Makah Tribe Monitoring and Evaluation

Project supported the following tasks conducted by tribal staff including tribal biologists and technicians

Task A) Lake Ozette Sockeye smolt trapping occurred in the Ozette River during outmigration period in calendar years 2013 & 2014. Hatchery and natural origin smolts were enumerated separately, as were all other salmonid species encountered.

Task B) The adult sockeye run was recorded with an underwater video camera, which feeds to a digital video recorder (DVR). Fish passages were recorded 24/7. Estimates for natural- and hatchery-origin adult sockeye were determined by reviewing images for adipose fin clip ratios. Population estimates were subsequently compared to estimates from both the adult weir at Umbrella Creek and the stream spawner surveys. Predator encounters and general fish condition were also evaluated. Sonar imagery (ARIS) was also placed adjacent the weir. At this point, initial plans are to operate ARIS system and weir simultaneously for a few years to calibrate readings and differences between the two methodologies. After that the ARIS could indefinitely replace the weir, or they could run simultaneously at various year intervals to ensure consistent results.

Task C) Spawner surveys (i.e. redd and carcass) and sample collections were conducted on Lake Ozette beaches and in Ozette tributaries. Surveys for spawning sockeye in Lake Ozette tributaries and on the beaches were conducted between October and January in calendar years 2013/2014. Otoliths were collected to determine age and release group. Tissue samples were also collected from recovered carcasses and archived for future genetic evaluation of the integrity of the spawning aggregations, potential interbreeding with kokanee, and possible effects of hatchery practices.

This project also supported additional research tasks conducted by two subcontractors. Mike Haggerty conducted data analysis utilizing juvenile and adult data for the purpose of determining productivity and survival estimates; and evaluating the success of different hatchery release strategies. A second subcontract with Keith Denton resulted in the development of a sonar protocol to guide future sonar applications in the Ozette system.

This project will allow Makah Fisheries Management to:
• Estimate the total number of adult sockeye entering Lake Ozette and separate the total into different spawning aggregation estimates.
• Determine the relative contribution of hatchery origin spawners in tributaries and monitor stray rates at all spawning locations.
• Estimate total sockeye smolt outmigration and relative hatchery contribution and survival in freshwater.
• Monitor smolt outmigration of other resident Lake Ozette salmonid populations.
• Identify all hatchery returns by release group and thus facilitate evaluation of performance and impacts of various hatchery programs.
• Collect and archive genetic samples for future monitoring and comparison.
• Capture a representative segment of returning adults for broodstock to both maintain genetic integration with natural spawners and stay within allowed collection limits.

This project will provide better estimates of Lake Ozette Sockeye population size for outmigrating smolts and returning adults, of both hatchery and natural origin, and allow evaluation of hatchery program’s release strategies (i.e. which release stage is most effective in producing adult returns to the Ozette system). Accurate status information for both hatchery and natural components of the Lake Ozette Sockeye Recovery Strategy will lead to more effective recovery planning to assist this ESA-listed stock in regaining healthy VSP characteristics.

All of these components contribute to the overall monitoring of Lake Ozette Sockeye recovery efforts, per Hatchery Genetic Management Plan (HGMP) protocols and Hatchery Scientific Review Group (HSRG) recommendations. Monitoring populations and performance of both hatchery and natural origin sockeye is vital to planning restoration projects and evaluating overall population status. This information will allow adaptive management of programs to enhance recovery, detect and address possible negative effects, and ultimately contribute to delisting of Lake Ozette Sockeye as an ESA listed threatened species.