Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Program Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Program
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Project Summary

Project 1983-319-00 - New Marking and Monitoring Technologies
Project Number:
1983-319-00
Title:
New Marking and Monitoring Technologies
Summary:
This project addresses how to expand the current fish-tracking technologies to enable the fisheries community to successfully carry out the actions, research, and monitoring activities outlined in the 2000 and 2004 BiOp, 2004 UPA, Fish and Wildlife Program, and 2003 systemwide passage summary. The goal of the project is to satisfy these needs by developing interrogation systems that will collect data on migrating juvenile and adult salmonids through mainstem Columbia River Basin (CRB) dams including juvenile salmon transiting surface-bypass systems and all life-stages transiting small streams. These fish-tracking technologies are then used to assess the effectiveness of management actions and strategies for recovery of ESA-listed fish populations. For example, development of PIT-tag systems that will work in large streams or even rivers are essential for determining the effectiveness of all types of restoration programs on stock recovery supported by BPA. In addition, these system would help delineate the different types of interactions between hatchery and wild stocks in the field.
Proposer:
None
Proponent Orgs:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Govt - Federal)
Starting FY:
2004
Ending FY:
2025
Stage:
Implementation - Project Status Report
Area:
Province Subbasin %
Basinwide - 100.00%
Purpose:
Hydrosystem
Emphasis:
RM and E
Focal Species:
All Anadromous Fish
All Anadromous Salmonids
Bass, Largemouth
Bass, Smallmouth
Carp, Common
Catfish
Chinook - All Populations
Chinook - Snake River Fall ESU
Chinook - Snake River Spring/Summer
Chinook - Snake River Spring/Summer ESU
Chinook - Upper Columbia River Summer/Fall ESU
Coho - Lower Columbia River ESU
Coho - Unspecified Population
Crappie, Black
Crappie, White
Cutthroat Trout, Coastal - Resident Populations
Freshwater Mussels
Lamprey, Western Brook
Perch, Yellow
Pikeminnow, Northern
Sockeye - All Populations
Sockeye - Snake River ESU
Steelhead - All Populations
Steelhead - Middle Columbia River DPS
Steelhead - Snake River DPS
Sturgeon, White - All Populations except Kootenai R. DPS
Trout, Bull
Walleye
Whitefish, Mountain
Species Benefit:
Anadromous: 100.0%   Resident: 0.0%   Wildlife: 0.0%
Special:
None
BiOp Association:
FCRPS 2008 – view list of FCRPS 2008 BiOp Actions

RPA 52.2 Monitor and evaluate juvenile salmonid system survival,
RPA 54.9 Evaluate/deploy alternative methodologies for fish passage,
RPA 54.9 Evaluate/deploy alternative methodologies for fish passage,
RPA 54.9 Evaluate/deploy alternative methodologies for fish passage,
RPA 54.9 Evaluate/deploy alternative methodologies for fish passage,
RPA 54.9 Evaluate/deploy alternative methodologies for fish passage,
RPA 54.9 Evaluate/deploy alternative methodologies for fish passage,
RPA 54.9 Evaluate/deploy alternative methodologies for fish passage,
RPA 54.9 Evaluate/deploy alternative methodologies for fish passage,
RPA 54.9 Evaluate/deploy alternative methodologies for fish passage,
RPA 54.9 Evaluate/deploy alternative methodologies for fish passage,
RPA 54.9 Evaluate/deploy alternative methodologies for fish passage,
RPA 55.7 Investigate feasibility of spillway/turbine PIT-tag detector,
RPA 55.7 Investigate feasibility of spillway/turbine PIT-tag detector,
RPA 55.7 Investigate feasibility of spillway/turbine PIT-tag detector,
RPA 55.7 Investigate feasibility of spillway/turbine PIT-tag detector,
RPA 55.7 Investigate feasibility of spillway/turbine PIT-tag detector,
RPA 55.7 Investigate feasibility of spillway/turbine PIT-tag detector,
RPA 55.7 Investigate feasibility of spillway/turbine PIT-tag detector,
RPA 55.7 Investigate feasibility of spillway/turbine PIT-tag detector,
RPA 55.7 Investigate feasibility of spillway/turbine PIT-tag detector,
RPA 55.7 Investigate feasibility of spillway/turbine PIT-tag detector,
RPA 55.7 Investigate feasibility of spillway/turbine PIT-tag detector,
RPA 55.8 Evaluate new tagging technologies ,
RPA 55.8 Evaluate new tagging technologies ,
RPA 55.8 Evaluate new tagging technologies ,
RPA 55.8 Evaluate new tagging technologies ,
RPA 55.8 Evaluate new tagging technologies ,
RPA 55.8 Evaluate new tagging technologies ,
RPA 55.8 Evaluate new tagging technologies ,
RPA 55.8 Evaluate new tagging technologies ,
RPA 55.8 Evaluate new tagging technologies ,
RPA 55.8 Evaluate new tagging technologies ,
RPA 55.8 Evaluate new tagging technologies ,
RPA 55.9 Assess feasibility of PIT-tag detectors in natal streams/tribs,
RPA 55.9 Assess feasibility of PIT-tag detectors in natal streams/tribs,
RPA 55.9 Assess feasibility of PIT-tag detectors in natal streams/tribs,
RPA 55.9 Assess feasibility of PIT-tag detectors in natal streams/tribs,
RPA 55.9 Assess feasibility of PIT-tag detectors in natal streams/tribs,
RPA 55.9 Assess feasibility of PIT-tag detectors in natal streams/tribs,
RPA 55.9 Assess feasibility of PIT-tag detectors in natal streams/tribs,
RPA 55.9 Assess feasibility of PIT-tag detectors in natal streams/tribs,
RPA 55.9 Assess feasibility of PIT-tag detectors in natal streams/tribs,
RPA 55.9 Assess feasibility of PIT-tag detectors in natal streams/tribs,
RPA 55.9 Assess feasibility of PIT-tag detectors in natal streams/tribs

Description: Page: 3 Figure 1: Photo of spillway at Bonneville Dam.

Project(s): 1983-319-00

Document: P113811

Dimensions: 337 x 200

Description: Page: 7 Figure 4a: Photos of two tile shielding arrangements tested. Left: strips of ferrite tiles that match the ribs under the spillbay gate.

Project(s): 1983-319-00

Document: P113811

Dimensions: 249 x 333

Description: Page: 7 Figure 4b: Photos of two tile shielding arrangements tested. Right: full sheet of ferrite tiles.

Project(s): 1983-319-00

Document: P113811

Dimensions: 345 x 259

Description: Page: 8 Figure 5: Photo shows the 5-ft-wide antenna at the outer edge of the gate. It shows how far out it extends and the gap.

Project(s): 1983-319-00

Document: P113811

Dimensions: 341 x 256

Description: Page: 10 Figure 7: Photo of contoured antenna showing smaller gap at the spillbay gate edge, as well its tight fit along the bottom of the spillbay gate.

Project(s): 1983-319-00

Document: P113811

Dimensions: 410 x 300

Description: Page: 11 Figure 8a: Photo of the hanging vertical antenna.

Project(s): 1983-319-00

Document: P113811

Dimensions: 320 x 240

Description: Page: 11 Figure 8b: Photo of the 52-degree intermediate angled antenna.

Project(s): 1983-319-00

Document: P113811

Dimensions: 320 x 240

Description: Page: 15 Figure 12: Diagram from USACE showing water velocities for a TSW system and general location and water conditions in site where ogee system would be located. USACE estimates water velocities of ~65-90 ft/s.

Project(s): 1983-319-00

Document: P113811

Dimensions: 684 x 640


Summary of Budgets

To view all expenditures for all fiscal years, click "Project Exp. by FY"

To see more detailed project budget information, please visit the "Project Budget" page

Decided Budget Transfers  (FY2024 - FY2026)

Acct FY Acct Type Amount Fund Budget Decision Date
FY2024 Expense $905,374 From: BiOp FCRPS 2008 (non-Accord) FY24 SOY Budget Upload 06/01/2023
FY2024 Expense $250,000 From: BiOp FCRPS 2008 (non-Accord) Budget Transfers (1983-319-00; BCR#163) 11/22/2023 11/22/2023
FY2025 Expense $905,374 From: BiOp FCRPS 2008 (non-Accord) FY25 SOY 05/31/2024

Pending Budget Decision?  No


Actual Project Cost Share

Current Fiscal Year — 2025
Cost Share Partner Total Proposed Contribution Total Confirmed Contribution
There are no project cost share contributions to show.
Previous Fiscal Years
Fiscal Year Total Contributions % of Budget
2022 (Draft)
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009 $159,982 10%
2008 $114,250 12%
2007

Contracts

The table below contains contracts with the following statuses: Active, Closed, Complete, History, Issued.
* "Total Contracted Amount" column includes contracted amount from both capital and expense components of the contract.
Capital Contracts:
Number Contractor Name Title Status Total Contracted Amount Dates
2113 REL 1 SOW South Bay Cable 198331900 NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNIQUES FOR FISH Closed $8,765 9/11/2000 - 12/31/2000
Expense Contracts:
Number Contractor Name Title Status Total Contracted Amount Dates
1902 REL 4 SOW Digital Angel Corporation 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNIQUES FOR FISH Closed $48,819 9/1/2000 - 8/31/2001
3467 REL 1 SOW Digital Angel Corporation 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNIQUES FOR FISH History $5,090 9/1/2000 - 8/31/2001
2861 SOW International Design Technologies, Inc. 1983-319-00 ANTENNA HOUSING (24) FABRICATION FOR FISH LADDER History $742,120 10/1/2000 - 9/30/2002
2760 REL 1 SOW Digital Angel Corporation 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNIQUES FOR FISH Closed $198,000 11/17/2000 - 6/30/2001
5289 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNIQUES FOR FISH Closed $1,195,997 6/11/2001 - 9/30/2003
2760 REL 2 SOW Digital Angel Corporation 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNIQUES FOR FISH History $651,522 6/18/2001 - 3/31/2002
6508 SOW SMK Construction Company, Inc. 1983-319-00 ANTENNA HOUSING SHIELDS FOR PIT TAG DETECTORS History $38,287 8/1/2001 - 1/11/2002
6361 SOW Nortech Systems, Inc. 1983-319-00 UNDERWATER CONNECTORS & CABLES FOR DETECTORS History $26,000 8/1/2001 - 11/1/2001
2760 REL 5 SOW Digital Angel Corporation 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNIQUES FOR FISH History $219,099 2/1/2002 - 12/31/2002
10923 SOW Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNIQUES History $15,255 8/1/2002 - 9/30/2002
2760 REL 7 SOW Digital Angel Corporation 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNIQUES FOR FISH History $792,597 1/1/2003 - 9/30/2005
2760 REL 9 SOW Digital Angel Corporation 1983-319-00 BONNEVILLE CORNER COLLECTOR PIT-TAG DETECTION SYSTEM History $1,603,885 1/1/2003 - 9/30/2005
2760 REL 10 SOW Digital Angel Corporation 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES FOR FISH Closed $196,250 6/1/2003 - 9/30/2003
15824 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING AND MONITORING TECH. NOAA FY04 Closed $80,513 11/1/2003 - 11/30/2004
2760 REL 13 SOW Digital Angel Corporation PI 1983-319-00 PIT-TAG ENHANCEMENT STUDY: PHASE II History $176,500 7/1/2004 - 9/30/2005
21670 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration PI 1983-319-00 PL NEW MARKING AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES Closed $174,632 12/1/2004 - 10/31/2005
21688 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration PI 1983-319-00 PL NEW MARKING AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES-NOAA Closed $60,382 12/1/2004 - 10/31/2005
25217 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration PI 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES-B2CC Closed $146,915 10/1/2005 - 12/31/2006
25218 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration PI 1983-319-00 PL NEW MARKING AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES-NON B2CC Closed $65,126 10/1/2005 - 1/31/2007
2760 REL 14 SOW Digital Angel Corporation PI 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING AND MONITORING-B2CC-DIGITAL ANGEL History $799,300 10/1/2005 - 9/30/2006
BPA-005524 Bonneville Power Administration PIT Tags - New Marking & Monitoring Technologies Active $9,687 10/1/2006 - 9/30/2007
30329 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP DEVELOPMENT/EVALUATION FISH TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES Closed $129,484 12/1/2006 - 11/30/2007
30330 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP DEVELOPMENT/EVALUATION FISH TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES Closed $623,366 12/1/2006 - 9/19/2008
35800 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP DEVELOPMENT/EVALUATION TECH-NON-B2CC Closed $332,109 12/1/2007 - 6/30/2009
40335 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING/MONITORING TECHNIQUES-NOAA Closed $1,045,693 12/1/2008 - 7/31/2010
BPA-005213 Bonneville Power Administration PIT Tags - New Marking and Monitoring Technologies Active $173 10/1/2009 - 9/30/2010
46273 REL 11 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 198331900 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECH Closed $414,981 9/15/2010 - 1/31/2012
BPA-005696 Bonneville Power Administration PIT Tags - New Marking & Monitoring Technologies Active $3,971 10/1/2010 - 9/30/2011
BPA-006332 Bonneville Power Administration PIT Tags - New Marking & Monitoring Tech Active $0 10/1/2011 - 9/30/2012
46273 REL 41 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECH Closed $602,144 2/15/2012 - 1/31/2013
BPA-007292 Bonneville Power Administration PIT Tags - New Marking & Monitoring Techniques Active $0 10/1/2012 - 9/30/2013
46273 REL 52 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECH Closed $234,612 2/1/2013 - 1/31/2014
46273 REL 76 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNOLOGY Closed $705,467 2/1/2014 - 3/31/2015
46273 REL 101 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP DEVELOP PIT TAG TECHNOLOGY Closed $467,821 4/1/2015 - 3/31/2016
71944 SOW Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission 1983-319-00 EXP PIT TAG TECHNOLOGY Closed $166,140 3/1/2016 - 2/28/2017
46273 REL 114 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP PIT TAG RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Closed $844,101 4/1/2016 - 3/31/2017
46273 REL 129 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP PIT TAG RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Closed $867,204 4/1/2017 - 3/31/2018
46273 REL 150 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES Closed $695,706 4/1/2018 - 3/31/2019
46273 REL 166 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES Closed $890,203 4/1/2019 - 3/31/2020
83639 REL 11 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES Closed $867,167 4/1/2020 - 3/31/2021
83639 REL 20 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES Closed $867,216 4/1/2021 - 3/31/2022
83639 REL 37 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES Closed $867,213 4/1/2022 - 3/31/2023
83639 REL 49 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES Issued $867,216 4/1/2023 - 3/31/2024
83639 REL 61 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES Issued $1,155,374 4/1/2024 - 3/31/2025
CR-375756 SOW National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES Pending $905,374 4/1/2025 - 3/31/2026



Annual Progress Reports
Expected (since FY2004):29
Completed:20
On time:20
Status Reports
Completed:92
On time:25
Avg Days Late:52

                Count of Contract Deliverables
Earliest Contract Subsequent Contracts Title Contractor Earliest Start Latest End Latest Status Accepted Reports Complete Green Yellow Red Total % Green and Complete Canceled
5289 15824, 21688, 25217 PI 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES-B2CC National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 06/11/2001 12/31/2006 Closed 4 5 0 0 0 5 100.00% 0
2760 REL 9 1983-319-00 BONNEVILLE CORNER COLLECTOR PIT-TAG DETECTION SYSTEM Digital Angel Corporation 01/01/2003 09/30/2005 History 1 5 0 0 0 5 100.00% 0
21670 25218 PI 1983-319-00 PL NEW MARKING AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES-NON B2CC National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 12/01/2004 01/31/2007 Closed 4 6 0 0 0 6 100.00% 0
2760 REL 14 PI 1983-319-00 NEW MARKING AND MONITORING-B2CC-DIGITAL ANGEL Digital Angel Corporation 10/01/2005 09/30/2006 History 5 9 0 0 0 9 100.00% 0
BPA-5524 PIT Tags - New Marking & Monitoring Technologies Bonneville Power Administration 10/01/2006 09/30/2007 Active 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
30329 1983-319-00 EXP DEVELOPMENT/EVALUATION FISH TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 12/01/2006 11/30/2007 Closed 4 2 0 0 2 4 50.00% 0
30330 35800, 40335, 46273 REL 11, 46273 REL 41, 46273 REL 52, 46273 REL 76, 46273 REL 101, 46273 REL 114, 46273 REL 129, 46273 REL 150, 46273 REL 166, 83639 REL 11, 83639 REL 20, 83639 REL 37, 83639 REL 49, 83639 REL 61, CR-375756 1983-319-00 EXP NEW MARKING & MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 12/01/2006 03/31/2026 Pending 70 77 4 0 31 112 72.32% 9
BPA-5213 PIT Tags - New Marking and Monitoring Technologies Bonneville Power Administration 10/01/2009 09/30/2010 Active 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
BPA-5696 PIT Tags - New Marking & Monitoring Technologies Bonneville Power Administration 10/01/2010 09/30/2011 Active 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
BPA-6332 PIT Tags - New Marking & Monitoring Tech Bonneville Power Administration 10/01/2011 09/30/2012 Active 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
BPA-7292 PIT Tags - New Marking & Monitoring Techniques Bonneville Power Administration 10/01/2012 09/30/2013 Active 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
71944 1983-319-00 EXP PIT TAG TECHNOLOGY Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission 03/01/2016 02/28/2017 Closed 4 3 0 0 0 3 100.00% 0
Project Totals 92 107 4 0 33 144 77.08% 9


The table content is updated frequently and thus contains more recent information than what was in the original proposal reviewed by ISRP and Council.

Review: 2018 Research Project Status Review

Council Recommendation

Assessment Number: 1983-319-00-NPCC-20210302
Project: 1983-319-00 - New Marking and Monitoring Technologies
Review: 2018 Research Project Status Review
Approved Date: 12/20/2018
Recommendation: Implement
Comments: Recommendation: Sponsor is requested to submit an updated proposal in 2019 Mainstem/Program Support review and address ISRP qualifications on reporting results, outreach, and prioritizing work. See programmatic issues for Information Sharing and Reporting, Habitat, and Hatcheries.

Independent Scientific Review Panel Assessment

Assessment Number: 1983-319-00-ISRP-20181115
Project: 1983-319-00 - New Marking and Monitoring Technologies
Review: 2018 Research Project Status Review
Completed Date: 11/15/2018
Final Round ISRP Date: 9/28/2018
Final Round ISRP Rating: Meets Scientific Review Criteria (Qualified)
Final Round ISRP Comment:

1. Objectives


This project has a general objective of improving PIT-tag technology, but specific goals and objectives have changed over time. The current primary goals are to develop interrogation systems to detect PIT-tagged juvenile and adult salmonids in high-velocity areas in tributaries and dams, evaluating new PIT-tags and detection arrays for instream applications, detectors for deeper water (estuary) applications, and evaluation of PIT-tag loss.

The project’s overall objective is to develop PIT tag interrogation equipment that can be used in diverse environments (e.g., spill-way and stream detection systems). Solutions appear to be site-specific, but once a solution has been developed it is often applied in similar situations. However, it was unclear how activities are prioritized. They also use measurable criteria to test whether their designs are functioning as desired. Although the timelines of testing activities are broadly stated (e.g., in spring 2019), the proponents do not indicate any specific end-dates and it is likely difficult to do so with any precision.


Improvements in tag detection are relevant to the Council’s Fish and Wildlife Program because PIT tags are widely used to measure survival and migration timing salmonids and other species in the Basin.

2. Methods


The narrative indicates the project uses two approaches to develop new PIT tag technology. In some instances, engineering and design work is subcontracted to outside vendors. In other cases, in-house expertise is used to solve specific problems. A combined approach is appropriate for this type of project as it allows the proponents to bring in outside expertise when needed but still provides opportunities for in-house solutions. Scientific hypotheses are not being addressed by the project. Instead the project seeks solutions to engineering problems as they are identified.

3. Results


In its 35-year history, this project has continually addressed management questions by developing technologies to detect fish. For example, they developed and tested equipment that will be used to monitor the passage of juvenile PIT-tagged fish in dam spillways and advanced the design of flexible antenna configurations. They are also testing new detection methods in the lower Columbia River via a PIT tag detection barge. Future work will include: (a) designing new PIT tag detection arrays at the Bonneville Dam Ice and Trash Sluice and spill way, (b) testing of a satellite modem and data compression methodology for remote tag interrogation, and (c) testing of the new CANbus/power cable. Results are used throughout the Columbia River Basin in virtually any project that relies on PIT-tagged fish, and in some cases, these technologies represent important advances in PIT-tag detection and interrogation.

Presumably, their office is the "go to" place to receive information or resolve problems with PIT-tags in the Basin. Nonetheless, the project proponents need to formalize and improve on the sharing of their results. Annual reports have been spotty and brief, and there is no information on how managers and researchers in the Basin and rest of the world can access their products and expertise.


The proponents plan to study loss of PIT-tags at their research station in Alaska. It should be explained how that study will be integrated with the PIT/CWT study that is being conducted as part of the CSS on similar issues?

4. 2017 Research Plan uncertainties validation


While this project does not directly address any of the 2017 Research Plan critical uncertainties, it enables many other projects to do so. For example, improved detection of juvenile and adult salmonids increases the reliability of SARs developed through the Comparative Survival Study, and, in so doing, it provides managers information to manage Columbia River flows (e.g., spill) for the benefit of migrating salmonids.


The proponents indicate that detection and interrogation methods need to be developed for large and deep streams and rivers. The ISRP agrees and hopes that research and development of both new detection arrays/antennas and tag designs can be started to address this important monitoring need in the future.


All the current work involves detections in freshwater. Other projects are interested in survival studies in the saltwater. Is there any contribution from this project to these other projects?

 

Qualification #1 - Skilled and Experienced Team
This project addresses the need for a skilled and experienced team to support research and development (R&D) of passive integrated transponder (PIT) technology. The two qualifications listed below are intended to formalize what are likely ongoing but informal channels of communication in the Basin and clarify the process by which activities are prioritized: • Formal reporting of results and progress requires immediate improvement. Project proponents need to promote the sharing of information to a wider audience via annual reports, published detection efficiency trials, published research papers, published engineering solutions, published laboratory vs. field performance comparisons, and web site postings. • Establish a more formal method to prioritize the many issues with PIT-tags currently under investigation. These issues range from engineering solutions (e.g., spill way detectors), evaluating and improving existing technology (e.g., testing PIT-tag arrays especially for freshwater streams and the estuary), and long-term research (e.g., PIT-tag loss). A key question is how the current activities are chosen (e.g., based on data-gap analysis in other projects, based on interests and skills of the project team, based on funding from outside sources, etc.). A holistic overview of the PIT-tag uses in the Basin, data gaps where PIT-tags could provide information is needed but is wanting, and the value of information currently missing would be helpful in deciding among activities that have low value vs. activities that are needed to fill important data gaps.
Documentation Links:
Review: 2019-2021 Mainstem/Program Support

Council Recommendation

Assessment Number: 1983-319-00-NPCC-20210310
Project: 1983-319-00 - New Marking and Monitoring Technologies
Review: 2019-2021 Mainstem/Program Support
Proposal: NPCC19-1983-319-00
Proposal State: Pending Council Recommendation
Approved Date: 8/25/2019
Recommendation: Implement
Comments: Continue work through the next review. Sponsors will describe in their next annual report how they are improving coordination among their projects, and communication with managers utilizing PIT-Tag arrays and related technology.
Part 3, Project-Specific Recommendation: Sponsors will describe in their next annual report how they are improving coordination among their projects and improving communication with managers utilizing PIT-Tag arrays and related technology.
Also, see Programmatic issue for Research Projects.

[Background: See https:/www.nwcouncil.org/fish-and-wildlife/fish-and-wildlife-program/project-reviews-and-recommendations/mainstem-review]

Independent Scientific Review Panel Assessment

Assessment Number: 1983-319-00-ISRP-20190404
Project: 1983-319-00 - New Marking and Monitoring Technologies
Review: 2019-2021 Mainstem/Program Support
Proposal Number: NPCC19-1983-319-00
Completed Date: None
First Round ISRP Date: 4/4/2019
First Round ISRP Rating: Meets Scientific Review Criteria
First Round ISRP Comment:

Comment:

The ISRP encourages continued efforts to respond to 2018 review qualifications (ISRP 2018-8). Specifically, the project proponents should continue efforts to provide more supporting data to back up detection efficiency test results for new systems. Details of methods for each deliverable including the PIT tag retention study and the PIT barge are encouraged.

The ISRP also encourages collaboration with NOAA's trawl efforts to increase sampling coverage. In addition, increased detection at Bonneville is needed because the current data from the corner collector are not adequate.

The ISRP does not need to review a response on these items.

1. Objectives, Significance to Regional Programs, and Technical Background

The project's overall objective is to continue to develop and implement technologies and infrastructure that can be used throughout the Basin to detect PIT-tagged fish. The project is tasked with solving specific issues that deal with tag detection, logging tag detections, PIT tag modifications, antenna modifications, and with designing, testing, and evaluating tag detection equipment that can be used at dams, large rivers and in small tributary systems. Consequently, project objectives are specific, clearly defined, measurable, and have proven to be testable and achievable as well as time-based.

Improvements in tag detection are relevant to the Council's Fish and Wildlife Program because of the wide use of PIT tags to measure survival and migration timing of the Basin's salmonids. Projects in the mainstem RM&E program rely on information gathered from PIT-tagged fish, so implementation of this project is important for increasing accuracy and precision of data that are necessary for monitoring and improving fish passage.

2. Results and Adaptive Management

The proposal provides a list of results produced by the project in the past. These results are used throughout the Columbia River Basin in projects that depend on PIT-tagged fish.

Adaptive management is described in terms of the effect of the new technologies the project develops on other projects in the RM&E program. The assumption is that the improved data collection has been instrumental in many management decisions made over many years. However, it is unclear how new developments inside and outside the Columbia Basin are monitored so that new technologies may be considered for use. Is there a group that is assigned this task?

3. Methods: Project Relationships, Work Types, and Deliverables

Projects in the mainstem RM&E program rely on information gathered from PIT-tagged fish. Success of these projects depends on implementation of this project. The methods are appropriate and appear able to deal with the realities of working in large river systems. Work types are 100% RM&E and Data Analysis. The proposal states that the proponents are working to publish protocols for various parts of this project. The ISRP encourages the proponents to do so.

Documentation Links:
Review: RME / AP Category Review

Council Recommendation

Assessment Number: 1983-319-00-NPCC-20101217
Project: 1983-319-00 - New Marking and Monitoring Technologies
Review: RME / AP Category Review
Proposal: RMECAT-1983-319-00
Proposal State: Pending BPA Response
Approved Date: 6/10/2011
Recommendation: Fund (Qualified)
Comments: Implement with condition through FY 2014: Sponsor to address ISRP qualifications in 2012 contract. Implementation beyond 2014 based on ISRP and Council review of the results report and recommendation of future work. See also presumptive path discussion in Programmatic Recommendation no. 10.
Conditions:
Council Condition #1 Programmatic Issue: RMECAT #10 PIT tags and related tags—See presumptive path discussion
Council Condition #2 Qualifications: The project proponents need to provide more supporting data in the proposal to back up detection efficiency test results for new systems. More detailed methods need to be provided in the proposal for each of the proposed deliverables (location maps and diagrams would help). Reporting of results and progress has been limited and the project proponents need to improve on timely release of information to a wider audience via annual reports, published research papers, and web site postings. A timeline for completion of reports, papers, and postings should be scheduled during contracting.
Council Condition #3 Programmatic Issue: RMECAT #6 Research projects in general—.

Independent Scientific Review Panel Assessment

Assessment Number: 1983-319-00-ISRP-20101015
Project: 1983-319-00 - New Marking and Monitoring Technologies
Review: RME / AP Category Review
Proposal Number: RMECAT-1983-319-00
Completed Date: 12/17/2010
Final Round ISRP Date: 12/17/2010
Final Round ISRP Rating: Meets Scientific Review Criteria (Qualified)
Final Round ISRP Comment:
The ISRP believes that this project has assisted in providing significant monitoring tools for listed salmonids and other stocks and species in the Columbia River Basin, and there is a continuing need for further development and evaluation of these PIT tag technologies. The project proponents have a long history of involvement that contributes to collection of valuable data and the proposed expansions of PIT tag detection systems and capabilities are welcomed. However, the ISRP has two qualifications that the project proponents need to address:

Qualification 1: The project proponents need to provide more supporting data in the proposal to back up detection efficiency test results for new systems. More detailed methods need to be provided in the proposal for each of the proposed deliverables (location maps and diagrams would help).

Qualification 2: Reporting of results and progress has been limited and the project proponents need to improve on timely release of information to a wider audience via annual reports, published research papers, and web site postings. A timeline for completion of reports, papers, and postings should be scheduled during contracting.

The ISRP does not need to review a response on these items.

Other specific ISRP comments:

1. Purpose, Significance to Regional Programs, Technical Background, and Objectives

The ubiquitous application of PIT tagging in the region explains the significance of the project to regional programs, and the proponents list the project as responding to the 2008 FCRPS BiOp (RPA 52.2, RPA 53.5, RPA 54.9, RPA 54.13, RPA 54.14, RPA 54.1, RPA 55.4, RPA 55.5, RPA 55.9, RPA 55.7, RPA 55.8), the 2010 Draft Columbia River Basin Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Reporting Plan, the 2004 UPA, and the Fish and Wildlife Program. Instead of just a list, the proponents could improve the proposal by providing a brief explanation of how the project relates to each of these programs and plans.

The proponents have a long history of PIT tag technology development as shown by the technical background of the project. However, the proposal offers little evidence of how the technical background relates to the cutting edge of fish-tracking technologies.

The objectives of expanding PIT tag detection capabilities in the Columbia River Basin are clearly explained and supported with a list of deliverables and supporting work elements.

2. History: Accomplishments, Results, and Adaptive Management

The proponents include a list of significant accomplishments including successful development of a full flow PIT tag system at McNary Dam, development and successful testing of a flat plate detector at the B2 corner collector, development of detection systems for many Columbia River Basin tributaries, and assistance with improvements in the PIT tag (e.g., the ISO tag and the new 9 mm tag). However, the proponents do not include details on these accomplishments or provide summary results but rather note that results of the project are implemented by others in the region such as project #200100300 involving installation and evaluation of PIT tag technologies. It does appear that project #198331900 helps make useful and relevant data collection possible. The proposal contains several examples of a philosophy of flexibility and advance planning when proposed technologies fail to perform adequately. This strategy is quite useful for this research and development project.

Reporting of results and progress has been limited, and the project needs to improve on timely release of information to a wider audience via annual reports, published research papers, and web site postings. A timeline for completion of reports, papers, and postings should be scheduled during contracting.

The PIT tag is central to many of the major RME projects, and management decisions are frequently based on data from those projects. However, there is no specific description(s) of how the project has adapted by developing new technologies to improve precision of detecting pit-tagged fish. Examples of this type of adaptive management could be provided.

3. Project Relationships, Emerging Limiting Factors, and Tailored Questions for Type of Work (Hatchery, RME, Tagging)

The project directly interacts with the PITAGIS Project (#199008000) and Installation and Evaluation of Established PIT-tag Technologies (#200100300). More information is needed on how the project is coordinated with the USACE and others developing PIT tag detection systems. Is there unnecessary overlap and duplication of work?

The proponents do not believe that emerging limiting factors, such as climate change, will have a direct effect on their work, but limiting factors regarding new applications for PIT tag detector arrays are very well described. That is what this project is about.

This is an RME tagging project with a long history of mostly successful projects, which have improved the PIT tag systems, and RME data collected. However, under the study design section, the proponents state that they do not do RME. This needs clarification.

4. Deliverables, Work Elements, Metrics, and Methods

The deliverables are linked effectively to the overall objective with metrics and methods clearly associated. Some standards of performance are vague such as stating that a new configuration could “potentially increase detection rates significantly.” Inclusion of informed numerical targets for performance would be useful. In addition, when such targets are mentioned, such as a precision level of plus/minus 3%, some justification or history of use of the target would be useful.

More detailed methods need to be provided for each of the proposed deliverables (location maps and diagrams would help). Metrics for evaluation of effectiveness of project deliverables need to be developed.
First Round ISRP Date: 10/18/2010
First Round ISRP Rating: Meets Scientific Review Criteria (Qualified)
First Round ISRP Comment:

The ISRP believes that this project has assisted in providing significant monitoring tools for listed salmonids and other stocks and species in the Columbia River Basin, and there is a continuing need for further development and evaluation of these PIT tag technologies. The project proponents have a long history of involvement that contributes to collection of valuable data and the proposed expansions of PIT tag detection systems and capabilities are welcomed. However, the ISRP has two qualifications that the project proponents need to address:

Documentation Links:

2008 FCRPS BiOp Workgroup Assessment

Assessment Number: 1983-319-00-BIOP-20101105
Project Number: 1983-319-00
Review: RME / AP Category Review
Proposal Number: RMECAT-1983-319-00
Completed Date: None
2008 FCRPS BiOp Workgroup Rating: Supports 2008 FCRPS BiOp
Comments: BiOp Workgroup Comments: No BiOp Workgroup Comments

The BiOp RM&E Workgroups made the following determinations regarding the proposal's ability or need to support BiOp Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (RME) RPAs. If you have questions regarding these RPA association conclusions, please contact your BPA COTR and they will help clarify, or they will arrange further discussion with the appropriate RM&E Workgroup Leads. BiOp RPA associations for the proposed work are: (52.2 55.7 55.8 55.9)
All Questionable RPA Associations ( ) and
All Deleted RPA Associations ( 53.5 54.1 54.13 54.14 54.9 55.4 55.5 )
Proponent Response:
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review

Council Recommendation

Assessment Number: 1983-319-00-NPCC-20090924
Project: 1983-319-00 - New Marking and Monitoring Technologies
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Approved Date: 10/23/2006
Recommendation: Fund
Comments:

Independent Scientific Review Panel Assessment

Assessment Number: 1983-319-00-ISRP-20060831
Project: 1983-319-00 - New Marking and Monitoring Technologies
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Completed Date: 8/31/2006
Final Round ISRP Date: None
Final Round ISRP Rating: Meets Scientific Review Criteria
Final Round ISRP Comment:
This is a strong proposal with high priority application of the technology in the basin, good personnel, and an excellent track record. The project sponsors have been responsive to past ISRP reviews.

The proponents plan to explore the application of PIT tag technologies to surface bypass systems (RSWs, Bonneville corner collector, even spillways and turbines). The evaluation of the G2 transceiver for instream interrogations will require development of new antenna arrays and even new tags (A-PIT). These efforts are tied in generally to the BiOps, UPA, and systemwide passage program summary, although particular elements are not listed. Effective PIT tag systems underlie much of the salmon recovery efforts in the Columbia River Basin, and the extensive history presented in this proposal leaves no doubt of the importance of the work to answering questions about the survival of anadromous salmonids in the Columbia River Basin.

The proposal does a good job relating the technologies developed in the past to ongoing and future projects. Less information is provided about the need for the advanced technologies they propose to develop, and specifically which projects might employ these developments. That is, they are necessarily a bit ahead of many of the projects that will use new PIT tags and transceivers. The investigators should be aware of work being done by the mid-Columbia Public Utility Districts (PUDs).

The value of this long-term effort is well established. Continued improvement in tags and antennas is expected to further improve the knowledge of salmonids in the basin and the ability to carry out adaptive management. Some of this work is necessary because increased downstream passage through surface bypasses, RSWs, and spill has reduced the numbers of fish that are detected through the conventional PIT-tag interrogation systems. So development of detectors for these alternative routes is needed in order to collect the juvenile fish passage data for management actions.

The proposal provides a well-detailed listing of work elements, with a systematic, step-by-step approach that allows for periodic feedback from outside experts and changes in direction as necessitated by the results from each step.

Past work has produced a handful of publications, some of them describing older, outmoded technologies. Equipment development and testing is the primary focus of this proposal (with the product being efficient tags and antennas). However, it would be good to see more of this information get out into the primary fisheries (and electronic) literature in order to inform scientists and engineers outside of the basin about the possibilities.
Documentation Links:

Legal Assessment (In-Lieu)

Assessment Number: 1983-319-00-INLIEU-20090521
Project Number: 1983-319-00
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Completed Date: 10/6/2006
In Lieu Rating: No Problems Exist
Cost Share Rating: None
Comment: The goal of this project is to develop and evaluate fish-tracking technologies needed to assess the effectiveness of management actions and strategies for recovery of ESA-listed fish populations. Can be used by multiple agencies with parallel responsibilities, however, as applied to primarily FCRPS projects/inquiries, is okay.

Capital Assessment

Assessment Number: 1983-319-00-CAPITAL-20090618
Project Number: 1983-319-00
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Completed Date: 2/27/2007
Capital Rating: Does Not Qualify for Capital Funding
Capital Asset Category: None
Comment: None

Project Relationships: None

Name Role Organization
Sandra Downing Supervisor National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Israel Duran Env. Compliance Lead Bonneville Power Administration
Christine Petersen Project Manager Bonneville Power Administration
Tiffani Marsh (Inactive) Technical Contact National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Gordon Axel Project Lead National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Peter Lofy Supervisor Bonneville Power Administration