New Title for Project 200100300: Installation and Evaluation of Established PIT-tag Technologies

Project 200100300 was started in 2001 in order to fund the installation and evaluation of the interrogation systems for adult salmonids.  Originally, this was for installation and evaluation of orifice-based interrogation systems, but PIT-tag technologies have developed quickly over the past few years, which has enabled larger and larger antennas to be fabricated.  As a result of the technologies evolving, this project has also evolved over time as we recognized the need to assess the impacts of integrating PIT-tag technologies for extended-range systems that were not anticipated in 2001.  We also now recognize that there are other established PIT-tag technologies, which once integrated might have a significant impact on how well the installed interrogation systems detect tagged adult and juvenile salmonids.  Therefore, we now evaluate the potential impact of adopting alternative technologies (such as new tag models) before the technology is adopted or installed.  It is important to point out that the focus of this project is on integrating finished products and not on developing new ones.  

Within this project, PSMFC is responsible for installing the systems and NMFS is responsible for evaluating the installed systems.  They work together to evaluate the potential impact of adopting alternative technologies because the agencies have different responsibilities.  PSMFC's responsibility is related to operations and maintenance and NOAA's responsibility is to ensure that a technology is appropriate for fisheries applications and that the new technologies perform as advertised.  By working together, it ensures that a technology is ready to move from research and development into operations before it is adopted or installed.

During the performance period (12/1/2006-11/30/2007), this project will provide the funds for PSMFC, Digital Angel, and NMFS to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in designing future extended-range systems for adult salmonids at John Day and The Dalles Dams.  During During the performance period,  extended-range systems for juvenile salmonids will be installed and evaluated at John Day and Lower Monumental Dams.  For these systems, this project will provide the funds to PSMFC for procuring PIT-tag interrogation system electronic components and labor for assembly and installation of the electronic equipment.  This project will also fund NMFS evaluations of the newly installed systems.  In addition, NMFS will perform its annual evaluation of how well the interrogation systems for adult salmonids installed at the FCRPS dams detect different populations of salmonids.  The last activity taking place in FY07 involves evaluating the new Mustang computer platform that PSMFC is developing for controlling future separation-by-code studies.  As part of this evaluation, PSMFC wants NMFS to help design and conduct a fish test at one of the hydroelectric dams.