The goal of the White Sturgeon Management project, at some point in the future, is to release juvenile sturgeon to restore existing stocks and to re-introduce sturgeon to areas where natural production is limited in the Mid-Columbia River.  The fish will be reared on the Yakama Reservation at the Prosser and Marion Drain Hatcheries.  The project will operate by cost sharing between BPA and the Yakama Nation.  

The first phase of the project (including this contract period, April 1, 2010 - March 31, 2011) will include the development and refinement of sturgeon culture techniques using captive brood in preparation for wild stock.  The Yakama Nation is holding nearly 100 broodstock from various projects throughout the Columbia River Basin.  The YN project does not propose building new hatchery facilities or releasing hatchery-reared sturgeon during Phase I.  Phase I identifies hatchery evaluation and development work to be completed concurrent with the CRITFC comprehensive strategic and hatchery master planning which will clarify appropriate applications and objectives for hatchery sturgeon in the lower mid-Columbia River (downstream from Priest Rapids).   YN Phase I involves a short term contract with the Bonneville Power Administration and does not include the development of significant new facilities.  YN Phase II might include significant new facilities contingent on the outcome of the strategic and master planning process.  Work will be completed by Yakama Tribal fishery program staff in coordination with fishery co-managers from other treaty tribes and the states.  Hatchery activities will occur primarily at established Tribal Facilities at Prosser and Marion Drain Hatcheries, and may involve limited temporary modifications.