest impacts on OCN coho in future ocean selective fisheries targeting marked hatchery coho that could begin as early as 1998.

FUNDING: For 1997, the evaluation of existing coho hooking and mortality information is funded through the yearly regulation-setting process at PFMC and PSC. The implementation of future studies, however, is not funded at this time.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Evaluate collected Oregon 1995 and 1996 ocean catch and release data for coho, and other regional collected information for possible adjustment in setting PFMC 1997 management strategies.
Start Date: January 1997
Complete: April 1997

Job: Consult with Natural Resource Consultants in preparation for conducting 1997 ocean salmon catch and release mortality studies off Oregon.
Start Date: Ongoing

ODFW-III.C.3. Monitor Marine Survival of OCN Coho Salmon

FULL TITLE: Monitor marine survival of OCN coho salmon produced in selected Oregon coastal streams.

BACKGROUND: Marine survival rates are largely unknown for Oregon coastal wild coho stocks. Important data elements are missing from the current stocks assessments, primarily adult spawner escapement. Recent year technical evaluations of ocean environmental conditions have provided important information on potential factors that impact OCN coho smolt to adult survival. This information; however; has provided only general trend data and associations between certain regional ocean environmental conditions and status of OCN coho.

GOAL: To develop data to directly assess Oregon coastal coho smolt to adult (marine) survival for use by regional fishery managers to better manage OCN coho and to provide information useful for assessing the relationship between freshwater and ocean survival to coho population strength.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a study plan, potential study sites, site preparation costs, equipment needs, and personnel requirements for establishing an OCN coho smolt outmigration and adult escapement evaluation at selected sites along the Oregon Coast.

To establish and operate the initial study sites in 1997.

To apply ocean survival factors to future OCN coho abundance predictors.

RESPONSIBILITIES: ODFW regions and district staffs, Marine Resources Ocean Salmon Management Program will work together to establish the initial study sites in 1997 with existing resources.

RESULTS: For 1997, we expect to complete a study plan and to activate the first such "smolt outmigration" evaluation sites along the Oregon Coast .

FUTURE: Establishment of a network of OCN coho smolt outmigration and adult escapement assessment sites at the same locations will provide the basic monitoring technique for long term assessment of OCN marine survival. Information collected through this study will be directly used to more accurately manage OCN stocks.

FUNDING: Initial site selection, preparation, and implementation for smolt outmigration assessment at three study sites is currently funded with existing resources. Full implementation of multiple long term sites will require phase 2 funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Select and develop initial trial sites for evaluating coho smolt outmigration in 1997.
Start Date: Underway
Complete: Summer 1997

Job: Develop a complete monitoring plan for ocean survival estimation for wild (OCN) coho salmon in preparation for implementation under phase 2.
Start Date: Underway
Complete: Fall 1997

Job: Consult with Natural Resource consultants in preparation for conducting 1997 ocean salmon catch and release mortality studies off Oregon.
Start Date: Ongoing

ODFW-IV.A.1. Provide Technical Assistance to Regulatory Agencies for Habitat Protection.

FULL TITLE: Promote increased habitat protection by cooperating and sharing data with, and assisting federal agencies, other state agencies, and local governments that have regulatory authority over activities that occur in salmon habitat.

BACKGROUND: While ODFW has an interest in, and a legislatively mandated responsibility for, protection of fish and wildlife habitat, it has no statutory authority over habitat on private land or land administered by other agencies. ODFW will support and encourage habitat protection through technical assistance; data sharing; review and comment on plans, permits and NEPA documents; and direct participation in interagency planning efforts. In phase 1, we will continue cooperative efforts with available staff following agency downsizing. With increased funding in phase 2, heightened interest by other CSRI participating agencies will increase the need for technical assistance from ODFW. Funds are being requested to increase our capacity to respond to these requests. We see this as a key component of our involvement in protecting salmon habitat under CSRI.

GOAL: Encourage and support other agencies in protection of salmon habitat through cooperation, sharing of data, and providing technical assistance.

OBJECTIVE: To provide information and guidance to other agencies in their decisions that affect fish habitat which will either avoid or minimize adverse effects.

To conduct sub-watershed land owner seminars providing information on habitat protection.

RESPONSIBILITIES: HCD staff are responsible for participating with federal and state agencies in policy level decisions, statutory law changes, rule making proceedings, and development of guidance, project standards and protocols that have regional or state wide significance.

Regional and district biologists are responsible for providing technical assistance to local government and agency representatives, landowners and cooperating groups, with assistance from HCD as requested.

RESULTS: ODFW staff are spending considerable staff time in providing technical information, assistance in rule making and guideline development, permit and project reviews, etc. to other agencies that have statutory authority over various programs that may affect fish and wildlife habitat. This allows for meaningful input to decisions affecting habitat, but takes staff time beyond the amount authorized in the legislatively approved budget (LAB). This activity offers the greatest input into protecting valued habitat over broad areas (regional and state wide scope), however, and we will strive for maximal effectiveness within the resources available.

FUTURE: ODFW will provide input regarding impact avoidance to other agencies in their rule making, planning and permit decision process to the maximum extent practicable within staffing constraints. ODFW will provide copies of its In-Water Work Timing Guidelines and its Waterway Habitat Alteration Policies to all Oregon regulatory and planning agencies.

The amount of information and advice ODFW can provide toward decisions affecting habitat protection will be dependent on funding. If the legislative request for funding for the CSRI / Healthy Streams budget package is approved, we will be able to move into phase 2 of this action. The heavy involvement of state agencies in the CSRI suggests that requests for ODFW technical input on habitat protection issues are only going to increase. Recent staff reductions in ODFW, however, have decreased the ability to respond to the full workload.

FUNDING: Funding within the ODFW budget is available, but has been decreasing. Furthermore, the amount authorized for this activity in the LAB is sufficient to cover only HCD staff, while district activities are carried out on other sources of funding, so that the total amount of effort is in excess of funding identified. Additional funding will be required to maintain existing efforts or to increase efforts in phase 2 of the CSRI plan.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Distribute revised In-Water Work Timing Guidelines to all interested parties .
Complete: February 1997

Job: Distribute ODFW's Draft Waterway Habitat Alteration Policies to all interested parties.
Complete: February 1997

Job: Revise and update ODFW's Draft Waterway Alteration Policies.
Start Date: February 1997
Complete: July 1997

Job: Provide comments on other agencies' permits and rules that affect fish habitat.
Start Date: Ongoing

ODFW-IV.A.3. Protect Instream Flow

FULL TITLE: Identify and pursue opportunities to protect instream flow.

BACKGROUND: The primary component of fish habitat is water. The value of water for purposes other than fish has led to the diversion of water from streams to satisfy other beneficial uses. Reductions of flow in streams, however, can significantly decrease productive capacity for fish, particularly during naturally low flow periods, e.g. late summer. This action is intended to identify streams where currently available flows are limiting coho production during at least part of the year or where future diversions would be detrimental. This would be followed by filing for in-stream water rights to protect flows remaining in high priority streams.

GOAL: Identify all streams where water diversions have decreased flows, resulting in reduced coho production, and initiate flow protection measures.

OBJECTIVE: To identify streams with reduced flows that are limiting coho salmon production.

To file for in-stream water right protection on streams where salmon production is being impacted or that are vulnerable to such decreased production.

To work with WRD to support protection of instream flows.

RESPONSIBILITIES: District Biologists will be responsible for identifying streams in their districts which are being impacted by excessive water diversion. They will also work with WRD and water developers to identify feasible alternatives which protect flows critical to salmon.

Rick Kruger is responsible for filing applications for needed in-stream water rights.

RESULTS: Oregon law allows ODFW to file for unappropriated water for in-stream use in supporting fish production. So far, 809 filings have been granted and there are presently 151 applications pending. Of those, 108 are under protest. In-stream water rights do not create additional salmonid habitat but they do protect streams from further water depletion and thus can be an important protection for salmon rearing capacity in critical areas that may be impacted by water withdrawal. We will continue to identify needs for flow protection in critical areas and initiate filing as part of the regular district workload. If new funding becomes available in phase 2, we would increase efforts on this action.

FUTURE: Filing for in-stream water rights protects flows from further appropriation, and thus can provide significant protection in the future. This is a long term program that will pay dividends indefinitely once rights are approved. Since water rights are based on seniority, these filings will not correct prior diversion, but will have precedence over new filings for out of stream uses made after the in-stream filings.

FUNDING: Identifying needs for in-stream flow protection in critical salmon rearing habitat and filing for in-stream water rights will be done as part of the regular ODFW workload with existing funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Work with WRD to protect critical flows for salmon.
Start Date: Ongoing

Job: Identify streams or reaches where salmon production is limited by flow depletion or resulting temperature effects.
Start Date: Ongoing

Job: File for in-stream water rights where protection of flows is necessary to protect critical salmon rearing areas. Continue process for applications already filed.
Start Date: Ongoing

ODFW-IV.A.4. Request that Water Resources Department Administratively Close Fill and Removal Areas.

FULL TITLE: Protect important salmon spawning and rearing areas by requesting WRD to administratively close sensitive resource waters to fill and removal activities.

BACKGROUND: Gravel removal and placement of fill material can significantly alter salmonid habitat. If this activity occurs in areas of particular value for spawning or rearing of salmonids, the productive capacity of the stream can be altered, with significant impacts to the population. As a response to a threat to specific critically important salmon habitat areas (and only if other management approaches prove insufficient), we propose to protect important salmon spawning and rearing areas by consulting with DSL and WRD and request that WRD administratively close them to fill and removal activities, based on statute authority (ORS 196.840). This CSRI measure is being re-written as a joint measure among ODFW, DSL and WRD.

GOAL: Protect critically important specific areas of coho salmon spawning and rearing habitat from threat by fill and removal activities.

OBJECTIVE: To identify specific critically high value situations where fill and removal activities are threatening coho habitat.

To request WRD to administratively close specifically identified areas to fill and removal activities if they are of critically high value to coho production, they are threatened by fill and removal plans, and other means of providing protection appear inadequate.

RESPONSIBILITIES: District Biologists are responsible for identifying specific locations where additional protection is needed for critical salmon spawning and rearing areas. Patty Snow, HCD, will be responsible for initiating requests to WRD for closure.

Patty Snow, HCD, will be responsible for working with WRD and DSL to determine the feasibility of taking this approach to closing specific critical areas.

RESULTS: The potential of this approach has been pointed out to WRD, but no specific areas have been identified yet

FUTURE: The use of this statute offers an opportunity that could be used in limited circumstances to further protect critical spawning and rearing habitats from damage from fill and removal activities.

FUNDING: This approach can be taken with existing staff and existing funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: District Biologists identify critical spawning or rearing areas in need of additional protection from fill and removal activities.
Start Date: Ongoing

Job: District Biologists request application of this approach through HCD.
Start Date: As critical areas and situations dictate

Job: Reach agreement with WRD and DSL on use of this approach.
Start Date: Underway
Complete: Summer 1997

ODFW-IV.A.5. Prevent Large Wood Removal

FULL TITLE: Join other agencies (DSL, ODF, WRD, DOA, DLCD, DEQ, etc.) in the CSRI to develop and promote concepts to protect from unauthorized removal of large wood that is providing salmonid habitat value.

BACKGROUND: Large wood, mostly downed trees fallen into streams, provides significant amounts of cover and complexity necessary for creation of quality rearing salmonid habitat, particularly for over winter survival of coho. However, in most coastal streams large wood is notably lacking. As a result of that value, wood that falls or is deposited in streams is often removed quite rapidly. Current regulations do not adequately protect wood deposited in streams or prevent its removal. Rules or laws are needed to protect large wood once it is delivered into streams.

GOAL: Develop adequate statutes or rules requiring that large wood, which falls into or is delivered into streams, be left in place unless posing a threat to important structures.

OBJECTIVE: To work with other CSRI partner agencies to draft legislation and rules which protect large wood in streams.

To work locally with landowners, watershed councils, and other cooperative groups, and ODF to promote leaving large wood in streams.

RESPONSIBILITIES: DSL will be responsible for coordinating the development of draft statute or rule language with the other state agencies (ODFW, ODF, WRD, DOA, DEQ, etc.). Jeff Boechler and Patty Snow will represent ODFW in developing draft language. District biologists will work with landowners and local cooperators to promote leaving wood in streams.

RESULTS: While no legal changes have occurred as a result of CSRI in this area, the value of large wood to salmonid populations has been conveyed to other agencies, with a heightened degree of awareness of the problem. Some protections are contained in the Forest Practices Act which apply to commercial forest operations, but rules applying to other land use groups or the general public are still lacking.

FUTURE: We anticipate that this problem can be remedied over the next biennium, with draft language to be available for consideration in the 1999 Legislature. Development of adequate protective legislation will lead to more large wood being retained in streams to function as fish habitat, with long-term benefits to the stream structure and to salmonid populations. Educational material will be developed to inform landowners that wood left in place does not impact bank erosion and flooding.

FUNDING: This will be done with existing staff and funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Work with DSL and other CSRI partner agencies to draft statutory or rule language protecting wood.
Start Date: Ongoing
Complete: December 1997

Job: Work with other agencies to develop public support for protection of large wood in streams.
Start Date: During development of language and after language is proposed
Complete: At rule or legislative passage

Job: Continue local efforts to promote leaving wood and other habitat materials in streams.
Start Date: Ongoing

ODFW-IV.A.6. Provide Technical Assistance to Land Owners to Support Habitat Protection

FULL TITLE: Provide technical assistance to private landowners, watershed councils, and other cooperators to promote and guide protection of high priority salmon habitat areas on forest, agricultural and other lands.

BACKGROUND: Without specific authority for habitat protection, ODFW's role is one of encouragement through cooperative efforts and technical assistance. As the primary agency with expertise in this area, we consider this one of our primary roles in the CSRI. ODFW will provide technical assistance to help guide land use activities to minimize impacts to salmon habitat and will encourage projects and programs, such as riparian fencing, Riparian Tax Credits, Fish Habitat Improvement Tax Credits and others that protect and improve the condition of habitat. We have also requested increased staff to improve our ability to provide technical assistance on habitat protection in phase 2. We expect overall demand from CSRI cooperators to increase, and the existing level of requests already exceeds our capacity.

GOAL: Provide technical advice and assistance to all land owners, watershed councils and other cooperators on measures to protect salmonid habitat.

OBJECTIVE: To provide as much technical assistance as possible with available staff.

To adequately respond to all requests for assistance by private land owners, watershed councils and other cooperators (phase 2)

To increase the amount of technical assistance ODFW is able to provide for habitat protection activities (phase 2).

RESPONSIBILITIES: District Biologists will work with land owners, watershed councils, and other cooperators to offer technical advice and assistance in habitat protection.

RESULTS: Providing technical assistance for habitat protection has been a long standing ODFW program which has succeeded in helping many land owners. Consultation activities have resulted in better protection of salmonid habitat along with proposed activities, and improved habitat conditions through fencing projects, in-stream enhancement work, and other approaches. With heightened interest in protecting salmon habitat and increased growth of watershed councils and other groups, requests for this kind of assistance are increasing. ODFW attempts to respond to all of these requests, but the limit of our capabilities with existing staff has been reached. ODFW has requested additional funding to increase our abilities in this action for CSRI phase 2.

FUTURE: The growing emphasis on habitat protection resulting from CSRI activities by agencies, land owners, watershed councils and cooperative projects is expected to accelerate the number of requests for technical assistance. Responding to requests will continue to be a high priority, but our capability will depend on receiving increased resources for phase 2.

FUNDING: Existing levels of assistance will continue with existing ODFW funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Respond to requests for technical assistance for habitat protection within existing staff resources.
Start Date: Ongoing

Job: Participate in cooperative technical advisory teams, watershed councils and in other cooperative initiatives to provide technical assistance for habitat protection within existing staff resources.
Start Date: Ongoing

Job: Update rules for the Fish Habitat Tax Credit and Riparian Tax Incentive programs if they are extended by the legislature.
Start Date: June 1997
Complete: September 1997

ODFW-IV.A.7. Landowner Stewardship Award

FULL TITLE: Implement the Fish and Wildlife Steward Award for Forest Lands program to provide recognition and incentives to forest land owners who improve fish and wildlife habitat.

BACKGROUND: ODFW and ODF have cooperatively developed an award program intended to recognize land owners who have done a particularly good job of forest stewardship of fish and wildlife resources. This program is intended to recognize and thank land owners for their efforts, to increase public recognition of good land stewardship, and to encourage other forest land owners to increase their fish and wildlife stewardship efforts. This means of encouraging habitat protection should lead to improved riparian and salmonid habitat conditions over time.

GOAL: Annually present awards to land owners whose forest management activities demonstrate an exceptional job of stewardship of their forests and fish and wildlife resources.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and implement a forest stewardship award.

To select recipients and present awards annually.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Jeff Boechler, Habitat Conservation Division, is responsible for coordinating with ODF on the development and implementation of the award program.

RESULTS: The recognition program has been developed and the first of these annual awards were presented on January 23, 1997.

FUTURE: These awards will be presented annually and we expect that the program it will grow in prestige and exposure over time. The intent is for the program to evolve into a recognition that land owners desire and strive to obtain.

FUNDING: The award program is being funded out of existing ODFW and ODF budgets.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Solicit nominations for the award, apply criteria and make selections, and present the awards at a Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting.
Start Date: June 1997
Complete: January Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting, 1998

ODFW-IV.B.2. Habitat Restoration. (Includes IV.B.1. from the first draft)

FULL TITLE: Promote, support, and conduct habitat restoration and guide efforts to achieve maximal efficiency and effectiveness with the resources available.

BACKGROUND: Habitat related actions in the CSRI plan include both long and short term approaches. Regulatory agencies are addressing long term protections designed to restore natural watershed functions which will lead to natural re-development of quality salmon habitat. Because nature will take a long time, there is also significant need to improve habitat quality over the short term to improve salmon production as rapidly as possible. ODFW's extensive experience with and expertise in habitat requirements for salmon puts us in the best position to promote and guide restoration activities. We will accomplish this through our role as technical advisors to watershed councils, cooperative restoration groups, land owners, and other involved partners. We will place emphasis on promoting only those projects that address the priority problems in a given area to avoid volunteers rushing off on "pet" approaches or projects which address habitat factors which are not limiting in specific areas. ODFW will also directly fund and/or carry out restoration projects independently and in conjunction with various partners.

GOAL: Increase the amount of productive coho salmon habitat in coastal watersheds through increased habitat restoration activities.

OBJECTIVE: To promote the need for increased habitat restoration among CSRI partners and cooperators.

To support habitat restoration through technical assistance to cooperators.

To guide restoration efforts to assure that they address the critical factors limiting salmon production in each given location through preparation of restoration guides and through direct technical advice.

To conduct and support development of habitat restoration projects through direct participation and financial support, when possible (e.g. through R&E funds, Sport Fish Restoration, etc.).

RESPONSIBILITIES: Regional and district biologists will be responsible for providing technical assistance to watershed councils, cooperative restoration groups, land owners and other cooperators interested in habitat restoration, and by serving on technical advisory groups. They will also be responsible for initiating funding requests through various department programs, as appropriate, for conducting or assisting specific restoration projects.

Barry McPherson, Habitat Restoration Coordinator, will be responsible for oversight of ODFW habitat restoration activities and will provide advice and guidance to district staff. He will also assist in seeking landowner and agency cooperation, securing funds from various sources, and maintaining quality control of projects and approaches.

Kelly Moore, Habitat Analysis and Application Project, will provide technical guidance for habitat restoration activities. This project will also be responsible for maintaining records of projects implemented and evaluating success (see I.B.2.)

RESULTS: We have been successful at developing and participating in many habitat restoration efforts coast wide. Involvement in watershed councils and other restoration groups has been increasing, and is expected to continue increasing under CSRI. We will continue to provide as much technical assistance and guidance as possible with existing staff and funding, and additional resources have been requested for phase 2 to increase our capabilities. As our involvement and influence with restoration groups has grown, we have been increasingly able to advise groups on the most effective and efficient use of restoration approaches.

FUTURE: Responding to a growing number of requests for technical assistance in habitat restoration will require additional staff and funding. We will continue to attempt to develop that support. In addition, CSRI has significantly increased the interest in habitat restoration, and with continued encouragement from ODFW and other CSRI partners, increasing restoration activities are highly likely.

FUNDING: Funding for ODFW actions to promote and support habitat restoration activities at current levels will come from existing ODFW funding and Sport Fish Restoration. Additional funding to increase our capability in phase 2 is being requested.

Funding for conduct of habitat restoration projects will be on a project by project basis, with cooperators responsible for developing funding sources. ODFW will contribute limited funding for some specific projects from the few sources available to us, such as the R&E Board or Sport Fish Restoration.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Promote habitat restoration and provide technical assistance (e.g. assistance to North Coast and Mid Coast Salmonid Habitat Restoration programs, Umpqua Basin Initiative, and the many watershed council projects.
Start Date: Ongoing

Job: Guide restoration efforts to the highest priority limiting factors.
Start Date: Ongoing

Job: Completion and updating of restoration guide books for six sections of the coast.
Start Date: Underway

Job: Many specific activities by District Biologists. See appendix of district work plans for 1997.

ODFW-IV.B.3. Promote Beavers

FULL TITLE: Promote the use of beaver to restore coho habitat through providing technical assistance and information to land owners and local agencies.

BACKGROUND: Recent ODFW research into the effects of habitat quality on salmon survival has determined that beaver dams provide ideal habitat for overwinter survival of juvenile coho. Beavers are a natural component of the ecosystem and naturally provide quality salmon habitat, often quite rapidly. Encouraging land owners to tolerate beavers unless they are causing damage is one simple, cost effective approach to promoting widespread habitat improvement. Beavers instinctively choose locations suitable for dam construction and provide construction and maintenance functions free of charge, making this a low cost approach.

GOAL: Increase the occurrence of beaver dams in coastal coho production streams while minimizing or decreasing beaver damage to culverts, crops and other investments.

OBJECTIVE: To develop outreach materials explaining the value of beavers to coho habitat and describe appropriate beaver management approaches to control beaver damage while encouraging increased beaver populations.

To actively promote beavers through media contacts, coordination with watershed councils and cooperative habitat restoration groups, and interaction with land owners and agricultural and timber industry groups.

To coordinate with Wildlife Division regarding trapping in relation to desired abundance and distribution of beaver populations.

To disseminate information on beaver management and the value to salmon habitat through existing industry support programs and educational channels, such as ODF, NRCS and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Agriculture Extension Service.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Barry McPherson, Habitat Restoration Coordinator, with assistance from I&E Section, is responsible for development of the outreach materials

Fish and wildlife biologists in the regions and districts will contact trappers, land owners, local industry and habitat restoration groups to explain the value of beavers, explain methods of limiting damage, and request cooperation.

Barry McPherson, Habitat Restoration Coordinator, will be responsible for program guidance, coordination with Wildlife Division, and coordination of information development regarding approaches to managing for beavers while avoiding the potential damage problems. He will coordinate with NRCS, Agriculture Extension, and others for information dissemination.

RESULTS: Discussions are underway with Wildlife Division and some land owners and timber industry representatives regarding the value of beavers to salmon habitat. There is understandable reluctance to promote expansion of beaver populations due to the potential for damage, but there is still a willingness to consider this approach to increasing salmon habitat if there are effective management approaches to minimizing beaver damage.

FUTURE: It is presently uncertain how much support for this approach can be obtained among land owners. The approach holds great promise, and could grow over time as successful programs are developed. Successful demonstration of approaches that minimize beaver damage would help greatly. If support can be obtained from cooperators such as ODF, NRCS, SWCDs and Agriculture Extension, progress could be made rapidly coast wide.

FUNDING: This low cost program will be done with existing staff and funding.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Coordinate with Wildlife Division on managing beavers to increase salmon habitat.
Start Date: Ongoing

Job: Inform affected entities of techniques to control beaver damage without beaver elimination.
Start Date: Ongoing

Job: Develop a beaver education packet suitable for distribution to land owners directly and through avenues such as NRCS and Agriculture Extension.
Start Date: March 1997
Complete: June 1997

Job: Brief all coastal fish and wildlife district biologists on the purpose of this program and distribute education packets for their use with landowners.
Start Date: Summer 1997
Complete: Fall 1997

Job: Promote use of beavers to develop coho habitat with land owners, watershed councils, and other cooperators.
Start Date: Ongoing

ODFW-IV.B.4. Use Hatchery Carcasses to Increase Stream Productivity

FULL TITLE: Pursue landowner cooperation, DEQ permits, and labor to restore benefits to juvenile salmonid production through placement of hatchery salmon carcasses in priority stream reaches.

BACKGROUND: Recent research in Washington has demonstrated that the carcasses of salmon returning from the ocean contribute a significant amount of the nutrients that support salmon production. The effect was based on direct ingestion of flesh in addition to stream nutrient enhancement, and live spawners contributed more than carcasses alone, since juveniles consumed insects and salmon eggs dislodged from spawning gravel. Since natural deposition of carcasses is presently low as a result of diminished coho populations, fertility, and presumably production of juvenile salmon, might be enhanced by placing surplus carcasses of returning hatchery fish in wild spawning areas. Initial efforts will be done on an experimental basis, with subsequent returns to streams with carcasses compared with returns to control streams to establish the effectiveness of this approach. Since this management approach simply mimics nature, and given the Washington research results, there is reason to assume a beneficial effect. However, only a fraction of coho habitat can be treated with hatchery carcasses at densities expected to make a significant difference in production because of the number of carcasses likely to be available (10,000 - 20,000 per year). Carcass placement and limited monitoring was initiated in less than a dozen streams in 1996.

GOAL: Increase wild coho salmon production by placing surplus salmon carcasses in spawning and rearing areas as a nutrient and food supplement.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an expanded carcass placement and monitoring plan for experimental placement of carcasses beginning Fall of 1997.

To obtain DEQ approval for placement of surplus carcasses in selected streams and request their commitment to water quality monitoring.

To obtain and distribute carcasses in selected reaches of coastal coho streams.

To conduct follow up evaluations, including carcass distribution and retention, and production changes in test and control streams.

RESPONSIBILITIES: District Biologists will be responsible for consultations with Fish Pathology on which batches of carcasses are useable, acquisition of carcasses, distribution of carcasses (possibly with assistance of volunteers), maintaining records, and follow up observations on the fate of carcasses.

Barry McPherson, Habitat Restoration Coordinator, will be responsible for obtaining DEQ permits for carcass placement. He will also develop the overall implementation and monitoring plan for this action with assistance from Tom Nickelson, Freshwater Production Studies Leader, and district biologists.

RESULTS: This action has already been initiated in limited areas. DEQ permits for the 1996-97 season were obtained, and about a dozen streams along the coast have received carcasses at low densities (under 20 carcasses/mi.). Tillamook district has prepared a brief report on the distribution and fate of carcasses in the Miami River.

FUTURE: Use of this approach on an experimental basis will continue for the next few years until benefits can be determined. Because of the three-year life cycle of coho salmon, at least five or six years will be required to be able to draw conclusions on effectiveness for increasing production relative to control streams. If successful, this could become a technique used in a significant portion of coastal coho streams (limited by carcass availability) until wild runs improve and begin providing sufficient carcasses naturally.

FUNDING: This action is being conducted on existing ODFW funds. Carcasses are obtained without cost from department hatcheries. We will explore the use of volunteers to assist with carcass placement in the future.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Obtain multi-year DEQ permits for 1997 and beyond.
Start Date: February 1997
Complete: July 1997

Job: Obtain and place carcasses in streams.
Start Date: October 1997
Complete: December 1997

Job: Survey distribution and fate of carcasses.
Start Date: October 1997
Complete: February 1998

Job: Develop monitoring and evaluation plan for assessment of benefits from carcass placement to production of adult and/or juvenile coho, and coordinate with DEQ plans to monitor water quality effects.
Start Date: February 1997
Complete: May 1997

ODFW-IV.B.5. Restore Instream Flow.

FULL TITLE: Pursue opportunities to restore instream flow to provide needed water and reduce stream temperatures through purchase, lease, or donation of existing out-of-stream water rights.

BACKGROUND: This is a companion action to IV.A.3., which involved identification of streams where water withdrawal is limiting salmonid production and filing for in-stream water rights to protect remaining flows. This restoration action is intended to serve as the means of improving conditions in streams where flows are limiting production, since new filings can only protect what is currently available, not restore what has already been lost. By acquiring (through purchase, lease, gift or bequest) existing out-of-stream water rights and then converting them to in-stream rights, the actual amount of water available in the stream can be increased, and the original priority date can be retained. We will pursue this approach in streams identified as being the most severely limited by water quantity, both directly and by working with CSRI partners and cooperators.

GOAL: Restore flows to critical salmonid producing streams impacted by water withdrawal through acquisition of out of stream water rights and converting them to in-stream rights.

OBJECTIVE: To identify high priority coastal streams where salmonid production has been severely impacted by water withdrawals.

To identify opportunities to acquire existing out-of-stream water rights on the priority streams.

To work with potential donors and CSRI partners and cooperators to secure funds for purchase or lease of out-of-stream water rights on priority streams.

RESPONSIBILITIES: District Biologists will be responsible identifying those important coho streams which have been severely impacted by reduced flows due to water diversions.

Rick Kruger, HCD, will coordinate acquisition of water rights and will work with partners and cooperators to identify possible funding sources for acquisition of water rights.

RESULTS: Few out of stream water rights have been acquired so far. Investigation into the potential of this approach has determined that the cost of water rights is high. This approach still offers the only means of restoring flows to streams which have been impacted by water withdrawals.

FUTURE: This will be a program of long duration. Success at acquiring existing water rights will take considerable time and will require significant amounts of funding. As individual rights are acquired, however, the cumulative effect will be the permanent restoration and protection of flows in critically important coho producing streams.

FUNDING: Funding for efforts to identify streams impacted by water withdrawal will come from existing ODFW budgets. Funding for acquisition of water rights will be on a case by case basis, with funds coming from donations, cooperative fund raising activities, or in some cases from ODFW budgets. Acquisition of water rights through gifts or bequests will not require ODFW funding, but will require considerable staff time to arrange.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Identify high priority coastal streams where salmonid production has been severely impacted by water withdrawals.
Start Date: Ongoing
Complete:

Job: Identify opportunities to acquire existing out-of-stream water rights on the priority streams.
Start Date: Ongoing
Complete:

Job: Acquire water rights and file for change of use to in-stream.
Start Date: Opportunistically, as possible.
Complete:

ODFW-IV.B.6. Fish Habitat Improvement Tax Credit Program.

FULL TITLE: Provide effective incentive for developers, cities and private landowners to protect and restore salmon habitat by re-authorizing ODFW's Fish Habitat Improvement Tax Credit Program.

BACKGROUND: The Fish Habitat Improvement Tax Credit Program provides a financial incentive for actions by land owners who improve habitat for fish. The program sunsets in January, 1997, unless reauthorized in the 1997 Legislature. We will promote reauthorization of the program. As additional funding becomes available, we expect to work with an increasing number of applicants and realize a growing number of qualifying projects.

GOAL: Promote restoration of fish habitat on private land through reauthorization of the Fish Habitat Improvement Tax Credit Program.

OBJECTIVE: To support reauthorization of the Fish Habitat Improvement Tax Credit Program.

To promote the Fish Habitat Improvement Tax Credit Program with landowners and encourage increased participation.

RESPONSIBILITIES: ODFW's legislative staff and HCD will take the lead in the effort to reauthorize the program

Biologists in the districts, regions and HCD will promote participation with land owners.

RESULTS: 1996 was the first year the program came close to exceeding the $100,000 limitation on preliminary certifications. Private forest companies are realizing the benefits of the program and have been applying in record numbers. Both the number of participants and dollar amount of projects doubled in 1996 alone.

FUTURE: While this program has helped some land owners undertake habitat restoration activities on their lands, the program is hampered by the relatively low annual limit on total tax credits, and the fact that tax incentives are of significant value only for those people subject to high tax burdens. Total amounts of habitat improved because of this program will likely remain modest until we are successful at expanding the program and making it more attractive. The high visibility of the CSRI may offer us an opportunity to highlight the need for improving the program, either during discussions over reauthorization in the 1997 Legislature or in the 1999 Legislature. We will continue to push for improvements.

FUNDING: Efforts to reauthorize and improve the program will be made by existing staff on existing ODFW funding. Conduct of the program relies on the willingness of the Legislature to grant tax incentives rather than providing a direct outlay of funds.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Support reauthorization of the Fish Habitat Improvement Tax Credit Program in the 1997 Legislature.
Start Date: January 1997
Complete: June 1997

Job: Promote participation in the Fish Habitat Improvement Tax Credit Program.
Start Date: Ongoing.

ODFW-IV.B.7. ODFW Job Rotations.

FULL TITLE: Pursue job rotation opportunities for ODFW fishery biologists in other state agencies through temporary assignments to provide technical assistance in restoring coho habitat.

BACKGROUND: CSRI has led to a heightened level of interest and involvement of other state agencies with protection and restoration of salmon habitat. Many of those agencies do not have salmon habitat specialists on staff and in stead rely on outside assistance. Since at any given time agencies may have vacant positions, it may be possible to create temporary job rotation assignments for ODFW staff specialists into partner agencies to assist them with their programs related to protecting and restoring habitat. That will provide focused guidance to help the agency accomplish its salmon habitat measures under CSRI and also begin training the agencies' personnel in fish habitat issues. This might also provide job opportunities for ODFW staff presently dealing with the department down sizing.

GOAL: Assist state agencies achieve salmon habitat objectives by developing job rotations from ODFW.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the interest in and opportunities for job rotations into other state agencies.

To initiate job rotations.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Bruce Schmidt will prepare a letter making a formal offer to other agencies to develop a job rotation program.

ODFW field staff will be responsible for identifying job rotation possibilities in their local districts.

RESULTS: At least one specific recommendation for a possible rotation to the Department of Forestry to assist with flood damage repairs has been received from a District Biologist. While the idea was forwarded to ODF, we did not follow up, so we did not take advantage of the opportunity. Similar opportunities will become available, however, and once the agencies are done with the crush of work surrounding development of the CSRI plan, implementing this action should become easier.

FUTURE: We are presently not sure of the level of interest or number of opportunities for this approach. If the first attempt at applying this concept is successful, however, it would likely spur additional interest.

FUNDING: Job rotations would be funded using the funding associated with the vacant position used to create the rotation opportunity, so no new funding will be required.

1997 WORK SCHEDULE

Job: Contact all state CSRI agencies on the possibility for creating job rotation opportunities.
Start Date: March 1997
Complete: March 1997

Job: Assign ODFW staff to job rotations in other agencies to assist accomplishment of salmon habitat measures.
Start Date: As positions become available

ODFW-IV.C.1. Cooperative Removal of Barriers to Fish Passage

FULL TITLE: Pursue opportunities to remove artificial barriers to fish passage.

BACKGROUND: Many structures have the potential to block the passage of anadromous salmonid adults or juveniles. These may include road culverts, irrigation diversions, push up dams, municipal or industrial water diversions, tide gates and hydroelectric dams. An inventory of structures that do not allow for fish passage is underway in action I.B.4. Oregon laws (ORS 498.351 and ORS 509.605) require that all such structures must provide fish passage, but unfortunately, not all do. We intend to work with the owners or operators of those structures to make modifications to comply with the legal requirements. The approach will be cooperative, and we will assist the owners with suggestions and preliminary design for the best approach for each structure. Because this is a legal requirement, however, we will also bring in the Oregon State Police in cases where cooperative approaches are insufficient.

GOAL: Ensure that all artificial structures obstructing passage in coastal salmonid streams meet the legal requirements for fish passage or comply with required mitigation.

OBJECTIVE: To work cooperatively with the owners or operators of structures which do not pass fish to make modifications necessary for them to com