DRAFT Identifying Historical Populations of Steelhead Within the Puget Sound Distinct Population Segment
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Final Review Draft—May Be Distributed With Authors’ Consent Identifying Historical Populations of Steelhead Within the Puget Sound Distinct Population Segment Final Review Draft Puget Sound Steelhead Technical Recovery Team Report This document should be cited as: Puget Sound Steelhead Technical Recovery Team (PSSTRT). 2013. Identifying historical populations of steelhead within the Puget Sound Distinct Population Segment. Final Review Draft. 149 p. 1 Final Review Draft—May Be Distributed With Authors’ Consent The Puget Sound Steelhead Technical Recovery Team (TRT) was established on February 3, 2008. The TRT includes: Edward J. Conner, Seattle City Light Robert A. Hayman1, Skagit River System Cooperative Jeffrey J. Hard, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NMFS Robert G. Kope, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NMFS Gino Luchetti, Department of Natural Resources, King County Anne R. Marshall, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife James M. Myers, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NMFS George R. Pess, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NMFS Bradley E. Thompson, US Fish and Wildlife Service 1 Deceased Genetics Contributors: Todd Kassler, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Don Van Doornik, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NMFS Kenneth I. Warheit, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Gary Winans, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NMFS Graphics and GIS Mapping Support: Damon Holzer, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NMFS Mindi Sheer, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NMFS It is apparent then that one of the first requirements of a sound conservation program must be the determination of the extent to which the species to be conserved is broken up into local populations. The defining of specific populations is concerned to a considerable extent with the determination of the geographical limits occupied by each. —Willis H. Rich, 1939 U.S. Bureau of Fisheries 2 Final Review Draft—May Be Distributed With Authors’ Consent Dedication During the development and writing of this document the Puget Sound Steelhead Technical Recovery Team was saddened by the death of one of its members, Bob Hayman. His contributions to the TRT went beyond his knowledge of the Skagit River Basin, it was his determination that our process be logical, consistent, and transparent, that ensured our work would meet the highest standards. Bob’s good-natured and humble manner made him likeable, even when he was challenging your thinking. He was a tireless worker, and the determination he displayed in both his professional endeavors and in battling cancer was inspiring. He will be missed by all. 3 Final Review Draft—May Be Distributed With Authors’ Consent Table of Contents Dedication .................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Executive Summary..................................................................................................... 7 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 10 Definition of a Population .................................................................................................................................. 10 Structure Above the Population Level .............................................................................................................. 11 Structure Below the Population Level .............................................................................................................. 11 Conceptual Approach to Identifying Populations .................................................................................... 12 Migration Rates .......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Genetic Attributes ...................................................................................................................................................... 14 Geography ..................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Patterns of Life History and Phenotypic Characteristics ......................................................................... 16 Population Dynamics ............................................................................................................................................... 17 Environmental and Habitat Characteristics ................................................................................................. 17 Identifying Historical Populations of Salmonids ......................................................... 19 Criteria for Identifying the Distribution of Historical Populations .................................................... 19 Tier 1 Criteria ............................................................................................................................................... 19 Tier 2 Criteria ................................................................................................................................................. 20 Sustainability and Independence ......................................................................................................... 21 Ecological Information .............................................................................................................................. 25 Biological Data .............................................................................................................................................. 27 Population Boundaries for Fish and Habitat .............................................................................................. 31 Historical Documentation .................................................................................................................................. 31 Taxonomic Descriptions and Observations.................................................................................................... 31 Historical Abundance ............................................................................................................................................... 34 Puget Sound Steelhead Life History ............................................................................................................... 43 Winter-run Steelhead ............................................................................................................................................... 48 Summer-run Steelhead ............................................................................................................................................ 49 Juvenile Life History .................................................................................................................................................. 52 Ocean Migration ......................................................................................................................................................... 52 Genetics...................................................................................................................................................................... 54 Previous Studies .......................................................................................................................................................... 54 Recent Studies .............................................................................................................................................................. 56 Major Population Groups ................................................................................................................................... 59 Major Population Grouping Determinations for Other DPSs and ESUs ........................................... 60 Puget Sound Steelhead MPG Determinations ............................................................................................... 61 Historical Demographically Independent Populations ................................................ 66 Northern Cascades (South Salish Sea) Major Population Group .......................................................... 66 Proposed DIPs within the Northern Cascades MPG ................................................................................ 67 Northern Cascades DIP Descriptions .................................................................................................. 68 1. Drayton Harbor Tributaries Winter-Run Steelhead ................................................................ 68 2. Nooksack River Winter-Run Steelhead ......................................................................................... 68 3. South Fork Nooksack River Summer-Run Steelhead .............................................................. 69 4. Samish River Winter-Run Steelhead ............................................................................................. 70 5. Mainstem Skagit River Summer- and Winter-run Steelhead .............................................. 71 6. Nookachamps Creek Winter-Run Steelhead .............................................................................. 72 7. Baker River Summer- and Winter-Run Steelhead ................................................................... 73 4 Final Review Draft—May Be Distributed With Authors’ Consent 8. Sauk River Summer and Winter-Run Steelhead .......................................................................