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 Work Elements C and D of an on-going project 1993-056-00 are a collaboration between NOAA and University of Washington scientists.  They will provide empirical information on all three components to help managers improve hatchery practices. The objectives of research conducted under Work Elements C and D of the  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 ESA-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 goals of the research conducted under Work Elements C and D of the project are: 1) Improve olfactory imprinting and reduce straying in hatchery salmon and 2) Match wild phenotypes in Chinook salmon reared in hatchery supplementation programs.  Experiments will be largely conducted by UW and NOAA scientists and technical staff in a laboratory setting.  NOAA will oversee experiments and do all data analysis and interpretation.  UW staff will assist in sample collections and laboratory analyses. 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.

The research goals to improve olfactory imprinting, reduce straying of hatchery salmon, and develop rearing strategies to match wild phenotypes in Chinook salmon reared in hatcheries have basinwide relevance and addresses numerous questions, management goals, and scientific uncertainties described in the 2000 Council Fish and Wildlife Program, 2004 FCRPS Biological Opinion, the 2003 ISAB supplementation review, and the 2004 APRE.  The NWPCC Draft Research Plan formed the primary basis for developing the objectives in the proposal.  Collectively, the proposed studies will address numerous questions posed in the Research Plan.