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ANNUANNUANNUANNUANNUAL REPORAL REPORAL REPORAL REPORAL REPORTTTTTApril 1, 1993 - March 30, 1994

NECHAKO FISHERIES CONSERVATION PROGRAM(A joint Program of the Government of Canada,

Alcan, and the Province of British Columbia)

P.O. Box 1630, Station"A", Vancouver, B.C. V6C 2P7

CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1

Introduction 1Program Operations 2Program Development 2Program Components 4

PROJECTSPROJECTSPROJECTSPROJECTSPROJECTS 6

REMEDIAL MEASURESREMEDIAL MEASURESREMEDIAL MEASURESREMEDIAL MEASURESREMEDIAL MEASURES 7

Flow Management 7In-stream Habitat Compexes 10Riparian Re-vegetation 11

HABITAT AND STOCK MONITORINGHABITAT AND STOCK MONITORINGHABITAT AND STOCK MONITORINGHABITAT AND STOCK MONITORINGHABITAT AND STOCK MONITORING 12

Adult Programs 12Incubation Environment 13Juvenile Outmigration 14Physical Data Collection 15Evaluation Framework/Trend Analysis 15

APPLIED RESEARCHAPPLIED RESEARCHAPPLIED RESEARCHAPPLIED RESEARCHAPPLIED RESEARCH 16

Juvenile Chinook Overwintering Behaviour 16Predation and Competition 16Temperature Effects 16

FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORT 17

APPENDICESAPPENDICESAPPENDICESAPPENDICESAPPENDICESAppendix A.1 Decision Chart for Remedial Measures Program

Appendix A.2 NFCP Early Warning Monitoring Program

Appendix A.3 Assessment of Conservation Goal

Appendix B List of Reports

Appendix C Members of Steering and Technical Committees

Appendix D Decision Records from the Technical Committee

Appendix E Map of Nechako River Drainage

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

In 1980, Alcan Aluminum Limitedproposed to use the remaining por-tion of its water rights to divertwater from the Nechako River andproduce power for a second smelt-er in the Kitimat region of BritishColumbia. To establish appropri-ate, fisheries conservation meas-ures and stock habitat monitoringprojects, several years of scientificand engineering studies were un-dertaken by the federal governmentand Alcan.

In 1987, to ensure conservation ofthe Nechako River chinook andprotection of migrating sockeyesalmon populations in the NechakoRiver, a Settlement Agreement wassigned by Alcan Aluminum Limit-ed, the Government of Canada andthe Province of British Columbia.This agreement set in place theNechako Fisheries ConservationProgram (NFCP). Under this pro-gram, conservation strategies aredeveloped, tested and carried out.Specific water releases from theNechako Reservoir required forfisheries conservation, the moni-toring of fish stock and habitat per-formance, testing and implement-ing instream and/or side channelremedial measures and conduct-ing applied research studies havebeen carried out since the begin-ning of the NFCP.

Implicit in the Agreement is thedevelopment of a cold water re-lease facility at Kenney Dam to pro-vide control over flow and watertemperature in the Nechako Riverto protect salmon. Until this facilityis constructed, Alcan will releasethe appropriate amount of waterthrough the Skins Lake Spillway,as set out in the Settlement Agree-ment.

The NFCP began in 1987-1988 withthe development of operating pro-cedures and a program framework.Field projects for the first year of an

initial five-year period began in1988. Annual reports are availablefor each of the program years.

During the uncertainty on the sta-tus of the Nechako River Settle-ment Agreement, created by theFederal Court decision of May 14,1991, the federal and provincialgovernments and Alcan authorizedcertain actions so as not to jeopard-ize monitoring, remedial measuresand applied research programs al-ready underway.

As a consequence of the FederalCourt of Appeal, May 1992 and theSupreme Court Decision of Febru-ary 1993, the legal validity of the1987 Settlement Agreement wasconfirmed. Any restrictions on theformal function of the NechakoFisheries Conservation ProgramTechnical Committee were re-moved.

On March 11, 1994, the TechnicalCommittee submitted a documentto the B.C. Utilities Commissionoutlining the mandate of the NFCPand the progress to date of theprogram.

This report for 1993/94 covers Year6 of the Nechako Fisheries Conser-vation Progam. It provides the ra-tionale and review of field projectscarried out, providing detail on theremedial measures, monitoring ofstock and habitat performance, andapplied research projects under-taken in 1993/94. It also includesapproved projects for Year 7 of theprogram. A summary chartpresents a review of all projectscarried out since 1987.

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PROGRAM DEVELOPMENTPROGRAM DEVELOPMENTPROGRAM DEVELOPMENTPROGRAM DEVELOPMENTPROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

As set out in the Settlement Agree-ment the NFCP will exist until sus-tained achievement of the Conser-vation Goal can be demonstrated.In order to establish this, long-termmonitoring of chinook stocks willbe undertaken to continuously as-sess stock status.

In 1987/88, the Technical Commit-tee developed an initial pre-con-struction plan under which projectactivities for the entire life of theNFCP would be carried out. Thetime frame was initially identifiedas the time available until the ex-pected change from short-term tolong-term flows. Due to delays ofthe Kemano Completion Project(KCP), the pre-construction planwas modified, using the additionaltime to continue remedial meas-ures pilot tests, refine monitoringprograms and continue baselinedata acquisition.

The Technical Committee is in-volved in the ongoing developmentof the Evaluation Framework. Thisdocument will become an integralcomponent of the long-term plan ofachieving the fisheries objectives ofthe Settlement Agreement.

PROGRAM OPERATIONSPROGRAM OPERATIONSPROGRAM OPERATIONSPROGRAM OPERATIONSPROGRAM OPERATIONS

TheTechnical Committee is respon-sible for planning, designing, rec-ommending, and carrying out an-nual and long-term projects toachieve the NFCP ConservationGoal. This Committee consists of arepresentative from each of the sig-natory parties to the Agreementand one independent representa-tive.

The Steering Committee is respon-sible for overall program directionand budget approval. This Com-mittee consists of senior membersof the three signatory parties.

The program is subject to approvalby the Steering Committee and isbased on the deliberations of theStrangway Working Group; tech-nical specialists from Fisheries andOceans, Alcan and the Province ofBritish Columbia. This group iden-tified a program of measures and aplan of implementation whichwould provide an acceptable levelof certainty for the conservationof chinook salmon and protectionof sockeye salmon in the NechakoRiver.

There are three components to theNFCP:

Remedial MeasuresRemedial MeasuresRemedial MeasuresRemedial MeasuresRemedial MeasuresDesigning and testing of site spe-cific remedial measures such asin-stream habitat improvements,side channel development,stream fertilization techniques,and measures to control sedi-ment in the river. All of theseprograms are undertaken toachieve the conservation ofchinook salmon populations;

MonitoringMonitoringMonitoringMonitoringMonitoringDeveloping and implementingmonitoring programs on stockand habitat performance whichhave the capability to detectchanges in physical and biologi-cal parameters, measuring theefficiency of remedial measuresand collecting baseline data;

Applied ResearchApplied ResearchApplied ResearchApplied ResearchApplied ResearchIdentifying and implementingapplied research programsthat would add to the overallunderstanding of NechakoRiver chinook life history.

Strategic FrameworkStrategic FrameworkStrategic FrameworkStrategic FrameworkStrategic FrameworkA strategic framework is used bythe Technical Committee to directthe overall plan. This frameworkfocuses on specific and measureableelements of habitat and chinookecology rather than an evaluationof all stages of salmonid life histo-ry. It provides guidelines for test-ing and carrying out remedial meas-ures, the monitoring of stock andhabitat performance and researchinto the ecology and life cycle ofNechako River chinook salmon.

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Flow ChartsFlow ChartsFlow ChartsFlow ChartsFlow ChartsUnder the strategic framework, theTechnical Committee designedthree flow charts to assist the un-derstanding of how committee ac-tivities are to be directed. Theseinclude:

The Decision Chart used in theevaluation of selection, imple-mentation and evaluation of Re-medial Measures (AppendixA.1).

The NFCP Early Warning Mon-itoring Program used to assesstrends reflected by monitoringprograms targeted at juvenilechinook life histories, and to sug-gest action to be taken in responseto these trends (Appendix A.2).

Assessment of the Conserva-tion Goal which presents anassessment of achievementsand shows the extrinsic andintrinsic factors that may af-fect Nechako River chinookproduction (Appendix A.3).

Evaluation FrameworkEvaluation FrameworkEvaluation FrameworkEvaluation FrameworkEvaluation FrameworkThe Evaluation Framework initiat-ed in 1992/93 by the Technical Com-mittee is intended to facilitate in-terpretation of results from allprojects for cause and effect link-ages between physical and biologi-cal programs. The framework willmake it possible to establish deci-sion points or levels of change whereaction should be taken and whetheror not progressive proceduresshould be put into place. This is animportant component of the long-term planning and evaluation proc-esses.

The results from each monitoringprogram will be interpreted in con-junction with data collected onphysical parameters and other bio-logical programs on the NechakoRiver.

operational procedures of the pro-posed Kenney Dam Release Facili-ty and the Cheslatta Fan Channel.During the life of the program anumber of meetings with theKemano Completion Project (KCP)team have taken place.

On July 26, 1993, the Technical Com-mittee approved the non-erodibledesign option of the Cheslatta FanChannel and requested that the fea-sibility of a “regime” channel con-cept be assessed by KCP.

Meetings and ReportsMeetings and ReportsMeetings and ReportsMeetings and ReportsMeetings and ReportsThe Technical Committee providesinformation on the Nechako Fish-eries Conservation Programthrough an annual report and tech-nical reports on all of the projectsconducted.

As a result of the two appeal courtdecisions (May 1992 and February1993), any restrictions on the for-mal function of the Technical Com-mittee have been removed, and allreports, correspondence and pro-ceedings prepared or performedwithin the mandate of the Commit-tee could be finalized, approvedand ratified.

The Technical Committee convened23 meetings in Year 6 (April 1, 1993to March 31, 1994) of the NFCP.

Annual reports for 1988/89,1989/90, 1990/91, and 1992/93 areavailable. These provide an over-all look at the program components,a rationale and summary of eachof the field projects including thetest results of remedial measures,stock and habitat monitoring andapplied science activities. A surveyreport on 1991/92 programs is alsoavailable.

Comparison on both annual cycleand five year stock cycle changes inthe values being measured will bepossible through the use of the eval-uation framework; for example, fryemergence success, juvenileoutmigration and the number ofadults returning to the system.Changes in these values, when com-pared to the baseline data, maysuggest that tertiary monitoringprograms targeted at specific areasshould be undertaken. Such areasinclude the dissolved oxygen lev-els in the intergravel environmentand any life history phase ofNechako chinook salmon. Changesdetected may also initiate addition-al remedial measures.

Native ParticipationNative ParticipationNative ParticipationNative ParticipationNative ParticipationThe majority of Native participa-tion in the NFCP has been on mon-itoring programs, including carcassrecovery on the Nechako and Stuartrivers, marking of juvenile chinookat the Necoslie Hatchery, juvenileoutmigration, fry emergence, andhabitat complexing.

Native participation in 1993/94 wasless than in previous years due to areduction in persondays of workassociated with the 1993/94 oper-ating period and the availability ofnative technicians. Continued dia-logue with native people will pro-vide opportunities for this cooper-ative effort to expand.

Interactions with theInteractions with theInteractions with theInteractions with theInteractions with theKemano Completion ProjectKemano Completion ProjectKemano Completion ProjectKemano Completion ProjectKemano Completion ProjectTeamTeamTeamTeamTeamAs part of the Technical Commit-tee’s responsibility to ensure con-servation of Nechako River chinooksalmon and protection of sockeyesalmon, it must assess design and

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PROGRAM COMPONENTSPROGRAM COMPONENTSPROGRAM COMPONENTSPROGRAM COMPONENTSPROGRAM COMPONENTS

Remedial MeasuresRemedial MeasuresRemedial MeasuresRemedial MeasuresRemedial MeasuresAll remedial measures are biologi-cally sound, professionally engi-neered, durable, consistent withother effective techniques and costeffective. The Remedial MeasuresProgram in the Settlement Agree-ment is in compliance with the De-partment of Fisheries and Oceanshabitat policy. Projects to test andevaluate appropriate measures tobe taken in order to protect againstany change in the chinook salmonhabitat following implementationof the long-term flow regime havebeen a focus of the first six years ofNFCP work.

There are three stages of remedialmeasures. These were identified inthe Settlement Agreement and havebeen developed in accordance withthe Department of Fisheries andOceans policy for the managementof fish habitat.

Several first-stage (Level A) meas-ures will be put in place in prepara-tion for the long-term flow regime.The first stage represents a setof measures that, if properlyapplied, should be sufficient toensure conservation of the chinookstock. First-stage measures to en-sure maintenance of the target pop-ulation fall under three main cate-gories: flow design changes,instream habitat modifications andoff-channel modifications.

The second stage (Level B) repre-sents a set of additional measuresthat could be implemented in theevent that the first stage measuresprove inadequate. These could in-clude additional habitat alterationsand access to new habitat.

The third stage (Level C) repre-sents the ultimate fall-back posi-tion in the event that implementa-tion of first and second stage meas-

ures proves inadequate. Thesemeasures could include anythingfrom a spawning channel to incu-bation of Nechako chinook eggs atan existing hatchery, a hatchery onthe Nechako River, compensationfor lost production by implement-ing appropriate measures in othersystems, or maintainance ofNechako stock gene pool at someother hatchery.

Several types of habitat complexeshave been tested, assessed, modi-fied and reassessed for structuralintegrity and juvenile chinook uti-lization to help define the charac-teristics of the most suitable com-plexes required to meet the needsof Nechako River chinook. Raildebris catchers are proving the mostdurable of the instream habitat com-plex types.

Results from biological samplingindicate that handmade habitat

complexes are well utilized byemergent fry during May and June.There is also continued evidencethat the complexes are utilized asoverwintering habitat by chinook.

A stream bank revegetation pilotproject initiated in 1991, at two testsites along the Nechako River, hashad mixed results. One of the sitesis no longer available due to chang-es in the river’s course. Monitoringof the remaining site (located at km30) will continue to determine theeffectiveness of the revegetationtreatments.

The summer temperature monitor-ing program continues to managewater temperatures in the NechakoRiver above the confluence of theStuart River to protect migratingsockeye salmon.

The annual water allocation is man-aged by the NFCP to achieve themost beneficial flows for fish.

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Habitat and StockHabitat and StockHabitat and StockHabitat and StockHabitat and StockMonitoringMonitoringMonitoringMonitoringMonitoringTo assess the overall success of theNFCP, studies on habitat and salm-on stock performance were identi-fied. To date, efforts have been di-rected at establishing monitoringprojects for use throughout the pro-gram to expand the existing data-base. Monitoring studies were tar-geted at three life history phases ofNechako River chinook salmon.

The primary monitoring measurefor chinook salmon is the numberof adult chinook returning to theNechako River to spawn. To helpassess whether the ConservationGoal is being achieved, adultspawning enumeration is under-taken to determine the number ofadults returning to the NechakoRiver. In support of this, variouspopulation parameters such as: agestructure; sex ratio; post orbitalhypural length ; and egg retentionin females are also measured. Forsockeye salmon, the primary mon-

itoring measure is the water tem-perature of the Nechako Riverabove the confluence with the StuartRiver.

There is a four to five-year timedelay before adults return to spawn.Thus, monitoring of juveniles isimportant because data collectedcan provide an early indication oflife cycle stresses. Secondary meas-ures include juvenile outmigrationmonitoring to provide an earlywarning of any productivity chang-es in the system, and annual moni-toring of fry emergence to developan index of egg/alevin survival.

Tertiary measures to monitor pa-rameters that may affect habitatquality include physical monitor-ing of gravel quality, ice conditionsand water temperatures.

Preparation of a strategic frame-work was initiated to allow a syn-thesis and trend analysis of the dataacquired over the first five years ofthe NFCP.

Applied ResearchApplied ResearchApplied ResearchApplied ResearchApplied ResearchApplied research involves studieswhich will increase current knowl-edge and provide a basis for deci-sion-making regarding the factorsin the biological cycle of NechakoRiver chinook and the examinationof cause/effect relationships.

Research on overwintering juve-nile chinook populations examinedwinter abundance and distributionwithin the Nechako River. Knowl-edge of the habitat needs of theoverwintering chinook is necessaryin order to best manage the NechakoRiver chinook stock.

Research into predator/prey rela-tionships was conducted to identi-fy predators, define the potentialrisks posed to chinook populations,and determine what, if any, actionmay be required.

Studies on temperature effects oninvertebrate production and fishgrowth were initiated in 1993/94.

The development of a limiting fac-tors model to assess chinook pro-duction is the final area of focus forapplied research.

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Year 7 - Project SummaryYear 7 - Project SummaryYear 7 - Project SummaryYear 7 - Project SummaryYear 7 - Project SummaryYear 8 - Year 8 - Year 8 - Year 8 - Year 8 - Approved ProjectsApproved ProjectsApproved ProjectsApproved ProjectsApproved Projects

This report provides a description of all projects carried out in Year 7 (1993/94) and of all projects approved forYear 8 (1994/95) of the Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program.

Each project is presented with the rationale for the activity, accompanied by a brief review of 1993/94 work andthe proposed project activity for the next year.

YEAR 8: APPROVED PROJECTSYEAR 8: APPROVED PROJECTSYEAR 8: APPROVED PROJECTSYEAR 8: APPROVED PROJECTSYEAR 8: APPROVED PROJECTS(1994/95)(1994/95)(1994/95)(1994/95)(1994/95)

YEAR 7: PROJECT SUMMARYYEAR 7: PROJECT SUMMARYYEAR 7: PROJECT SUMMARYYEAR 7: PROJECT SUMMARYYEAR 7: PROJECT SUMMARY(1993/94)(1993/94)(1993/94)(1993/94)(1993/94)

REMEDIAL MEASURESREMEDIAL MEASURESREMEDIAL MEASURESREMEDIAL MEASURESREMEDIAL MEASURES

FLOW MANAGEMENT

Cheslatta-Murray Hydrologic Data Collection

Allocation of Flows

Summer Water Temperature Management

IN-STREAM HABITAT COMPLEXES

Physical Assessment of In-Stream Habitat Complexes

Biological Assessment of Habitat Complexes

RIPARIAN RE-VEGETATION

HABITAT AND STOCK MONITORINGHABITAT AND STOCK MONITORINGHABITAT AND STOCK MONITORINGHABITAT AND STOCK MONITORINGHABITAT AND STOCK MONITORING

ADULT PROGRAMS

Adult Spawner Enumeration

Adult Carcass Recovery

INCUBATION ENVIRONMENT

Gravel Quality and Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring

Fry Emergence

Winter Physical Conditions

JUVENILE OUTMIGRATION

TEMPERATURE MONITORING/PHYSICAL DATACOLLECTION

EVALUATION FRAMEWORK/TREND ANALYSIS

APPLIED RESEARCHAPPLIED RESEARCHAPPLIED RESEARCHAPPLIED RESEARCHAPPLIED RESEARCH

JUVENILE CHINOOK OVERWINTERING BEHAVIOUR

PREDATION AND COMPETITION

TEMPERATURE EFFECTS


FLOW MANAGEMENT

Cheslatta-Murray Hydrologic Data Collection

Allocation of Flows

Summer Water Temperature Management

IN-STREAM HABITAT COMPLEXES

Physical Assessment of In-Stream Habitat Complexes

Biological Assessment of Habitat Complexes

RIPARIAN RE-VEGETATION

HABITAT AND STOCK MONITORINGHABITAT AND STOCK MONITORINGHABITAT AND STOCK MONITORINGHABITAT AND STOCK MONITORINGHABITAT AND STOCK MONITORING

ADULT PROGRAMS

Adult Spawner Enumeration

Adult Carcass Recovery

INCUBATION ENVIRONMENT

Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring

Fry Emergence

Winter Physical Conditions

JUVENILE OUTMIGRATION

TEMPERATURE MONITORING/PHYSICAL DATACOLLECTION

EVALUATION FRAMEWORK/TREND ANALYSIS


JUVENILE CHINOOK OVERWINTERING BEHAVIOUR

PREDATION AND COMPETITION

TEMPERATURE EFFECTS

PRPRPRPRPROJECTSOJECTSOJECTSOJECTSOJECTS

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RATIONALE

To make the best use of the annualwater allocation from the Nechako Res-ervoir, it is necessary for the NFCP toknow the magnitude and timing ofinflows from the Cheslatta-Murraylakes watershed.

PROJECT SUMMARY 1993/94

In 1993/94, data collected since 1990was analyzed to evaluate the tim-ing and magnitude of flows fromthe Bird Creek sub-basin. Sincesufficient data had been collectedfor the analyses, data collection inthe Cheslatta-Murray Lakes water-shed was discontinued followingthe 1993 freshet. All instrumentswere removed and stored at SkinsLake Spillway.

FLOW MANAGEMENTFLOW MANAGEMENTFLOW MANAGEMENTFLOW MANAGEMENTFLOW MANAGEMENT

Cheslatta-Murray Hydrologic Data CollectionCheslatta-Murray Hydrologic Data CollectionCheslatta-Murray Hydrologic Data CollectionCheslatta-Murray Hydrologic Data CollectionCheslatta-Murray Hydrologic Data Collection

Allocation of FlowsAllocation of FlowsAllocation of FlowsAllocation of FlowsAllocation of Flows

RATIONALE

In 1993/94, flow allocation to theNechako River was managed by theNFCP to best utilize available water tobenefit fish in the river and to achievethe fisheries Conservation Goals of theSettlement Agreement. To meet objec-tives for flow control in the NechakoRiver, necessary adjustments must bemade regarding Skins Lake Spillwayreleases.


The annual water allocation wasagain managed by the NFCP Tech-nical Committee to achieve the mostbeneficial flows for fish.

Reservoir releases from Skins LakeSpillway into the Nechako Riverwere scheduled. The spring andsummer mean monthly flows weremonitored by recording mean dai-ly releases from Skins Lake Spill-way and mean daily flows at thegauging station on the NechakoRiver below Cheslatta Falls. Reser-voir releases from Skins Lake Spill-way and flow in the Nechako Riverare shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The release from Skins Lake Spill-way was increased to approximate-ly 49.0 m3/s in late April 1993 andmaintained until early July 1993when the release was further in-creased for the summer coolingflows. On August 18, 1993, the spill-way release was reduced to 14.2m3/s to achieve the fall spawningflows in early September. The spill-way release was then increased to32.2 m3/s on September 3, 1993 andmaintained to achieve the annualwater allocation for 1993/94. Noforced spill occurred at Skins LakeSpillway during 1993.

APPROVED PROJECT 1994/95

In 1994/95, flow allocation willagain be managed by the NFCP tobest utilize available water. Prelim-inary snowpack information indi-cates that it is unlikely that a forcedspill will be necessary in 1994/95.


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* Additional Flows as Determined to beRequired for Cooling Purposes

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT SHORT TERM RELEASESMean Annual Release 36.8 m3/s

ACTUAL RELEASES (1993)Mean Annual Release 37.3 m3/s

Figure 2Figure 2Figure 2Figure 2Figure 2actual flows in nechako river below chelslatta fallsactual flows in nechako river below chelslatta fallsactual flows in nechako river below chelslatta fallsactual flows in nechako river below chelslatta fallsactual flows in nechako river below chelslatta falls

(January to December 1993)(January to December 1993)(January to December 1993)(January to December 1993)(January to December 1993)

Figure 1Figure 1Figure 1Figure 1Figure 1COMPARISON OF ACTUAL AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT - SKINS LAKE SPILLWAY RELEASESCOMPARISON OF ACTUAL AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT - SKINS LAKE SPILLWAY RELEASESCOMPARISON OF ACTUAL AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT - SKINS LAKE SPILLWAY RELEASESCOMPARISON OF ACTUAL AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT - SKINS LAKE SPILLWAY RELEASESCOMPARISON OF ACTUAL AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT - SKINS LAKE SPILLWAY RELEASES

(January to December 1993)(January to December 1993)(January to December 1993)(January to December 1993)(January to December 1993)


0

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Rel

ease

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Summer Water Temperature ManagementSummer Water Temperature ManagementSummer Water Temperature ManagementSummer Water Temperature ManagementSummer Water Temperature Management

RATIONALE

To protect sockeye salmon during theirmigration within the lower NechakoRiver, it is necessary to manage riverwater temperatures.

Nechako River flows and water tem-peratures are managed through releas-es from the Skins Lake Spillway. Thisis done in an attempt to maintain meandaily water temperatures at or below20°C in the Nechako River upstream ofthe Stuart River confluence atFinmoore. Management of flows andwater temperatures is carried outthrough a computer-based programdefined in the Settlement Agreement.To schedule releases from the SkinsLake Spillway, the program protocoluses a trend analysis developed fromfive-day meteorological forecasts toschedule releases from the Skins LakeSpillway.


The Water Temperature Manage-ment Program was again followedin 1993/94.

The program was successful inmaintaining the majority of meandaily water temperatures at or be-low 20.0°C. Mean daily water tem-peratures exceeded 20.0°C on Au-gust 5, reaching a maximum of20.1°C. During this time, flow inthe Nechako River below CheslattaFalls was at the maximum allowa-ble level of 283 m3/s, and thus nofurther action could be taken.

Flows in the Nechako River belowCheslatta Falls were maintained atapproximately 170 m3/s for themajority of the water temperaturecontrol period, with a single in-crease from Skins Lake Spillway inAugust which resulted in flows atCheslatta Falls of approximately283 m3/s August 5 and August 6.Mean daily water temperatures atFinmoore averaged 19.4°C (range16.0°C to 20.1°C).


The 1994/95 Summer TemperatureManagement Project will follow thesame protocol and will be conduct-ed in a manner consistent with pre-vious projects.


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IN-STREAM HABITAT COMPLEXESIN-STREAM HABITAT COMPLEXESIN-STREAM HABITAT COMPLEXESIN-STREAM HABITAT COMPLEXESIN-STREAM HABITAT COMPLEXES

Physical Assessment of In-Stream Habitat ComplexesPhysical Assessment of In-Stream Habitat ComplexesPhysical Assessment of In-Stream Habitat ComplexesPhysical Assessment of In-Stream Habitat ComplexesPhysical Assessment of In-Stream Habitat ComplexesRATIONALE

Cover habitat provides refuge for fishfrom fast-flowing water and predators,yet still allows them access to food inthe river. Installation of habitat com-plexes will manage the risk to chinookstocks associated with changes in theamount of instream cover habitat afterthe shift to the long term flow regime.

The physical assessment of differenthabitat complexes pilot tested in theNechako River aids in the identifica-tion of the types of structures mostsuitable for the rearing requirements ofjuvenile chinook.


In 1993/94, physical assessmentand photographic/video documen-tation of the habitat complexes wasconducted to provide a chronolog-ical record of the effects from win-ter conditions and summer coolingflows. In general, rail debris catch-ers continue to be durable althoughsome debris loss is taking place inReach 4. Debris bundle complexesare less durable than debris catch-ers. Continued monitoring will helpto define the best debris bundlecomplex design.


In 1994/95 further design work andlimited pilot testing will be carriedout to develop overhead coverstructures that will withstand theice and hydraulic conditions whichexist in Reach 4. In addition, phys-ical assessment and photographic/video documentation of the habitatcomplexes will continue to providea chronological record of the ef-fects from winter conditions andsummer cooling flows.


RATIONALE

Assessment of fish usage of the man-made habitat complexes will identifythe most beneficial types of habitatcomplexes. These complexes must pro-vide habitat for all life history phases ofNechako River juvenile chinook butnot contribute advantageous rearingconditions to coarse fish.


Results from 1993/94 assessmentscontinue to indicate good usage ofthe habitat complexes. Initial as-sessments suggest that up to 73 %of the chinook enumerated duringMay and June within Reach 2 and81% in Reach 4 were associatedwith the habitat complexes. Fur-thermore, there is continued evi-dence that suggests that the com-plexes were utilized asoverwintering habitat.


Assessment will continue in 1994/95. This year’s project will includeassessments in May and June, re-flecting those periods of maximumutilization observed during sum-mer rearing flows. In addition, as-sessments will occur in Novemberto investigate potentialoverwintering utilization. Controlsand complexes constructed in pre-vious years will be assessed. The1994/95 data will demonstrate thelevel of utilization of complexes ina year of low recruitment as a resultof low spawner numbers in 1993.

Biological Assessment of Habitat ComplexesBiological Assessment of Habitat ComplexesBiological Assessment of Habitat ComplexesBiological Assessment of Habitat ComplexesBiological Assessment of Habitat Complexes

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RIPARIAN RE-VEGETATIONRIPARIAN RE-VEGETATIONRIPARIAN RE-VEGETATIONRIPARIAN RE-VEGETATIONRIPARIAN RE-VEGETATION

RATIONALE

Riparian stabilization or revegetationof stream banks in North America isincreasingly used to protect againstbank failure and cattle grazing. Treesand shrubs not only provide protectionagainst erosion, but also create refugefor fish and provide food in the form ofterrestrial insects and leaf litter whichdrop from the canopy.

Several failing banks have been identi-fied on the Nechako River. It may bedesirable to stabilize these banks usingsimple riparian revegetative tech-niques. Reduced levels of erosion con-tribute to the protection of spawning,incubating and rearing habitat forchinook salmon.


Monitoring of the revegetation testbanks continued in 1993/94. Floodconditions in Greer Creek causedthe channel to shift away from therevegetated bank thus terminatingthe pilot test at this site. TheNechako River mainstem bank isdemonstrating mixed results for thedifferent planting techniques. Whilesome applications continue to grow,much of the revegetated area is nolonger growing.


In 1994/95 the Nechako Rivermainstem bank will continue to bemonitored intermittently by per-sonnel involved in other projectson the Nechako River. Video andphotographic documentation willbe taken for future analysis.


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Adult Carcass RecoveryAdult Carcass RecoveryAdult Carcass RecoveryAdult Carcass RecoveryAdult Carcass Recovery


Adult chinook carcasses recoveredfrom the Nechako and Stuart riversprovided biological data on size,sex, age, life history and egg reten-tion of chinook. The dominant ageclass in 1993/94 was five-year-oldchinook with one complete year offresh water residency.


In 1994/95 the carcass recoveryproject will continue to collect bio-logical data on size, sex, age, lifehistory, and egg retention in pre-spawn mortalities.

RATIONALE

The analysis of data from adult car-casses collected near the spawninggrounds provides life history informa-tion on both the freshwater and marinecomponents of Nechako River chinooksalmon. This information aids in in-terpreting enumeration results and inindicating which brood years have con-tributed to the spawning population. Italso aids in the determination of thesuccess of juvenile rearing strategies,the quality of spawning habitat and thecondition of spawning fish. Age atreturn and egg deposition are impor-tant data for interpreting results ofother monitoring projects.

ADULT PROGRAMSADULT PROGRAMSADULT PROGRAMSADULT PROGRAMSADULT PROGRAMS

Adult Spawner EnumerationAdult Spawner EnumerationAdult Spawner EnumerationAdult Spawner EnumerationAdult Spawner Enumeration

RATIONALE

The number of adult chinook salmonreturning to spawn in the NechakoRiver is the primary indicator regard-ing the overall strength of the NechakoRiver chinook salmon stock and signi-fies achievement of the ConservationGoal.


In 1993, seven aerial counts takenbetween August 20 and October 1,in conjunction with a female resi-dence time study, provided an es-capement estimate of 664 spawners.

The mark/recapture experiment onthe Stuart River was repeated.Crews applied tags throughout thespawning period in an attempt todistribute them throughout the run,and recovery was conductedthroughout the complete die-offperiod.

The limited Stuart River chinookcarcass recovery project document-ed 1300 returning spawners. Thedecline in spawner numbers in theStuart, as well as the Nechako Riv-er, appears to be due to influencesdownstream of the spawning areasof these two systems.


The 1994/95 project on the NechakoRiver will employ similar methodsto those of previous years.

The tagging and carcass recoveryproject on the Stuart River will beoverseen by DFO personnel to en-sure the application of a reproduc-ible methodology in 1994.

During 1994 an analysis of the 1993returns to the upper Fraser River,conducted by DFO, will becomeavailable to provide insight on the1993 data.

HABITHABITHABITHABITHABITAAAAAT T T T T AND STAND STAND STAND STAND STOCK MONITOCK MONITOCK MONITOCK MONITOCK MONITORINGORINGORINGORINGORING

Page 12

INCUBATION ENVIRONMENTINCUBATION ENVIRONMENTINCUBATION ENVIRONMENTINCUBATION ENVIRONMENTINCUBATION ENVIRONMENT

The incubation environment refers to the habitat and conditions within the river where salmon spawn and eggssubsequently incubate. This environment is used during the winter months, from October to March, when the eggsand alevins are within the gravel.

Fry emergence is an indicator of the quality of the gravel and the effects of winter conditions on the gravelenvironment. Studies are being conducted in each of these areas.


Gravel Quality and Dissolved Oxygen MonitoringGravel Quality and Dissolved Oxygen MonitoringGravel Quality and Dissolved Oxygen MonitoringGravel Quality and Dissolved Oxygen MonitoringGravel Quality and Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring


In 1993/94, the complete dissolvedoxygen monitoring station was in-stalled and operated on theNechako River. Problems were en-countered with the recovery of data.

RATIONALE

The substrate of the Nechako Riverprovides habitat for spawning, incu-bating and rearing, and food produc-tion for chinook salmon. The oxygenconcentration in the interstitial gravelis directly related to emergent successof juvenile chinook salmon. One meth-od to determine the quality of the incu-bation environment is through themeasurement of intergravel dissolvedoxygen.

To ensure an adequate database of theintergravel environment, monitoringprojects were designed to collect con-tinuous data on dissolved oxygen inthe intergravel environment. In addi-tion, to compile a database on the grav-el quality of the Nechako River, a com-prehensive analysis of the substratewill be performed prior to the imple-mentation of long-term flows.


In 1994/95, investigations will con-tinue into modifications to the dataretrieval system.

Fry EmergenceFry EmergenceFry EmergenceFry EmergenceFry Emergence

RATIONALE

The quality and quantity of salmon fryemerging from the gravel is a key indi-cator of the condition of the incubationenvironment. A monitoring projectdesigned to assess emergent successserves as an early warning indicator ofany changes in the incubation environ-ment.


In 1993/94, four inclined plane trapswere installed at a major spawningarea near Bert Irvine’s at km 19.These were used to collect data onnumbers of emerging chinook.Emergence success was estimatedat 44%.


The 1994/95 project will repeat theprogram conducted in the previ-ous four years. The results of thefry emergence project continue tobe important for interpreting re-sults of other monitoring projects.Low spawner numbers in 1993 willprovide a further opportunity totest the sensitivity of the trappingproject to determine changes innumbers of emerging chinook.

Page 13

Winter Physical ConditionsWinter Physical ConditionsWinter Physical ConditionsWinter Physical ConditionsWinter Physical Conditions

RATIONALE

The understanding of winter physicalconditions (winter river water temper-atures and ice conditions) and theireffect on chinook incubation andoverwintering in the Nechako River isimportant for successful managementof the fisheries resource. Baseline datacollected during the short-term flowregime will contribute to the existingdatabase and will provide the basis fordesign and application of remedialmeasures.


In 1993/94, air, water temperatureand ice condition data collected onthe Nechako River was added tothe database.


In 1994/95, data will continue to becollected and analyzed. A reportdocumenting the results of theproject will be completed.


JUVENILE OUTMIGRATIONJUVENILE OUTMIGRATIONJUVENILE OUTMIGRATIONJUVENILE OUTMIGRATIONJUVENILE OUTMIGRATION

RATIONALE

The number and condition of juvenilechinook migrating down the NechakoRiver is an early indicator of the pro-ductivity of the river’s spawning, in-cubation and rearing areas, and thusany change in chinook survival.

Monitoring the timing and abundanceof migrating juveniles on an annualbasis will indicate changes and providemanagement information four to fiveyears prior to the return of adultspawners. As outlined in the StrategicFramework, indications of changes innumbers of juvenile chinook leavingthe system will determine subsequentmonitoring and remedial action.


In 1994/95 the three rotary trapswill again be deployed at DiamondIsland and run in conjunction withindex sampling. The traps will befished from April 1 to the startof the summer water temperaturecooling period on July 20, whichis the period of greatest chinookoutmigration. Index sampling willbe conducted in the fall. Thelow numbers of chinook recruits in1994, as a result of low spawnernumbers in 1993, will provide a testfor the sensitivity of the trappingmethodology.


In 1993/94, three rotary screw trapswere again deployed at DiamondIsland. The peak catches of chinookfry at Diamond Island occurredduring the late spring, while lownumbers of chinook emigrated fromthe system throughout the fallperiod.

Page 14

TEMPERATURE MONITORING/PHYSICAL DATA COLLECTIONTEMPERATURE MONITORING/PHYSICAL DATA COLLECTIONTEMPERATURE MONITORING/PHYSICAL DATA COLLECTIONTEMPERATURE MONITORING/PHYSICAL DATA COLLECTIONTEMPERATURE MONITORING/PHYSICAL DATA COLLECTION

EVALUATION FRAMEWORK/TREND ANALYSISEVALUATION FRAMEWORK/TREND ANALYSISEVALUATION FRAMEWORK/TREND ANALYSISEVALUATION FRAMEWORK/TREND ANALYSISEVALUATION FRAMEWORK/TREND ANALYSISRATIONALE

The projects conducted by the NFCPconsist of numerous physical and bio-logical components. The need was iden-tified for the Technical Committee tosystematically analyze cause and effectrelationships to best manage the over-all program. In addition, the ability todetect statistically significant changesin the fish population and habitat avail-ability will be evaluated.

As a precursor to the utilization of theNFCP Early Warning MonitoringProgram, an initial synthesis and trendanalysis of the data acquired over thefirst five program years of the NFCP isplanned. This analysis, undertakenwithin the context of the ConservationGoal outlined in the Settlement Agree-ment, will help define the adaptivemanagement program that will be fol-lowed after the change to the long termflow regime. It will also help define theduration and effort required by moni-toring and remedial measures projectsto ensure that the chinook conservationgoal will be met.


In 1993/94 work continued on aframework to evaluate the projectsof the NFCP. This will provide in-sight for development of planningfor the next program year. Theframework will form the basis forthe adaptive management ap-proach to be followed by the NFCPTechnical Committee and will bethe decision pathway used to evalu-ate the results from monitoringprojects. Decision points for actionwill be identified.


In 1994/95 work will continue onthis document.

RATIONALE

The timing of emergence, growth ratesand life history dynamics of chinooksalmon are closely related to the tem-perature of their environment. Reliablecollection of river temperature infor-mation forms part of the ongoing data-base of observed physical conditions inthe Nechako River. The data is impor-tant in the designing of other monitor-ing projects and assessing the timing ofjuvenile chinook life history events.


In 1993/94 the collection of physi-cal data included air temperature,water temperature, and dischargedata was continued as in previousyears.

The data was applied to the fryemergence, juvenile outmigration,chinook enumeration and winterphysical conditions projects.


In 1994/95, collection of baselinedata will be continued to providephysical data to the other programcomponents.


Page 15

JUVENILE CHINOOK OVERWINTERING BEHAVIOURJUVENILE CHINOOK OVERWINTERING BEHAVIOURJUVENILE CHINOOK OVERWINTERING BEHAVIOURJUVENILE CHINOOK OVERWINTERING BEHAVIOURJUVENILE CHINOOK OVERWINTERING BEHAVIOURRATIONALE

More information is needed to under-stand the overwintering behaviouralpatterns of juvenile chinook in north-ern river systems. Knowing how win-ter habitat is used will enable estima-tion of juvenile chinook abundanceoverwintering in the Nechako River.Understanding winter habitat require-ments will also aid in deciding wheth-er, and to what extent, remedial meas-ures may be required.


An analysis of the existing data-base on overwintering chinooksalmon was initiated in 1992/93,and a draft primary publication wasprepared.


In 1994/95 the primary publicationand all contractor reports will befinalized.

PREDATION AND COMPETITIONPREDATION AND COMPETITIONPREDATION AND COMPETITIONPREDATION AND COMPETITIONPREDATION AND COMPETITION

RATIONALE

It is necessary to understand the im-pact of predator and competitorpopulations on juvenile chinookpopulations to determine if effort isrequired to control these populations.The relationships between juvenilechinook life history and predator abun-dance, distribution and impact, mustbe investigated.

SUMMARY PROJECT 1993/94

In 1993/94 the data from the 1991/92 sampling surveys were analyzed.


In 1994/95 reports on fish and birdpredation and chinook availabilitywill be finalized and published.


TEMPERATURE EFFECTSTEMPERATURE EFFECTSTEMPERATURE EFFECTSTEMPERATURE EFFECTSTEMPERATURE EFFECTS

RATIONALE

Cooler water released from the KenneyDam Release Facility into the NechakoRiver during the period of sockeye mi-gration may affect invertebrate pro-duction. Invertebrates are the primaryfood supply for juvenile chinook.

An understanding of the effects of tem-perature on invertebrate productionand fish growth has been identified asan area requiring further research.


In 1993/94 an experiment usingstream troughs was carried out atHill Larsons, to determine the ef-fects of decreased water tempera-tures on invertebrate production.


In 1994/95, at the PBS, 1993/94data will be analyzed and tests willbe conducted on Nechako Riverchinook to determine growth ratesunder various temperatures. De-sign modifications for trough testsadjacent to the Nechako River willbe developed for the 1995/96 pro-gram year.

Page 16

Summaries of the 1993/94 budget and the proposed 1994/95 budget are provided in figures 3 & 4. Increases ofexpenditures in monitoring reflect the development of additional programs.

Figure 3Figure 3Figure 3Figure 3Figure 3COMPARISON OF YEAR 7 & YEAR 8 MANPOWER BUDGETS *COMPARISON OF YEAR 7 & YEAR 8 MANPOWER BUDGETS *COMPARISON OF YEAR 7 & YEAR 8 MANPOWER BUDGETS *COMPARISON OF YEAR 7 & YEAR 8 MANPOWER BUDGETS *COMPARISON OF YEAR 7 & YEAR 8 MANPOWER BUDGETS *

FIGURE 4FIGURE 4FIGURE 4FIGURE 4FIGURE 4COMPARISON OF YEAR 7 & YEAR 8 DISBURSEMENT BUDGETS *COMPARISON OF YEAR 7 & YEAR 8 DISBURSEMENT BUDGETS *COMPARISON OF YEAR 7 & YEAR 8 DISBURSEMENT BUDGETS *COMPARISON OF YEAR 7 & YEAR 8 DISBURSEMENT BUDGETS *COMPARISON OF YEAR 7 & YEAR 8 DISBURSEMENT BUDGETS *

1993/94

********** **********1994/95

FINANCIAL REPORFINANCIAL REPORFINANCIAL REPORFINANCIAL REPORFINANCIAL REPORTTTTT

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

MONITORING REMEDIALMEASURES

APPLIEDRESEARCH

COMMITTEEOPERATIONS

11993/94 1994/95

* Cost of manpower budgets are over and above the cost of disbursement budgets.

* * As required for each party.

$0

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

$160,000

$180,000

$200,000

MONITORING REMEDIAL

MEASURES

APPLIED

RESEARCH

COMMITTEE

OPERATIONS

Page 17

APPENDICESAPPENDICESAPPENDICESAPPENDICESAPPENDICES

APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX A.1A.1A.1A.1A.1

DECISION CHARDECISION CHARDECISION CHARDECISION CHARDECISION CHART FORT FORT FORT FORT FORREMEDIAL MEASURES PRREMEDIAL MEASURES PRREMEDIAL MEASURES PRREMEDIAL MEASURES PRREMEDIAL MEASURES PROGRAMOGRAMOGRAMOGRAMOGRAM

DECREASE IN FLOWMAY RESULT IN

A REDUCTION IN THEAMOUNT OF

REARING HABITAT

LOWER WATERTEMPERATURES DURING

COOLING FLOW PERIODMAY RESULT IN

REDUCED GROWTHOF JUVENILE CHINOOK

INCREASED SEDIMENT IN GRAVEL MAY

RESULT IN DECREASEDEGG/ALEVIN SURVIVAL

INCREASED RIVER ICEMAY AFFECT

EGG/ALEVIN SURVIVALBY FREEZING OR

CHANGES IN SUB-GRAVEL FLOW

NO TESTING PROPOSED

AS MEASURES ARE PROVEN

CONDUCT LITERATUREREVIEW TO IDENTIFY

POTENTIAL REMEDIALMEASURES

PILOT TEST STREAMFERTILIZATION

PILOT TEST HABITATCOMPLEXING

ASSESS CHANGES INGROWTH BY MODELS

(Slaney & Clarke)

PREDICT POTENTIALCHANGE IN AMOUNT AND LOCATION OF

SEDIMENT DEPOSITION

ICE MODELS MIGHT BEUSED TO MAKE GENERALPREDICTIONS ON EFFECT

ASSESS EFFECTS OF FLOWON COVER HABITAT

(Benniston/Lister)

MONITOR GRAVELS ANDEGG/ALEVIN SURVIVAL& IMPLEMENT REMEDIALMEASURES IF REQUIRED.

IMPLEMENTFERTILIZATIONIN YEAR 1 OF

LONG-TERM FLOW

INSTALL SOME HABITATCOMPLEXES BEFOREFLOW REDUCTION

MONITOR ICE CONDITIONS AND

EGG/ALEVIN SURVIVAL& IMPLEMENT REMEDIALMEASURES IF REQUIRED.

CHECK PREDICTIONCHECK PREDICTIONCHECK PREDICTIONCHECK PREDICTIONCHECK PREDICTION




12345678901234561234567890123456123456789012345612345678901234561234567890123456123456789012345612345678901234561234567890123456123456789012345612345678901234561234567890123456

ADULTADULTADULTADULTADULTSPAWNINGSPAWNINGSPAWNINGSPAWNINGSPAWNINGDISTRIBUTIONDISTRIBUTIONDISTRIBUTIONDISTRIBUTIONDISTRIBUTION

-----

OTHER FACTORSLIMITING

FOOD SUPPLY ORTEMPERATURE

LIMITING

HABITAT LIMITINGAND/OR

PREDATIONLIMITING

GRAVELCONDITIONS

LIMITING

ICECONDITIONS

LIMITING

CONDITIONSACCEPTABLE

TERTIARYTERTIARYTERTIARYTERTIARYTERTIARY

-----

JUVENILEJUVENILEJUVENILEJUVENILEJUVENILEOUTMIGRATIONOUTMIGRATIONOUTMIGRATIONOUTMIGRATIONOUTMIGRATION

INDEXINDEXINDEXINDEXINDEX

JUVENILEJUVENILEJUVENILEJUVENILEJUVENILECONDITIONCONDITIONCONDITIONCONDITIONCONDITION


JUVENILEJUVENILEJUVENILEJUVENILEJUVENILECONDITIONCONDITIONCONDITIONCONDITIONCONDITION


+ or =+ or =+ or =+ or =+ or =

+ or =+ or =+ or =+ or =+ or =

-----

-----

-----

+++++-----

+ or =+ or =+ or =+ or =+ or =

+ or =+ or =+ or =+ or =+ or =

+ or =+ or =+ or =+ or =+ or =

DIAGNOSISDIAGNOSISDIAGNOSISDIAGNOSISDIAGNOSIS

INCREASE WATER DEPTH

NARROW CHANNEL

OTHER

CONDUCT ADDITIONAL STUDIES

NONE REQUIRED

-----


KEY+ Trend Up

- Trend Down

= Trend the Same

Primary Monitoring Measure

Secondary Monitoring Measure

Tertiary Monitoring Measure

* Stage of Remedial Measures* Stage of Remedial Measures* Stage of Remedial Measures* Stage of Remedial Measures* Stage of Remedial Measures

PRIMARYPRIMARYPRIMARYPRIMARYPRIMARY SECONDARYSECONDARYSECONDARYSECONDARYSECONDARY

GRAVELQUALITY

ICECONDITION

FRY EMERGENCEFRY EMERGENCEFRY EMERGENCEFRY EMERGENCEFRY EMERGENCEAND CONDITIONAND CONDITIONAND CONDITIONAND CONDITIONAND CONDITION

INCREASE FERTILIZATION (A) *

INCREASE TEMPERATURE

OTHER

N.FN.FN.FN.FN.F.C.P.C.P.C.P.C.P.C.P..... EARL EARL EARL EARL EARLY Y Y Y Y WWWWWARNINGARNINGARNINGARNINGARNING MONIT MONIT MONIT MONIT MONITORING PRORING PRORING PRORING PRORING PROGRAMOGRAMOGRAMOGRAMOGRAM

1212

ASSESSMENT OFASSESSMENT OFASSESSMENT OFASSESSMENT OFASSESSMENT OFCONSERCONSERCONSERCONSERCONSERVVVVVAAAAATION GOTION GOTION GOTION GOTION GOALALALALAL


+++++

=====

-----

-----

-----

=====

+++++

+++++

- or =- or =- or =- or =- or =

+ or =+ or =+ or =+ or =+ or =

NO ADDITIONALMEASURES REQUIRED/DFO MAY INCREASE

HARVEST

NO ADDITIONALMEASURES REQUIRED/DFO MAY DECREASE

HARVEST

EXAMINE EARLY WARNINGINDICATORS FOR CAUSE

NO ADDITIONALMEASURES REQUIRED

STOCK INCREASING

STOCK INCREASING

HARVEST*

NUMBER OFSPAWNINGCHINOOK

HARVEST*

HARVEST*

INCREASED ESCAPEMENTDUE TO REDUCED HARVEST

DECREASED ESCAPEMENTDUE TO INCREASED HARVEST

STOCK DECLININGDUE TO HABITAT FACTORS

STOCK DECLININGDUE TO HABITAT FACTORS

STOCK STEADY


EXAMINE EARLY WARNINGINDICATORS FOR CAUSE


* Harvest analysis includes: comparison of trends in index stream, coastwide trends in chinook stocks and ocean survival.

REPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTREPORTNO.NO.NO.NO.NO. TITLETITLETITLETITLETITLE AUTHORAUTHORAUTHORAUTHORAUTHOR

LISTS OF REPORTSLISTS OF REPORTSLISTS OF REPORTSLISTS OF REPORTSLISTS OF REPORTS

APPENDIX BAPPENDIX BAPPENDIX BAPPENDIX BAPPENDIX B

RM93-1 Cheslatta/Murray Hydrological Data Collection Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

RM93-2 Nechako River 1993 Summer Water Temperature Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.Management Program

RM93-3 Instream Modifications and Habitat Complexing Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

RM93-4 Biological Assessmentof Habitat Complexing Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

RM93-5 Riparian Bank Stabilization Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

RM93-6 Nechako River Flow Control Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

M93-1 Nechako and Stuart Rivers Chinook Spawner DFOEnumeration

M93-2 Nechako and Stuart Rivers Chinook Carcass DFORecovery

M93-3 Juvenile Outmigration Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

M93-4 Winter Physical Conditions DFO

M93-5 Nechako River Physical Data Summary DFO

M93-6 Nechako River Fry Emergence Program Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

M93-7 Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring DFO

M93-8 Evaluation Framework and Trend Analysis DFOTriton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

AR93 Nechako Chinook Overwintering Study DFO

Temperature Effects

Predator-Prey Interaction Monitoring

MEMBERS OF STEERING & TECHNICAL COMMITTEESMEMBERS OF STEERING & TECHNICAL COMMITTEESMEMBERS OF STEERING & TECHNICAL COMMITTEESMEMBERS OF STEERING & TECHNICAL COMMITTEESMEMBERS OF STEERING & TECHNICAL COMMITTEES

TECHNICAL COMMITTEETECHNICAL COMMITTEETECHNICAL COMMITTEETECHNICAL COMMITTEETECHNICAL COMMITTEE

FEDERAL CROWNFEDERAL CROWNFEDERAL CROWNFEDERAL CROWNFEDERAL CROWNJohn PayneChiefHabitat Management DivisionDepartment of Fisheries & Oceans

ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDA. Clyde Mitchell, M.Eng., P.Eng.PresidentTriton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

PROVINCIAL CROWNPROVINCIAL CROWNPROVINCIAL CROWNPROVINCIAL CROWNPROVINCIAL CROWNA. MartinActing ManagerConservation SectionB.C. Environment

INDEPENDENT MEMBERINDEPENDENT MEMBERINDEPENDENT MEMBERINDEPENDENT MEMBERINDEPENDENT MEMBERDuncan Hay, P.Eng.PresidentHay and Company Consultants Ltd.

ALTERNATE MEMBERSALTERNATE MEMBERSALTERNATE MEMBERSALTERNATE MEMBERSALTERNATE MEMBERS

ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDBill Rublee, R.P. Bio.Senior Fisheries BiologistTriton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

STEERING COMMITTEESTEERING COMMITTEESTEERING COMMITTEESTEERING COMMITTEESTEERING COMMITTEE

FEDERAL CROWNFEDERAL CROWNFEDERAL CROWNFEDERAL CROWNFEDERAL CROWNPatrick S. ChamutDirector GeneralPacific RegionDepartment of Fisheries & Oceans

ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITEDWilliam J. Rich, P. Eng.Vice President for B.C.Alcan Smelters and Chemicals

PROVINCIAL CROWNPROVINCIAL CROWNPROVINCIAL CROWNPROVINCIAL CROWNPROVINCIAL CROWNJ.H.C. WalkerAssistant Deputy MinisterB.C. Environment

APPENDIX CAPPENDIX CAPPENDIX CAPPENDIX CAPPENDIX C

FEDERAL CROWNFEDERAL CROWNFEDERAL CROWNFEDERAL CROWNFEDERAL CROWNGail FaulknerHabitat BiologistHabitat Management DivisionDepartment of Fisheries & Oceans

PROVINCIAL CROWNPROVINCIAL CROWNPROVINCIAL CROWNPROVINCIAL CROWNPROVINCIAL CROWNPat SlaneyHead, Rivers Fisheries UnitFisheries BranchMinistry of Environment, Lands & Parks

APPENDIX DAPPENDIX DAPPENDIX DAPPENDIX DAPPENDIX D

DECISION RECORDSDECISION RECORDSDECISION RECORDSDECISION RECORDSDECISION RECORDSFRFRFRFRFROM OM OM OM OM THE THE THE THE THE TECHNICTECHNICTECHNICTECHNICTECHNICAL COMMITTEEAL COMMITTEEAL COMMITTEEAL COMMITTEEAL COMMITTEE

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