The benefits and risks of artificial production programs to Columbia Basin salmon conservation and fisheries depend on broodstock management, hatchery fish quality, and  ecological interactions. The studies proposed under on-going project 1993-056-00 will provide empirical information on all three components to help managers improve hatchery practices. The five objectives of this project approach a common goal of developing hatchery reform strategies that minimize the genetic and developmental  divergence of hatchery Chinook and sockeye salmon from the wild state.  The scientific findings and recommendations from the project will benefit recovery efforts for Endangered Species Act-listed populations and maximize contributions to Columbia Basin salmon fisheries.

Project 1993-056-00 will further hatchery reform efforts throughout the Columbia Basin through integrated research in physiology, genetics, behavior, and ecology.  The five project objectives are: 1) Maintain adaptive life history strategies in hatchery Chinook salmon; 2) Improve olfactory imprinting and reduce straying in hatchery salmon; and 3) Match wild phenotypes in Chinook and sockeye salmon reared in hatchery supplementation programs.  Experiments will be conducted both in field and laboratory settings.  Scientific results and hatchery reform recommendations will be transferred to regional managers through project annual reports, scientific publications, regular attendance at Technical Oversight Committee meetings, and presentations at regional scientific symposia.

Each of the three Objectives have basinwide relevance and addresses numerous questions, management goals, and scientific uncertainties described in the 2000 Council Fish and Wildlife Program, 2004 Federal Columbia River Power System Biological Opinion, the 2003 Independent Scientific Advisory Board supplementation review, and the 2004 Artificial Production Review and Evaluation.  The Northwest Power and Conservation Council Draft Research Plan formed the primary basis for developing the five objectives in the proposal.  Collectively, the proposed studies will address numerous questions posed in the Research Plan.