Regional Salmonid Research and Monitoring

Project A) Lake Ozette Sockeye smolt monitoring:
The final report Lake Ozette Sockeye Smolt Out-migration Monitoring Project 2005 has been completed and is available from Makah Fisheries Management.
The smolt trap was operated in the Ozette River from 4/4/06 to 6/6/06. A total of 18,108 sockeye smolts were intercepted, of which 1,676 were ad-marked (9.26%). An additional 1,249 (6.90%) of the outmigrating smolts were identified as hatchery origin fed-fry releases through the use of calcein dye as a hatchery mass-mark. This calcein trial was partially supported through a Hatchery Reform grant. There were 121 mortalities (0.67%) during trap operations. Overall trap efficiency was 26.45%. Expansion yields an estimated population of 69,031 outmigrating sockeye smolts, of which 11,160 were hatchery progeny. 13,780 coho smolts, 113 cutthroat, 638 steelhead, 375 chum fry and assorted non-salmonids were also passed through the trap. A final report (Lake Ozette Sockeye Calcein Marking and Monitoring Trial 2005-2006) has been completed and is available from Makah Fisheries Management.

Project B) Lake Ozette Sockeye run size estimation:
The 2006 returning adult migration is was monitored with the usual VCR time-lapse tape record and those records are being reviewed. Run observations were made between 4/18/06 and 8/14/06, when the daily observations had tapered off and the weir and camera was removed. Current data indicates a minimum count of 1,606 returning adults, with daily observations and timing being very similar to the run profile observed in 2005. Complete data analyses and expansion for missed viewing periods and technical difficulties have not yet been completed. Of those fish were ad-mark status was determined, 6.35% were ad-marked. For those fish where scarring status was able to be determined, 4.25% showed marks of encounters with predators that were survived. There were thirteen recorded instances of direct observation of otter predation upon sockeye.

This project will allow Makah Fisheries Management to:
· Determine the total number of adult sockeye entering Lake Ozette and divide that into different spawning aggregations (Allens Beach, Olsens Beach, Umbrella Creek, Big River & other tributaries).
· 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.
· Increase ability to non-lethally identify unclipped hatchery origin sockeye smolts during outmigration.
· Identify all hatchery returns by release group and thus facilitate evaluation of performance 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.

All of these components contribute to the overall monitoring of Lake Ozette Sockeye recovery efforts, per HGMP protocols. 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 limit possible negative effects, and ultimately lead to delisting of Lake Ozette Sockeye as a threatened ESA listed species.

Program components supporting monitoring of Hoko Fall Chinook and Western Straits Coho will allow collection and analyses of accurate information on the population status of these salmonid groups, evaluation of effects of recovery strategies and hatchery programs, as well as providing accurate information to harvest management groups, supporting integrated management for preservation and recovery of these salmonids.