Abstract

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) proposes to provide a regional coordination role for technical analytical support , a function previously performed by the Fish Passage Center (FPC).  As part of this role, we will also develop and provide a process of peer review for requested technical analyses. This process will ensure the highest standards of data quality and scientific integrity are met for technical products delivered to regional managers and researchers.

In the past, regional parties have interacted with a single entity, the FPC, to access the data, analyses, and coordination related to fish passage. Our proposal will provide an impartial technical source for non-routine fish passage analyses while allowing the routine support functions to be performed by other well-qualified entities.  PNNL will provide a seamless transition to facilitate effective delivery of peer-reviewed fish passage analyses.  At the same time, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) will provide the data warehousing and web-based routine analyses previously provided by the FPC.

Introduction

The downstream fish passage measures of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC) Fish and Wildlife Program include measures for flow and spill to provide mitigation for the effects of the development and operation of the federal Columbia River Basin power system, (FCRPS), on migratory salmon and steelhead and resident fish. The program also includes monitoring and evaluation to assess the progress in accomplishing the biological objectives of the program at a basinwide level.  The Fish Passage Center (FPC) was included in the mainstem program (NPCC 2003), and its primary purpose has been to provide technical assistance and information to fish and wildlife agencies and tribes in particular and the public in general on matters related to juvenile and adult salmon and steelhead passage through the mainstem hydrosystem.  The basic functions required to accomplish that purpose are: 1) Managing a real-time database of smolt monitoring (and related) data; 2) Providing routine analysis and reports; and 3) Coordinating the implementation of the Smolt Monitoring Program. These key functions create, maintain, and make available an extensive empirical information base to meet the substantial need in the Northwest for information on salmon survival.

Fish managers and other key stakeholders in the Northwest have also historically requested non-routine analyses from the FPC to make decisions and identify management actions on the river in the context of operations planning and Biological Opinion consultations.  (By non-routine analyses, we mean those analytical requests that are beyond the scope of the basic routine analyses to be covered by PSMFC.)  Requests for non-routine analytical support could include anything that falls within the scope of the Council Program, particularly these tasks from the 2003 Mainstem Amendment:

1.  Provide technical assistance and information to fish and wildlife agencies and tribes in particular, and the public in general on matters related to juvenile and adult salmon and steelhead passage through the mainstem hydrosystem.

2.  Gather, organize, analyze, house and make widely available monitoring and research information related to juvenile and adult passage, and to the implementation of water management passage measures that are part of the Council's program.

3.  Provide technical information necessary to assist the agencies and tribes in formulating in season flow and spill requests that implement the water management measures in the Council's program.

This is a broad description that could encompass an endless number of analytical tasks.  Some prioritization of analyses will likely be necessary at times.   Additionally, these analytical requests typically need to be answered within a short timeframe especially during the spring and summer fish operation seasons when an answer may be needed within just a few days.  In response to these requests for non-routine analyses, it is important to provide neutral and impartial technical analyses with high standards of scientific and technical quality in a timely manner.

PNNL will meet this need by receiving the analytical support requests from stakeholders, coordinating the request with a pool of scientific analysts, coordinating a peer review of the analytical product, and returning a peer-reviewed response to the request for analytical support.
  
Project management

Effective coordination and project management is the key to a smooth transition of the former roles and responsibilities of the FPC to new entities.  That transition must ensure that regional needs for fish passage information continue to be met without interruption. PNNL proposes to provide a process by which non-routine technical analysis requests can be fulfilled by independent experts. This process will involve two key positions: the Science Analysis Coordinator and the Project Manager. The PNNL Science Analysis Coordinator will be the single point of contact for interaction with the region on requests for fish passage analyses.  The Coordinator will work closely with the Project Manager. The PNNL Project Manager will be responsible for assuring that the analysis process runs smoothly, e.g., duplications of effort are avoided between PNNL's analyses and PSMFC's routine web-based data analyses.  The regional need for expanded technical analysis and reviews will be met by a process that fits within the expanded roles of PNNL. Independent regional experts will be contracted to provide technical products.  All products will undergo a peer review process to assure they meet technical standards before being released.

Available facilities and equipment

The coordination function will be implemented from PNNL's office in Portland, OR. Project management and support functions for the analysis and technical review process will occur out of PNNL in Richland, WA. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has advanced computer systems, web servers, and software available for prototyping and testing. The use of those systems, servers, and software will be provided at no cost to the project.

Key personnel

Key positions and a description of duties proposed for the Science Analysis Coordination function include:

• Science Analysis Coordinator - Gary E. Johnson: Primary interface with resource management agencies and tribes, hydrosystem managers, and other regional stakeholders.

• Project Manager - Kenneth D. Ham: Responsible for overall project management and coordination, including ensuring that technical products are delivered on time and within budget.

• Program Manager - Dennis D. Dauble: Responsible for ensuring the successful initiation of this high profile transfer of work from the FPC.

• Contracting Officer - Julie L. Hughes - Responsible for administering contracts with BPA and the technical analysts.

• Webmaster - R. Eric Robinson will ensure that analytical requests, status, and responses are posted on a website