Contract Description 1988-108-04 EXP STREAMNET

StreamNet is a cooperative, regional scale data management project that provides assistance to agencies that create the biological data by funding data management staff within these agencies. StreamNet also coordinates regional data management initiatives designed to improve the quality, flow, and timeliness of key data to decision makers. StreamNet acquires fish related data from the management agencies, standardizes and georeferences them to the hydrography (stream network), and makes them widely available through a website that includes online data query systems.  

The primary focus of StreamNet remains the Coordinated Assessments Partnership (CAP) data sharing effort. Certain high priority traditional data sets are also prioritized and will be updated as staffing permits Support is also provided to the region in archiving data in secure data repositories and maintaining the facilities dataset  More specific work priorities are:

1.     The StreamNet Executive Committee will continue to direct the CAP workplan. This will include prioritizing selection of new high level indicators, taking into account regional data needs, such as NOAA status assessments and NPCC Program Tracker tool and related information. Priorities should incorporate realistic assessments of available staff and other agency priorities.
2.    The StreamNet Executive Committee will offer expanded membership to any entity that is a significant data provider or data user, such as tribes.
3.    The StreamNet Executive Committee will continue to prioritize updating traditional StreamNet data sets to reflect an emphasis on those that add value to ongoing regional O&M efforts. These include updating geo-referenced data that are related to CAP populations and is supportive of a more granular understanding of high level indicator trends, as well as maintenance of regional databases such as fish distribution and facilities.
4.    StreamNet should provide accessible and useful displays of information at the regional scale, with special focus on the CAP. This will include GIS-based, population level graphical presentation of the high level indicators as these are developed. StreamNet should also assist in supporting the efforts of others (NOAA, NPCC, etc.) who are engaged in similar efforts by focusing on automating and streamlining the flow of data for these efforts.
5.    While focusing the CAP on high level indicators that support regionally significant monitoring efforts, clear direction and consensus should be used to guide agencies and tribes to submit data that support population level assessments. Where such data are lacking, the Executive Committee will provide overall direction .  Data from “superpopulations” or subpopulations may be used as surrogates for population scale indicators where warranted. StreamNet should work with the FPC to coordinate for SAR data for the CAP.
6.    StreamNet will focus on maintaining and improving data flow for existing indicators. Continue to work on hatchery indicators,and engaging Fish Passage Center (FPC) to leverage their data system. Staff will start by exchanging hatchery SARs, which could be expanded as the Executive Committee approves a small suite of Hatchery Indicators. StreamNet should continue scoping plans for Bull Trout keeping an ongoing  dialogue with USFWS to ensure coordination- looking to MFWP and USFWS to help and take lead on Resident Fish and Hatchery Indicators.
7.    The StreamNet Executive Committee will continue to periodically evaluate whether regional data collection and management efforts are aligned with the high level data needs identified by the users of CAP data, and recommendations for funding and support provided to BPA, NPCC, NOAA, and others from a regional perspective.
8.    Where data are needed in support of regional prioritization (i.e. objectives and indicators from NPCC 2020 Program Addendum and Program Tracker tool) StreamNet should prioritize infrastructure and data management assistance needed to support these. This will require advance planning in order to potentially shift resources or request additional support, as agencies are currently fully committed to ongoing efforts.   BPA and the StreamNet Executive Committee should clearly convey to agencies the importance of contributing to regional efforts. This will assist in gaining acceptance and buy-in from agency managers and biologists.
9.    CAP methodologies for calculation of high level indicators should be fully documented.
10.    The StreamNet Data Store will continue to serve a role as a secure environmental data repository. If BPA has a desire to confirm that the Data Store is in receipt of datasets for projects that have designated the Data Store as their repository, an automated routine linking Pisces/cbfish and the Data Store should be improved.
11.    StreamNet will continue to play a role in the development and deployment of emerging technologies in fisheries data collection as time and staffing permits. This may include  sponsorship of workshops,  and purchasing, development and testing of these technologies, with the objective of making data collection and transfer more efficient and secure across the region.
12.    StreamNet should continue to seek out efficiencies and new sources of revenue in order to fund agency operations that support regional data management priorities (i.e. data stewards that compile and provide CAP data, biologists that inform data included in the CAP, biolgoists and data steward engaged in development and maintenance of data exchange standards). Where appropriate, the StreamNet Executive committee should recommend increases in traditional funding and support as needed, to complete the priorities they have established.
13.    Fish Distribution as a StreamNet data category has been redefined as a GIS dataset that is exchanged (or compiled regionally) using GIS file formats.   StreamNet partners should focus first on updating time series data for established trends (i.e., those already defined and mapped in the regional GIS) prior to making any effort to identify and map new stream survey reaches.  The mapping of new trend locations or the refined mapping of existing trends should only be attempted after determining that the necessary GIS support exists at both the local and regional level.  

Ongoing work to support tStreamNet will include funding for data management capacity and staff within partner organizations, maintenance of the databases and computer infrastructure needed to manage and disseminate the data, regional coordination to integrate StreamNet efforts with other regional efforts to maximize efficiency of data flow and support regional approaches to data management and sharing, and administration of the project.

Details of the specific tasks to be performed are presented in this Statement of Work.