This project seeks to expand our knowledge on the factors limiting production of Okanogan and Wenatchee sockeye salmon stocks.  A primary factor affecting the Okanogan stock is believed to be survival upstream of Wells Dam.  To quantify this mortality, in 2009 this project funded PIT tag detection antennas at Vertical Diversion Structure 3 upstream of Osoyoos Lake (OKC) and in 2010 funded installation of PIT tag detection at Zosel Dam fishways (ZSL).  In 2009-2011 we funded an acoustic tag network upstream of Wells Dam and also acoustically tagged sockeye at Wells Dam.  In 2012, we will maintain the existing PIT tag antennas at OKC and ZSL and also continue with the deployment of the acoustic tag network as well as acoustically tagging sockeye salmon.  We will continue to PIT tag sockeye salmon at Bonneville Dam adult fish facility (as part of another MOA project, Upstream Migration Timing) as well as at the Wells Dam bank fish trap.  Sockeye will also be acoustic tagged aged at Wells Dam and, if conditions suggest sockeye are likely to be adversely affected by high temperatures, temperature tagged.  Between the acoustic and PIT tags, Okanogan sockeye salmon mortality will be partitioned by reach upstream of Wells Dam and we hope to then be able to correlate survival with river and lake conditions, hopefully allowing survival to be increased through better Okanogan River management.  

This project will also standardize smolt abundance estimation methodologies between the two stocks by conducting annual hydroacoustic surveys of Lake Wenatchee to compare with those being conducted in Osoyoos Lake.  In 2012 we will begin conducting monthly limnological surveys of Lake Wenatchee between May and October with the goal estimating smolt carrying capacity.  

In 2012 we will add two additional components to this project.  The first will be genetic analysis to confirm the gender of sockeye acoustic tagged at Wells Dam as well as to determine the stock composition of sockeye salmon PIT tagged at Bonneville Dam whose stock we cannot determine (i.e. the fish fail to be detected at Rocky Reach, Tumwater, or Ice Harbor dams).  This addresses concerns expressed in both the Wenatchee and Snake basins that the main reason those stocks are not doing well relative to the Okanogan stock is differential survival on the upstream migration.  

A second component will begin a study of growth patterns of sockeye salmon as reflected in scale patterns. This will begin using scale samples from the 1920's and 1930's that NOAA has identified by stock using genetics and expand to include scale samples collected more recently.  The goal is to look at scale growth over time to estimate differences based on stock composition, abundance, and time.

The following subcontractors will be assisting the CRITFC.  Additionally, work elements with which the subcontractor will be assisting on are noted.

ONA:

Work elements A, C, E, F, G, H, K, L, M, N, Q, R

Colville Tribe:
Work Elements C, D, E, K, M

Yakama Tribe:
Work elements:  D, G

Biomark:
Work Element I