YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
NUMBER: URE-04N-08
PROJECT TITLE: Ruby Salmon Data Collection Project PROJECT PROPONENT: Ed Sarten, Ruby Tribal Council PO box 21, Ruby, AK 99768 (907) 468-4475 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Brandy Berkbigler, Tanana Chiefs Conference (907) 452-8251 [email protected] Lara Dehn, Alaska Department of Fish & Game (907) 459-7288 [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Ruby, AK
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: 1.) To collect age, sex, length, weight, and girth data as well a genetic tissue samples from Chinook salmon caught with fishwheels and set nets, the two types of gear used in this area. 2.) To better understand stock biology and composition of the Ruby harvest throughout subsistence windows.
Budget Priority Framework 2006: • Improve information on biological composition of run; and, • involve and educate users and non-users in communities to increase their desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat.
US and Canada Yukon River Salmon Committee Joint Technical Committee Plan: • Estimate the stock biological or other composition of escapements – 1.1.2; and, • build and maintain community capacity – 3.2.3.
Budget Priorities for 2008 & Near Term Priorities: 3. Determine the quality of stock escapement 4. Community Education and Stewardship
PROJECT SUMMARY: Management of the Chinook salmon fishery is difficult due to the mixed stocks of salmon, commercial and subsistence fishing, the many tributaries and the vast distance that the Yukon River flows. As a result, several controversies have arisen over time. First are concerns over allocation of the fishery based on the size of salmon runs year to year. Second, concerns have been raised about the genetic variability of Chinook salmon, particularly about the potential decreasing size of this species over time in the Yukon River. Data on the Ruby subsistence fishery are sparse. In 2007 ADF&G coordinated a cooperative subsistence sampling data effort with Ruby to take ASL and genetic fin clips from 300 Chinook salmon harvested in Ruby. Ruby Tribal Council would like to expand on the data collection and take data on the entire subsistence fish harvest in Ruby. The biological sampling objectives of this proposed research are a direct attempt to address these concerns by producing a locally specific data set to be included with other geographical data sets to evaluate run size and genetic stock identification river-wide. Information such as age, sex, and length (ASL), genetics, run timing, and harvest data are very useful to state and federal managers to reconstruct the salmon runs, assess trends over time and implement management decisions to maintain the resource and meet treaty obligations with Canada. Ruby Tribal Council will monitor Chinook salmon with use of 2 fish wheels one north bank one south bank and two set nets with trained technicians to collect data on scales for aging, axillary fin clip, length, weight, girth, frame of entry; ADF&G will provide training and data analysis.
LIFE OF PROJECT: 2 years
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital Operation & Maintenance 17,000 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 14,701 Personnel 22,218 Total Request $ 53,919
Total In-kind/other
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL NUMBER: URE-05-08
PROJECT TITLE: Marshall Cooperative Chinook Salmon Drift Test Fish Project
PROJECT PROPONENT: Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association
CONTACT: Robert DuBey, 725 Christensen Dr., Suite 3-B, Anchorage, AK 99501, 907- 272-3141 ext 103, [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Ohogamiut Traditional Council (OTC): Nick Andrew, Jr., (907) 679-6598 [email protected] ; and Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Dani Evenson, (907) 267.2135, [email protected].
PROJECT LOCATION: Yukon River in the mainstem at river mile 170, nearest community – Marshall (decimal degrees; N61.75708 W 162.00958 - Station A)
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: Chinook salmon have shown a slight rebounding in the last several years. But the conservation and stewardship of this resource needs to be continued. Given these fluctuations and the lack of certainty in what is causing them, a test fish project was conducted in 2006 and is proposed for continuation which would provide needed stability in monitoring the Chinook salmon run in a strategic location relative to the Pilot Station sonar project for the restoration, conservation and enhancement of Alaskan and Canadian origin stocks of the Yukon River.
The objectives of this project are to:
1) to estimate the abundance, run-timing, and Age Sex Length (ASL) composition of Chinook salmon in the Yukon River near the village of Marshall; and, 2) to promote a conservation and stewardship experience for rural local residents and/or students.
Objective 1 of this project (ASL composition) is a conservation stock run assessment priority 1 objective for the Yukon River Panel’s ‘Budget Priority Framework 2006’ and by aiding in the determination of quality of stock escapement meets the Panel’s R&E Budget Priorities for 2008. Objective 2 (stewardship experience) meets Yukon River Panel’s ‘Budget Priority Framework 2006’ priority 1 category under stewardship by involving, educating and enabling users and non-users in communities to increase their desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat; and under the Panel’s R&E Budget Priorities for 2008 as a priority project by providing youth-oriented education and hands-on projects (youth up to 18 years) by hiring local youth on sampling crews.
PROJECT SUMMARY: YRDFA in cooperation with OTC and ADF&G will manage the test fish project. The project will commence mid-June and continue through mid-July. Daily test fishing will be conducted at established drift sites that are compatible with previous work. Daily Chinook salmon catch results will be tabulated and daily catch-per-unit-effort or CPUE statistics calculated. This information will be compiled, analyzed and assessment provided in regards to relative run strength and migratory timing of Chinook salmon. Chinook salmon will be sampled for scales, sex, and length information. Once the catch is sampled, the crew will return to the village for transfer and distribution of the fish to local residents for Subsistence uses.
LIFE OF PROJECT:
This proposal is for the third year of a three year project.
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital Operation & Maintenance 4764 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 2806 Personnel 20494 Total Request 28064
Total In-kind/other
Budget increase includes an increase in fuel costs from $2600 to $3000, an addition of one local hire crew member that was previously funded by an Office of Subsistence Management, Partners Program through US Fish and Wildlife Service Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) pass through that is not currently available ($4,416) and travel and 0.5 month salary for YRDFA biologist for onsite project management and reporting requirements ($4764).
ON-GOING PROJECTS:
YRDFA is now the project proponent of this project formerly managed by the AVCP. YRDFA in cooperation with local tribal councils and ADF&G will manage the test fish project. The project will commence mid-June and continue through mid-July. Daily test fishing will be conducted at established drift sites compatible with previous work. Daily Chinook salmon catch results will be tabulated and daily catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) statistics calculated. Data from the test fishery will be faxed daily to the ADF&G office to provide an additional tool in assessing relative run strength and migration timing of Chinook and to a lesser extent, summer chum salmon. Chinook salmon will be sampled for age, sex, and length information. Once the catch is sampled, the crew will return to the village for transfer and distribution of the fish to local residents. In the event subsistence needs are met, fish will be sold to a local fish buyer for a fair market purchase price. YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
URE-06-08
Project Title: Kaltag Chum/Coho Drift Gillnet Salmon Test Fishery
Organization: City of Kaltag Contact Name: Richard Burnham Ph: (907) 534-2301 Fax: (907) 534-2236 E-mail:[email protected]
Project Location: Village of Kaltag, river mile 450 on the Yukon River.
Project Objectives: Enumerate salmon (fall chum and coho) using CPUE techniques developed by ADF&G. Scale samples, age, sex, and length are also taken from salmon caught at three (3) specific test drift sites.
Budget Priority Framework 2006: Improve information on biological composition of run.
YR JTC Plan Goals and Objectives: Assess abundance in season- 1.2.1; Improve run assessment capability—1.4.1; Estimate characteristics of run timing – 1.2.3; Build and maintain community capacity - 3.2.3
Budget Priorities for 2008 & Near Term Priorities: Determine the quality of stock escapement--#3; Collect ASL data for Chinook salmon; Community education and stewardship-- #4.
Project Summary: This information is gathered and used by the ADF&G biologists to monitor run timing, travel time and build a CPUE database to compare fish run strengths from year to year. This in turn allow managers to make management decisions on potential subsistence and commercial fishing in Alaska, and also protect stocks destined for the Canadian portion of the Yukon and Porcupine rivers.
The test fishery has been conducted for the last 8 years (1999-2007), operating from July 25th- September 18th. Information is transmitted daily to the ADF&G. The budget has increased due to the need to purchase of a new net.
Life of Project: Ongoing
Estimated Budget: $21,000US
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 500 Operation & Maintenance 1300 Admin/Indirect/Overhead Personnel 19200 Total Request $21,000
Total In-kind/other
Abstract: The Kaltag drift gillnet test fishery was established in 1999 to assist fishery managers in tracking fall chum and coho salmon as they migrate upstream through the middle portion of the Yukon River drainage. The Kaltag test fishery utilizes techniques and gillnets of typical subsistence fishers in the middle Yukon River. Three drift sites located in the mainstream Yukon River were established in 1999 and used again for the 2006 season. After fall chum and coho salmon were collected at the drift sites, they were brought back to Kaltag for scale sampling and dispersal to subsistence users. The test fishery began on July 25th and was conducted through September 18, 2006. The cumulative catch per unit effort was 3162.25 for fall chum salmon and 267.87 for coho salmon. The midpoint for fall chum salmon occurred on August 25, 2006 with a cumulative catch per unit effort of 1584.77. The highest daily catch per unit effort of 146.36 chum salmon was observed on August 10, 2006. The midpoint for coho salmon occurred on September 6, 2006 with a cumulative catch per unit effort of 140.46. The highest daily catch per unit effort of 48.49 for coho salmon was observed on September 6, 2006.
URE-07-08
YUKON RIVER SALMON RETORATION & ENHANCEMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROJECT PROPOSAL URE-07-08 Project Title: Gillnet catch composition in lower and middle Yukon River fisheries Project Proponent: Robert DuBey Organization: Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association 725 Christensen Drive, Ste 3-B, Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-272-3141 Fax: 907-272-3142 E-mail: [email protected] Project Partners/Additional Participants: Dani Evenson, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 907-267-2135, [email protected] Stan Zuray, Rapids Research Center, 907-366-7114, [email protected]
Project Location: Emmonak, Alaska – Lower Yukon Test Fishery and Rampart Rapids, Alaska – Rapids fish wheels
Project Objectives: 1. Determine the weight and girth of individual Chinook salmon caught in the Emmonak test nets at Big Eddy and Middle Mouth and Rampart Rapids fish wheels. The number of salmon to be sampled in each location is a maximum of 60 fish per day in Emmonak and no maximum at Rampart Rapids; and 2. Characterize the weight and girth composition of Chinook salmon caught in the Lower Yukon Test Fishery and Rampart Rapids fish wheels by run timing.
Budget Priority Framework 2006: Improve information on biological composition of run; Involve and educate users and non-users in communities to increase their desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat.
US and Canada Yukon River Salmon Committee Joint Technical Committee Plan: Estimate the stock biological or other composition of escapements – 1.1.2; Build and maintain community capacity – 3.2.3.
Budget Priorities for 2008 & Near Term Priorities: 3. Determine the quality of stock escapement 4. Community Education and Stewardship
Project Summary: The Yukon River Panel recently identified the improvement of information on stock identification and biological composition of the run as a top priority for the conservation of stocks and run assessment. We propose to collect weight and girth data from Chinook salmon sampled in 2008 in the Lower Yukon Test Fishery and at Rampart Rapids on the Middle Yukon. These data are important for understanding the biological composition of Chinook salmon runs in the Yukon River. Beginning in 2006, weight and girth were collected from Chinook salmon in the Lower Yukon Test Fishery.
1 URE-07-08
Weight data have been collected from Chinook salmon in the Rampart Rapids fish wheel fishery since 2005. However, the amount of technician time required for sampling weight and girth is substantial, and support is necessary to ensure the continuation of these collections. This project would provide the necessary funding to support the continued collection of weight and girth data in the Lower Yukon Test Fishery and at Rampart Rapids.
LIFE OF PROJECT: 1 year
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Project Budget Amount $ Capital Operation & Maintenance 560 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 1017 Personnel 12390 Total Request $13,967
Total In-kind/other $3,500
2 YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL URE-08-08
PROJECT TITLE: Technical Assistance, Development, and Support to the Yukon River Fish Wheel Salmon Monitoring Project at Rampart Rapids using Remote Video Technology
PROJECT PROPONENT: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fairbanks FWFO
CONTACT: David Daum, 101 12th Ave, Rm 110, Fairbanks, AK 99701. (907) 456-0290. [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Stan Zuray, P.O. Box 172, Tanana, AK 99777. (907) 366-7114. [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Project is located on the main-stem Yukon River, 1,176 km upstream from the Yukon River mouth and 58 km above the confluence of the Tanana River. The village of Tanana is located 60 km downriver from the site.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: Video systems (originally developed by USFWS in 2000) are now an integral part of many fish wheel related projects throughout the Yukon River drainage. Video projects include salmon population estimates and catch monitoring projects on the Yukon and Tanana rivers, totalling over $300,000 in annual project costs. The advantages of utilizing the video monitoring system over traditional fish wheels with live-boxes are reduced handling and holding time for captured fish; improved counting accuracy; unattended operation; and lower labor costs. The video enumeration project at Rampart Rapids began in 2000 and targets main- stem Yukon River salmon, primarily Canadian-origin Chinook and fall chum salmon. The site has been used throughout the years for development and testing of new video components. This project is a great success story, building local biological capacity within a rural community. Because of the technical nature of video technology and the data analysis required, there is a continued need for technical assistance and support throughout the annual video enumeration project. This proposal would provide funding for this support. Also, as old equipment becomes outdated, new equipment needs to be tested and incorporated into the video system.
Project objectives include: • provide technical assistance during the summer/fall field season to the Rampart Rapids video monitoring project; • incorporate new technologies into video project as needed; • support remote website development; and • assist in post-season data analysis and annual report review for the Rampart Rapids video monitoring project.
The proposal meets specific objectives identified in the Yukon River Panel’s Budget Priority Framework 2006, the U.S. and Canada Yukon River Salmon Joint Technical Committee Plan, and the Panel’s R&E Budget Priorities for 2008 and Near Term Priorities. Specifically, Yukon River Panel’s Budget Priority Framework 2006 - improve in-season run-size assessment methodology; analysis of spatial and temporal aspects of salmon migration; develop and test non-invasive, non-lethal methods of sampling and handling fish; involve and educate users and non-users in communities to increase their desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat; support technical capacity building in communities; and manage data storage, retrieval capabilities and data sharing. US/Canada Joint Technical Committee Plan - estimate or index escapement, 1.1.1; estimate characteristics of run timing, 1.2.3; investigate new technology, methods and models, 1.4.3; utilize capabilities of communities, 3.2.1; and increase capabilities of communities, 3.2.3. Panel’s R&E Budget Priorities for 2008 and Near Term Priorities - increase salmon users and non-users desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat.
PROJECT SUMMARY: This project will involve the following steps: • in-season (June – September) assistance in video system troubleshooting, repair, and operations for the Rampart Rapids video monitoring project; • purchase and test new equipment for incorporation into video project, such as, video trip switches, water temperature probes, and wireless communications; • integrate additional information into the on-site remote website; and • post-season data analysis, data checking, annual report editing, and proposal development for the Rampart Rapids video monitoring project.
David Daum, USFWS, developed the video system for fish wheels and has provided support for the project since its inception in 2000. The operator, Stan Zuray, has fished the site for over 25 years and has operated the video system since 2000.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This project is ongoing and has been funded by various sources since 2000.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: (US dollars) Project Budget Amount $ Capital 550 Operation & Maintenance 800 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 990 Personnel 3200 Total Request 5540
Total In-kind/other 1000
ON-GOING PROJECTS: This project supports the Rampart Rapids video monitoring project URE-09-07, therefore, an additional formal report with abstract was not submitted in 2006. A 3- page summary of work accomplishments was submitted to the Yukon River Panel, Executive Secretary, and is available upon request. YUKON RIVER SALMON RESTORATION & ENHANCEMENT FUND 2008 Conceptual Proposal URE-09-08 Project Title: Rampart Rapids All Season Video Monitoring, 2008.
Project Proponent/Contact: Stan Zuray, Box 172, Tanana, Alaska, 99777, Telephone – 907 366 7114, Email – [email protected], Website – RapidsResearch.com
Project Partners / Additional Participants: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fairbanks Field Office (Dave Daum, [email protected], 907 456 0290), Tanana Tribal Council (Stephanie Nicholia (executive director), [email protected], 907 366 7170 and Kathleen Peters Zuray (environmental office), [email protected], 907 366 7170)
Project Location: Rampart Rapids, Yukon River
Project Objectives: 1. To provide daily fish wheel/video catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data on Chinook, summer chum, and fall chum salmon, and migratory whitefish. 3. To continue improving fish-friendly fish wheel capture techniques and equipment. 4. To continue developing our present methods for adjusting raw catch data that takes into account factors such as river discharge, fish wheel catch efficiency and small versus large size Chinook yearly variations.
Yukon River Panel 2006 Budget Priorities: Improve information on biological composition of run; Involve and educate users and non-users in communities to increase their desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat- short-term goal of community education and hands-on projects, with emphasis on youth-oriented projects (youth up to 18 years).
YR JTC Plan Goals and Objectives: Estimate or index escapements – 1.1.1; Investigate new technology, methods and models – 1.4.3
Budget Priorities for 2008 & Near Term Priorities: 3. Determine the quality of stock escapement 4. Community Education and Stewardship
Project Summary: Long-term monitoring of major salmon stocks is a necessary component of successful fisheries management on the Yukon River. This project provides the only U.S. main stem Yukon River assessment database of run strength and relative abundance of Chinook and chum salmon in 1000 miles of river. Many of these stocks are bound for spawning grounds in Canada and contribute to international treaty obligations. Since 2000, the Rapids video fish wheel project has provided daily catch data of salmon and migratory whitefish species to fisheries managers throughout the Yukon drainage. The project’s fish wheel design and construction incorporates features that reduce injury to fish. The installed video system allows fish to be immediately released back into the water, eliminating stress from live box holding and handling. Fish wheel operation and location is maintained in a consistent manner from year to year using a list of standards, so more meaningful comparisons and interpretations can be made. The video technology allows precise and reliable collection of catch-per-unit-effort data as demonstrated by the successful R&E Fund pilot project in 1999 and operational projects from 2000 to 2007. Daily in-season update reports, which include species catch data, subsistence information and run timing graphs, have been sent to managers and interested persons from 2005 to 2007 and will continue in 2008 using Starband internet service emails. Project proponent, Stan Zuray, has been running fish wheels under USFWS contract or with R&E funding since 1996.
Life of Project: This is an ongoing project.
Estimated Budget:
Project Budg et Am ount $ Capital Operation & Maintenance 21,950 Adm in/Indirect/O v erhead Personnel 24,150 Total Request 46,100
Total In-kind/other ~10,000
Abstract: Fishwheels have been used to harvest fish in the Yukon River since the early 1900’s. They are now commonly used as platforms for the collection of biological data for in river fisheries. Recently, the concern over possible negative impacts to fish handled and released from fish wheels has lead to attempts to minimize the handling stress associated with this sampling technique. The Rapids video monitoring project was designed to collect run timing and assessment information for salmon and other migratory fish species through the use of a video capture system that meets the project objectives and minimizes the handling stress to the fish sampled. The video camera capture system was developed for application in the remote field site at the Rampart Rapids fish camp on the Yukon River and collects run timing, and CPUE data on Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)and chum salmon (O. keta), sheefish (Stenodus leucichthys), humpback whitefish (Coregonus pidschian), broad whitefish (C. nasus), and cisco spp (C. laurettae and C. sardinella). This video capture system has evolved substantially and many “fish friendly” improvements have been made to the fish wheels over the years. Through a better understanding of the factors affecting the capture efficiency, the project now provides specifications on fish wheel components and operation and adjustments based on water discharge, which has improved the comparability of CPUE results between years.
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
NUMBER: URE-10N-08
PROJECT TITLE: Kandik, Nation, and Charley River Chinook Salmon Genetic Baseline
PROJECT PROPONENT: MACTEC Engineering and Consulting 601 East 57th Place, Anchorage, AK 99518
CONTACT: Jennifer Wagner, (907) 261-7408, [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Alaska Department of Fish and Game Gene Conservation Lab, Bill Templin, (907) 267-2234; North Cape Fisheries Consulting, James Brady, (907) 868-1918, [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Kandik River, Nation River, and Charley Rivers; tributaries of the main stem of the Yukon River between Circle and the Canadian Boarder.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to collect tissue samples for genetic analysis from up to 200 adult Chinook salmon spawners in the Kandik, Nation, and Charley Rivers. These samples will fill gaps in the genetic baseline for Yukon River Chinook salmon. A more complete genetic baseline will improve resolution for stock identification and contribute to management programs to better meet fishery objectives.
Yukon River Panel 2006 Budget Priorities: Conservation- Stocks – Research- evaluate stock ID Yukon River JTC Plan Goals & Objectives: Section 1.5.2 estimate the stock biological composition of harvest,. R&E Budget Priorities for 2008: 2. Supplement existing genetic stock ID baseline data..
PROJECT SUMMARY: The project will be conducted in late July or early August, coinciding with a timeframe that will maximize the probability of locating sufficient numbers of spawning adult Chinook salmon. The project leader will consult historic survey data as well as in season timing trends to refine the sample period. A helicopter platform will be used to survey the target drainages and locate groupings of fish. Salmon will be captured by beach seine, gill nets, dip nets, and/or rod and reel as conditions dictate. All sampling will be non lethal. Fin tissues (axillary process of pelvic fin) will be taken and preserved in accordance with protocols for the Yukon River Joint Technical Committee, and samples will be provided to the ADF&G, DFO and other labs as required. An ADF&G biologist from the Gene Conservation Lab will provide sampling expertise in the field. All fish will be sampled for age, sex and length.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This project is intended as a single year project, however if it is not possible to sample a sufficient number of fish, a second field season may be necessary.
Project Budget ESTIMATED BUDGET: $31,600. In addition, a Amount $ match amounting to approximately $2,000 is provided Capital by ADF&G for personnel cost of the field biologist. Operation & Maintenance$ 2,900 Admin/Indirect/Overhead$ 17,000
Personnel $ 11,700 Total Request $ 31,600 ON-GOING PROJECTS: None.
Total In-kind/other $ 2,000 YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
NUMBER: URE-12N-08 PROJECT TITLE: Ichthyophonus Information Card for Fishers
PROJECT PROPONENT: Jason Hale, Communications & Outreach Coordinator Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association 725 Christensen Drive, Ste 3-B, Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-272-3141 Fax: 907-272-3142 E-mail: [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Bob DuBey, Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association
PROJECT LOCATION: All segments of the Yukon River, in the U.S. and Canada, will be reached by this project.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: To provide fishers on the Yukon River with a simple reference tool for identifying Ichthyophonus and understanding the implications of Ichthyophonus. To create awareness among fishers of potential affects of human and canine consumption of Ichthyophonus infected fish to prevent unnecessary waste of fish resources.
Budget Priority Framework 2006 Conduct public outreach and education projects to increase desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat.
US and Canada Yukon River Salmon Committee Joint Technical Committee Plan Educate the public on agency missions and mandates—3.1.4 Evaluate impacts of disease and parasites—4.2.2.
Budget Priorities for 2008 & Near Term Priorities 4. Community education and stewardship
PROJECT SUMMARY: Ichthyophonus in Yukon River Chinook salmon continues to be a concern among biologists, managers, and river user groups highlighting the importance of increased understanding of this disease and its effects. In February 2002, an Ichthyophonus subcommittee was established under the auspices of the Joint Technical Committee for the US/Canada Yukon River Treaty to develop research recommendations, to support individual researchers with project design, and to prioritize goals for Ichthyophonus research in the Yukon River drainage. However, there is a communication gap between the researchers and the local fishers as many fishers are concerned with the prevalence of this disease and potential affects of human consumption of diseased fish, but have not been educated about these issues.
We propose to create a simple, illustrated reference card that describes how to identify the disease in fish and what the implications are to humans and canines. To help ensure understanding of the subject matter, we will use laymen’s terms and full color pictures to present the basic facts about the disease. By design, the card will be durable and waterproof, making it practical to be taken on fishing boats and left at fish camps. We anticipate that this approach will increase the likelihood of use.
We propose an initial printing of 1,500 cards. These cards will be distributed through a variety of means, including: mailings to Tribal Councils along the river and various contacts the Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association (YRDFA) has established on the river, personal contact during visits by staff to villages, at the YRDFA annual meeting, and at other meetings and functions staff attends on the river. If there is further demand for the cards, we will seek grant funds for additional printing and distribution.
LIFE OF PROJECT: 1 year.
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 4000 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 550 Personnel 1000 Total Request 5550
Total In-kind/other
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
NUMBER: URE-13-08
PROJECT TITLE: Prevalence of Ichthyophonus in Chinook salmon near Emmonak and Eagle, Alaska
PROJECT PROPONENT: Larissa-A. Dehn
CONTACT: L. Dehn, Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries, Fairbanks, AK 99701, Phone: (907)459-7288, Fax: (907)459-7271, e-mail: [email protected]
PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Krista Nichols, Purdue University, IN 47992, Phone: (765)496-6848, Fax: (765)494-0876, e-mail: [email protected] Christopher Whipps, Oregon State University, OR 97331, Phone: (541)737-1859, e-mail: [email protected] Bonnie Borba, ADF&G, Fairbanks, AK 99701, Phone: (907)459-7260, Fax: (907)459-7271, e-mail: [email protected] Roger Dunbar, ADF&G, Fairbanks, AK 99701, Phone: (907)459-7274, Fax: (907)459-7271, e-mail: [email protected] Thomas McLain, USFWS, Fairbanks, AK 99701, Phone: (907)455-1871, Fax: (907)456-0454, e-mail: [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Yukon River near Emmonak and Eagle, Alaska – Test Fishery
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: 1) Maintain the temporal baseline of Ichthyophonus prevalence at Emmonak in Yukon Chinook salmon; 2) Establish prevalence of the parasite in Chinook salmon at border passage (i.e., Eagle); and 3) Compare and contrast prevalence between sites, age classes and sex whenever possible.
Budget Priority Framework 2006: Document factors affecting survival, health and mortality at all life stages, including diseases
YR JTC Plan Goals and Objectives: Evaluate impacts of disease and parasites (4.2.2)
Budget Priorities for 2008 & Near Term Priorities: Determine quality of stock escapement
PROJECT SUMMARY: Ichthyophonus is a protozoan parasite of various fish species, including salmonids. Ichthyophoniasis has led to mass mortalities in herring and recent low abundance of Chinook salmon raises questions about the possible involvement of Ichthyophonus in these declines. Prior research suggested that Ichthyophonus is an emerging parasite in the AYK region and that the disease can have significant effects on pre-spawning mortality of Chinook salmon. A long-term data set (1999-2007) of Ichthyophonus prevalence was collected near the community of Emmonak, at the mouth of the Yukon River. Historically, prevalence on the Yukon River mouth has varied with a cyclic, but generally downward trend since 1999. Sampling at Emmonak is of importance to continue the established temporal baseline to judge and investigate potential change, and further serves as an early indicator of Ichthyophonus prevalence in the river. In Emmonak, samples will be collected as part of the Big Eddy test fishery, operated by ADF&G, over the course of the Chinook salmon run (approximately June 1 to July 15). Weekly sample sizes will be estimated based on average run timing (1980-2007) at the Big Eddy test fishery with a total sampling target of 150 Chinook salmon.
Recent evidence indicates that Canadian-origin Chinook salmon stocks (based on bank orientation at the community of Tanana) had an overall higher infection prevalence and infection severity. However, Ichthyophonus prevalence was low at Canadian Yukon River sites, presumably due to substantial pre- spawning mortality. During this project, Eagle will be introduced as a new upriver site to monitor Ichthyophonus prevalence. Samples will be collected from test fishery catches, operated by ADF&G as part of the border sonar project, over the course of the Chinook salmon run (approximately July 4 to August 17). As described for Emmonak, weekly sample sizes will be estimated based on average run timing (2005-2007) at the Eagle test fishery with a total sampling target of 100 fish. Presence of Ichthyophonus 18S rDNA will be evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with DNA extracted from cardiac muscle and following established procedures (Whipps et al., 2006). To avoid cross- contamination with Ichthyophonus DNA between samples, tissues will be collected with extreme care using sterile, disposable sampling supplies. The ventral surface of each fish will be cleaned of slime and blood and cut with a sterile blade to expose the heart. A piece of cardiac muscle will be removed with a second sterile blade and placed into 95% ethanol.
At both locations, all samples will be paired with morphometric data (i.e., age, sex and length). Age will be estimated by scale pattern analysis with scales collected from the preferred area on the left side of the fish above the lateral line. Length will be measured to the nearest 5 mm from mid-eye to fork of the tail and sex will be determined by internal examination of gonads.
LIFE OF PROJECT: The project is proposed for a single year, but has the potential to be run multiple years
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 20475 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 5464 Personnel * 20000 Total Request 45939
Total In-kind/other 21500 * Note: FWT time and salary may be shared with “Weight and girth” project at Emmonak and with “Border Sonar / Eagle ASL” project at Eagle.
REFERENCES: Whipps, C.M., Burton, T., Watral, V.G., St-Hilaire, S., and Kent, M.L. 2006. Assessing the accuracy of a polymerase chain reaction test for Ichthyophonus hoferi in Yukon River Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 68: 141-147. YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL URE-14N-08
PROJECT TITLE: Effectiveness of mesh-size reduction on increasing escapement of large Chinook salmon in Yukon River
PROJECT PROPONENT: Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)
CONTACT: Toshihide Hamazaki, Alaska Department of Fish & Game 333 Raspberry Rd. Anchorage Alaska 99518. Phone: 907-267-2158, E-mail: [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS:
PROJECT LOCATION: Yukon River Watershed
PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this proposal is evaluating effects of mesh-size reduction on increase of the large Chinook salmon.
Budget Priority Framework 2006: Understand the Impacts of Fishing Techniques on Harvest and Stock Genetics. Addresses short-term goal to refine understanding of the effects of fishing techniques and gear selectivity on the quality of stock escapement (Chinook phenotypes) and fishermen’s ability to harvest.
US and Canada Yukon River Salmon Committee Joint Technical Committee Plan: Investigate harvesting methods—1.4.4
Budget Priorities for 2008 & Near Term Priorities: 3. Determine the quality of stock escapement; refine understanding of the effects of fishing techniques and gear selectivity on the quality of Chinook escapement (e.g., size and sex ratio) and composition of harvest.
PROJECT SUMMARY: In response to public concern over decreasing size of Chinook salmon and to increase more large size Chinook salmon (e.g., > 850 mm) (LCS) to escapement, reduction of mesh size (e.g., from 8.5 inch to 7.5 inch) in commercial and subsistence fisheries has been suggested. While this suggestion is reasonable (i.e., large mesh net tend to catch more large fishes), it remains unclear whether or how much this measure will potentially increase LCS at spawning grounds. Because implementation of management actions significant impacts on fisheries, it is imperative to evaluate effectiveness of potential management alternatives.
This study utilizes computer simulation modeling technique to examine effectiveness of mesh- size reductions on increasing escapement of Large Chinook salmon (LCS).
In a simplest form, the number of LCS at escapement site = LCS coming at mouth – number of LCS harvested by commercial fishery - number of LCS harvested by subsistence fishery. For instance, the number of Canadian Stock LCS is estimated as
5 5 LCS _ Canada = __ MouthatLCS i −− ∑∑ SC i i=1 i=1
Where Ci : The number of LCS harvested at Commercial Fishery at i-th district (Y1-Y5) Si : The number of LCS harvested at Subsistence Fishery at i-th district (Y1-Y5)
Size distribution of Chinook salmon at mouth is modeled based on test-fish and commercial and subsistence harvest ASL data. Theoretical size distribution of commercial fisheries, and subsistence fisheries at each fishing district will be modeled based on Chinook salmon net- selectivity curve developed at Pilot Station, adjusted by harvest ASL data. Mesh-size use of commercial-fishery was assumed to be > 8.5 inch mesh, and average mesh-size use for each fishery is estimated from subsistence survey data.
Once the model is built, a simulation will be run to examine relative efficiency of the following potential scenarios: 1. No change: Current 2. Reduce size commercial fishery mesh size (at each district) 3. Reduce size subsistence fishery mesh size (at each district) 4. Reduce size both commercial and subsistence fishery mesh size (at each district) 5. Reduce commercial fishery harvests. (at each district)
For each management option, the number and proportion of LCS escapement will be calculated. The result will be compared with that of 1: no change, and relative effectiveness of each management option will be ranked.
LIFE OF PROJECT: 1 year
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 3000 Operation & Maintenance Admin/Indirect/Overhead 3780 Personnel 25000 Total Request 31780
Total In-kind/other
ON-GOING PROJECTS: None YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
NUMBER: URE-15N-08
PROJECT TITLE: Lower Yukon River Commercial and Subsistence Fishing Gear Study
PROJECT PROPONENT: MACTEC Engineering and Consulting 601 East 57th Place, Anchorage, AK 99518
CONTACT: Jennifer Wagner, (907) 261-7408, [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: North Cape Fisheries Consulting, James Brady, (907) 868-1918, [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Lower Yukon River Y-1 commercial fishing district.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to develop a descriptive statistical profile of commercial and subsistence gillnets in use on the lower Yukon River during the summer season. Yukon River Panel 2006 Budget Priorities: Conservation- Stocks – Harvest- assessing selectivity of fishing techniques. Yukon River JTC Plan Goals & Objectives: Section 1.4.4 Investigate harvesting methods. Budget Priorities for 2008 & Near Term: 3. Determine the quality of escapement.
PROJECT SUMMARY: A declining trend in size of adult Chinook salmon has been observed over the past decade and is of growing concern in regard to fitness and diversity of these stocks. Mesh size studies, ongoing on the Yukon and conducted in other drainages, demonstrate the selective affect of gillnets on adult salmon. However, the selective affect of the lower Yukon commercial and subsistence fishing fleets is not well understood. Knowledge of gear parameters is incomplete and grossly out of date. A baseline survey of the gear that is presently employed in the lower Yukon will improve knowledge of this issue and lead to more meaningful management and regulatory decisions to meet fishery objectives. The project will be conducted in late June and early July, during the summer fishery. The project leader and locally hired technicians will measure and collect data on gill nets used in the fisheries. Information collected will include: stretched mesh measure, net depth in meshes, net length, number of meshes per horizontal fathom, twine type, type of net (set or drift), net owner data, and identifying numbers/markings. Gear will be sampled at commercial buying stations during and immediately following commercial openings; at communities, including Emmonak and Alukanuk; at fish camps, and at other opportunistic times. Data collected will be statistically summarized in a project report. J. Wagner, is an environmental scientist for MACTEC; J. Brady has 25 years of management and research experience with salmon fisheries in western and south-central Alaska.
Project Budget LIFE OF PROJECT: This project is intended as a Amount $ two year project, focusing initially on district Y-1. In Capital $ - year two, districts Y-2 and Y-3 will be surveyed. Operation & Maintenance$ 7,300 Admin/Indirect/Overhead$ 3,400 ESTIMATED BUDGET: $37,800 USD. Personnel $ 27,100 ON-GOING PROJECTS: None. Total Request $ 37,800 YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Eagle Sonar Joint Operation NUMBER: URE-16N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game – Commercial Fisheries Division
CONTACT: Bruce McIntosh - ADF&G 1300 College Rd., Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 459-7286 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Patrick Milligan, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Whitehorse Yukon (867) 393-6720 [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Yukon River Mainstem; vicinity of Eagle, AK
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: Since 2005 ADF&G (in collaboration with Canadian consultants contracted by the Yukon Panel and DFO personnel) has operated a sonar project in the vicinity of Eagle, AK. The primary objectives of this proposal are to: 1. Provide fishery managers with inseason daily estimates of Canadian origin Chinook and chum salmon passage using riverine sonar. 2. Increase bi-lateral confidence in, and agreement upon, the annual contribution of Canadian origin salmon stocks through increased Canadian participation in daily project operations.
Budget Priority Framework 2006: Conservation - Stocks – Run Assessment: Improve information on stock ID and biological composition of run, Continue in-season border passage estimates, and Analysis of spatial and temporal aspects of salmon migration.
US and Canada Yukon River Salmon Committee Joint Technical Committee Plan: priority 1.1.2 - Estimate the stock biological or other composition of escapements. priority 1.2.1 - Estimate or index abundance. priority 1.2.2 - Estimate CMU composition of abundance. priority 1.2.3 - Estimate characteristics of run timing. priority 3.1 - Develop mutual understandings between agencies and the public.
Budget Priorities for 2008 & Near Term Priorities: priority 3. - Determine the quality of stock escapement; collect ASL data for Chinook salmon. priority 7. - JTC Research Priorities.
PROJECT SUMMARY: This project employs split-beam and imaging sonar equipment on the Yukon River to generate timely, in-season passage estimates of Chinook and chum salmon bound for Canadian waters. The project is located approximately 8 miles (13 km) downstream from the U.S. – Canada Border and is scheduled to operate continuously from approximately July 5 through October 6.
As a part of routine project operations, drift gillnetting is conducted daily to apportion hydroacoustic estimates to species. However, based on catch data from previous years, expected sample sizes of Chinook salmon may not be sufficient to provide the statistical power necessary to accurately estimate the age, sex, and length composition of the run. This proposal includes additional testfishing to be conducted at Eagle in conjunction with the currently established fishing schedule.
This proposal also includes the consolidation of joint US and Canadian involvement in the Eagle Sonar Program. The Canadian component of this project will involve the training and employment of two field staff who will participate in the day to day operation of the program throughout the full Chinook and Chum salmon migration periods.
LIFE OF PROJECT: Ongoing
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0.0 Operation & Maintenance 36.300 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 14.700 Personnel 142.000 Total Request $193,000
Total In-kind/other $140,900
ON-GOING PROJECTS:
Abstract Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON™) and split-beam sonar equipment were used to estimate Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and fall chum salmon O. keta passage in the Yukon River near Eagle, Alaska from July 7 to October 6, 2007. A total of 41,182 Chinook were estimated to have passed the sonar site between July 7 and August 18 and an estimated 236,382 chum salmon passed between August 19 and October 6. A drift and set gillnet test fishery was conducted to collect age, sex, length (ASL), genetic information, information about the presence of non-salmonid species, and to help determine when the Chinook run ended and the fall chum run began. Both sonar systems functioned well with minimal interruptions to operation. Range of ensonification was considered adequate for most fish which migrated upstream. A continued long-term hydroacoustic enumeration project for Chinook and chum salmon near the border will help fishery managers meet conservation and management commitments made by the U.S. and Canada under the Yukon River Salmon Agreement.
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Pilot Station Echosounder Upgrade NUMBER: URE-17N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game – Commercial Fisheries Division
CONTACT: Bruce McIntosh - ADF&G 1300 College Rd., Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 459-7286 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Blair Flannery, USFWS - Conservation Genetics Laboratory, Anchorage (907)789-3355 [email protected]
Jennifer Hooper, Association of Village Council Presidents, Bethel (907)543-7341 [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Yukon River Mainstem; vicinity of Pilot Station, Ak.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this project is to increase the efficiency and accuracy of salmon passage estimates generated at the Pilot Station sonar project by upgrading the performance capabilities of the current split-beam sonar system. These passage estimates are used not only in gauging overall abundance, but are a component of the mixed stock analysis conducted throughout the season for both Chinook and chum salmon.
Budget Priority Framework 2006: Conservation - Stocks – Run Assessment: Improve in-season stock specific run size estimates at the mouth of the Yukon River, Improve in-season run-size methodology, and Analysis of spatial and temporal aspects of salmon migration.
US and Canada Yukon River Salmon Committee Joint Technical Committee Plan: priority 1.2.1 - Estimate or index abundance, and priority 1.4.3 – Investigate new technology, methods and models.
Budget Priorities for 2008 & Near Term Priorities: priority 7 - JTC research priorities.
PROJECT SUMMARY: This project employs split-beam and imaging sonar equipment on the Yukon River mainstem to generate timely, in-season passage estimates of Chinook, summer and fall chum, and coho salmon, which includes fish bound for Canadian waters. The project is located approximately 123 miles from the mouth of the Yukon River and currently operates from approximately June 1 through August 31.
Since this project’s inception in 1986, advances in riverine hydroacoustics have been incorporated into this project as they became available to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the sonar estimates at Pilot Station. Currently, passage estimates are generated primarily through a Hydroacoustic Technology, Inc. (HTI) split-beam sonar system that converts the digital signal into an analog form and then records echo returns onto paper charts. The sonar operator then identifies and hand marks fish traces, tallies them, and the counts are subsequently transcribed and manually entered into a data base.
The manufacturer of the sonar system, HTI, has recently developed a system upgrade that now allows for end-user processing of the digital signal, eliminating the need for analog conversion and paper charts. This is similar to the capabilities of the Simrad sonar system in place at the Eagle sonar project, but in a much more powerful package. This upgrade would involve 1) upgrading the three HTI echosounders currently in use at Pilot Station and 2) purchasing two PC’s and associated hardware to control and process the digital data.
Deploying this upgrade would provide greater flexibility when compensating for environmental noise and interference, allow for greater accuracy in identifying individual fish targets, and increase personnel efficiencies in both data collection and analysis. It should also provide for a more stable and reliable system by eliminating some aging electronic components and printers, as well as eliminate the potential inaccuracies inherent in hand marking, transcribing and m anually entering data. LIFE OF PROJECT: Single year (one time system upgrade).
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 38,000 Operation & Maintenance 0 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 5,130 Personnel 0 Total Request 43,130
Total In-kind/other 15,100
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL URE-18N-08
PROJECT TITLE: Distribution and Habitat Characteristics of Juvenile Canadian-origin Chinook Salmon Rearing in U.S. Tributary Streams
PROJECT PROPONENT: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fairbanks FWFO
CONTACT: David Daum, 101 12th Ave, Rm 110, Fairbanks, AK 99701. (907) 456-0290. [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Eagle Community School, Marlys House (science teacher), PO Box 168, Eagle, AK 99738. (907) 547-2209. [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: The proposed study area includes Yukon River tributary streams between the USA/Canada border and Circle, a distance of 260 river km. The community of Eagle is located at the upstream end of the study area.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: Little information is currently available on the importance of upper Yukon River tributary streams, near the USA/Canada border, to rearing of Canadian-origin Chinook salmon. In the summer of 2006 and 2007, a pilot study was conducted by USFWS to document rearing of Canadian- origin Chinook salmon in downstream U.S. waters. Seven streams were investigated and all contained subyearling Chinook salmon during the July and August sampling period. None of these streams had been previously catalogued. Preliminary mixed-stock genetic analysis of collected samples suggested that most captured fish (93%) were from Canadian source populations over 500 km upstream of the study area, including the Big Salmon, Little Salmon, Nordenskiold, Tatchun, and mainstem Yukon River populations. Additional genetic population structure analysis is underway to more clearly define the geographic distribution among different source populations. The results from this pilot study indicated that a large data gap exists in this portion of the Yukon River drainage, i.e., most tributary rearing habitats have not been documented or catalogued. Without this documentation, little habitat protection or rehabilitation can be initiated. Many drainages have a history of mining activity, along with potential development of transportation corridors, power transmission lines, mineral extraction of gold, asbestos, coal, and tungsten, oil and gas exploration, and private land sales. The Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve is located within parts of the study area, but development of State, Native Corporation, and private lands adjacent to and within the boundaries of the Preserve are not protected. This proposed study would catalogue important rearing streams used by Canadian-origin Chinook salmon for rearing, along with describing important rearing habitat characteristics. With this much needed information in hand, State and Federal land management agencies can initiate protection of identified Chinook salmon rearing habitats and develop plans to rehabilitate areas that have been disturbed.
Project objectives include: • Inventory at least fifteen Yukon River tributary streams for presents of Chinook salmon juveniles; • describe rearing habitat characteristics for Yukon River Chinook salmon found in sampled streams; • nominate at least ten candidate streams for inclusion in the State of Alaska’s Anadromous Waters Catalog; and • describe the timing and duration of non-natal Chinook salmon immigrants in Mission Creek, located near Eagle, AK.
The proposal meets specific objectives identified in the Yukon River Panel’s Budget Priority Framework 2006, the U.S. and Canada Yukon River Salmon Joint Technical Committee Plan, and the Panel’s R&E Budget Priorities for 2008 and Near Term Priorities. Specifically, Yukon River Panel’s Budget Priority Framework 2006 - analysis of spatial and temporal aspects of salmon migration; assess out-migrants; locate and describe productive spawning and rearing habitat; provide salmon and salmon habitat information to integrate resource management processes; characterize habitats used by different life stages of salmon; identify potential spawning and rearing habitat restoration sites; involve and educate users and non-users in communities to increase their desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat; and support technical capacity building in communities. US/Canada Joint Technical Committee Plan – identify important features of habitat 2.1.1; identify negatively affected habitat 2.3.1; utilize capabilities of communities, 3.2.1; increase capabilities of communities, 3.2.3; and educate public on the values of salmon and salmon habitat 3.4.1. Panel’s R&E Budget Priorities for 2008 and Near Term Priorities - increase salmon users and non-users desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat; youth-oriented education and hands-on projects (youth up to 18 years); locate and document productive spawning and rearing habitat; and assessing all spawning and rearing habitat within 80 km of communities.
PROJECT SUMMARY: This project will involve the following steps: • survey non-natal tributary streams between the USA/Canada border and Circle, covering 260 river km. Priority will be given to drainages that are not entirely within Preserve boundaries and streams that have present or historic mining activity; • collect stream-specific CPUE, fork length, and weight data from captured juveniles; • measure habitat variables within each sampled stream, with focused emphasis on the interface between main-stem and tributary habitats; such as gradient, flow, water temperature, and floodplain characteristics; • file stream nomination applications to Alaska Department of Fish and Game for additions to the Alaska Anadromous Waters Catalog; and • establish two sampling sites on Mission Creek (Eagle) and have Eagle Community School monitor minnow trap catch rates, water temperature, river stage, and rainfall during the potential emigration period (mid-June through mid-August).
David Daum, is a fishery biologist with USFWS, Fairbanks Fish and Wildlife Field Office. Mr. Daum has worked as a biologist in Alaska for over 25 years, with the majority of his experience studying many aspects of Yukon River salmon biology. He has published numerous scientific papers related to fisheries biology and techniques, both in peer-reviewed and government publications.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This project is expected to last one year.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: (US dollars) Project Budget Amount $ Capital 2,000 Operation & Maintenance 5,000 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 6,490 Personnel 21,400 Total Request 34,890 (see note below) Total In-kind/other 25,000 Note. The Mission Creek component of the project by Eagle Community School is supplemental to the major proposal. The cost of this component is $5,000, which is included in the total budget request. Yukon River Salmon Restoration and Enhancement Fund 2008 Conceptual Proposal
PROJECT NUMBER: URE-19N-08
PROJECT TITLE: Inseason genetic stock identification of Chinook salmon harvests on the Yukon River, 2008; a pilot study to determine feasibility and application.
PROJECT PROPONENT: Eric Volk, Alaska Department of Fish & Game, 333 Raspberry Rd., Anchorage, AK 99518; (907) 267-2335; [email protected]
PROJECT PARTNERS: William Templin, Nick DeCovich, Larry Dubois and Dani Evenson, Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
PROJECT LOCATION: Management district Y-1, Yukon River
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: There are two objectives to this proposal: 1) To analyze Chinook salmon tissue samples from all Y-1 commercial periods with results reported post-season and 2) To analyze Chinook salmon tissue samples from three commercial periods in the Lower Yukon River in 2008 to estimate the stock composition of those harvests inseason and test the potential application of stock proportion data to management decision making.
Budget Priority Framework 2006: Improve information on biological composition of run;
US and Canada Yukon River Salmon Committee Joint Technical Committee Plan: Estimate the stock biological or other composition of escapements – 1.1.2; Improve run assessment capability, develop inseason stock ID – 1.4.1.
Budget Priorities for 2008 & Near Term Priorities: 2. Stock identification and inseason management; 3. Determine the quality of stock escapement
PROJECT SUMMARY: Successful management of mixed stock fisheries depends in large part on reliable indexes of abundance and run timing, and estimates of stock composition in the run and harvest (Larkin 1981; Allendorf et al. 1987). On the Yukon River, while significant resources are expended towards estimating Chinook salmon run size in season, managers have no inseason information on the stock composition of the Chinook salmon run or harvest. Because a primary objective for managers is to allow a target number of Canadian-origin Chinook salmon to pass the international border, based on a bilateral international agreement, knowing the abundance of Canadian-origin Chinook salmon in the commercial catch may inform management decisions made during the fishing season. Yukon River fisheries managers consider commercial catch numbers an important indicator of Chinook salmon run size for inseason management and post-season genetic analyses have been very effective at distinguishing major stock components in the commercial catch since 2004. Past studies on stock compositions of the Y- 1 commercial harvest have shown that the proportion of Canadian fish may vary significantly over five or six fishing periods, with a contribution ranging from 25% to 54% (Templin et al., 2006). This project will collect and analyze genetic samples from all commercial periods in the Y-1 commercial Chinook fishery for post-season reporting. In addition, we will analyze samples from three of these commercial fishing periods within a 48-hour period as a test of the utility of inseason stock composition estimates for making management decisions. Stock compositions will be estimated using the available baseline of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). While estimates of Canadian-origin Chinook salmon in the harvest are most important, the resolution of stock contribution estimates will be the same provided for post-season estimates (Templin et al., 2006). During this pilot project phase, in-season information will only be available to U.S. and Canadian fishery managers. Funding of this project does not imply that tissues collected from commercial periods will be shared among genetics laboratories. This project is directly linked to a proposal for genetic analyses of commercial and subsistence harvests on the Yukon River submitted to the Research and Management fund. This project responds directly to JTC research priority 1.4.1, “develop in-season stock ID”, and to the Panel’s budget priority framework for conservation/stocks/harvest, “In-season stock specific harvest estimates”.
LIFE OF PROJECT: 1 year
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital $ 23,147 Operation & Maintenance$ 3,660 Admin/Indirect/Overhead$ 5,368 Personnel $ 12,825 Total Request $ 45,000
Total In-kind/other
Allendorf, F.W., N. Ryman, and F.M. Utter. 1987. Genetics and Fishery Management. pp. 1-19. In: N. Ryman and F. Utter (ed.) Stock Genetics and Fishery Management. University of Washington Press, Seattle, Washington.
Larkin, P.A. 1981. A perspective on stock genetics and salmon management. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 38:1469-1475.
Templin, W.A., N.A. DeCovich and L.W. Seeb. 2007. Genetic stock identification of Chinook salmon harvests on the Yukon River, 2006. Final Report on USRM Project 16-06. 33pp.
2 Dawson City Landfill Site Clean-Up Preliminary Study: Restoration of Salmon Habitat
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Dawson City Landfill Site Clean-Up Preliminary Study NUMBER:CRE-04 N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
CONTACT: James MacDonald Tel: 867.993.7145 Director Fax: 867.993.6553 Fish and Wildlife Department E: [email protected] Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Box 599 Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS:
Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada Al vonFinster Tel: 867.393.6721 Resource Restoration Biologist Fax: 867.393.6737 Enhancement and Support Division E: [email protected] Oceans, Habitat and Enhancement 100-419 Range Road Whitehorse, YT Y1A 3V1
City of Dawson Paul Moore Tel: 867.993.7400 Chief Administrative Officer Fax: 867.993.7434 Box 308 E: [email protected] Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0
Dawson District Renewable Resources Council Cholena Smart Tel: 867.993.6976 Executive Director Fax: 867.993.6093 DDRRC E: dawsonrrc@northwestel.net Box 1380 Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0
PROJECT LOCATION: The Town of the Dawson City, Yukon: Yukon north mainstem watershed.
Conceptual Project Proposal for the Yukon River Panel - 1 - Dawson City Landfill Site Clean-Up Preliminary Study: Restoration of Salmon Habitat
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This project seeks to access the conservation and restoration envelopes of the Yukon River Panel Budget Priorities Framework. Through the conservation envelope, this project’s long term goal is to address habitat conservation by researching and assessing an identified site that may be leaching deleterious contaminants into the north mainstem of the Yukon River. The extent of the contamination and means to address it will be determined through a preliminary study. Secondly, through the restoration envelope this project should set the stage for habitat restoration by removing those materials presently eroding into the river. Furthermore, it is expected that measures will be put in place to mitigate future bank erosion.
PROJECT SUMMARY: This project seeks to commission a feasibility study for a site clean-up of a landfill site located on the shore of the Yukon River north mainstem, immediately below the George Black ferry landing. The waters adjacent to the site are known to be used by salmon as many TH citizens use it as a fishing hole.
A suitable natural resource consultant company will be hired to undertake the study. From that study, it is expected that we will: 1. identify the study area boundary and approximate a timeline of its past usage; 2. determine the nature of materials deposited over the course of its lifespan; 3. determine appropriate methodologies for additional assessment, site clean-up and restoration, including mitigation of any adverse effects resulting from these activities; 4. identify resources in terms of potential partners in its restoration; and 5. attach a cost associated with the site’s restoration, including the potential cost for the transportation and storage of contaminants to an approved facility.
The timing of the fieldwork is projected to be summer/autumn, 2008, as access to the site is contingent on favourable weather conditions. It is expected that the company charged with carrying out this preliminary study will be accredited experts in the remediation of contaminated sites as well as in the design and construction of works in major unregulated rivers. The company’s history will also be taken into account.
LIFE OF PROJECT: The feasibility study is expected to have a funding life span of one year.
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital Operation & Maintenance Admin/Indirect/Overhead 3,750 Personnel $25,000 Total Request 28750
Total In-kind/other
ON-GOING PROJECTS: None.
Conceptual Project Proposal for the Yukon River Panel - 2 - YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL b
PROJECT TITLE: Selective Fisheries – Implementation NUMBER: CRE-05N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Yukon River Commercial Salmon License #471
CONTACT: Jake Duncan, P.O. Box 844 Dawson City, Yukon Y0B-1G0 (867) 993-6974 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS:
Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Stock Assessment, Pat Milligan (867) 393-6720 [email protected]
Yukon Salmon Committee - [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Dawson City, Yukon River
PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
1. Improve the Quality of Escapement, by being able to live-release female and large fish and assist with the development of selective fishing policy/rules/regulation, related to YRP Needs: Conservation – Stocks – Harvest, Assess fishing techniques re: their impact on harvest and stock genetics (e.g., selectivity and target species, Rank1) and Conservation – Stocks – Research, Develop and Test Non-Invasive, Non-Lethal Methods of Sampling and Handling Fish (Rank3).
2. Provide Vital Fisheries Information, while developing a means to conduct non- destructive test fisheries, related YRP Needs: Conservation – Stocks – Run Assessment, Improve in-season run-size assessment methodology (Rank2) and Conservation – Stocks – Escapement Studies, Quality of Escapements (i.e., age/size/sex, health - Rank1).
3. Develop Stewardship by Implementing Selective Fisheries Practises, while becoming a model for others through demonstration, related to YRP Needs: Stewardship - Involve and educate users in communities to increase their desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks (Rank1).
4. Contribute to Viable Fisheries, by adding value to the quality of harvested fish (fresh, live-bled fish on ice/brine, no bruising or net marks), related to YRP Needs: Viable Fisheries - Maximize the value of the Canadian harvest to make fisheries viable (Rank1).
Page 1 of 2 YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL PROJECT SUMMARY:
Traditional gill nets have evolved over many centuries as a highly effective tool for catching fish. Gill nets are lethal to fish and they target species by targeting their size. Fish that are smaller than the targeted mesh-size tend to avoid capture by swimming through the larger meshed nets, and larger fish tend to avoid capture by ‘bouncing off’ the smaller sized mesh. Chinook salmon returning to the Yukon River vary greatly in age and size. While chinook salmon tend to return on average at the age of 6, runs are made up of 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 year-old fish and sizes vary accordingly. Just as designed, if a fisher uses a large meshed gill net, they would tend to capture larger, older and heavier chinook; conversely, should they choose a smaller meshed gill net, they would tend to capture smaller, younger and lighter fish.
Given the above, if harvesting was restricted to an overall number of fish (ie. not at any one size), which gill net would you choose? Most would select the larger sized gill net so their overall catch weighted more. It is for this reason we tend to select the larger fish for harvest. It is well known by fisheries managers worldwide that declining size in a harvested population of fish is the first sign of catastrophic stock failure.
Typically, Selective Fisheries techniques are used to avoid non-target or endangered species. In the upper Yukon River, the mixing of migrating salmon species during harvesting periods is not typical; however, there are sizes/ages of fish that are endangered within the chinook species, and issues with the size-selectivity of gill nets as observed through the decreasing overall size of chinook salmon (a complete absence of 8-year old fish, a serious reduction in the number 7-year old fish returning, etc.).
In the spring of 2008, three light-weight, easily deployable, live-capture fishwheels will be designed and constructed. These live-capture fishwheels are intended to completely replace traditional (lethal) gill nets and avoid non-target fish (large & female chinook) They will be tested during the 2008 chinook season. Live-handling equipment such as pens, cradles, and shoots will be developed and tested alongside the live-capture fishwheels.
Should enough fish return in 2008 to allow a commercial fishery, the live-capture fishwheels will be utilized and tested in the commercial fishery and all large and female chinook will be live-released. Should there not be enough fish returning to allow for a commercial fishery, the live-capture fishwheels will be utilized and tested in a Test Fishery. The proponent will work with DFO to develop retention slot limits (size), and live-handling & release protocols for selective fisheries.
Proponent will work with DFO and the YSC to develop draft Selective Fishing guidelines, policy and/or regulations. The proponent will work with DFO, YSC and other commercial fishers to advocate for the implementation of selective fishing practises, this may include presentations, workshops and/or information sessions.
LIFE OF PROJECT: Single year investment (YRP) – multiyear/ongoing affect.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Approx. Capital $36,000, plus In-Kind equal to 50%
Page 2 of 2 YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND COMMUNITY BASED STREAM STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Yukon River North Mainstem Salmon Stewardship Project Number: CRE-06-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Dawson District Renewable Resources Council
CONTACT: Cholena Smart Executive Director PO Box 1380 Dawson City YT Y0B 1G0 (867) 993-6976 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Sebastian Jones Dawson Community Steward (867) 993-4101
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in James McDonald (867) 993-7145
PROJECT LOCATION: Community: Dawson City Rivers/streams: Yukon River Mid-mainstream: Clinton Creek, Mickey Creek, Klondike River watershed
PROJECT SUMMARY:
Staff Field supervisor – hired for a total period of 5 weeks (including ½ day for bear safety training).
Field staff – Two high school aged youth (between 14-17) – total of 10 weeks of employment including (2x) ½ day for bear safety training, first aid course, and several days training with DFO staff. The first week of employment for students will be training.
Supervision and management Field supervisor will manage field work, including supervision of staff. The Executive Director of the DDRRC will manage the project (including organising training). Project assistance will be provided by Al von Finster (DFO).
Summary Staff will spend approximately 5 weeks in the field during July-Aug 2008. The field work will: • Expand on 2006 & 2007 project by identifying further affected habitat due to non-permanent barriers such as beaver dams, log jams and isolated pools • Use local and traditional knowledge in site identifications • Gauge relative population density of juvenile salmon in study streams • Collect juvenile salmon below dams and relocate upstream of the dams • Rescue stranded fry from transient pools in the Klondike River and return them to the mainstem. • Assure community involvement, by way of local youth, elders, and qualified technical support. • Evaluate and report the effects and success of restoration efforts • Test juvenile capture and release technique instead of dam removal.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: On-going
Note if this project is to be single year or multi-year if so, how many years, and this detail of this projected new fiscal year commitment sought as follows.
Amount $ Training 300 Operation & Maintenance 7530 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 2100 Personnel 14080 Total Request 24010
Total In-kind/other 1700
ABSTRACT FROM PREVIOUS YEAR PROJECT
This project aimed to restore access to upstream Chinook salmon rearing habitats and salvage juvenile Chinook from isolated habitats. We also aimed to foster community stewardship of salmon and salmon habitats. Planning was conducted in consultation with DFO. Two local high school students were retained and worked in the field under a field supervisor. DFO staff provided technical oversight. The project started on July 9 and ended on Aug 10, 2007. A total of 4760 juveniles salmon were captured and transported to upstream habitats or from isolated pools to open waters. Both students remained with the project throughout (excepting one student during the final week) and performed well. We conclude that the project was successful in proving the continued feasibility of a Community based stream Stewardship project in the Dawson City area. Recommendations to increase the scope and efficiency of future projects are provided.
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Fish Culture Camp
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Fish Culture Camp NUMBER: CRE-07-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
CONTACT: James MacDonald Tel: 867.993.7145 Director Fax: 867.993.6553 Fish and Wildlife Department E: [email protected] Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Box 599 Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board Sebastian Jones Tel: 867.993.7107 Dawson City Community Steward Fax: Box 1066 E: [email protected] Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0
PROJECT LOCATION: The Town of Dawson City, Yukon: Yukon north mainstem watershed
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This project seeks to access the conservation and stewardship envelopes of the Yukon River Panel’s Budget Priorities Framework. Through the conservation envelope, we will impart to local youth the principles of conservation by expounding on the value (both cultural and biological) of salmon and their habitat. Through the stewardship envelope, we will help to educate both users and non-users (as the case may be) on the importance of maintaining healthy salmon stocks now and into the future. It is our expectation that these principles will be carried forward for, as the youth grow into young adults, they will carry with them an appreciation for salmon.
PROJECT SUMMARY: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in has been providing this fish camp to local youth for many years now. Over the years, we’ve observed the knowledge that the youth have gained and we continue to feel the need to provide opportunities for youth to learn more about conservation and stewardship of salmon. Through this project, local children have grown to know the value of salmon and the importance of their habitat and conservation. By continuing to educate as many youth as possible, we believe we are helping to instill within them the value of stewardship and are thereby helping to ensure the future health of our salmon resources.
Early in July, camp personnel will be identified and all workshops will be coordinated with the respective participants. The camp is a joint effort of the various TH governmental departments (Heritage and Culture, Youth Enhancement), with much valued input from TH elders, who provide not only traditional handling methods but also oral history and Hän language. This intergenerational approach is one way by which we are able to maintain a link to past practice while crafting modern means of salmon harvesting. In this way, we are able to help frame our children’s understanding of our social world according to the beliefs passed down to us.
Conceptual Project Proposal for the Yukon River Panel - 1 - Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Fish Culture Camp
LIFE OF PROJECT: Ongoing
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital Operation & Maintenance 10000 Admin/Indirect/Overhead Personnel Total Request 10000
Total In-kind/other 13,000
ON-GOING PROJECTS: (Introduction from the Detailed Project Proposal of CRE-07- 07) In the management of our salmon resources, rarely do we manage fish; rather we manage their harvest. By teaching our youth the importance of salmon and the habitats on which they depend, we instill within them conservation and stewardship ethics. By imparting these ethics, the next generation will work to ensure the future health of our salmon resources.
In the summer of 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, and again in 2006, very successful fish camps geared towards salmon conservation and stewardship were hosted by Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in for local Dawson City youth. During this time, children were exposed to many issues and practices, such as: First Nation and commercial fishing values; First Nation and commercial fishing methods, which included cleaning, smoking and drying methods; educational talks and field trips on life histories, fry habitat, habitat management, stock assessment, conservation and protection techniques; and, boat/river safety techniques. The youth then participated in a very large public gathering where they, customarily and respectfully, gave their first fish away to Elders. The children left the camp having learned a great deal of respect for the river and all the salmon it affords our community. It is our intent that the youth, now young adults, will look to the river and the salmon with the same affinity as we do and as did our ancestors.
Conceptual Project Proposal for the Yukon River Panel - 2 - Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Student Steward
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Student Steward NUMBER: CRE-09-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
CONTACT: James MacDonald Tel: 867.993.7145 Director Fax: 867.993.6553 Fish and Wildlife Department E: [email protected] Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Box 599 Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Dawson District Renewable Resources Council Cholena Smart Tel: 867.993.6976 Executive Director Fax: 867.993.6093 Box 1380 E: [email protected] Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0
Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board Sebastian Jones Tel: 867.993.4401 Dawson City Community Steward Fax: Box 1066 E: [email protected] Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0
PROJECT LOCATION: The Town of Dawson City, Yukon: Yukon north mainstem watershed
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This project seeks to access the stewardship envelope of the Yukon River Panel Budget Priorities Framework. Through the stewardship envelope, this project will involve and educate a local youth to increase his or her desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat. Moreover, the incumbent will be expected to participate in existing restoration and enhancement projects and, gradually and where appropriate, lead such projects in the future.
PROJECT SUMMARY: A local youth will be hired for an 8 week period during the peak salmon season for an estimated employment rate of $12/hour to work on specific restoration and enhancement projects. This would entail helping to carry out the First Fish camp and the Test Fisheries and contributing to the rearing and overwintering access restoration of the north Klondike River. Moreover, it is planned that this position would work alongside the Dawson City Community Steward.
LIFE OF PROJECT: Ongoing
Conceptual Project Proposal for the Yukon River Panel - 1 - Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Student Steward
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital Operation & Maintenance Admin/Indirect/Overhead 690 Personnel 4,600 Total Request 5290
Total In-kind/other
ON-GOING PROJECTS: (Abstract from CRE-09N-07 Final Report) Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in (TH) believes that our children are our future, that we must address the needs of our citizens, that we must devise ways and means to improve opportunities, capacities and skills of our youth, and that we must help to empower our people. To that end, the CRE-09N-07 Student Steward project was specifically designed to involve a local youth by familiarizing him or her with the activities of the TH Fish and Wildlife Department and subsequently encouraging him or her towards a career in renewable resources (stewardship).
Over the course of the summer of 2007, beginning June 4 and ending August 10, the incumbent, Steven Kormendy, worked with Fish and Wildlife personnel on a daily basis. As a result, he was exposed to a variety of other existing Yukon River Panel Restoration and Enhancement projects presently underway in the Dawson City region. This was done in a collaborative fashion, working with, for example, Sebastian Jones, the Dawson City Community Steward.
Conceptual Project Proposal for the Yukon River Panel - 2 - YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Size Selective Fishing using Live Catch Fish Wheels NUMBER: CRE-10-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Yukon River Commercial Fishing Association
CONTACT: Sebastian Jones, Box 1375 Dawson City YT [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS:
PROJECT LOCATION: Dawson City area, Yukon River North Mainstem
PROJECT OBJECTIVES (and Panel priorities):
1. Restore the original size composition of Yukon River Chinook. a. YRP Budget priority 2006: Conservation/Stocks/escapement studies. b. JTC Plan: Goals 1.1 and 1.2 c. R&E Budget priority2008: 1,2,3,6 2. Contribute to community-based management a. YRP Budget priority 2006: Stewardship b. JTC Plan: Goals 3.1 and 3.3 c. R&E Budget priority2008: 4(a, b) 3. Foster conservation and stewardship ethics a. YRP Budget priority 2006: Stewardship b. JTC Plan: Goal 3.3 c. R&E Budget priority2008: 4(a, b) 4. Increase the capacity of local fishers to participate in data collection and related technical activities a. YRP Budget priority 2006: Stewardship b. JTC Plan: Goals 3.2 and 3.3 c. R&E Budget priority2008: 4 (a) 5. Maintain a viable fishery. a. YRP Budget priority 2006: Viable Fisheries b. JTC Plan: None c. R&E Budget priority2008: None 6. Convince local fishers that Selective fishing is a viable fishing technology. a. YRP Budget priority 2006: Viable Fisheries b. JTC Plan: None c. R&E Budget priority2008: 4(a, b), 6 7. Convert local fishers to selective fishing techniques a. YRP Budget priority 2006: Viable Fisheries b. JTC Plan: None c. R&E Budget priority2008: 4(a, b), 6
PROJECT SUMMARY: Chinook Salmon on the Yukon River have been fished in a manner that has reduced the average age and size of spawners. The importance of large fish to the run is that they have both the largest number of eggs and milt and they have the best success in spawning in the large cobble substrate typical of the local spawning streams. This project aims to build on a successful 2006 pilot project1 to demonstrate to Commercial Fishers near Dawson City that they can use live catch fish wheels in place of nets, catch the fish they need and return all large(>900mm) and other non-target Chinook to the river. This will be accomplished by taking 2 live-catch fish wheels to active fish camps and deploying them in the vicinity and catching, sampling and releasing fish concurrently with the fisher’s net fishery. Local fishers will be trained to operate live catch wheels and in sampling techniques. This year we propose to operate a total of 4 wheels in two different fish camps and to expand the project to meet a challenges identified in 2006, that of converting the fishery by making fish wheels more available to fishers.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This is proposed to be year 3 of an ongoing project; the duration could be as long as 5 more years, depending on how it evolves.
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital $0.00 Operation & Maintenance $2,500.00 Admin/Indirect/Overhead $2,780.00 Personnel $24,450.00 Total Request $29,730.00
Total In-kind/other
ON-GOING PROJECTS: 2
This project was about developing a method for local area fishers to fish selectively, to eliminate the taking of the most biologically important fish while allowing for continued viable fisheries.To achieve this, local fishers built and operated live-catch fish wheels in an attempt to demonstrate that fish wheels are both a viable replacement for gill nets in the Chinook fishery and that through this method, selective fishing is achievable. Generally, this was shown to be true, however further barriers to adopting fish wheels were identified. Potential projects in the future will need to follow up on identifying locations for wheel fishing, and getting fish wheels to fishers so they can utilize this knowledge to develop a truly sustainable and selective fishery in the Dawson area. The lessons learned can be translated to other communities along the river to have basin wide effects.
1 In 2007, there was no commercial fishery thus the fishing aspect of the project could not take place. 2 2006 abstract, in 2007, two fish wheels were constructed and deployed but not used. YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: In-Season Management Fund NUMBER: CRE-11-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Yukon River Commercial Fisheries Association
CONTACT: Sebastian Jones, Box 1375 Dawson City YT, (867) 993 4401 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Fish and Wildlife, Roberta Joseph, 993 7107 [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Dawson City area, Yukon River North Mainstem.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: 1. Conduct Chinook and Chum test fisheries for yearly in-season management purposes on a “contingency-only” basis. a. YRP Budget priority 2006: Conservation/Stocks/run assessment. b. JTC Plan: Goals 1.1 and 1.2 c. R&E Budget priority2008: 1,2,3 2. Contribute to community-based management a. YRP Budget priority 2006: Stewardship b. JTC Plan: Goals 3.1 and 3.3 c. R&E Budget priority2008: 4(a, b) 3. Foster conservation and stewardship ethics a. YRP Budget priority 2006: Stewardship b. JTC Plan: Goal 3.3 c. R&E Budget priority2008: 4(a, b) 4. Increase the capacity of local fishers to participate in stock assessment activities a. YRP Budget priority 2006: Stewardship b. JTC Plan: Goals 3.2 and 3.3 c. R&E Budget priority2008: 4 (a) 5. Maintain a viable fishery (in years were a commercial fishery is otherwise not possible), through economic benefits derived from local involvement in Test Fisheries and other management-related activities. a. YRP Budget priority 2006: Viable Fisheries b. JTC Plan: None c. R&E Budget priority2008: None
PROJECT SUMMARY: It appears that the productivity of both Chum and Chinook stocks is inconsistent and that stock strength could be insufficient to consistently allow for full or partial Canadian commercial fisheries. Data from this fishery is the “traditional” source for recapture information in DFO’s Mark-Recapture Program, which estimates run abundance and escapement. By mimicking the commercial fishery, this project would gather vital fisheries information in the event that “traditional” methods cannot be used. The Chinook test fishery would employ the nets that fishers ordinarily use, while the Chum test fishery would use supplied fish wheels in a live release fishery. The test fisheries are timed to capture the main part of the runs. Fishers are hired based on their ability to perform the job and their access to the required gear and equipment. This proposal is about topping-up a previously established fund to ensure resources are available should this project be required in 2008.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This is an ongoing, contingency based project
ESTIMATED BUDGET: 1
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 3220 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 8456 Personnel 65450 Total Request 77,126
Total In-kind/other
ON-GOING PROJECTS: 2 In 2004, test fisheries were conducted for both Chinook and Chum salmon. Chinook test fisheries were conducted over one week from July 4th to 8th. Two test fishing groups (involving a total of 5 fishers over the season) were employed to collect data from locations upstream and downstream of Dawson City, Yukon. A total of 167 Chinook were captured, 128 males and 39 females, and 7 DFO spaghetti tags were recovered (4.19%). Gillnets were used to collect samples and all Chinook salmon were distributed to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. Chum test fisheries were conducted over two weeks from August 27th to September 8th. Two fish wheels and fishing groups (involving 7 fishers over the season) were used to collect samples in locations upstream and downstream of Dawson City, Yukon. All chum salmon were live-captured in fish wheels and released. In total, 995 chum salmon were captured, sampled and released; 540 males and 455 females, with 65 DFO spaghetti tags (6.33%) and 2 USF&WS tags recovered.
1 Explanation available..... 2 Most recent Test Fishery, 2007 project still underway. YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Klondike River Sonar—Pilot Project NUMBER: CRE-16(a)-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc.
CONTACT: ¾ Pat Tobler, Branch Manager/Senior Biologist 402 Hawkins St., Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 1X8 Phone: (867) 393-4882 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ Peter Withler, Specialist consultant on DIDSON sonar applications, phone: (250) 468-9501, [email protected] ¾ The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in will be contacted to explore potential partnership opportunities.
PROJECT LOCATION: Klondike River, Yukon River watershed, near Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This table lists project objectives while relating them to applicable Panel and JTC documents. Project Objective R&E Budget JTC Plan 2008 R&E Priorities Budget Framework Priorities Conservation 1.1 Monitor or 1. Stock Stocks project Escapement Provide of escapement number for Klondike River Escapement escapements by Monitoring of chinook salmon. Studies Conservation the Canadian Management Unit Tributaries Conservation 1. Stock 1.4 Improve Provide information on the contribution of Stocks Escapement management and Klondike River to Canadian origin Yukon River Run Monitoring of research chinook salmon stocks. Assessment the Canadian capability Tributaries Conservation 1. Stock Provide an early index of chinook salmon Stocks 1.2 Assess Escapement escapement for the upper Yukon River in Escapement abundance in- Monitoring of Canada. Studies season the Canadian Tributaries Stewardship 3.2 Build and Technical 4. Community Establishment of local capacity to successfully Maintain capacity Education and operate DIDSON sonar . Community building in Stewardship Capacity communities
PROJECT SUMMARY: The Klondike River is known as an important chinook salmon spawning stream in the upper Yukon River watershed in Canada. However, there is limited information available regarding the contribution of Klondike River chinook to Canadian origin stocks in the Yukon River system. Further, the Klondike may be able to act as an early index stream for in the upper Yukon due to its proximity to the border. Therefore, a better understanding of escapement to this system will be of value to managers. It is proposed that a DIDSON sonar pilot project to enumerate chinook escapement, if feasible, in the Klondike River.
A Project Manager and/or Biologist from EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc. will oversee project operations and report preparation. EDI has several Registered Professional Biologists (B.C.) with a wide variety of fisheries experience in the Yukon, and also maintains other local staff with experience in DIDSON sonar operations. Further, sonar specialists within DFO will be consulted and DIDSON specialist Peter Withler will be retained to provide technical assistance with overall program set-up and operations.
This project will involve the following activities: ¾ Project planning will include selection of an appropriate sonar site on the lower Klondike River. ¾ Project facility and camp will be put in place up to two weeks in advance of expected chinook returns to the Klondike River. This will facilitate testing and fine tuning of equipment set up and site location, as well as determination of the effectiveness of the technology in the Klondike River. ¾ Three crew members will operate the facility in shifts, maintaining full time 24 hr operations. ¾ If initial trial operations prove successful, the facility will continue to operate through four weeks of the expected chinook run in the Klondike River.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This is a single year pilot project. If successful, it has the potential to become an ongoing program at a reduced operational cost.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 33,040 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 0 Personnel 63,560 Total Request 96,600
Total In-kind/other
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
NUMBER: CRE-16(b)-08
PROJECT TITLE: Sonar Enumeration of Chinook Salmon on the Klondike River
PROJECT PROPONENT: B. Mercer & Associates
CONTACT: Brian Mercer, 91 Donjek Road, Whitehorse, (867) 633-2795, [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: J. Wilson & Associates Jane Wilson, (867) 668-6225, [email protected]; Dawson City Habitat Steward, Sebastian Jones, (867) 993-4401, [email protected]..
PROJECT LOCATION: Nearest Community: Dawson City; Watershed: North Yukon Mainstem/Klondike
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: 1) Operate a sonar station on the Klondike River to enumerate the chinook salmon escapement. - Meets YRP budget priorities for 2008 - priority # 1 and - YRSC/JTC Plan – Goal #1, objective 1 2) Conduct spawning ground sampling for age-sex-length data and genetic material from post- spawn fish and recover spaghetti tags. - Meets YRP budget priorities for 2008 – priorities #’s 2 and 3, and - YRSC/JTC Plan – Goal #1, objective 1
PROJECT SUMMARY: The proposed project will include the following: • Purchase of a long range DIDSON sonar unit, cables and related computer equipment • Selection of a suitable sonar site in the lower reach of the Klondike River • Establishment of a temporary facility at the sonar site to allow for continuous monitoring and enumeration of the chinook salmon escapement. • Installation of a partial weir and DIDSON sonar equipment • Continuous operation of the sonar over the course of the chinook salmon run. • Initiation of a chinook salmon carcass sampling program. • Preparation of a summary report detailing results of the project.
Personnel:
Brian Mercer is a registered professional biologist with 27 years experience in fisheries related projects in northern B.C. and the Yukon. He initiated a chinook salmon enumeration project on the Big Salmon River using a DIDSON-LR sonar in 2005 and was responsible for the set up and successful operation of the sonar project in subsequent years. Jane Wilson is a fisheries biologist with extensive experience working with a variety of agencies and First Nations in Yukon and Northern B.C. She successfully administered and co-ordinated the Big Salmon sonar enumeration project in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
LIFE OF PROJECT: a number of years
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 86,000.00 Operation & Maintenance 14,000.00 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 2,000.00 Personnel 32,000.00 Total Request 134,000.00
Total In-kind/other 0
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT NUMBER: CRE-19-08
PROJECT TITLE: Mayo River Secondary Channel Reconstruction: A Post Construction Assessment of Juvenile Chinook Rearing Habitat –Year 4.
PROJECT PROPONENT: First Nation of the Nacho Nyak Dun (NND)
CONTACT: ¾ Dick Mahoney Box 22, Mayo, YT, Y0B 1M0 Phone: (867) 996-2415 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc., Contact Pat Tobler, Phone: (867) 393-4882, [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Mayo River, Mayo, Yukon Territory, Canada. Restoration sites B and E.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This table lists project objectives while relating them to applicable Panel and JTC documents. Project Objective R&E Budget JTC Plan 2008 R&E Priorities Budget Framework Priorities Restoration- 2.3. Identify and Continue to assess physical and biological Habitat, 5. Habitat implement performance of 2004 juvenile chinook restoration Implementation Restoration for restoration works. and Research chinook opportunities.
Stewardship Provide training, stewardship, employment 4. Community Technical opportunities, generate interest and build capacity in n/a Education and capacity building the NND and Mayo community. Stewardship in communities Restoration- 2.3.3 Develop and 5. Habitat Provide data to refine designs for similar future Habitat, evaluate restoration Restoration for projects in the Yukon River Drainage. Research techniques. chinook
PROJECT SUMMARY:
The number of side and back channels on the lower Mayo River that are suitable for juvenile chinook rearing habitat decreased following construction of the Wareham Dam in the early 1950s. The Yukon River Panel funded a project in 2003 to locate secondary channels that would be suitable for restoration. A 240 m section of gravel infilled side channel (Site B) was reconstructed in 2004 to increase water supply, water depth and cover. In addition, three pools were excavated in an existing groundwater channel (Site E). This pilot project was intended to provide off channel habitat for juvenile chinook.
A multi-year post construction assessment program was initiated in 2005 to document the physical and biological performance of the constructed works. In general, one of the two treated areas (Site B) is currently well utilized by juvenile chinook. Additional information collected on the restored channels will be compared to natural control sites to determine the project efficacy. Physical studies will include assessing the stability of the excavated channel and the unaltered upstream sections, monitoring water quality (temperature and dissolved oxygen).
Biological studies will include strategic fish sampling to determine timing, abundance and size of fish using the created versus control habitats. This project continues to provide a significant amount of insight into the rearing characteristics in the Mayo River. It will also provide local technicians and workers with a large variety of experiences. To keep costs down, much of the project will be completed with local resources.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This is year 4 of a 5 year monitoring program.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 2,500 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 1,500 Personnel 12,000 Total Request 16,000
Total In-kind/other 2,000
ON-GOING PROJECTS:
2007 Project Update:
The 2007 project is ongoing with a few field visits that will be completed through the fall and early winter. Early results appear to indicate relative consistency with previous years. Notable numbers were captured in Site B throughout the summer. Of note two interpretive signs highlighting the merits of this project are now installed on-site.
Abstract From 2006 Project Report:
In 2004, restoration of a side channel and improvement of a groundwater fed channel on the lower Mayo River was completed. Year two of a long term monitoring project assessing physical and biological aspects of each restored channel was completed in 2006. This year’s results indicate extensive use of the side channel (Site B) and limited use of the groundwater channel (Site E), by juvenile chinook salmon. Site B appeared to be most valuable to juvenile chinook during the fall/early winter sampling events. Physical assessment of Site B indicates that there was a low rate of change in the channel bed (laterally or vertically) between 2005 and 2006 compared to the changes found in the first year following restoration (2004-2005). Additional monitoring is required to confirm patterns found in 2005 and 2006 and to determine the long-term merit of these works. YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Stewart River Watershed Chinook DNA Collection NUMBER: CRE-20N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: First Nation of the Nacho Nyak Dun (NND)
CONTACT: ¾ Dick Mahoney Box 22, Mayo, YT, Y0B 1M0 Phone: (867) 996-2415 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc., Contact Pat Tobler, Phone: (867) 393-4882, [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Stewart River Watershed focusing on accessible tributaries around Mayo, Yukon Territory, Canada.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This table lists project objectives while relating them to applicable Panel and JTC documents. Project Objective R&E Budget JTC Plan 2008 R&E Priorities Budget Framework Priorities Conservation 1.4 Improve 2. Stock Stocks Provide genetic stock identification baseline data management and Identification Run for Stewart River chinook in Canada. research and In-Season Assessment capability Management
Conservation Stocks 3. Determine the Provide information on the quality of chinook Escapement n/a quality of stock stock escapements (age/length/sex/health). Studies escapement.
Stewardship 3.2 Build and Continue development and maintenance of local Technical 4. Community Maintain capacity to conduct a variety of salmon related capacity Education and Community project work. building in Stewardship Capacity communities
PROJECT SUMMARY:
The Stewart River Watershed is a significant contributor to the Yukon River chinook salmon run; however, limited information has been collected on this important stock. Information on DNA in the watershed is limited and additional DNA collection would assist with in season run strength determination as well as determining contributions of the Stewart River Watershed. This project would focus on collecting DNA on important tributary streams that are accessible in the Mayo area. This includes the McQuesten River, Mayo River, Janet Creek and possibly Crooked Creek (among others). Specifically, this project will involve the following activities:
¾ Project planning will determine the specific timing and sample locations. ¾ A crew of two will access the above mentioned streams via truck, ATV, and boat, collecting DNA samples as chinook salmon are encountered. ¾ Sampling will be conducted using angling gear, and where possible, near dead spawners will be targeted. ¾ Notes will be taken on the number of spawners/carcasses observed in each stream or area that is accessed. ¾ The crew will be based in Mayo and travel to different sites over a period of 6-7 days.
LIFE OF PROJECT:
Given that some tributaries have small runs, several years of sampling will be likely required to achieve target sample size for each (i.e. 200). Knowledge gained in this first year will make future sampling more efficient.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 2,000 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 1,850 Personnel 5,150 Total Request 9,000
Total In-kind/other 1,000 YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Nogold and Grey Hunter Chinook Assessment NUMBER: CRE-21N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: First Nation of the Nacho Nyak Dun (NND)
CONTACT: ¾ Dick Mahoney Box 22, Mayo, YT, Y0B 1M0 Phone: (867) 996-2415 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ Qualified Consultant.
PROJECT LOCATION: No Gold and Grey Hunter creeks located southeast of Mayo in the McArthur Mountains. No Gold Creek flows northeast into the Stewart River and Grey Hunter flows southeast into the Kalzas River.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This table lists project objectives while relating them to applicable Panel and JTC documents. Project Objective R&E Budget JTC Plan 2008 R&E Priorities Budget Framework Priorities 5. Habitat Restoration – Conservation Identification of chinook spawning and rearing 2.1 Identify and locate and – Stock, areas within Nogold and Grey Hunter Creeks and characterize document Research. tributaries. salmon habitats habitat (within
80 km of communities). 5. Habitat Restoration – Provide valuable information regarding these Conservation- 2.2 Minimize locate and watersheds that may help refine the Ddhaw Ghro Habitat, future impacts to document Management Plan which is currently being Assessment habitat habitat (within developed. 80 km of communities). Stewardship Provide training, stewardship, employment Technical 4. Community opportunities, and build capacity in the NND capacity n/a Education and Traditional Territory. building in Stewardship communities 2.3. Identify and 5. Habitat Restoration- implement Identify restoration/enhancement opportunities. Restoration for Habitat restoration chinook opportunities.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
The lack of existing information in terms of salmon use on Nogold Creek and Grey Hunter creeks are of an immediate concern to the NND. Through the Umbrella Final Agreement and the final settlements of Nacho Nyak Dun and Selkirk First Nations, these streams are within the ‘Ddhaw Ghro’ Habitat Protection Area. Both creeks drain into chinook salmon-bearing waters, the Stewart River and the Kalzas River, respectively. A draft management plan already exists for the Ddhaw Ghro area (it may still await final signatures). Within this plan, “Fish Management Concern 1" recommends to "conduct a study of salmon use of Nogold and Grey Hunter Creeks". Obviously such a study would fill significant data gaps identified by the planning stakeholders.
An aerial spawning assessment and minnow trapping (via helicopter, completed in conjunction with one another to save costs) will identify the presence/absence of chinook spawning and rearing locations as well constraints/limitations to habitat use by chinook salmon. Nogold Creek will be the primary focus for the spawning component due to the higher likelihood of spawning salmon using this stream. This information will help fill data gaps and thus be used in future management decisions.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This project can be completed in 1 year. It should be noted completion of the project may spur future projects in the watersheds.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 12,200 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 2,800 Personnel 14,500 Total Request 29,500
Total In-kind/other 2,000
ON-GOING PROJECTS:
N/A YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Miner River Chinook Index NUMBER: CRE-26N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Vuntut Gwitchin Government
CONTACT: ¾ Shel Graupe, Director of Natural Resources, Vuntut Gwitchin Government Box 94, Old Crow, YT, Y0B 1N0 Phone: (867) 966-3261 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc., Contact Pat Tobler, Phone: (867) 393-4882, [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Old Crow, Yukon Territory, Canada. Porcupine River watershed.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This table lists project objectives while relating them to applicable Panel and JTC documents. Project Objective R&E Budget JTC Plan 2008 R&E Priorities Budget Framework Priorities Conservation 1.1 Monitor or 1. Stock Stocks project Escapement Establish an index of escapement for Porcupine Escapement escapements by Monitoring of River chinook salmon in Canada Studies Conservation Canadian Management Unit Tributaries Stewardship 3.2 Build and Technical 4. Community Continue development of local capacity to Maintain capacity Education and conduct fieldwork Community building in Stewardship Capacity communities
PROJECT SUMMARY: Chinook salmon patterns of habitat use have been the object of considerable study by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation over the past six years, however, no indicators of run size or escapement exist. Run sizes have generally been thought to be small and dynamic, and the chinook fishery undertaken by Vuntut Gwitchin members generally results in a total catch of between 100 and 500 fish per year. A considerable amount of past R&E work (CRE-15N-01, CRE-15-02, CRE-15-03, CRE-17N-03, CRE-15-04, and CRE-17-04) conducted by the VGG has indicated that the Miner River hosts the largest spawning population of chinook salmon within the Porcupine River watershed in Canada. It is proposed that an aerial index of chinook escapement on the Miner River will provide managers with an important indicator of run strength and insight into population dynamics.
A qualified biologist will be contracted to oversee project operations and report preparation.
This project will involve the following activities: ¾ Project planning will include estimation of peak run timing based upon indications from Yukon River stocks and the Old Crow fishery. ¾ Two crew members will conduct two fixed-wing aerial surveys of the relevant portion of the Miner River during estimated peak run timing, generally at the end of July and/or early August. ¾ Standard aerial chinook escapement index methodology will be utilized. ¾ Should it be determined that a helicopter is the preferred survey vehicle, this change will be incorporated at the formal proposal stage along with the required cost increase.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This is the first year of a project that is potentially ongoing.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 6,069 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 1,291 Personnel 6,840 Total Request 14,200
Total In-kind/other 200
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Porcupine River Chum Mark/Recapture Program NUMBER: CRE-27-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Vuntut Gwitchin Government
CONTACT: ¾ Shel Graupe, Director of Natural Resources, Vuntut Gwitchin Government Box 94, Old Crow, YT, Y0B 1N0 Phone: (867) 966-3261 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc., Contact Ben Schonewille, Phone: (867) 393-4882, [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Old Crow, Yukon Territory, Canada. Porcupine River watershed.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This table lists project objectives while relating them to applicable Panel and JTC documents. Project Objective R&E Budget JTC Plan 2008 R&E Priorities Budget Framework Priorities Conservation Stocks 1.2 Assess Provide in-season border passage estimates of Run abundance n/a chum salmon in the Porcupine River Assessment inseason
Conservation Provide improved in-season management Stocks 1.2 Assess capacity through improved estimates of Run abundance n/a abundance and timing of chum returns to the Assessment inseason Porcupine River
Provide information on the proportion of 1.1 Monitor or 1. Stock Conservation Porcupine River chum stocks spawning in the project Escapement Stocks Fishing Branch River or in other locations, escapements by Monitoring of Escapement thereby contributing further to the monitoring of Conservation the Canadian Studies stock escapement in Canadian tributaries Management Unit Tributaries 1.1 Monitor or 1. Stock Conservation Ongoing development of an escapement index project Escapement Stocks using data obtained from the mark/recapture escapements by Monitoring of Escapement program and the Fishing Branch weir. Conservation the Canadian Studies Management Unit Tributaries Stewardship 3.2 Build and Technical 4. Community Continue development of local capacity to Maintain capacity Education and conduct fieldwork independently. Community building in Stewardship Capacity communities PROJECT SUMMARY: The Porcupine River chum mark/recapture program has been operated locally since 2003. Over several years of operations, successful methodology suitable to local conditions has been developed. It should be noted that the 2007 results provided the most successful in-season estimates obtained to date. Further, this in-season data prevented an unnecessary potential closure or restriction of the Old Crow aboriginal fishery due to inaccurate early predictions of extremely low run strength.
A qualified biologist will be contracted to oversee project operations and report preparation.
This project will involve the following activities (see past reports, CRE-27-06—etc., for more info.): ¾ Two crew members will tag chum salmon on the Porcupine River at a location downstream from Old Crow: o nets used to capture the fish will be constantly monitored, and once caught, fish will be promptly tagged and released to minimize stress; and, o tagging will take place 6 days per week for 5-6 weeks, beginning in mid to late August. ¾ Two crew members will also operate an equivalent non-destructive test-fishery to provide a recapture of tagged chum. ¾ If operational, further recapture data will be gathered by the local Community Steward from the Old Crow aboriginal fishery. ¾ Resulting estimations of chum populations will be used by local managers to ensure adequate escapement of chum salmon. ¾ Chum salmon tagged in this program that pass through the Fishing Branch enumeration weir will be counted to estimate the proportion of Porcupine stocks that return to the Fishing Branch River, while also indicating the proportion spawning elsewhere. ¾ Samples for DNA analysis will be taken and provided to DFO if requested.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This project is ongoing.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 15,417 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 6,218 Personnel 46,765 Total Request 68,400
Total In-kind/other 1,800
ON-GOING PROJECTS: 2007 Project Update: The 2007 project provided the most successful in-season estimates obtained in 5 years of operations. These estimates were used by managers early in the run to determine that a planned closure or restriction of the Old Crow fishery (due to early predictions of extremely low run strength) was unnecessary (Ferguson, R. & Johnson, S., pers. comm.).
Abstract (truncated) From 2006 Project Report: A chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) mark-recapture program was conducted on the Porcupine River near the community of Old Crow, YT, during the autumn of 2006. Through the use of data collected in the mark- recapture program and the Old Crow subsistence fishery, an estimated 44,906 (+/- 7,320) chum salmon passed Old Crow between August 19th and September 25th, 2006. The overall success of this project was affected by unusually high water levels in the Porcupine River (some of the seasonally highest on record). YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Miner River Chinook DNA Collection NUMBER: CRE-28-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Vuntut Gwitchin Government
CONTACT: ¾ Shel Graupe, Director of Natural Resources, Vuntut Gwitchin Government Box 94, Old Crow, YT, Y0B 1N0 Phone: (867) 966-3261 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc., Contact Pat Tobler, Phone: (867) 393-4882, [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Old Crow, Yukon Territory, Canada. Miner River, Porcupine River watershed.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This table lists project objectives while relating them to applicable Panel and JTC documents. Project Objective R&E Budget JTC Plan 2008 R&E Priorities Budget Framework Priorities Conservation 1.4 Improve 2. Stock Stocks Provide genetic stock identification baseline data management and Identification Run for Porcupine River chinook in Canada. research and In-Season Assessment capability Management
Conservation Stocks 3. Determine the Provide information on the quality of chinook Escapement n/a quality of stock stock escapements (age/length/sex/health). Studies escapement.
Stewardship 3.2 Build and Continue development and maintenance of local Technical 4. Community Maintain capacity to conduct a variety of salmon related capacity Education and Community project work. building in Stewardship Capacity communities
PROJECT SUMMARY: Chinook salmon patterns of habitat use have been the object of considerable study by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation over the past six years, however, no indicators of run size or escapement exist. Run sizes have generally been thought to be small and dynamic, and the chinook fishery undertaken by Vuntut Gwitchin members generally results in a total catch of between 100 and 500 fish per year. A considerable amount of past work R&E work (CRE-15N-01, CRE-15-02, CRE-15-03, CRE-17N-03, CRE-15- 04, and CRE-17-04) conducted by the VGG has indicated that the Miner River hosts the largest spawning population of chinook salmon within the Canadian portion of the Porcupine River watershed. It is proposed that chinook salmon DNA samples be collected on the spawning grounds of the Porcupine River.
A qualified biologist will be contracted to oversee project operations and report preparation.
This project will involve the following activities: ¾ Project planning will determine the specific timing and drop-off location for the project crew. It is expected that optimal timing for the fieldwork will be during early August. ¾ A crew of two will access the Miner River by helicopter to an appropriate pre-determined location from where they will travel by inflatable boat downstream through spawning areas, collecting DNA samples as fish are encountered. ¾ Sampling will be conducted using angling gear, and where possible, near dead spawners will be targeted. ¾ The crew will return downstream to Old Crow by boat or will be picked up by helicopter, whichever option is determined to be most economical.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This is a one time project, however future sampling may be required to achieve target sample size for the baseline.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 8,883 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 1,727 Personnel 8,390 Total Request 19,000
Total In-kind/other 200 YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
NUMBER: CRE-29-08
PROJECT TITLE: Chum Spawning Ground Tag Recovery-Minto Area
PROJECT PROPONENT: Selkirk District Renewable Resource Council
CONTACT: Anne Middler Nicholas de Graff Selkirk Renewable Resource Council Can-nic-a-nick Environmental Sciences Box 32, Pelly Crossing, Yukon Box 10106, Whitehorse, Yukon Canada Y0B 1P0 Canada Y1A 7A1 Ph: 867 537 3937 Ph: 867 668 4682 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: None at this time.
PROJECT LOCATION: Pelly Crossing is the closest community but all field word will occur on the Yukon River mid-mainstem sub-basin between Minto Landing and Fort Selkirk.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This project is intended to compliment the stock escapement monitoring priorities that were established with the 2008 R&E fund budget. This is one of the few stock escapement monitoring projects for Yukon River chum salmon and occurs in the Canadian mainstem portion of the Yukon River near the community of Pelly Crossing. A rebuilding program that was established in the late 1990’s for Canadian origin chum continues today and in recent years the program is showing some signs of success. The means of measuring success or failure of the program is the mark-recapture estimates. The objectives of this project include: 1) The recovery of spaghetti tags applied by Fisheries and Oceans at Sheep Rock and White Rock fish wheels; 2) To determine tagged : untagged ratios in the Minto Index area; 3) Estimate relative escapement strength in the Minto Index area for 2007; and 3) Involve and train local people and build an interest in the community of ongoing fisheries management activities in the SFN Traditional Territory.
PROJECT SUMMARY: This project will involve the following steps: 1) Visual inspection of key spawning areas during October to determine most appropriate period to recover spaghetti tags while minimizing disturbance to actively spawning fish; 2) Enumerating chum salmon carcasses and live chum salmon at geo-referenced sites between Minto and Fort Selkirk; 3) Collection of “loose” tags along the shoreline or in the water at geo-referenced sites between Minto and Fort Selkirk; 4) Enumerating live fish in sloughs at geo-referenced sites between Minto and Fort Selkirk count live tagged fish; 5) Collection of biological, DNA or other data as required for DFO. The work field work will be conducting in mid October to coincide with aerial surveys of other index areas in the Yukon.
Qualifications: The executive secretary of the Selkirk Renewable Resource Council (SRRC) has been administrating and managing this project successfully in the community since the late 1990’s. There is unanimous support by SRRC Council members for these types of projects in the community that build capacity and interest among youth. CAN-NIC-A-NICK Environmental Sciences is a company that specializes in environmental consulting, particularly projects that relate specifically to fish and fish habitat. Nicholas de Graff is the sole proprietor and has worked in the fisheries management and the aquatic science field for over 25 years, all in northern setting. Mr. de Graff has worked with freshwater and anadromous fish species and completed numerous studies on rivers, lakes and streams of varying size and morphology in northern and north-western Canada including the Alsek River, Brock River, Churchill River, Hayes River, Liard River, Nelson River, Peel River, Seal River, Taku River, and the Yukon River. The company offers government and non-government agencies research and fisheries management expertise on large rivers, lakes and remote environments that is unmatched in the Yukon Territory.
LIFE OF PROJECT: Multi-year project and ongoing.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Provide the following information for the proposed fiscal year.
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 500 Operation & Maintenance 2,500 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 2,000 Personnel 7,000 Total Request $12,000
Total In-kind/other
ON-GOING PROJECTS:
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada has conducted tagging programs on migratory Pacific salmon populations in the upper Yukon River drainage since 1982. Chum salmon are marked with spaghetti tags at two fish wheels located near the Yukon-Alaska border. The purpose of the tagging and subsequent tag recovery is to estimate the size of the chum spawning migration into Canada using marked to unmarked ratios. Yearly spawning migration estimates are used to monitor the relative long term run size of the chum salmon population in the Yukon River in Canada. During October of 2006, the Selkirk First Nation recovered spaghetti tags from post- spawn chum salmon in the Minto index area of the Yukon River near Pelly Crossing, Yukon. Spaghetti tags were recovered through foot and boat surveys at several known chum spawning locations. The survey recovered or observed a total of 50 spaghetti tags, of which 45 were of Canadian origin and 5 originated from US tagging programs. The Canadian chum salmon tagged to untagged ratio for Canadian tagged chum for 2006 was 40.1 fish for the Minto index area. Based on this ratio the Canadian Yukon River chum border escapement is estimated to be 155,060 ± 55,300 fish in 2006. YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND COMMUNITY BASED STREAM STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT NUMBER: CRE-31-08
PROJECT TITLE: Pelly River Sub-basin Community Stewardship Project
PROJECT PROPONENT: Selkirk District Renewable Resource Council
CONTACTS: Anne Middler Nicholas de Graff Selkirk Renewable Resource Council Can-nic-a-nick Environmental Sciences Box 32, Pelly Crossing, Yukon Box 10106, Whitehorse, Yukon Canada Y0B 1P0 Canada Y1A 7A1 Ph: 867 537 3937 Ph: 867 668 4682 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Yukon Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Trust (Ian Pumphrey Ph: 867 334 9453, Email: [email protected] ), Selkirk First Nation (Beverly Brown Ph: 867 537 3331, Email: [email protected] ) and Ducks Unlimited (Amy Leach Ph: 867 668 3824, Email: [email protected] ).
PROJECT LOCATION: Yukon community of Pelly Crossing, and the following streams: Caribou Creek, Crosby Creek, Grayling Creek, Mica Creek, Moose River, Needlerock Creek and Willow Creek
PROJECT SUMMARY: • The number of proposed staff, the person weeks of employment, and how many of each will be youth (under 18)? One crew leader who is enrolled in a post secondary institution with an interest in environmental studies and two staff under 18 years of age from Pelly Crossing. • The training proposed? Fish identification, fish capture methods, adult salmon enumeration and assessment techniques, flow and water chemistry, and habitat stewardship techniques. • How the project will be supervised and managed? Project will be supervised by a crew leader and managed by the Selkirk Renewable Resource Council (SRRC) executive secretary whose been administrating the project successfully in the community since 2005. There is unanimous support by SRRC Council members for these types of projects in the community that build capacity and interest among youth. Technical supervision, quality assurance and control will be supplied by CAN-NIC-A-NICK Environmental Sciences, a company that specializes in environmental consulting, particularly projects that relate specifically to fish and fish habitat. Nicholas de Graff is the sole proprietor and has worked in the fisheries management and the aquatic science field for over 25 years, all in northern setting. Mr. de Graff has worked with both freshwater and anadromous fish species and completed numerous studies on rivers, lakes and streams of varying size and morphology in northern and north-western Canada including the Alsek River, Brock River, Churchill River, Hayes River, Liard River, Nelson River, Peel River, Seal River, Stikine River, Taku River, and the Yukon River. The company offers government and non-government agencies research and fisheries management expertise on large rivers, lakes and remote environments that is unmatched in the Yukon Territory. • The amount of time that will be spent on the restoration of access, the collection of biological samples and data, and the increasing the knowledge of salmon distribution in the local area in accordance with Objectives 2, 3 and 4 in the Introduction. 35 field days for crew leader and crew.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Multi-year for hopefully 6 years (Chinook run cycle) New fiscal year commitment sought as follows.
Amount $ Training Operation & Maintenance 8,500 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 2,500 Personnel 14,000 Total Request $25,000
Total In-kind/other
ABSTRACT FROM PREVIOUS YEAR PROJECT This project added to existing information on several habitat and stock assessment projects (supplements several recent inventory projects) and related research activities on Chinook salmon that utilize tributaries of the Pelly River near the community of Pelly Crossing, Yukon. The Pelly River is a major sub-drainage of the Yukon River and lies within the Traditional Territories of the Selkirk First Nation and Ross River Dena Council in the central Yukon. The tributaries chosen for this study support anadromous Chinook salmon and include both natal and non-natal streams. The continued occurrence of Chinook salmon populations in the vicinity of Pelly Crossing is an important management objective for the Selkirk First Nation, the Selkirk District Renewable Resource Council, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the people who live in the community of Pelly Crossing. This project details the stewardship and research activities that were conducted on Caribou Creek, Crosby Creek, Grayling Creek, Mica Creek, Moose River, Needlerock Creek and Willow Creek during the summer of 2006. The primary objective of the stewardship aspect of the project was to maintain access to traditional spawning and rearing habitat for wild Chinook salmon in these streams. This was accomplished by monitoring, evaluating and in some cases remediation of potential obstructions that restricted fish movements and habitat use. Research included the collection of baseline information on habitat characteristics, thermal profiles, flow estimates, obstruction surveys and fish utilization in the lower reaches of these tributary streams. An aerial survey of Moose River confirmed habitat utilization by spawning Chinook salmon in this drainage. YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Blind Creek Chinook Salmon Enumeration Weir NUMBER: CRE-37-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: J. Wilson & Associates
CONTACT: Jane Wilson, Box 20263, Whitehorse, Yukon,Y1A 7A2, (867) 668-6225, [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Ross River Dena Council – contact: Testloa Smith – Economic Development – YESSA, (867) 969-2097, [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Nearest communities: Faro, Ross River. Pelly River Watershed.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: 1) Operate a weir in Blind Creek to enumerate the chinook salmon escapement. - Meets YRP budget priorities for 2008 - priority # 1 and - YRSC/JTC Plan – Goal #1, objective 1 2) Conduct a sampling program to obtain age-sex-length data and genetic material from migrating chinook salmon at the weir and recover spaghetti tags. - Meets YRP budget priorities for 2008 – priorities #’s 2 and 3, and - YRSC/JTC Plan – Goal #1, Objective 1 3) Promote salmon viewing and increase awareness of the weir project and the salmon resource. - Meets YRP budget priorities for 2008 – priority #4 and - YRSC/JTC Plan – Goal #3, Objective 4.3 4) Provide training and employment for community residents. - Meets YRCS/JTC Plan – Goal #3, Objective 2.1
PROJECT SUMMARY: This project will involve the installation of a weir in Blind Creek to enumerate the chinook salmon escapement and obtain biological samples. The weir will be placed in the same general location as in previous operations, approximately 1 km upstream of the creek mouth. Construction of the weir will begin on or around July 16 using existing weir materials stored on site and operated over the course of the run. Personnel will be on site 24 hours a day and the weir checked each day on an hourly basis from first light until dark. Fish will be sampled randomly each day with a target goal of at least 25% of the run. Sampling will consist of collecting five scales per fish placed in prescribed scale cards, noting presence of spaghetti tags, recording sex and fork length and mid-eye fork lengths (to the nearest 0.5cm). Tissue samples for DNA analysis will also be obtained in accordance with the 2007 Yukon/Transboundary DNA Sampling Protocols. Updated copies of the salmon brochure, produced in 2005, which describes the weir operation and pertinent information on chinook salmon will be made available to the Town of Faro Interpretive Centre. As in 2007, training and employment opportunities will be provided for community residents.
Personnel: Jane Wilson is a fisheries biologist with extensive experience working with a variety of agencies and First Nations in Yukon and Northern B.C. She has successfully administered and co- ordinated weir operations in Blind Creek since 2003.
LIFE OF PROJECT: Ongoing
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital Operation & Maintenance 12,500.00 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 1,500.00 Personnel 32,000.00 Total Request 46,000.00
Total In-kind/other 0
ON-GOING PROJECTS:
BLIND CREEK CHINOOK SALMON ENUMERATION WEIR, 2007 CRE-37-07
ABSTRACT
A weir was operated in Blind Creek to enumerate the 2007 chinook salmon escapement and obtain information on stock characteristics. This is an ongoing program funded by the Yukon River Panel, Restoration & Enhancement Fund, since 2003. The weir site was located in the same general area as in previous years, approximately 1 km upstream of the confluence with the Pelly River. Operation of the weir began on July 17 and continued until August 17. The first fish passed through the weir on July 24. In total, 304 chinook salmon were counted. Fifty percent of the run had passed through the weir by August 6 and 90% by August 12. Chinook spawners were sampled randomly throughout the weir operation to obtain information on the age-sex-length structure of the run. A total of 83 chinook salmon (27% of the run) was sampled of which 37 (45%) were female and 46 (55%) were male. Jacks (males<630 (FL)) comprised 16% of the fish sampled. The mean fork length of females and males sampled was 860 mm and 745 mm, respectively. Scale samples are currently undergoing age analysis by DFO. Tissue samples for DNA analysis were collected from 81 of the fish sampled. Spaghetti tags applied at the DFO tagging program at Bio-Island near the Canada/U.S. border were also recorded. A total of four tagged fish was observed, three of which were retrieved. As in the past two years a salmon brochure containing information about the salmon resource and weir operations was produced for distribution to visitors of the Town of Faro Interpretive Centre. At least 90 people visited the weir over the course of operations this year.
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
NUMBER: CRE-41-08
PROJECT TITLE: Sonar Enumeration of Chinook Salmon on the Big Salmon River
PROJECT PROPONENT: J. Wilson & Associates
CONTACT: Jane Wilson, Box 20263, Whitehorse, Y1A 7A2, (867) 668-6225, [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: B. Mercer & Associates Ltd., Brian Mercer, (867) 633-2795, [email protected], Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation, Joe Bellmore - Assistant Director of Lands and Resources, (867) 863-5576 ext. 256.,[email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Nearest community: Little Salmon Carmacks; Big Salmon Watershed
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: 1) Operate a sonar station on the Big Salmon River to enumerate the chinook salmon escapement. - Meets YRP budget priorities for 2008 - priority # 1 and - YRSC/JTC Plan – Goal #1, objective 1
2) Conduct spawning ground sampling for age-sex-length data and genetic material from post- spawn fish and recover spaghetti tags. - Meets YRP budget priorities for 2008 – priorities # 2 and 3, and - YRSC/JTC Plan – Goal #1, objective 1
PROJECT SUMMARY: The 2008 project will use the DIDSON sonar unit purchased in 2004 and used on the Big Salmon River since 2005. The sonar site and camp will be located at the same location used since 2005. As in previous years, a partial weir will be constructed on each side of the river. Prefabricated metal tripods will be procured from storage in Dawson City in order to extend the weir and reduce the ensonified area to 20m. All equipment, sonar apparatus, and additional diversion fence materials will be transported to the site by riverboat. Sonar operation will begin July 14 and continue over the course of the chinook salmon run (end on or around August 28). It is anticipated that carcass sampling will begin on or around August 13 and extend through to September 7. The upper reaches of the system will be accessed using a 5.5m open skiff with an outboard jet motor. A crew of two will make an extended 2-3 day foray at least once a week to the headwaters of the Big Salmon River searching for spent chinook and carcasses. Carcass sampling will consist of collecting five scales per fish placed in prescribed scale cards, noting presence of spaghetti tags, recording sex and post-orbital hypural and mid-eye-fork lengths (to the nearest 0.5cm). Tissue samples for DNA analysis will also be obtained in accordance with the 2007 Yukon/Transboundary DNA Sampling Protocols. Personnel: Jane Wilson is a fisheries biologist with extensive experience working with a variety of agencies and First Nations in Yukon and Northern B.C. She successfully administered and co-ordinated the Big Salmon sonar enumeration project in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Brian Mercer is a registered professional biologist with 27 years experience in fisheries related projects in northern B.C. and the Yukon. He initiated the Big Salmon sonar enumeration project in 2005 and was responsible for the set up and successful operation of the sonar project during each year of operation.
LIFE OF PROJECT: ongoing
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital *Operation & Maintenance 35,500.00 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 2,000.00 Personnel 42,000.00 Total Request 79,500.00
Total In-kind/other 0 *includes estimated cost of $4,500 to procure and transport prefabricated metal tripods to site.
ON-GOING PROJECTS:
2007 Sonar Enumeration of Chinook Salmon in the Big Salmon River System CRE-41-07
ABSTRACT
A long range dual frequency identification sonar (DIDSON-LR) was used to enumerate the chinook salmon escapement to the Big Salmon River in 2007, as well as determine associated run timing, and diel migration patterns. This was the third year of sonar operation at this site. The sonar site was located on the Big Salmon River at the same location as in previous years, approximately 1.5 km upstream of the confluence with the Yukon River. Partial weirs placed on both sides of the river were used to restrict fish passage through a 34 m opening. The sonar was configured to provide a 29º conical ensonified field, 40 m wide that covered the water column within the fish passage opening. A total of 4,450 targets identified as chinook salmon was counted past the sonar station between July 16 and August 28, 2007. A peak daily migration of 435 fish occurred on August 1, and 90% of the run had passed the station on August 14. The 2007 Big Salmon sonar project, as in the previous years, demonstrated that the DIDSON-LR sonar unit could produce observable images of fish swimming through the ensonified field at distances up to 40 m. At ranges >20 m, however, the resolution of target images was poor and the relative size of the targets beyond this distance could only be determined qualitatively. The results indicated that migrating chinook salmon were readily distinguishable from resident fish species by the relative size of the image and difference in swimming behaviour. The fish images produced total counts that correlated well with past chinook salmon passage data from the Big Salmon. A carcass pitch was conducted over the total length of the Big Salmon River that yielded 150 chinook carcasses. Each carcass was sexed, and sampled for age determination, size and DNA analysis. Of the 150 fish sampled, 110 (73%) were female and 40 (27%) were male. The mean fork length of females and males sampled was 847.5 mm and 792.5 mm, respectively. Scale samples are currently undergoing analysis by DFO.
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Upper Teslin Chum Tracking Pilot Program NUMBER: CRE-46N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Teslin Tlingit First Nation (TTC)
CONTACT: ¾ Frank M Johnstone, Fish & Wildlife Officer Phone (876) 390-2532 ext 429 Fax (867) 390-2116 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ Qualified Consultant with radio tagging experience.
PROJECT LOCATION: Upper Teslin River, Near Johnson’s Crossing, YT.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This table lists project objectives while relating them to applicable Panel and JTC documents. Project Objective R&E Budget JTC Plan 2008 R&E Priorities Budget Framework Priorities 5. Habitat 2.1. Identify, Restoration and Determine the run timing and potential capture Conservation- characterize and enhancement – locations of chum salmon in the upper Teslin River. Stocks, Research catalog salmon document habitats. habitat. Determine the feasibility and best methods to track Conservation- chum salmon in the upper Teslin River and Teslin n/a 7. Research Stocks, Research Lake using radio tags 5. Habitat 2.1. Identify, Conservation- Restoration and Provide information from which to ensure the long- characterize and Stocks, enhancement – term conservation of this little understood salmon run. catalog salmon Research document habitats. habitat. Continue to build community capacity and Stewardship 4. Community stewardship for the conservation, restoration, and Technical n/a Education and enhancement of salmon stocks in the Teslin River capacity building Stewardship Watershed. in communities
PROJECT SUMMARY:
The chum salmon in the Teslin River watershed represent a poorly understood and unique stock. This run is likely one of the longest documented migrations made by this species in the world. While some are known to spawn in several locations along the lower Teslin River, there is little to no information available regarding the destinations of those that may spawn in tributaries of Teslin Lake, and/or at the mouths of tributaries in the lake. In recent years, several chum have been captured in Teslin Lake indicating spawning either in the lake or associated tributaries. The Teslin Tlingit First Nation is currently very interested in developing a greater understanding of these chum stocks. Conservation and protection of spawning areas will be very important especially in light of increased development along the lake and tributary streams.
This project will involve the following activities:
1. Staggered sampling from September to November 2008 in the Teslin River near the outlet of Teslin Lake to determine the timing, relative numbers and best sampling locations for chum salmon.
2. As there is some concern about the feasibility of radio tagging chum salmon this far up in the river system, it is proposed that three different types of tags are applied as a test of the most appropriate method. Fish in good shape will be tagged and tracked by boat (for one to two days) to determine the success of each tagging method. It should be noted that results from the coho radio tagging in the Porcupine River indicate that it is possible to radio tag fish far up the watershed. In addition, as chum have sensitive stomachs, likely external tags (mounted on the body under the dorsal fin) will be most suitable.
3. Biologists will oversee project operations and report preparation, local technicians will assist with the fieldwork component of the project.
4. Results will be assessed in regard to the success of this pilot project, and value of any data gathered. This project will essentially determine if a radio tracking project is feasible and necessary.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This is one year pilot project, depending on results an additional year of a full study may be warranted.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 8,000 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 1,800 Personnel 9,000 Total Request 18,800
Total In-kind/other 2,000
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT NUMBER: CRE-51-08
PROJECT TITLE: KDFN Michie Creek Salmon and Habitat Monitoring Project
PROJECT PROPONENT: Kwanlin Dun First Nation
CONTACT: Dave Sembsmoen Nicholas de Graff Kwanlin Dun First Nation Can-nic-a-nick Environmental Sciences 35 McIntyre Drive, Whitehorse, Yukon Box 10106, Whitehorse, Yukon Canada Y1A 5A2 Canada Y1A 7A1 Ph: 867 633 7814 Ph: 867 668 4682 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Non at this time.
PROJECT LOCATION: Closest community is Whitehorse; this project will focus on upper Michie Creek chinook spawning area with a small amount of work at the Whitehorse Rapids Fish Hatchery, Whitehorse Rapids Fish Ladder and the mainstem of the Yukon River downstream of the Whitehorse Rapids dam.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This project is intended to compliment several YRP priorities that include escapement monitoring, collect age, sex, length (ASL) data and/or girth and weight information for chinook escapement (using carcass surveys or other techniques) and advance information, education and training – including traditional knowledge – to enable more effective community participation in the management of Yukon River salmon stocks and habitats; and, increase salmon users and non-users desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat. Specific objectives include continuation of salmon research activities at the Michie Creek spawning area by examining, documenting, and maintaining access to Michie Creek spawning habitat by adult chinook salmon in this watercourse; and the continuation of field research on the affects of hatchery plantings on Michie Creek wild chinook salmon stock through data collection. PROJECT SUMMARY: Using information collected in previous years, continue monitoring the upper reaches of Michie Creek for barriers in accordance with the DFO Guidelines for the Management of Beaver in Fish Bering Streams in the Yukon & NBC Division and undertake dead pitch, genetic samples, redd surveys, the collection of coded wire tags, enumeration and document timing of adult spawning populations as needed. The project will also continue the periodic site visitations into Michie Creek to determine wild and hatchery juvenile Chinook salmon interactions, collect flow, temperature and benthic data at the upper Michie Creek spawning site. Qualifications: The Fish and Wildlife manager of the KDFN has been administrating this project successfully in the community since the late 1990’s. There is unanimous support by KDFN Executive for these types of projects in the community that build capacity and interest among KDFN members. CAN-NIC-A-NICK Environmental Sciences is a company that specializes in environmental consulting, particularly projects that relate specifically to fish and fish habitat. Nicholas de Graff is the sole proprietor and has worked in the fisheries management and the aquatic science field for over 25 years, all in northern setting. Mr. de Graff has worked with freshwater and anadromous fish species and completed numerous studies on rivers, lakes and streams of varying size and morphology in northern and north-western Canada including the Alsek River, Brock River, Churchill River, Hayes River, Liard River, Nelson River, Peel River, Seal River, Taku River, and the Yukon River. The company offers government and non-government agencies research and fisheries management expertise on large rivers, lakes and remote environments that is unmatched in the Yukon Territory.
LIFE OF PROJECT: Multi-year project and ongoing.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Provide the following information for the proposed fiscal year.
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 3000 Operation & Maintenance 11000 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 3000 Personnel 13000 Total Request 30000
Total In-kind/other
ON-GOING PROJECTS: This report details the stewardship and research activities that were conducted in upper Michie Creek during the open water season of 2006. The primary purpose of the project is to maintain salmon habitat in this watercourse by monitoring beaver activity and other potential barriers and breaching them when required. Research included the collection of benthic organisms and the monitoring of flow and temperature in upper Michie Creek. In addition, the relative health and abundance of both wild and enhanced juvenile Chinook salmon populations that utilize upper Michie Creek was investigated. It is believed that water flow conditions in 2006 in the upper Michie Creek spawning area were more than adequate to allow spawning success of Chinook salmon. Very little remedial effort was needed to assure access of migrating Chinook salmon to traditional spawning habitat in upper Michie Creek. Surface temperatures in upper Michie Creek and at the Whitehorse fish ladder were somewhat cooler than in previous years, especially when compared to 2004. Juvenile salmon investigations concluded that there was no apparent effect of hatchery plantings on the survival or growth of wild juvenile Chinook salmon, at densities of wild salmon found in upper Michie Creek and under the environmental conditions that occurred during the open water season of 2005. As in previous years, the bulk of the hatchery juvenile Chinook salmon (jcs) planted into upper Michie during 2006 most likely began downstream movement shortly after release. There is some indication that growth of wild jcs over the summer period is inversely related to their relative abundance in upper Michie Creek. A poor relationship exists between adult Chinook salmon counts through the Whitehorse Fish ladder and resulting yearly CPUE statistics for jcs in upper Michie Creek. Generally, catches of wild juvenile Chinook salmon captured in minnow traps are consistently low during the summer months and increase dramatically in the late fall. YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Fox Creek Chinook Stock Restoration NUMBER: CRE-52-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Ta’an Kwach’an Council
CONTACT: ¾ Emmie Fairclough, Renewable Resource Manager, Ta’an Kwach’an Council 117 Industrial Road, Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 2T8 Phone: (867) 668-3613 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Contact Al von Finster, phone: (867) 393-6721, [email protected] MPO.GC.CA ¾ EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc., Contact Pat Tobler, Phone: (867) 393-4882, [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. Fox Creek, Yukon River watershed.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This table lists project objectives while relating them to applicable Panel and JTC documents. Project Objective R&E Budget Priorities JTC Plan 2008 R&E Framework Budget Priorities Restoration 6. Continue to Plan and arrange incubation of brood Stocks support stock n/a stock in 2008/2009 Implementation restoration projects that are underway
PROJECT SUMMARY: Fox Creek is reported to at one time have supported a spawning population of chinook salmon. However, in more recent times extensive beaver activity is believed to have restricted or eliminated any possible access to areas of potentially valuable spawning and/or rearing habitat. A process was undertaken beginning in 2006 (CRE-54N-06) to work towards attempted restoration of a chinook salmon population in Fox Creek. This involved assessment of the current state of the stream, and undertook establishment of access to the stream for monitoring purposes. In 2007, monitoring and access establishment continued under the TKC Stewardship program (CRE-54N-07). The regulatory and permitting processes undertaken in 2007 (CRE-52N-07) have been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. Primarily, this delay is related to relevant current policy development activities internal to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and to a lesser degree, it is related to coordination and communication delays among several relevant parties potentially involved in brood stock collection and incubation. This proposal is a contingency should further work in this regard remain outstanding once CRE-52N-07 is complete. If no such activities are outstanding, then this project will not be required. While the results of CRE-52N-07 are not yet clear to a point where 2008 requirements to further facilitate the restoration of chinook in Fox Creek can be identified, this Conceptual Proposal is intended to address the such potential requirements. Such results and related requirements will be available prior to, and will be addressed appropriately at, the Detailed Proposal stage. A qualified biologist will be contracted to oversee project operations and report preparation.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This project is ongoing, however, it is envisioned that most longer term (beyond 2008) requirements can be accomplished under the TKC Stewardship program. This proposal is submitted on a contingency basis only, should further work remain outstanding after CRE-52N-07 is complete.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 145 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 855 Personnel 8,400 Total Request 9,400
Total In-kind/other 400
ON-GOING PROJECTS: Abstract From 2006 Project Report: During the summer of 2006, an assessment of beaver activity and salmon utilization in Fox Creek, a tributary of Lake Laberge near Whitehorse was conducted. Access to the lower reaches of the stream was also established through the use of existing roads and trails. In addition, a foot-path was cleared along the lower 2.2 km of Fox Creek in order to provide access for present and future monitoring. The legal and regulatory requirements for the potential future release of Chinook salmon into Fox Creek were also investigated, as well as appropriate brood stock source and incubation options.
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Thirty-Mile River Chinook Habitat Assessment NUMBER: CRE-53N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Ta’an Kwach’an Council
CONTACT: ¾ Emmie Fairclough, Renewable Resources Manager, Ta’an Kwach’an Council 117 Industrial Road, Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 2T8 Phone: (867) 668-3613 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ Parks Canada will be contacted to pursue potential partnership opportunities.
PROJECT LOCATION: Yukon River between Lake Laberge and Teslin River confluence, this stretch is commonly referred to as the “The Thirty Mile.”
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This table lists project objectives while relating them to applicable Panel and JTC documents. Project Objective R&E Budget JTC Plan 2008 R&E Priorities Budget Framework Priorities Conservation 2.1 Identify, Identification of chinook spawning habitat within 5. Habitat Habitat characterize and “The Thirty Mile” section of the Yukon River and Restoration and Assessment catalogue salmon its tributaries. Enhancement habitats Conservation 2.1 Identify, Identification of chinook rearing habitat usage 5. Habitat Habitat characterize and within “The Thirty Mile” section of the Yukon Restoration and Assessment catalogue salmon River and its tributaries. Enhancement habitats Stewardship 3.2 Build and Technical 4. Community Provide training, employment opportunities, and Maintain capacity Education and build capacity with TKC members. Community building in Stewardship Capacity communities
PROJECT SUMMARY: Chinook salmon are known to migrate through the Thirty Mile River (a Heritage River) on route to spawning habitats in the upper Yukon River drainage, however, very little is known about chinook spawning or rearing habitats within this area of the watershed.
In 2004 during a casual overflight of this area, DFO personnel observed a number of adult chinook in the river near Lake Laberge.1 In the Yukon River drainage, river habitats downstream of lakes are typically very important chinook spawning areas. In this case, the Thirty Mile River has never been documented as a significant spawning area, either due to lack of investigation and/or perhaps habitat alteration related to the impacts of past paddle wheeler activity during the early 1900’s. This paddlewheel activity had the potential
1 Personal communications with Pat Milligan, DFO Stock Assessment to influence chinook habitats via scouring of the riverbed, modifications of the channel, and removal of riparian vegetation (for use as fuel).
There is limited or no knowledge of juvenile chinook habitats and/or use in this area. Considering the importance of non-natal streams for juvenile chinook rearing in the Yukon, many of the tributary streams to the Thirty Mile have the potential to be important valuable rearing habitat for chinook salmon. The Thirty Mile mainstem is also likely to provide suitable rearing habitats.
A qualified biologist will be contracted to oversee project operations and report preparation.
This project will involve the following activities: ¾ Pre-field planning: during the planning process, biologists will review existing data, obtain available maps and aerial photographs, apply for a sampling permit, and refine sampling methodology. Fieldwork will be planned to take place in early to mid August during expected peak spawning activity. ¾ Spawning habitat identification: stream video surveys will focus on potential high quality spawning areas identified during project planning and will verify habitat quality and identify spawning activity. ¾ Juvenile habitat assessments: the lower portion of significant tributaries will be assessed for rearing potential via habitat characterization and juvenile chinook sampling (using minnow trap, seine nets and electrofishing). ¾ Reporting: Findings will be presented in a detailed report prepared by biologists and will outline study results and will include relevant maps.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This is a single year project.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 6,124 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 2,036 Personnel 14,240 Total Request 22,400
Total In-kind/other 400
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND COMMUNITY BASED STREAM STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Ta’an Kwach’an Council Community Stewardship Number: CRE-54-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Ta’an Kwach’an Council
CONTACT: ¾ Emmie Fairclough, Renewable Resource Manager, Ta’an Kwach’an Council 117 Industrial Road, Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 2T8 Phone: (867) 668-3613 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc., Contact Pat Tobler, Phone: (867) 393-4882, [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Project activities will be based out of Whitehorse, with works conducted on salmon bearing waters within the TKC Traditional Territory.
PROJECT SUMMARY: Two Stewards will be hired by TKC for a total of 20 person weeks of employment. ¾ Depending on individual requirements, at least 4 person weeks of the Stewards time will be spent receiving appropriate training and mentoring relevant to the types of work pursued through the Stewardship program. Such training and mentoring will include, but not be limited to, first aid, swift water rescue, ATV safety, bear safety, sampling methodology, techniques, field procedures, and data management. The Stewards will benefit from mentoring opportunities by accompanying DFO and contract biologists in the field on relevant salmon related projects in the TKC Traditional Territory. ¾ A qualified biologist will be contracted to oversee project operations and report preparation. This will include all supervision of the Stewards as well as coordinating all training and mentoring opportunities. ¾ Up to a maximum of 16 person weeks will be spent on the restoration of access, the collection of biological samples and data, and increasing the knowledge of salmon distribution in the TKC Traditional Territory.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: It should be noted that this project is ongoing—multiple year.
Project Budget Amount $ Training 2500 Operation & Maintenance 8125 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 4200 Personnel 31375 Total Request 46200
Total In-kind/other 2500
ABSTRACT FROM PREVIOUS YEAR PROJECT 2007 Draft Abstract: The Stewardship program undertaken by the TKC commenced in 2007. Two Stewards worked closely with contracted biologists to conduct a variety of monitoring works related to chinook salmon stocks and habitat in the TKC Traditional Territory for a total of 20 person-weeks of employment. This included monitoring related to the ongoing effort working towards the restoration of chinook stocks in Fox Creek, monitoring and assessment of two small juvenile chinook salmon rearing streams near Whitehorse, monitoring works related to a past habitat restoration project (CRE-53-06), and, conducting chinook spawner surveys in the Yukon River for biological sample collection. The Stewards also participated in a variety of training and mentoring opportunities relevant to their activities, including courses in First Aid, ATV safety, as well as field training/mentoring exercises with contract and DFO biologists.
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND COMMUNITY BASED STREAM STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL Number: CRE-58-08
PROJECT TITLE: Kluane Community Salmon Stewardship Program PROJECT PROPONENT: Kluane First Nation
CONTACT: Geraldine Pope, Box 20, Burwash Landing, YOB 1VO, (867) 841-5501, [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Community Steward- Kluane Region (Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board), Elsabé Kloppers, (867) 634-3843, [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Nearest Community: Burwash Landing; Rivers and streams in the White River Watershed lying within 80 kilometers of Burwash Landing.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
• Two community members, one of whom will be employed as a steward technician and the other as a youth assistant, will carry out stewardship activities. Field projects will be conducted over a period of 4 weeks (mid-July to mid-Aug). It is anticipated that a person under the age of 18 will be involved in the project for the 4 week duration. • Training will include enrolment of a community member in the ‘Yukon Fisheries Field Technician Course’ offered by Yukon College in May-June. This person along with interested youth will receive certification in applicable safety courses including Swift Water Rescue and First Aid when courses are available. • The Community Steward for the Kluane Region (under the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board Community Stewardship Program) will provide on-site supervision and training throughout the field component. The Renewable Resource Manager for the Kluane First Nation will be responsible for the administration of the project, personnel hiring, acquisition of equipment and coordination of training courses. • The 4 week field program will be devoted to increasing the knowledge of salmon distribution and utilisation of habitat within 80 Km of Burwash Landing.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: multi-year project, anticipated 5 years.
Project Budget, 2008 Amount $ Training 2,000.00 Operation & Maintenance 5,400.00 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 1,400.00 Personnel 8,200.00 Total Request 17,000.00
Total In-kind/other 2000.00
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Whitehorse Rapids Hatchery Coded Wire Tagging NUMBER: CRE-63-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Yukon Fish and Game Association (YFGA)
CONTACT: ¾ Pat Hogan, Director, Yukon Fish & Game Association 4061 Fourth Ave, Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 1H1 Phone: (867) 667-2948 H, (867) 667 3064 W [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Contact Patrick Milligan, phone: (867) 393-6720, [email protected] mpo.gc.ca ¾ Whitehorse Rapids Hatchery, Contact Lawrence Vano, phone 668 3938, [email protected] ¾ Yukon Energy, Contact Ron Gee, phone 393 5305, [email protected] ¾ Whitehorse Rapids Fishway, Contact summer, phone 633 5965, [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Whitehorse Rapids Hatchery; Yukon River tributaries upstream of Whitehorse dam (Michie Creek and M’Clintock River).
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This table lists project objectives while relating them to applicable Panel and JTC documents. Project Objective 2008 R&E Budget Priorities To apply coded wire tags to all Chinook salmon fry reared at the Whitehorse Rapids Hatchery. 6. Stock Restoration
To contract out the clipping and tagging (CWT) of the Chinook salmon fry (out of Territory supervisor with 5. Habitat Restoration and Enhancement significant expertise in tagging operations). To assist in the sampling of adult Chinook salmon at the 3. Determine the quality of stock Fishway. escapement.
To continue promotion of education and stewardship with the community of Whitehorse and with the tourists from around the word who visit the Whitehorse Rapids Fishway each summer. (Note: The Fishway employs 4. Community Education and Stewardship approximately 4 high school students each summer.)
PROJECT SUMMARY: All Chinook fry released from the Whitehorse Rapids fish hatchery will be marked by the removal of their adipose fins and tagged with Agency tags in early summer 2008. The project will provide support to the Whitehorse Rapids Fishway as an effective means for returning salmon spawning populations to reach their spawning grounds upstream of the dam.
Programming at the Fishway location provides visitors and residents with opportunities to view the returning salmon and learn about this resource. These activities enhance stewardship and promote conservation ethics to maintain the salmon resource.
Sampling and counts of returning salmon, identified as wild and hatchery fish, assist in providing data for conservation and assessment of the resource.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This project is ongoing.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Operation & Maintenance 21,000 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 4,000 Personnel 8,000 Total Request 33,000 GST (6%) 1,980
Total 34,980
ON-GOING PROJECTS: 2007 Project Update: All Whitehorse Rapids Hatchery fry were marked with an adipose fin clip (removal) and tagged with an Agency-only coded wire tag. Contractor Phyllis Nelson completed the clipping and tagging program from May 24th to June 8th. In addition to Ms. Nelson, 4 fin clippers and one additional tagger assisted with the operation.
The total number of Chinook released in 2007 are: Wolf Creek - 41,184 tagged fry released May 24, May 28 and June 3; Yukon River mainstem - 35,609 tagged fry released May 29; Michie Creek - 50,590 tagged fry released June 8 and M'Clintock River - 38,771 tagged fry released on June 8.
Over the course of the summer, mid May to early September, 21,983 visitors from 75 different countries visited the Whitehorse Rapids Fishway. These visitors were provided opportunities to view the returning salmon and learn about this resource. Local high school students employed at the facility provided information and answered the visitors’ questions. The Fishway staff assisted Whitehorse Rapids Hatchery staff in counting the returning fish and providing support to sample returning fish. These activities enhance stewardship and promote conservation ethics to maintain the salmon resource.
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
CRE-64N-08
PROJECT TITLE: Incubation Temperature / Sex Ratio Study - Whitehorse Rapids Fish Hatchery
PROJECT PROPONENT: Kwanlin Dun First Nation
CONTACT: Dave Sembsmoen Nicholas de Graff Kwanlin Dun First Nation Can-nic-a-nick Environmental Sciences 35 McIntyre Drive, Whitehorse, Yukon Box 10106, Whitehorse, Yukon Canada Y1A 5A2 Canada Y1A 7A1 Ph: 867 633 7814 Ph: 867 668 4682 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Whitehorse Rapids Fish Hatchery (Lawrence Vano, Ph: 867 668 3938, Email: [email protected] ), Yukon Department of Environment (Susan Thompson, Ph: Email: [email protected] ), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Jody Mackenzie-Grieve, Ph: 867 393 6723, Email: Mackenzie- [email protected] ) and Yukon College (Clint Sawatski, Ph: 867 668 8772, Email: [email protected] ).
PROJECT LOCATION: Closest community is Whitehorse; this project will be primarily conducted at the Whitehorse Rapids Fish Hatchery, with a small amount of work at upper Michie Creek chinook spawning area and the McIntyre Creek Incubation Facility.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This project is intended to compliment a YRP priority that include the support of stock restoration projects that are underway by determining the relationships between artificially propagated and wild juvenile Chinook salmon. A skewing of the sex ratio through high returns of hatchery precocious males has been documented at the Whitehorse Rapids Fish Ladder over several years. The specific objective of this project is to determine if differing incubation temperatures between wild and artificially propagated juvenile chinook salmon is resulting in an expression of a gender biased sex ratio.
PROJECT SUMMARY: The project will require 3 small groups of juvenile chinook salmon (100 to 150 juveniles) from different incubation sites, each uniquely marked and all of Michie Creek genetic origin will be reared together in a communal tank at the Whitehorse Rapids Fish Hatchery to a size of approximately 10 gms in weight. Upon reaching the required size all juveniles will be sacrificed to determine their group origin and sex by visual examination of the gonads. A statistical comparison will be made between the groups to determine the extent of any gender bias in the resulting sex ratio. All group collections will be completed in the spring of 2008 and juveniles will be held at the Whitehorse Rapids facility until November 2008 when they are anticipated to reach the appropriate size.
Qualifications: The Fish and Wildlife manager of the KDFN will be administrating this project. Other R & E projects have been successfully managed by KDFN since the late 1990’s. There is unanimous support by KDFN Executive for these types of projects that build capacity and interest among KDFN members. CAN-NIC-A-NICK Environmental Sciences is a company that specializes in environmental consulting, particularly projects that relate specifically to fish and fish habitat. Nicholas de Graff is the sole proprietor and has worked in the fisheries management and the aquatic science field for over 25 years, all in northern setting. The company offers government and non-government agencies research and fisheries management expertise on large rivers, lakes and remote environments that is unmatched in the Yukon Territory. The assistance and support of Lawrence Vano, the current manager of the Whitehorse Rapids Fish Hatchery, has offered his assistance for the rearing component.
LIFE OF PROJECT: 1 year
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Provide the following information for the proposed fiscal year.
Project Budget Amount $ Capital Operation & Maintenance 2000 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 1000 Personnel 2500 Total Request $5,500
Total In-kind/other
ON-GOING PROJECTS:
New project for 2008. YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: McIntyre Creek Salmon Incubation Project NUMBER: CRE-65-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Northern Research Institute, Yukon College
CONTACT: Clint Sawicki Northern Research Institute, Box 2799, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5K4 Ph.867-668-8772 Email. [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Nick de Graff RPBio., Can-nic-a-nick Environmental Sciences, Box 10106, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 7A1 Ph/Fax: (867) 668-4682, Email: [email protected]. Potential research partner - Fox Creek project - Isaac Anderton at EDI and Taan. Yukon Schools: Ken Taylor (principal, Jack Hulland School), Phone: (867) 667-8496 Email: [email protected] Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Trix Tanner (Education Coordinator) Phone: (867) 393-6703 Email: [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Whitehorse - Unnamed groundwater tributary to McIntyre Creek alongside Mountainview Drive in road right-of-way.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: Stock Restoration • To take eggs, incubate, rear, apply coded wire tags and release groups of Chinook fry back into Takhini River, and Tatchun Creek; • To continue to modify and test various small scale salmon incubation techniques; • To monitor returning adults and fry that have been released to determine the effectiveness of the incubation, tagging and releasing strategies and to gather information on adult interception and survival; Community Education and Stewardship • To provide eyed eggs, and a facility for their incubation to schools around the Yukon, and to provide a site for Yukon students and the general public to visit to learn about salmon and their habitat through studying the adjacent McIntyre Creek; • To foster stewardship of the salmon by involving personnel at Yukon College (students and instructors) in the care of the salmon, and by making them aware of the habitat requirements of salmon in hatcheries and in the wild through hands on experience, and through offering various workshops, including the Streamkeepers workshop. • To provide education, training and student employment in egg takes, incubation, tagging, rearing and sampling of juvenile Chinook salmon. Conservation – Research - Stocks • To continue otolith-marking methods using thermal marking techniques to determine whether it could become an alternative to coded wire tagging.
PROJECT SUMMARY: The MCIP will continue to incubate, rear, and tag Takhini River and Tatchun Creek Chinook salmon, and will continue to test the heath stack incubators and thermal marking units. Awareness and stewardship of Yukon salmon resources will be enhanced by involving volunteers, partners and the public in the project, and by supporting the “Salmon in the Classroom” program through provision of eyed salmon eggs. The McIntyre site will also be an educational field trip destination for the public, the school system and provide a salmon incubation research facility for students, instructors and partners.
LIFE OF PROJECT: Project is ONGOING.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Project Budget Amount $ Capital Operation & Maintenance 18000 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 6000 Personnel 23000 Total Request 47000
Total In-kind/other 28000
ON-GOING PROJECTS: Abstract – McIntyre Creek Salmon Incubation Project 2006/2007 As it has done for the last five seasons, the Northern Research Institute (NRI) at Yukon College operated the McIntyre Creek Salmon Incubation Project for the 2005-2006 season. The NRI works very closely with Yukon College Renewable Resource Management students (RRM), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, other partner organizations and contractors to operate the site. Education and public outreach on Chinook salmon research and management continues to be a major objective for McIntyre: the facility is operated by RRM students, hosts a variety of public events, and is involved with development and testing of a variety of techniques used in hatchery programs. Chinook fry reared at the McIntyre Creek project from the 2005 broodstock were coded wire tagged and released between July 5, 2006 and July 24, 2006. A total of 73,548 Chinook fry were tagged and released in 2006 - 36,366 Tatchun Creek salmon and 37,182 Takhini River salmon. Approximately 97,000 Chinook eggs were incubated in 2006: about 49,000 were taken from Tatchun Creek Chinook and about 48,000 were taken from Takhini River Chinook. Eggs and milt were transported from each site to the McIntyre facility where eggs were fertilized and then planted into health stack incubation trays. The initial egg fertilization estimates completed in the fall of 2006 were 85.7% on average for those of Takhini River origin and approximately 50% for those of Tatchun Creek origin (based on estimates from 1 batch of eggs). Subsequent survival estimates suggest that approximately 46,000 (of 49,000) Tatchun eggs and approximately 46,000 (of 48,000) Takhini eggs survived to alevins. Re-enumeration of Chinook fry will be completed in April or early May before tagging commences. The results of thermal marking trials on the 2005-2006 cohort were assessed by the DFO Whitehorse otolith lab in spring 2006. Four pre-hatch rings were visible on thermally marked Tatchun Creek fry and 3 or 5 pre-hatch rings were visible on thermally marked Takhini fry. This year all incubation units were upgraded to increase the efficiency of thermal marking and all Chinook at the McIntyre facility were thermally marked over the incubation period. Otoliths from 2006-2007 will be assessed by the DFO otolith lab in spring of 2007. Fry trapping during the spring and summer of 2006 was completed by Y2C2 and Yukon College students, with the assistance of the Education Coordinator from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Fry trapping was conducted at Tatchun Creek in July and at Flat Creek in late June. YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Salmon in the Classroom Incubator Chillers NUMBER: CRE-66N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Streamkeepers North Society
CONTACT: Doug Davidge, Treasurer Phone Number: (867) 668-2233 Fax Number: c/o (867) 667-7962 Mailing Address: 76 Kluane Crescent, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 3G9 Email: [email protected] , [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Yukon Schools: Ken Taylor (principal, Jack Hulland School), Phone: (867) 667-8496 Email: [email protected] Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Trix Tanner (Education Coordinator) Phone: (867) 393-6703 Email: [email protected] Northern Research Institute: Clint Sawicki Northern Research Institute, Box 2799, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5K4 Ph.867-668-8772 Email. [email protected] (operates McIntyre Incubation site where many eggs are incubated prior to delivery to the schools)
PROJECT LOCATION: This project takes place in schools throughout the Yukon. Chillers will be used in Yukon Schools in whichever community needs them. Currently, classroom incubation is occurring in Old Crow and Dawson City, and schools in Whitehorse, Teslin, Destruction Bay, Ross River, Faro, Haines Junction and Pelly Crossing will be using salmon incubation equipment later in the school year. All salmon will be from the Yukon River drainage, including salmon from the Takhini River, Tatchun Creek, the Klondike River, the Fishing Branch River, and the Kluane River. All communities except Haines Junction are in the Yukon River watershed. (Haines Junction will be growing Kluane River chum salmon.)
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This goal of this project is to provide equipment necessary to enable the effective operation of classroom salmon incubators. Supporting the classroom incubation component of the Stream to Sea program helps to meet the highest ranking objective in the “Stewardship” envelope of “involving and educating users and non-users to increase their desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat”. School children raising salmon in their classrooms fits into the category of priority projects listed in the 2008 specific R&E priorities include, under “Community Education and Stewardship”, “youth-oriented education and hands-on projects (youth up to 18 years)”. Goal 3.4 of the JTC Plan is to “Promote public values of the salmon resource”. A subsidiary goal is to “educate the public on the values of salmon and salmon habitat” through strategies that include the promotion of school programs for all grade levels. Classroom incubation is an engaging activity that helps students to learn about salmon and their habitat requirements throughout their life cycle. Successful operation of a classroom incubation project requires reliable incubator chillers. This project will ensure that these are available in Yukon schools.
PROJECT SUMMARY: Five chillers, designed specifically for classroom salmon incubation purposes, will be purchased to replace aging and irreparable chillers used by Yukon Schools for the salmon incubation portion of the Stream to Sea program. These chillers are necessary to maintain water at tolerable temperatures for salmon, and to enable classes to somewhat mimic the timing of the stages of development of wild salmon. Chillers have been purchased over the last twenty years under various programs including the Yukon Government Economic Development Agreement and HRSEP. The oldest chillers have been moved from school to school and several have been repaired more than once. In the upcoming year, the oldest ones requiring expensive repairs will be replaced with these newer, quieter and more environmentally friendly chillers.
LIFE OF PROJECT: Request for 2007-2008 only.
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 4625 Operation & Maintenance 100 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 0 Personnel 0 Total Request 4725
Total In-kind/other
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Yukon Schools Fry Releases & Habitat Studies NUMBER: CRE-67-08 PROJECT PROPONENT: Streamkeepers North Society
CONTACT: Doug Davidge, Treasurer Phone Number: (867) 668-2233 Fax Number: c/o (867) 667-7962 Mailing Address: 76 Kluane Crescent, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 3G9 Email: [email protected] , [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Yukon Schools: Ken Taylor (principal, Jack Hulland School), Phone: (867) 667-8496 Email: [email protected] Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Trix Tanner (Education Coordinator) Phone: (867) 393-6703 Email: [email protected] Northern Research Institute: Clint Sawicki Northern Research Institute, Box 2799, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5K4 Ph.867-668-8772 Email. [email protected] (operates McIntyre Incubation site where many eggs are incubated prior to delivery to the schools)
PROJECT LOCATION: This project takes place McIntyre Creek Salmon Incubation Facility and Creek, Kluane River, Tatchun Creek, Morley River, Klondike River and other salmon habitat field trip destination sites as selected by Yukon teachers in schools throughout the Yukon.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: • To support the “Stream to Sea” program and enable students involved with the program to participate in an aquatic habitat studies field trip and thus gain a better understanding of salmon habitat • To enable classes who incubate salmon in their schools to release their fry back into their natal streams, and thus make the connection between their classroom studies and the natural habitat of salmon. • To give students, teachers and parent volunteers an appreciation of aquatic habitat of the salmon through participation in these activities and thus to foster stewardship of the salmon and their habitat. Supporting Yukon students participation in aquatic study field trips to salmon habitat helps to meet the highest ranking objective in the “Stewardship” envelope of “involving and educating users and non-users to increase their desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat”. The field trips, particularly in conjunction with the raising of salmon in the classroom incubators , also fits into the category of priority projects listed in the 2008 specific R&E priorities include, under “Community Education and Stewardship”, “youth-oriented education and hands-on projects (youth up to 18 years)”. Goal 3.4 of the JTC Plan is to “Promote public values of the salmon resource”. A subsidiary goal is to “educate the public on the values of salmon and salmon habitat” through strategies that include the promotion of school programs for all grade levels. The objective of bringing the students out to the salmon habitat on these field trips is to enhance the in-school Stream to Sea program, which includes educating the students on the values of salmon and salmon habitat.
PROJECT SUMMARY: Funds will be made available given to classes at Yukon schools involved with the “Stream to Sea” studies to help enable them to participate in field trips. Students will participate in habitat studies at various Yukon creeks. Those classes that have incubated fry will be given the opportunity to release their salmon back to their natal streams. This experience will help to extend the sense of stewardship that the students develop for the salmon fry they rear in the classroom to include the natural habitat of the salmon, and aquatic habitats in general. The field trip will also help students to understand the scientific concepts that they have been taught in the classroom.
ABSTRACT 2006-2007: Sixteen Yukon schools from six Yukon communities operated classroom salmon incubation projects and participated in fry releases between early May and mid June, 2006. Two schools also participated in chum egg collection field trips. Students were bussed or chauffeured by volunteers out to various creeks to release salmon fry to their natal streams and study the aquatic habitat at the release site. Students, teachers and volunteers released fry into Flat Creek (Takhini river drainage), Tatchun Creek, Morley River and the Kluane River. Most Whitehorse area classes incorporated a tour of the McIntyre Creek Salmon Incubation Project into their field trips. 2007-2008 project is ongoing. Field trips to release fry incubated in schools in 6 Yukon communities took place in May and June 2007 have taken place. Field trips to conduct aquatic studies and collect chum eggs are scheduled for the current school year.
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 4000 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 0 Personnel 0 Total Request 4000
Total In-kind/other
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Value-Added Fish Processing Facility NUMBER: CRE-75-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Yukon River Salmon Cooperative
CONTACT: Tim Gerberding [email protected] (867) 993-6420
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS: Over the years many other people, groups and businesses have indicated a potential interest in collaborating with the YRSC, including: Taku River Wild (marketing collaboration) Icy Waters Ltd. (marketing collaboration) Ocean Master Foods Ltd. (secondary processing assistance and skills exchange) Czar Seafood & Trading Ltd. (roe production assistance and skills exchange) EcoTrust Canada (financing, and promotion of conservation-based economy) Vuntut Gwitchin (collaboration, possible participation in processing and/or co-op) Tahltan First Nation (“top-up” fish, possible participation in processing and/or co-op)
These contacts are presently on hold pending further project development.
PROJECT LOCATION: Dawson, Yukon – Yukon and Klondike River Watersheds
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: Maintaining viable salmon fisheries in the Yukon River in Canada by continuing to develop a value-added fish processing facility that will process commercially available Yukon River Chinook and chum salmon from the Canadian commercial salmon fishery as a whole; built on the principles of sustainable resource use and community economic development.
PROJECT SUMMARY: One of the ways Yukoners and Canadians value their Yukon River salmon resources is through their commercial salmon fishery. Collectively, and economically, we pay a high price for managing and protecting our salmon. That is why it is appropriate and essential that the highest possible value be derived from them (when possible - given poor returns and our abundance-based co-management system).
This proposal is about providing assistance as envisioned in the salmon treaty to maintain a viable Yukon River commercial salmon fishery in Canada by making 10% of the R&E Fund available annually (120K USD) for 6 years (2006-2011).
Yukon River Panel R&E Funding will be “limited to the development of infrastructure, capital equipment expenditures and, in years when no commercial processing occurs, the maintenance of processing infrastructure”, as per the Yukon River Salmon Agreement.
Through this assistance the Yukon River Salmon Cooperative will be able to continue to develop the infrastructure and acquire the capital equipment required for a value added processing facility.
LIFE OF PROJECT: 2006 – 2011 (120 K USD annually)
2008 Project Budget 120 K USD Capital (Assume Canadian Dollar at par) 110 K Operation & Maintenance - Admin/Indirect/Overhead 10 K Personnel - Total 2008 Request 120 K USD
Total In-Kind/other: 10 K YRSC labour/support for project
ON-GOING PROJECTS: The YRSC has expended considerable effort over the past eight years in moving towards the development of a viable commercial salmon processing business that all Yukon River Commercial salmon fishers can participate in. We have received considerable assistance from the Yukon River Panel in pursuing this endeavour, for which we are grateful.
We have had access to expertise from consultants and technical experts, and with their assistance have produced detailed production models and business plans that clearly demonstrate the viability of our vision. We have also confirmed the value and marketability of our products through a “soft launch”.
In earlier studies sponsored by the Yukon River Commercial Fishing Association it was determined that the best way to conduct a fish processing business adding value to Yukon River salmon was by forming a “co-operative”. This business model was chosen for its ability to withstand the fluctuations of the fish business, its positive community economic development factors, and its ability to be inclusive of many stakeholders.
Pursuant to the direction provided by the Yukon River Panel Steering Committee in July, 2006, our primary focus is presently on the acquisition of capital goods (land, facility, equipment). We expect to be able to operate at a base level, i.e. sell fish to third parties in season, by July, 2009. We hope to be able to conduct full primary processing, freezing, storage, marketing and distribution by 2012.
CP Applic 08 YRSC
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Viable Fishery: Fishing Gear
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Viable Fishery: Fishing Gear NUMBER: CRE-76N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
CONTACT: James MacDonald Tel: 867.993.7145 Director Fax: 867.993.6553 Fish and Wildlife Department E: [email protected] Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Box 599 Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: None
PROJECT LOCATION: The Town of Dawson City, Yukon: Yukon north mainstem watershed
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This project seeks to access the conservation and viable fisheries envelopes of the Yukon River Panel Budget Priorities Framework. Through the conservation envelope, this project will address harvest conservation by providing gillnets with a mesh size of 6 ½ inches to Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in subsistence harvesters. Through the use of these smaller meshed gillnets, TH harvesters will be selectively fishing smaller salmon, thereby allowing the larger – and more biologically desirable – brood stocks to reach their spawning grounds. This is one means by which TH citizens can take ownership of the declining salmon size. Moreover, through the viable fisheries envelope, this project will help provide the fishing gear necessary for TH citizens to continue their annual subsistence harvest, thereby helping greatly to maintain the viability of our fishery.
PROJECT SUMMARY: Fishing gear (fish tubs, float and lead line, floats, mesh and hanging twine) will be ordered and delivered from Anchorage, Alaska. From there, a workshop will be convened for interested TH youth and adults in crafting their own fish nets. It is expected that this project will be interwoven with the First Fish. In short it is our intent to provide the skills harvesters will need in order to craft and mend their nets in the future.
LIFE OF PROJECT: One year.
Conceptual Project Proposal for the Yukon River Panel - 1 - Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Viable Fishery: Fishing Gear
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 6500 Operation & Maintenance 0 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 1462.5 Personnel 3250 Total Request 11212.5
Total In-kind/other
ON-GOING PROJECTS: None.
Conceptual Project Proposal for the Yukon River Panel - 2 - Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Viable Fishery: Blast Freezer
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Viable Fishery: Blast Freezer NUMBER: CRE77N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
CONTACT: James MacDonald Tel: 867.993.7145 Director Fax: 867.993.6553 Fish and Wildlife Department E: [email protected] Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Box 599 Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: None
PROJECT LOCATION: The Town of Dawson City, Yukon: Yukon north mainstem watershed
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This project seeks to access the viable fisheries envelope of the Yukon River Panel Budget Priorities Framework. By acquiring a blast freezer, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in will be able to better handle salmon for the programs it offers annually, such as Meals on Wheels and the Soup Kitchen. In addition to that, a blast freezer will help substantially to maintain the viability of the TH fishery as it will increase our ability to freeze and store salmon.
PROJECT SUMMARY: As a result of the 2007 Chinook test fishery, it became evident that Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in requires a permanent blast freezer in order to adequately and properly freeze and store salmon. In all, the test fishery harvested approximately 615 chinook salmon, which required 7 regular household freezers. The acquisition of a proper blast freezer would greatly facilitate the freezing and storing of such a substantial subsistence harvest, which is a critical component of the TH participation in the test fishery.
LIFE OF PROJECT: One year.
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital 22,500 Operation & Maintenance 0 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 3375 Personnel 0 Total Request 25875
Total In-kind/other
ON-GOING PROJECTS: None.
Conceptual Project Proposal for the Yukon River Panel - 1 - YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Collection and Analysis of Yukon River DNA NUMBER: CRE-78-08 Baseline Samples in the Alaska and Canada
PROJECT PROPONENT: Fisheries and Oceans Canada Alaska Department of Fish and Game CONTACT: Patrick Milligan Fisheries and Oceans Canada Whitehorse Yukon Y1A 3V1 Phone (867) 393-6720 E-mail [email protected]
Eric Volk AYK Regional Research Supervisor Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commercial Fisheries Division 333 Raspberry Road Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone 907 267 2335 E-mail [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: The baseline samples collected will be shared between the project proponents and made available to the USF&WS Conservation Genetics laboratory. Additional partners/participants will be identified as priority collection areas are established. It is anticipated that there will be both community interest and community involvement in sample collection.
PROJECT LOCATION: Yukon River tributaries located within the United States and Canada.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This project has two objectives: 1) the collection of DNA samples from spawning areas under-represented in current baselines; and, 2) analysis of samples for incorporation of data into GSI baselines. It is anticipated that this will be an ongoing program which will address gaps in the existing GSI baselines. Improvements in Chinook and chum salmon baselines will improve fisheries management when Stock ID estimates are used in conjunction with abundance estimates to determine stock timing and status.
Meets the following criteria of the Yukon River Panel 2008 & Near Term Priorities: 2. Stock Identification and In-Season Management • Supplement existing genetic stock identification baseline data, by obtaining tissues from watersheds identified by the Panel’s JTC.
Meets the following criteria of the Budget Priority Framework 2006: Conservation/Stocks/Run Assessment - Improve information on stock ID and biological composition of run (ranked 1 of 5) Conservation/Stocks/Research - Continue to evaluate stock ID or other assessment techniques that best meet objectives (ranked 1 of 4)
Meets the following criteria of the US and Canada Yukon River Salmon Committee Joint Technical Committee Plan: Improve management and research capability – 1.4.3 Build and maintain community capacity – 3.2.1, 3.2.3
PROJECT SUMMARY: This project will involve the collection of baseline Chinook and chum salmon DNA samples in Alaska and Canada and the subsequent analysis of these samples for inclusion into existing ADF&G and DFO baselines. The project proponents will allocate the funding in a manner that addresses specific baseline gaps in the Alasksa and Canada identified by the JTC Genetics Sub-committee. DNA collection is challenging logistically due to individual fish population sizes, large geographic area involved, the difficulties associated with capturing live fish, and a narrow window of opportunity. Decisions about which populations to address will depend upon both the prioritized list of needed baseline samples and logistical constraints. This proposal provides the flexibility to approach the most appropriate priorities considering unpredictable conditions such as water levels and run abundance. Methodology will primarily involve live-capture and sampling of fish in terminal spawning areas. Project personnel will involve agency staff, professional consultants and people from the communities. The proponents will periodically, perhaps annually, use the funding to process the samples collected thus augmenting the baselines.
LIFE OF PROJECT: Ongoing.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Provide the following information for the proposed fiscal year.
Project Budget Amount $ Capital Operation & Maintenance 60,000 Admin/Indirect/Overhead Personnel Total Request 60000
Total In-kind/other 15,000
Yukon River Salmon Restoration and Enhancement Fund 2008
Conceptual Proposal
CRE-79-08
Project Name: Yukon River Salmon Stock Identification
Project proponent: Terry Beacham, Pat Milligan, Sandy Johnston
Partners/Participants: DFO – Whitehorse
Project Location: Yukon and B.C.
Project Objectives Summary:
The Yukon River Salmon Agreement obliges the Parties to manage Canadian-origin chum and Chinook salmon based on abundance. Stock ID estimates in conjunction with abundance estimates are required to better manage for the upper Yukon and Porcupine chum spawning escapement and upper Yukon harvest sharing objectives specified in the Agreement.
Microsatellite variation was used in 2005-2007 to estimate the stock composition for Yukon River chum and Chinook salmon at fishwheel test fisheries in the Yukon drainage. This proposal is to continue this work through the application of microsatellite DNA variation to: - to provide stock ID estimates of chum and chinook salmon sampled at the DFO fishwheels located in the Yukon River just upstream of the Yukon/Alaska border; and - to continue development of the DNA baseline used for stock identification applications.
Proposal Summary:
This project will involve the following steps: • Survey of microsatellite variation at 13 microsatellite loci for all mixed-stock and spawning ground samples of chum and chinook salmon; • Provide estimates of stock composition to all interested parties; • Samples and data will be shared with USFW and ADF&G.
Start Date: June 2008 Anticipated Project duration (years): 1
Estimated Budget: $30,000Cdn
Task No. of samples R&E Funds requested Analysis of DFO Yukon fishwheel samples 1500 $30 K Total R&E Request $30 K
YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCMENT FUND 2008 CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL
PROJECT TITLE: Fertilization Literature Search and Feasibility Study NUMBER: CRE-90N-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc.
CONTACT: ¾ Pat Tobler, Branch Manager/Senior Biologist 402 Hawkins St., Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 1X8 Phone: (867) 393-4882 [email protected]
POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: ¾ Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Contact Al von Finster, phone: (867) 393-6721, [email protected] MPO.GC.CA
PROJECT LOCATION: This is a desktop exercise to be conducted in Whitehorse, with the subject area being the Canadian portion of the Yukon River Watershed.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: This table lists project objectives while relating them to applicable Panel and JTC documents. Project Objective R&E Budget JTC Plan 2008 R&E Priorities Budget Framework Priorities Restoration Determine what factors (geology, stream types, Habitat 2.3 Identify 5. Habitat nutrient sources, etc.) have led to successful Research and implement Restoration nutrient restoration projects and how these Stocks restoration and factors would be applicable to the Yukon. Research opportunities. Enhancement
Determine through review of existing information Restoration 2.3 Identify 5. Habitat (geology / water sampling / historic stocks data) Habitat and implement Restoration to determine which streams may be most Implementation restoration and suitable for such a project in the Yukon, if any. Stocks opportunities. Enhancement Implementation Restoration 2.3 Identify 5. Habitat Assess feasibility and conduct preliminary Habitat and implement Restoration planning for restoration of nutrient inputs into Implementation restoration and chinook spawning streams. Stocks opportunities. Enhancement Implementation
PROJECT SUMMARY: Marine derived nutrients likely provide a valuable source of aquatic nutrients to ecosystems in the Yukon, particularly ones that would otherwise be nutrient deficient. It is suspected that some Yukon salmon bearing streams have limited nutrient inputs, thereby resulting in a situation where nutrient levels may be a limiting factor for juvenile salmon growth and survival. With declines in the total mass of adult salmon returns over the past 100 years due to anthropogenic factors (downstream fishing / habitat disruption etc.), there is a concern that some streams may currently suffer a nutrient deficit for which they were historically dependent upon large inputs of marine derived nutrients deposited from large returns of spawning salmon. Such a nutrient deficit may have had (and be currently having) significant long-term effects (cascading effect) on the chinook rearing capacity of certain streams in the Yukon. A possible method to reverse this trend is by adding marine derived nutrients (i.e. salmon briquettes) to streams. Throughout the world (including several projects in BC and Washington), there have been many projects and studies that have used fertilization to try to rebuild salmon stocks. As such, we propose to conduct a review of such projects and determine where and why such applications of nutrients have worked in the past.
A fertilization project likely has considerable merit in the Yukon with identification of appropriate conditions and locations. Factors such as likely local geology, riparian vegetation, and topography play significant roles in determining if nutrient availability is a limiting factor for juvenile chinook salmon. Once these factors have been determined, efforts to find suitable streams will take place. This will include background research of existing information on potential candidate streams. The research will focus primarily on identifying nutrient poor waters resultant from bedrock geology type and identifying growth trends through past fish sampling data (as available).
It is envisioned that this project will determine the applicability of conducting a fertilization project in the Canadian portion of the Yukon River system, and could set the stage for such a project to take place in future years.
LIFE OF PROJECT: This is a single year project with potential to set the stage for a future project.
ESTIMATED BUDGET: Project Budget Amount $ Capital 0 Operation & Maintenance 0 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 0 Personnel 9,000 Total Request 9,000
Total In-kind/other
CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL YUKON RIVER RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT FUND 2008
PROJECT TITLE: Yukon Community Stewardship Program NUMBER: CRE-98-08
PROJECT PROPONENT: Yukon Fish & Wildlife Management Board (YFWMB), Doris Dreyer, phone: 867-393-6942 fax: 867-393-6947 [email protected]
PROJECT PARTNERS/ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Alsek Renewable Resources Council (Susan Desjardin, 867-634-2524, [email protected]); Dawson District Renewable Resources Council (Cholena Smart, 867-993-6976, [email protected]); Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Sandy Johnston, 393-6729, [email protected] and Al vonFinster 393-6721, [email protected]); Ducks Unlimited Canada (Amy Leach, 867-668-3824, [email protected]); Environment Canada (Nancy Hughes, 867-667-3928, [email protected]); First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun (Crystal Stevens, 867-996-2415, [email protected]); Mayo District Renewable Resources Council (Barb Shannon, [email protected], 867-996-2942); North Yukon Renewable Resources Council (Nick Gray, 867-966-3034, [email protected]) Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation (867-993-7145, [email protected]); Vuntut Gwitch’in First Nation (Shel Graupe, 867-966-3261 Ext 237, [email protected]); Yukon River Commercial Fishers Association (Tim Gerberding, 867-993-6420); and Yukon Government Regional Biologists (Mark O’Donoghue, 867-996-2162, [email protected] and Dorothy Cooley, 867-993-6461, [email protected]).
PROJECT LOCATION: Yukon River Watershed (territory wide) Stewards: Dawson City; Haines Junction; Mayo; Old Crow; Whitehorse
PROJECT OBJECTIVES: The YCSP goal is to increase the motivation and ability of Yukoners to engage in the conservation and stewardship of our lands, waters, and living resources. Within the overall objectives of YCSP, specific objectives for this application are: o to encourage greater involvement by Yukoners in the stewardship of salmon and its habitats; o facilitate communication regarding stewardship of salmon and its habitats between people, agencies and other organisations at regional levels; and o build the capacity of communities to participate in stewardship and conservation of salmon and its habitats.
As such, the YCSP fulfils the stewardship envelop of the 2006 Budget Priority Framework as it facilitates projects that involve and educate users and non-users in communities to increase their desire to maintain and protect salmon stocks and habitat. Stewards support technical capacity building in communities through organising or teaching personally salmon management related skills. The YCSP furthermore responds to Goal 3 of the JTC Plan, as the program strives to develop and maintain mutual understandings between salmon management agencies and the public; builds and maintains community capacity through a variety of projects; encourages the stewardship of salmon and their habitat (for example though participation in planning meetings and the promotion of selective fisheries methods); and promotes public values of the salmon resource (for example through educating the public on the values of salmon and salmon habitat). Finally, the YCSP objectives as well as the resulting projects delivered by the stewards on an annual basis cover a variety of the 2008 R&E funding priorities, including stock escapement monitoring of the Canadian tributaries, stock identification and in-season management, determination of the quality of stock escapement, community education and stewardship, habitat restoration and enhancement, as well as stock restoration.
PROJECT SUMMARY: Community stewards engage communities in locally driven projects derived from local needs and priorities. Currently, the program consists of four community steward positions and one program coordinator. While the program coordinator oversees the program performance, the stewards – located in their respective communities – are responsible for program execution. Their tasks include among others: assisting communities in developing proposals for salmon-related projects; providing information about the Yukon River Panel’s goals & objectives; facilitating meetings between community organizations, public and government; bridging science, local knowledge & traditional knowledge; and building local capacities (i.e. salmon class room projects, guiding R&E projects, etc.).
LIFE OF PROJECT: This is an ongoing project.
ESTIMATED BUDGET:
Project Budget Amount $ Capital Operation & Maintenance 14,000.00 Admin/Indirect/Overhead 3,000.00 Personnel 133,000.00 Total Request 150,000.00
Total In-kind/other 340,000.00
ON-GOING PROJECTS: 2006 R&E Final Report; Abstract In 2006, the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board (YFWMB) Community Stewardship Program (YCSP) continued to promote and implement stewardship initiatives in the Yukon. Community Stewards in the Dawson, Kluane, Northern Tutchone, and North Yukon regions advocated and supported the conservation of salmon, freshwater fish, wildlife and their habitat through community participation in locally driven projects. The program was managed, coordinated and administered by YFWMB staff, with guidance and technical advice coming from the Yukon River Panel (YRP) and YFWMB members. It was funded externally by 14 different funding agencies and community partners, with the YRP being the main contributor. Community Stewards planned, implemented and supported numerous fish and wildlife conservation projects and initiatives. They facilitated communication between Federal, Yukon and First Nation governments, public consultative bodies such as the YFWMB and Renewable Resources Councils (RRCs), non-governmental agencies and interested individuals. Stewards invested time in outreach to communities (especially youth), created several employment and volunteer opportunities and yielded more than $170,000 in project funding.
YUKON RIVER PANEL 2008 RESTORATION & ENHANCEMENT CONCEPTUAL PROPOSALS
Project1 Project Title Project Proponent $US/$Cdn2Req. TC3 URE-04N-08 Ruby Data Collection Ruby Tribal Council 53,900/ D URE-05-08 Marshal Chinook Test Fishery YRDFA 28,100/ D URE-06-08 Kaltag Fall Chum/Coho Drift Gillnet Test Fishery City of Kaltag 21,000/ D URE-07-08 Gillnet Catch Comp (ASLWG) – Lwr Ykn Riv TF YRDFA 14,000/ D URE-08-08 Tech Assist, Dev & Support – Fish Wheel Video USFWS 5,500/ D URE-09-08 Rampart-Rapids Full Season Video Monitoring Stan Zuray 46,100/ D URE-10N-08 Kandik & Charlie River Chin Genetics Baseline MACTEC Eng & Csltg 31,600/ D URE-12N-08 Ichthyophonus Info Cards YRDFA 5,600/ D URE-13-08 Ichthyophonus Sampling at Emmonak & Eagle ADF&G 45,900/ D URE-14N-08 Effectiveness of Mesh Size - Chinook ADF&G 31,800/ D URE-15N-08 Lower YR Commercial & Subsistence Fishing Gear MACTEC Eng & Csltg 37,800/ D URE-16N-08 Eagle Sonar - Joint Project ADF&G/DFO 193,000/ D URE-17N-08 Pilot Station Echosounder Upgrade ADF&G 43,100/ D URE-18N-08 Juvenile Chinook Salmon Rearing in US Tributaries USFWS 34,900/ D URE-19N-08 In-season Chin Stock ID Pilot ADF&G 45,000/ D CRE-04N-08 Dawson City Landfill Study THFN /28,800 CRE-05N-08 Selective Fisheries - Implementation Jake Duncan /36,000 P CRE-06-08 Yukon River North Mainstem Stewardship DDRRC /24,000 A CRE-07-08 First Fish Youth Camp Tr’ondek Hwech’in FN /10,000 A CRE-09-08 Tr’ondek Hwech’in Student Steward Tr’ondek Hwech’in FN / 5,300 A CRE-10-08 Size Selective Fishing using Live Catch Fishwheels YRCF Assoc. /29,700 P CRE-11-08 In-Season Management Fund YRCF Assoc & THFN /77,100 P CRE-16(a)-08 Klondike River Sonar Pilot Env. Dynamics Cnsltg /96,600 CRE-16(b)-08 Klondike River Chinook Sonar B. Mercer /134,000 CRE-19-08 Mayo Riv Channel Reconst–Assess Juv Chin Hab-4 FN NND /16,000 A CRE-20N-08 Stewart River Watershed Chinook DNA Collection FN NND /9,000
1 N – Identifies a new YRP R&E project. 2 The amount expressed in $US or $Cdn as per the request/application, rounded to the nearest $100, and the respective values presently being essentially equivalent. 3 Technical Contact - lead technical reviewer for the conceptual proposal, detailed project proposal, and ongoing lead technical contact for the conduct and review of the project report. D/Dani Evenson (ADF&G) for all US project proposals with lead Cdn DFO reviewers - A/Al von Finster, P/Pat Milligan/, S/Sandy Johnston, and, H/Hugh Monaghan (Panel Secretariat).
CRE-21N-08 Nogold & Grey Hunter Cr Chinook Assessment FN NND /29,500 CRE-26N-08 Miner River Chinook Index Vuntut Gwitchin Gov /14,200 CRE-27-08 Porcupine River Chum Mark/Recapture Project Vuntut Gwitchin Gov /68,400 P CRE-28-08 Miner River Chinook DNA Collection Vuntut Gwitchin FN /19,000 P/A CRE-29-08 Chum Spawning Ground Recoveries – Minto Area Selkirk RRC /12,000 P CRE-31-08 Pelly River Sub-basin Community Stewardship Selkirk RRC /25,000 A/P CRE-37-08 Blind Creek Chinook Salmon Enumeration Weir Jane Wilson & Assoc. /46,000 P CRE-41-08 Chinook Sonar Enumeration Big Salmon River Jane Wilson & Assoc. /79,500 P CRE-46N-08 Upper Teslin River Chum Tracking Pilot Teslin Tlingit Council /18,800 CRE-51-08 KDFN Michie Cr Salmon & Habitat Monitoring Kwanlin Dun FN / 30,000 A/P CRE-52-08 Fox Creek Chinook Stock Restoration Ta’an Kwach’an Cncl /9,400 A CRE-53N-08 Thirty-Mile Chinook Habitat Assessment Ta’an Kwach’an Cncl /22,400 CRE-54-08 Ta’an Kwach’an Council Community Steward Ta’an Kwach’an Cncl /46,200 A/P CRE-58-08 Community Salmon Stewardship – KFN Territory Kluane First Nation /17,000 A/P CRE-63-08 Whitehorse Rapids Hatchery Coded Wire Tagging YF&G Association /35,000 P CRE-64N-08 Incubation Temp/Sex Ratio Whs. Hatchery Study Kwanlin Dun FN /5,500 CRE-65-08 McIntyre Creek Salmon Incubation Project NRI Yukon College /47,000 A CRE-66N-08 Salmon in the Classroom Incubator Chillers Streamkeepers Nor Soc /4,700 CRE-67-08 Yukon Schools Fry Releases & Habitat studies Streamkeepers Nor Soc / 4,000 A CRE-75-08 Value-Added Fish Processing Facility YR Salmon Coop 120,000 S/H CRE-76N-08 THFN Viable Fisheries – Fishing Gear Tr’ondek Hwech’in FN /11,200 CRE-77N-08 THFN Viable Fisheries – Blast Freezer Tr’ondek Hwech’in FN /25,900 CRE-78-08 Collection of DNA Baseline Samples YR AK & YT DFO/ADF&G /60,000 P CRE-79-08 Stock ID Microstellite Variation – Chin & Chum DFO /30,000 P CRE-90N-08 Fertilizer Literature Search & Feasibility Study Env. Dynamics /9,000 A CRE-98-08 Yukon Stewardship Program Yukon F&W Board /150,000 A/S,H 52 R&E Projects