Sponsors of 200722300 responded to the questions raised by the ISRP and updated the proposal narrative.

The ISRP preliminary review found weakness in the proposal because of apparent duplication of radio telemetry studies between this proposal and ongoing work in the mainstem Columbia River, and a lack of management purpose and linkage between the life-history investigations proposed and actions to protect or restore bull trout populations.

Sponsors clarify the relationship between the proposed radio telemetry and other investigations. They also identify how telemetry investigations and genetic assignment are needed to fully understand the inter-relationships of the fish from different subbasins and tributaries.

The response portion could have provided more convincing evidence of the management need for the data they are proposing to collect. However, when combined together with the additions to the narrative, a reasonable case is made for the need for this data to adequately protect bull trout. There is a continuing need to identify how this information can be used to develop management strategies to restore bull trout.