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ID - 221 Last Name: Armstrong First Name: Marcia
Title of Presentation: A Siskiyou County Perspective

Summary

Siskiyou County is located in inland northern California adjacent to the Oregon border. The area is considered one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the world. Several western mountain ranges meet in the county creating transitional areas of mixed habitat types. Geographically, there is considerable variation in elevation, hydrology, vegetation and soil type. The area of the mid-Klamath Basin, (Shasta, Scott and Salmon River watersheds,) lies at the extreme eastern range of habitat for northern California salmonids. For example, the mouth of the Shasta River is 178.6 river miles (284 km) from the Pacific Ocean. Summers in the region see very little precipitation and ambient air temperatures frequently exceed 100 Ã&F. Moving east to west, the Shasta River system runs through an area described by early explorers as a "bleak undulating plain." Flows originate from the snow-capped Eddys, and are augmented by springs originating from glaciers atop 14,000 foot Mt. Shasta. These springs create localized cool instream rearing habitat. In the Scott Valley, mountain ranges to the west and south reach an elevation of 7,000-8,000 feet. These receive 60-80 inches of annual precipitation stored as snowpack. Under favorable conditions, this snow can provide a source of flow well into the summer. On the other hand, these same mountains produce a rain shadow effect that reduces precipitation to 12-15 inches on the east side. In the Salmon River deep canyon pools offer cool rearing habitat. Annual precipitation averages 56.54 inches, more than double that of the Shasta Valley at 25.71 inches. A broad perspective of the mid-Klamath River watersheds will show the area to be at the far reaches of the range of suitable habitat for salmonids. The transition to coastal habitat conditions are readily apparent as an observer moves westward. Flows are particularly vulnerable to droughty conditions, premature snow melting heat waves or high ambient temperatures. Realistically, some areas of the mid-Klamath will not offer suitable habitat for salmonids. The key is to locate areas where suitable habitat is most likely to exist and focus upon protecting habitat characteristics and ensuring accessibility. Top studies: Locate where the fish are at their various life stages and describe preferred habitat. Study the relationship of hydrology to areas of suitable habitat and their accessibility to salmonids at various lifestyles. Study the relationship of vegetation (upland and riparian) to the altered flow regime.

ID - 301 Last Name: Bartholomew First Name: Jerri
Title of Presentation: Relationships Between the Distribution and Prevalence of the Salmonid Parasite Ceratomyxa shasta and its Invertebrate Host in the Klamath River

Summary

A study on the prevalence of Ceratomyxa shasta infection and the distribution of the parasite's invertebrate alternate host, Manayunkia speciosa, was conducted in the Klamath River in the portion of the river influenced by hydropower projects. This study was conducted in 2003 in collaboration with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and expands on their earlier studies in areas below Iron Gate Dam. To determine parasite distribution, sentinel rainbow trout (C. shasta-susceptible strain) and Chinook salmon (C. shasta-resistant strain) were held for 4 d at 13 locations between Beaver Creek and Keno Reservoir in April, June, July, September and October 2003. The fish were then returned to holding facilities and monitored for development of disease. Ceratomyxa shasta-related mortality during the spring and summer occurred only in rainbow trout held at 3 locations, all in the free flowing reaches of the river. Prior to July, sentinel fish received a low level of exposure to C. shasta, as evidenced by the predominance of sub-clinical infections. However, infection was detected in all rainbow trout exposure groups using molecular techniques. In contrast, infection and mortality was low for exposed groups of Chinook salmon. In September and October, mortality was high among fish exposed at Beaver Creek; mortality in groups exposed above Iron Gate Dam varied between sites. Throughout the study region, benthic samples of various substrates from different habitats were collected to ascertain the distribution and habitat requirements of M. speciosa. Eighty-eight samples were collected during three sampling efforts in early and late July and late August. The highest abundance of polychaetes occurred in eddies, pools, and slow flowing runs with soft sediments (sand/silt). They were also present on hard substrates (boulder and cobble) associated with periphyton such as Cladophora spp. and freshwater sponge, typically in association with fine particulate organic matter.

ID - 361 Last Name: Bartholomew First Name: Jerri
Title of Presentation: Relationships Between the Distribution and Prevalence of the Salmonid Parasite Ceratomyxa shasta and its Invertebrate Host in the Klamath River

Summary

Jerri L. Bartholomew*, Richard Stocking, Richard A. Holt Center for Fish Disease Research, Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. A study on the prevalence of Ceratomyxa shasta infection and the distribution of the parasite's invertebrate alternate host, Manayunkia speciosa, was conducted in the Klamath River in the portion of the river influenced by hydropower projects. This study was conducted in 2003 in collaboration with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and expands on their earlier studies in areas below Iron Gate Dam. To determine parasite distribution, sentinel rainbow trout (C. shasta-susceptible strain) and Chinook salmon (C. shasta-resistant strain) were held for 4 d at 13 locations between Beaver Creek and Keno Reservoir in April, June, July, September and October 2003. The fish were then returned to holding facilities and monitored for development of disease. Ceratomyxa shasta-related mortality during the spring and summer occurred only in rainbow trout held at 3 locations, all in the free flowing reaches of the river. Prior to July, sentinel fish received a low level of exposure to C. shasta, as evidenced by the predominance of sub-clinical infections. However, infection was detected in all rainbow trout exposure groups using molecular techniques. In contrast, infection and mortality was low for exposed groups of Chinook salmon. In September and October, mortality was high among fish exposed at Beaver Creek; mortality in groups exposed above Iron Gate Dam varied between sites. Throughout the study region, benthic samples of various substrates from different habitats were collected to ascertain the distribution and habitat requirements of M. speciosa. Eighty-eight samples were collected during three sampling efforts in early and late July and late August. The highest abundance of polychaetes occurred in eddies, pools, and slow flowing runs with soft sediments (sand/silt). They were also present on hard substrates (boulder and cobble) associated with periphyton such as Cladophora spp. and freshwater sponge, typically in association with fine particulate organic matter. Top 3 biological questions: 1. What are the ecological requirements of the polychaete host for C. shasta and how is their habitat affected by river management? 2. Chinook salmon are relatively resistant to C. shasta infection compared with out of basin salmonids, yet losses are high in both hatchery and wild fish during out migration. Is this a result of lower than predicted resistance, impaired immune function due to other stressors, increased length of exposure, increased numbers of parasites or a combination of these factors? 3. How do water flows and temperature affect the interaction between pathogens and fish both during their out migration as juveniles and return migration as adults. Can we make the same assumptions at both life stages?

ID - 342 Last Name: Bennett First Name: William
Title of Presentation: Hydrologic Characteristics of the Scott and Shasta Watersheds

Summary

Basic to the restoration of Coho salmon and the enhancement of other fish species is the understanding of how the natural water system works in which the species live. We must know the details of the stream and stream flow as well as the site-specific factors before we can design restoration measures that are cost-effective or even beneficial to fish. The Shasta and Scott rivers are each unique and have characteristics different than most of the other North Coast rivers and streams. Both are significant and adjacent tributaries to the main-stem Klamath, but they don't behave the same. Geology has played a dominant role in defining how each river functions, how it is supplied with water, and what its water quality will be. Recent work by various Department of Water Resources' programs, the Shasta-Scott Coho Recovery Team, and the TMDL development processes has helped provide better information. This presentation explores the general hydrologic nature of both rivers and their tributaries. It includes surface water and groundwater aspects and overlays the existing human uses of water within the watersheds. Some data on Coho salmon monitoring is also provided to relate the hydrology to Coho needs. Specifically the talk touches on water sources, typical water flows, groundwater basin characteristics, naturally-occurring seasonally-dry tributaries, water storage, refugia areas, temperature attributes, water use trends and the effect of diversions within the two watersheds.

ID - 382 Last Name: Brekke First Name: Levi
Title of Presentation: Climatic Teleconnections for forecasting Seasonal Water Supply in the Upper Klamath Basin

Summary

Background: A study funded by Reclamation's Science & Technology program is being conducted to identify correlations, or teleconnections, between climate signals, and local responses, (e.g., seasonal runoff) related to operations planning in Reclamation Regions. Case study areas include Reclamation's Mid-Pacific (MP) and Pacific-Northwest (PN) regions; the former includes the Klamath River Basin. Objectives: Research objectives include (1) identifying signal-response schemes where the response coincides with a forecast input in operations planning, and (2) assessing the unique information in the signal relative to competing information (basin precip/snow information), and (3) assessing benefits and impacts of relying of using the signal to alter operational forecasts of the response. The first objective involves identifying, empirically testing, and physically rationalizing teleconnection schemes. The second objective involves constructing decision-variable forecast models with and without teleconnection predictors. The third involves simulating forecast application, and quantifying benefits on supply anticipation and impacts on forecast reliability. Methods & Objective (1): Methods are basic: define "Signal" possibilities, "Response" possibilities, compute correlation, and apply evaluation criteria (correlation significance, relation to physical phenomena, relation to climate persistence). Signal possibilities consider ENSO indices, but focus primarily on Pacific Mid-Latitudes data (i.e., spatially distributed information on atmospheric pressure conditions " NOAA/ NCAR Reanalysis " and sea surface temperature conditions Kaplan Extended). Response possibilities for the Upper Klamath basin include cumulative natural runoff during the periods of available forecast products (NRCS/CNRFC) that are used in Klamath Project operations planning (e.g., Mar-Sep, Apr-Sep, May-Sep). Period of analysis was 1960-2000. Progress & Objective (1): Search results involving ENSO Indices and Mid-Latitudes atmospheric information are presented. -- No schemes were selected involving ENSO indices. -- Many schemes were selected involving Mid-Latitudes atmosphere information. -- During Dec-Apr (prior to related Response periods), weather pattern signals were selected describing Fall-Winter 700mb conditions over the NE Pacific and OR/WA coast. The schemes are physically intuitive: compressed seasonal pressure-heights precede increased melt-season runoff. -- During Oct-Nov, "Blocking" signals were selected describing Summer-Fall 700mb conditions over the North Central Pacific, Bering Sea, and Aleutian Islands. The schemes suggest expanded seasonal pressure-heights over the North Central Pacific precede increased melt-season runoff. The schemes pass climate persistence screening as their signals consistently relate to North Pacific SSTs; they're not physically intuitive. -- During Aug-Sep, signals were selected describing Summer 700mb conditions over the Sub-Tropics near Hawaii. The schemes suggest expanded seasonal pressure heights over the Sub-Tropics precede increased melt-season runoff. The scheme's signal correlates significantly with Tropical Pacific SST resembling an ENSO signature.

ID - 381 Last Name: Chesney First Name: Bill
Title of Presentation: Juvenile Coho Monitoring on the Shasta and Scott Rivers

Summary

Presentation Outline: "The presentation will include a physical description of the two watersheds and current conditions. "Sampling methods "Preliminary Results 2000-2004 "Discussion of the observed relationships between environmental conditions, rearing habitat, and emigration patterns of juvenile salmonids

ID - 581 Last Name: Deas First Name: Mike
Title of Presentation: Overview of the Klamath Basin Physical Environment: Hydrology, Geomorphology, and Water Quality

Summary

The Headwaters of the Klamath River originate east of the Cascades in southern Oregon. The Klamath River proper starts below Link River, just over one mile below Upper Klamath Lake, approximately 253 miles from the Pacific Ocean (elevation over 4000 feet msl). The basin area geology, topography, meteorology, and hydrology vary considerably as the river flows generally westward, passing through the Cascades, and entering the Pacific Ocean south of Crescent City. The basin hydrology is governed by geology, topography, and meteorological conditions, as well as water resources development. General flow regimes vary in space and time with a moderated snowmelt hydrograph east of the Cascades, a combined snowmelt and winter rainfall hydrograph between the Cascades and the Coast ranges, and a winter rainfall hydrograph in the Coast Range. There are five mainstem impoundments, which generate hydropower and facilitate agricultural operations. Extra-basin diversions on major and minor tributaries further impact the unimpaired flow regime. Mean annual impaired flow increases approximately 33 percent between Upper Klamath Lake and Iron Gate Dam, but increases over 700 percent from Iron Gate Dam to the Pacific Ocean due tributaries inflow originating in the Marble Mountains, Trinity Alps, and Klamath Mountains. During summer months these increases are reduced appreciably, especially below Iron Gate Dam. The geomorphology of the river, particularly below Keno Dam, is generally described as steep bedrock channel and/or alluvial channel with periodic bedrock control. Alluvial channel conditions with periodic bedrock control continue below Iron Gate Dam. Sediment availability and transport increases with distance downstream from Iron Gate Dam due to both increased tributary contribution and reduced impact of sediment trapping by mainstem reservoirs. The headwater condition for the Klamath River for all intents and purposes is Upper Klamath Lake. This headwater boundary condition is represented by water temperatures that are at or near equilibrium, dissolved oxygen conditions that deviate significantly from saturation, and nutrient and primary production conditions that are classified as hyper-eutrophic. The water quality of these headwater conditions, coupled with downstream water resources development (e.g., impoundment for hydropower; municipal, industrial, and agricultural use), impact downstream river and reservoir reaches. Water quality concerns include elevated temperatures, depressed dissolved oxygen levels, unionized ammonia toxicity, and eutrophication. Through assimilation and dilution from tributaries, water quality conditions generally improve from upstream to downstream. However, mainstem water temperatures are elevated throughout the system during summer months when tributary base flows are low and meteorological conditions adverse. Thermal refugia, where cool tributaries enter the mainstem, provide over-summering habitat for salmonids at discrete locations from Iron Gate Dam to the estuary. Overall, the Klamath River basin represents a diverse and unique aquatic system that includes a critical upstream to downstream transport component. The combination of endemic factors and over a century of water resources development and land use modifications has presented a challenging environment for resource managers to maintain and/or restore desired system function.

ID - 241 Last Name: Diamond First Name: David
Title of Presentation: The U.S. Department of the Interior and the Klamath Hydroelectric Relicensing

Summary

The Department of the Interior and its bureaus, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), National Park Service (NPS), and Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), have participated in the relicensing of PacifiCorp's Klamath River Hydroelectric Project (Project) since December 2000. PacifiCorp filed its final license application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) in February, 2004. The Commission's regulations require applicants to conduct studies that may be necessary to support the Commission's analysis of the proposal under NEPA, and are needed to determine reasonable alternatives to the project, the impact of the project on important natural or cultural resources, suitable mitigation or enhancement measures, or to minimize impact on significant resources (18 C.F.R. § 16.8(c)). The Department of the Interior filed 29 additional study and information requests with the Commission in April 2004, outlining studies and further analyses necessary for understanding the effects of Project facilities and operations on water quality and quantity, botanical, cultural, aesthetic, and socioeconomic resources, developing a full range of Project alternatives, and exploring all options for improving management of fish and wildlife resources in the Klamath River watershed. Specific study requests include project operations modeling, fish assessment surveys, fish passage evaluation, developing habitat-in-stream flow relationships, identifying the effects of peaking and ramping, and assessing hatchery performance. The Department of the Interior has made working towards long-term solutions in the basin a priority, and committed significant resources to that effort. The Department of the Interior appreciates PacifiCorp's continuing study effort, and encourages the scientific community to work with the company, with Federal, State, and Tribal governments, and with other stakeholders to build a robust record for decision-making in the Commission's licensing process.

ID - 462 Last Name: Duffy First Name: Walter
Title of Presentation: Historical and Present Condition of Lower Klamath River Basin Fish Community

Summary

The fish community of the Lower Klamath River Basin historically consisted of seven families represented by 22 species. The historic community was characterized by fish species that move between fresh and salt water, with 15 anadromous and two amphidromous species. This high proportion of anadromous fishes, with some species having distinct races that migrated during different seasons, resulted in the river supporting migrations during all times of the year. The composition of this fish community varied, and continues to vary, among tributary stream, main channel and estuary habitats. Ecologically and culturally important anadromous species in the Lower Klamath River included Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus), green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris), and Pacific lamprey (Lampetra tridentate) . Anecdotal evidence suggests spring race Chinook salmon were historically the most abundant salmon in the river, but were nearly exterminated during the gold rush period. Spring race Chinook salmon, as well as fall race, eulachon and Pacific lamprey were important species in native cultures. Populations of all native anadromous fish species in the Lower Klamath River have declined from historic sizes. The decline of native anadromous fish populations can be attributed to multiple causes. Gold mining, agricultural and forestry practices leading to deterioration of fish habitat, along with harvest, have all been identified as causes for decline. Rarely considered is the possible negative influence of species introduced to the basin from outside. The present Lower Klamath River fish community includes 16 introduced species, some being potential predators on juvenile native anadromous fishes and others being potential competitors for prey.

ID - 242 Last Name: Engbring First Name: John
Title of Presentation: Klamath River Basin Fisheries Task Force

Summary

In 1986, Congress authorized the Klamath River Basin Fishery Resources Restoration Act, setting forth a 20-year program to restore the anadromous fishes of the Klamath Basin. The Act established two Federal advisory committees to provide guidance to the Secretary of Interior on implementation of the program and regulation of harvest. These are the Klamath River Basin Fisheries Task Force (Task Force), which provides guidance to the program, and the Klamath Fisheries Management Council, which provides recommendations on harvest regulations to the various agencies with that authority. These two committees are composed of the various interest groups, agencies, tribes, and counties affected by salmon restoration and harvesting activities. Each committee uses technical teams of local professionals who know the River. Congress authorized 21 million dollars to be spent over the 20 years and expected the State of California to invest an equal level of funding. The Task Force has divided the Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam into sub-basins, and has supported the development of sub-basin planning groups to bring together local interests and landowners to guide restoration activities on the local level. This coordination is provided in the lower basin by the Yurok Tribe, in the middle basin by the Karuk Tribe, in the Scott River Basin by the Scott River Watershed Council, and in the Shasta River Basin by the Shasta Coordinated Resource Management Planning Committee. Since 1987, the Restoration Program has spent almost $9.1 milllion of Klamath Act funds on projects to restore salmonid habitats, provide public education, support local watershed planning and coordination of local landowners, and support monitoring and assessment work. The Klamath Fishery Management Council annually provides advice to the Pacific Fishery Management Council on the allowable harvest of Klamath River chinook salmon. This allows management of the ocean salmon fishery to ensure the protection of Klamath Basin fish during the ocean phase of their life cycle. The Klamath Act has provided for a cooperative framework to carry out restoration and management of the fishery resources of the Klamath Basin. The process has been extremely successful in providing a forum for all parties affected to participate in decision-making. Considerable progress has been made toward restoration, but continued problems of water quality and quantity during critical life stages, remaining areas of degraded habitat, and the lack of fish passage to the upper Basin remain to be solved before restoration of the fishery resources can be achieved.

ID - 402 Last Name: Foott First Name: Scott
Title of Presentation: Health and physiological assessment of salmonid fishes in the lower Klamath River basin :

Summary

The California & Nevada Fish Health Center (FHC) has conducted 11 cooperative health and physiological monitoring projects of juvenile salmonids in the basin since 1991. In addition, we have performed 13 applied research studies examining physiological responses of juvenile salmon and steelhead to elevated temperatures, trematode infection, Ceratomyxa shasta infection, and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) infection in adult Chinook . While numerous fish pathogens and several abnormalities have been detected in juvenile salmonids (smolts), four conditions are deemed significant to smolt survival: 1) C. shasta infection of the intestinal tract, 2) Flavobacterium columnare (Columnaris) skin and gill infection, 3) Kidney infection by the myxosporean parasite Parvicapsula minibicornis, and 4) Inflammation of adipose and pancreatic tissue associated with warm water temperatures. The relationship between elevated water temperature and both fish physiology and pathogen replication rate is complex. This complexity is highlighted by a 2002 study where smolts, infected by C.shasta after a 3 day exposure to the Klamath River and reared at either 16° or 20° C, had similar mortality rates. Non-specific immune function of uninfected cohorts was not impaired at these temperatures. Another example of this complexity, is data showing that smolt development in juvenile Chinook salmon, slowly acclimated and reared at a mean daily water temperature of 22°C, was not significantly impaired. Data from our studies will be discussed in context of the biological questions on fish health in the Klamath R. basin. Top 3 biological questions: 1. Determine the ecology of the alternate polychaete host for C.shasta and dynamics of actinospore infectivity in the Klamath River? 2. Identify alternate host(s) of Parvicapsula minibicornis and determine affect of infection on Chinook smolts? 3. Examine the relationship between holding time in the lower river and disease in returning adults.

ID - 343 Last Name: Foott First Name: J. Scott
Title of Presentation: Health and physiological assessment of salmonid fishes in the lower Klamath River basin

Summary

Co-presenter with Dr. Jerri Bartholomew, Oregon State University The California  Nevada Fish Health Center (FHC) has conducted 11 cooperative health and physiological monitoring projects of juvenile salmonids in the basin since 1991. In addition, we have performed 13 applied research studies examining physiological responses of juvenile salmon and steelhead to elevated temperatures, trematode infection, Ceratomyxa shasta infection, and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) infection in adult Chinook . While numerous fish pathogens and several abnormalities have been detected in juvenile salmonids (smolts), four conditions are deemed significant to smolt survival: 1) C. shasta infection of the intestinal tract, 2) Flavobacterium columnare (Columnaris) skin and gill infection, 3) Kidney infection by the myxosporean parasite Parvicapsula minibicornis, and 4) Inflammation of adipose and pancreatic tissue associated with warm water temperatures. The relationship between elevated water temperature and both fish physiology and pathogen replication rate is complex. This complexity is highlighted by a 2002 study where smolts, infected by C.shasta after a 3 day exposure to the Klamath River and reared at either 16° or 20° C, had similar mortality rates. Non-specific immune function of uninfected cohorts was not impaired at these temperatures. Another example of this complexity, is data showing that smolt development in juvenile Chinook salmon, slowly acclimated and reared at a mean daily water temperature of 22°C, was not significantly impaired. Data from our studies will be discussed in context of the biological questions on fish health in the Klamath R. basin. Top 3 biological questions: 1. Determine the ecology of the alternate polychaete host for C.shasta and dynamics of actinospore infectivity in the Klamath River? 2. Identify alternate host(s) of Parvicapsula minibicornis and determine affect of infection on Chinook smolts? 3. Examine the relationship between holding time in the lower river and disease in returning adults.

ID - 541 Last Name: Hennig First Name: Chuck
Title of Presentation: Overview of the Needs Ranking Process

Summary

Need statements collected before the conference and over the course of the conference will be interpreted and grouped, and similar need statements will be synthesized into one comprehensive and understandable need statement. The original or raw needs will be linked to the synthesized needs for easy reference. After the conference, attendees will be sent an email with the URL and password to a Web site, where they will be able to rank the synthesized needs. This compilation of Lower Klamath Basin science and technology needs, and the results of priority ranking for these needs, represents input from various perspectives (Lowe Klamath Basin resource manager, technical, stakeholder, and independent subject matter experts). This information is intended only as one source of input to assist those agencies and organizations responsible for resource management in the Lower Klamath Basin to consider for water, fish, and water-related resource planning and actions. These needs do not commit any agency or organization to take actions to address these needs. Actual priority and actions will be determined by the agency or organization with the authority or responsibility associated with the actions. Decisions by the responsible agency or organization to act on the needs in this report will depend on authorities, availability of staff, funding, affordability, other information and considerations that could affect decisions, and the priority of other competing needs within the agency.

ID - 561 Last Name: Hillemeier First Name: Dave
Title of Presentation: Update of Current Green Sturgeon Information

Summary

The Klamath River is thought to be home to the largest spawning population of green sturgeon (Acipener medirostris), with the only other rivers containing significant populations being the Rogue and Sacramento Rivers. Little is known about the life history, habitat requirements, abundance, and population dynamics of green sturgeon. In fact, a primary finding of the National Marine Fisheries Services report titled Status Review of North American Green Sturgeon (NMFS, June 2002) was that there was inadequate population abundance or trend information to assess their population status, which was in fact a significant potential threat due to the resulting uncertainty about their proper listing status. Several research efforts have been initiated over the past few years to address this paucity of information. Since 1999, the Yurok Tribe has provided green sturgeon broodstock and biological samples collected from their fishery to researchers at the University of California, Davis. The broodstock have been spawned and subsequent progeny used in numerous experiments focused on determining early life history characteristics and habitat requirements of green sturgeon. These studies have included, but not been limited to: 1) determination of the reproductive characteristics of green sturgeon, 2) spawning and rearing of green sturgeon, 3) comparison of early life stages and growth to white sturgeon, 4) determination of temperature effects on the bioenergetics of green sturgeon, 5) assessment of the effects of temperature upon embryos, 6) evaluation of the effects of temperature upon growth of larvae green sturgeon, 7) evaluation of the effects of temperature on growth of juvenile green sturgeon 8) assessment of thermal stress in green sturgeon larvae, 9) assessment of the effects of chronic stress upon green sturgeon, 10) assessment of saltwater tolerance and acclimation of juvenile green sturgeon, 11) estimation of the age composition of fish sampled. In conjunction with samples collected in other rivers/estuaries, U.C. Davis researchers have also studied the genetic structure of West Coast green sturgeon populations. This genetic information was also used by the National Marine Fisheries Service to identify distinct population segments when conducting the status review for North American green sturgeon. Migration behavior of adult green sturgeon in the Klamath River has been assessed during the past three years through a cooperative research project including the Yurok, Karuk, and Hoopa Valley Tribes, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Objectives of this research include an assessment of migration timing, migration rates, habitat utilization, freshwater distribution, holding patterns, and duration of freshwater residence. It is hoped that the acoustic tags will also help to assess the frequency that mature green sturgeon return to spawn, potential stray rates, the migration behavior of green sturgeon along the Pacific Coast and within estuaries, and the vulnerability of Klamath River green sturgeon to fisheries in other areas along the coast. Efforts have also been initiated to verify areas of spawning within the Klamath River, as well as to characterize habitat utilized by larval and juvenile green sturgeon.

ID - 321 Last Name: Hillemeier First Name: Dave
Title of Presentation: Biological Monitoring of the Klamath-Trinity Basin

Summary

Biological monitoring occurs throughout the Klamath-Trinity Basin for various species/life stages. Monitoring the inriver abundance of adult fall Chinook is by far the most comprehensive and represents one of the most intense monitoring programs of any stock along the West Coast. Much of the monitoring for adult coho salmon and steelhead occurs incidentally to that of fall Chinook and represents only a portion of the run timing for these species. Inriver abundance of adult spring Chinook has been monitored since the mid-1980's, with the exception for the lower river sport fishery. Monitoring the juvenile emigration of anadromous salmonids is conducted in numerous tributaries, as wells as several locations within the main stem Klamath and Trinity Rivers. With the exception of harvest information, there has been no abundance monitoring conducted for green sturgeon, eulachon, and lamprey. The need to manage the harvest of Klamath River fall Chinook has driven the monitoring of adult fall Chinook since the late 1970's. This monitoring program involves a massive cooperative effort of various entities including, but not limited to: USFWS, USFS, CDFG, RCD's, Hoopa Valley Tribe, Karuk Tribe, Yurok Tribe, Salmon River Restoration Council, and dozens of volunteers. Funding for this monitoring program is not stable and typically involves an annual struggle to fund the primary components. In addition to monitoring the inriver abundance of Klamath River fall Chinook throughout the Klamath-Trinity Basin, scale samples are collected to allow determination of the age composition on an annual basis, and coded wire tags are collected to allow determination of the natural component of the run, as well as the contribution of fish from each hatchery. Collectively, this information is used to predict the abundance of fish each year, assess harvest rates and whether conservation objectives were met, model ocean and inriver fisheries for Klamath fall Chinook impacts, and assess the population dynamics of Klamath-Trinity Basin fall Chinook. In addition, the age composition information allows the tracking of cohorts from egg to adult life stages, which expands the utility of this information for many purposes beyond harvest management, such as assessing environmental variation and management actions (e.g. different river flows) upon the subsequent production of fall Chinook. Historical operation of the Trinity River weir and Shasta Racks have allowed for monitoring of adult coho salmon and steelhead, however this information is compromised somewhat because the weirs are typically removed (often because of high winter flows) from the water prior to the peak of the run for these species. Since the listing of coho under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1997, efforts to monitor the abundance of adult coho have increased; for example approximately 25% of the available coho spawning habitat in the Scott River has been monitored since 2001. Monitoring of the Yurok fishery for coho salmon has allowed an assessment of the hatchery/natural component of the run for the entire Klamath-Trinity Basin. Downstream migrant traps are operated throughout the basin as a tool for estimating the production from individual basins, monitoring emigration timing, assessing fish health, and various other research objectives.

ID - 345 Last Name: Kanz First Name: Russ
Title of Presentation: Klamath Hydroelectric Project Relicensing: Information Still Needed by the State Water Resources Control Board

Summary

Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires any applicant for a federal license or permit, which may result in any discharge to navigable waters, to obtain certification from the State that the discharge will comply with the applicable water quality parameters in the Act. Before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) can issue a new license to PacifiCorp for the continued operation of the Klamath Hydroelectric Project it must obtain a certification of compliance with section 401 from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Certification requires a determination of compliance with the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Plan (basin plan). The basin plan designates the beneficial uses of waters to be protected, along with the water quality objectives necessary to protect those uses. Conditions of a 401 certification are mandatory, and must be included in the license issued by the FERC. Relicensing of the project is on a very aggressive timeline established by the FERC. Information is needed soon to allow the SWRCB to analyze the impacts of the project on water quality standards. The SWRCB must have substantial evidence to support any decision concerning issuance of a 401 certification. The SWRCB must also comply with the California Environmental Quality Act before it can issue certification. Information submitted by PacifiCorp shows that the Klamath Hydroelectric Project significantly impacts the beneficial uses of the Klamath River. The project alters water temperature and dissolved oxygen below Iron Gate dam, and blocks access to important spawning and rearing habitats within and upstream of the project. Additional information is needed to evaluate a range of alternatives that will avoid or mitigate these impacts. PacifiCorp developed a water quality model for the hydroelectric project that compares the existing condition to a without project scenario. Review of the model indicates that additional calibration and testing is required before it can be used to make management decisions with a high degree of confidence. Impacts to anadromous fish from the project are significant. Alteration of water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and other water quality parameters below Iron Gate Dam, in combination with the blockage of access to historic spawning and rearing habitat are synergistically impacting anadromous fish. A full range of alternatives to mitigate for these impacts must be considered, including volitional passage and decommissioning project dams. Removal of project dams may be the only alternative that will mitigate for the impacts to water quality, including those to fish. Studies must be conducted to evaluate the impacts of removing project dams. The impacts of removing project dams must be included in the CEQA document prepared for this project.

ID - 161 Last Name: Karas First Name: Christine
Title of Presentation: The Developing Klamath River Basin Conservation Implementation Program

Summary

Resolution of the numerous natural resource issues in the Klamath River Basin will require a stakeholder driven basin-wide approach. To achieve this, the Bureau of Reclamation is leading the formulation of the Conservation Implementation Program (CIP). This CIP process will work with and through existing restoration efforts, serving as a mechanismfor overall coordination, prioritization of projects, and exchange of information. As currently drafted, the goals of the CIP are: 1)To largely restore the Klamath River ecosystem to achieve recovery of the Lost River and Shortnose suckers, and to substantially contribute to the recovery of the SONC ESU of Coho salmon; 2) To contribute to, but not to fully discharge, the tribal trustresponsibilities of the federal government; 3) To allow continued sustainable operation of existing watermanagement facilities and future water resource improvements for human use in the Klamath Basin. The second draft of a document describing the CIP is available forpublic comment, and a series of public meetings to receive input are being scheduled. This presentation will describe the scope, focus and governance of the CIP.

ID - 563 Last Name: Keppen First Name: Dan
Title of Presentation: Top 3 "Most Pressing" Klamath Basin Science Issues: KWUA Perspective

Summary

The Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA) is a non-profit corporation that has represented Klamath Irrigation Project farmers and ranchers since 1953. KWUA members include rural irrigation districts and other public agencies, as well as private concerns operating on both sides of the California-Oregon border. Our association strives to support the mission of our collective members: to develop full supplies to the farmers and ranchers who have farmed Project lands with reliable water deliveries in 96 of the past 97 years. Local water users play an important role in Klamath Basin wildlife conservation activities, including efforts to provide environmental water to two national wildlife refuges. Last year, the administration of Oregon Governor Theodore Kulongoski recognized KWUA with its "Leadership in Conservation" award. KWUA for over 10 years has advocated for truly effective restoration, particularly in the Upper Basin. The issues that we will present are driven, in part, by principles and goals previously outlined in three documents developed by the association: 1) Initial Ecosystem Restoration Plan for The Upper Klamath River Basin With Focus on Endangered Species Recovery and Water Management Improvements; 2) Protecting the Beneficial Uses of Waters of Upper Klamath Lake: A Plan to Accelerate Recovery of the Lost River and Shortnose Suckers; and 3) Summary of Recent and Proposed Environmental Restoration and Water Conservation Efforts Undertaken by Klamath Water Users and Basin Landowners. Many of the guiding principles contained in these documents have also been implemented with success through the Ecosystem Restoration component of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, which is being implemented in California. Based in part on our involvement with these issues, this presentation will outline what we see are three key pressing science needs for the Basin: 1. Apply research to ascertain the primary factors affecting sucker fish recovery in Upper Klamath Lake, and, through an adaptive management approach, develop pilot projects that focus solely on recovery of these species; 2. Resolve the disputed relationship between fish disease, flows and water temperatures on the lower Klamath River; and 3. Using an adaptive management approach that emphasizes incentives (rather than regulations) for landowners - and in a manner that avoids re-directing negative impacts - improve coho habitat in lower Klamath River tributaries.

ID - 461 Last Name: Kirk First Name: Steve
Title of Presentation: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Perspective

Summary

Oegon Department of Environmental Quality's (ODEQ) responsibilities under the Clean Water Act include: 1) Establish water quality standards that are protective of the designated beneficial uses. 2) Prepare a list of water quality limited or impaired waterbodies that violate water quality standards. These waterbodies are placed on the 303(d) list. 3) Each state must complete a TMDL for any waterbody determined to be water quality limited. 4) Authority to determine compliance with water quality standards and issue CWA Section 401 certification of hydroelectric facilities. Oregon and California are cooperating in seeking a unified approach to develop TMDLs in the Klamath Basin. Final decisions on TMDL process elements, work products, and development of the TMDLs lie with the respective States. U.S. EPA is providing contracting support for the selected technical components. Science needs associated with development of Klamath River TMDLs include: 1) Develop a dynamic water quality model that predicts water quality (relative to WQ standards) for the entire Klamath River. 2) Quantify nutrient cycling relative to algae and periphyton from upper to lower basin. 3) Quantify anthropogenic impacts to water quality relative to WQ standards.

ID - 383 Last Name: Klamt First Name: Robert
Title of Presentation: The Role of Science for Water Quality Control in the Klamath River Basin

Summary

Executive Summary: The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board has jurisdiction over the protection, maintenance, and enhancement of water quality in the Klamath River Basin. The basic water quality control approach is to implement water quality management programs through permits, TMDLs, and collaborative approaches to ensure that water quality standards are met. Those standards consist of a designated beneficial use of water (e.g., cold water fisheries) and water quality objectives that are protective of the use (e.g., dissolved oxygen above 8 mg/L). Monitoring provides feedback on the effectiveness of water quality programs, as well as basic information used in the development of water quality objectives and fine-tuning of the programs. Science plays an important role in the water quality control strategy. Beneficial use designations are based on knowledge of the uses of the water in the Basin, as well as knowledge of the aquatic resources. Water quality objectives are derived from scientific studies, and modified as new information becomes available. Water quality monitoring relies on the latest science in water chemistry and analytical techniques, and provides a feedback loop regarding the water quality objectives. Monitoring data also are used in modeling efforts to better understand the relationships in a water body and to provide opportunities for scenario analysis to compare various management options. The water quality control programs need science to function well in the Klamath Basin. Specifically for water quality, our top three needs are : Additional and current information is needed to develop water temperature objectives for indigenous salmonids at all life stages. The current water temperature objectives need refinement to fully protect these sensitive species. The Klamath River is noted for its nutrient rich waters. New local information on primary productivity and nutrient relationships is needed to support the development of nutrient objectives for the Klamath River Basin. A better understanding of those relationships and thresholds for the Klamath River system is needed to more effectively address nutrient enrichment. Water quality modeling improves our understanding of the complex chemical, physical, and biological interrelationships. Improved and continued modeling of water quality through the system will provide the opportunity to evaluate various management scenarios with regard to water quality standards. Taking a broader viewpoint, science is needed to address the complex interactions of flow, water temperatures, and nutrients through the system and the effects on the aquatic biota, especially the anadromous salmonids.

ID - 501 Last Name: Lecky First Name: James
Title of Presentation: The stewardship of living marine resources

Summary

The stewardship of living marine resources for the benefit of the nation through science-based conservation and management and promotion of the health of the environment on which marine resources depend is the mission of NOAA Fisheries. In the Klamath Basin, NOAA Fisheries implements programs to restore naturally spawning wild salmon and steelhead under the authorities of the Endangered Species Act, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Federal Powers Act, and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. Our ability to make scientifically-supportable regulatory and management decisions hinges on the availability of results and information gathered from studies which have strong scientific support. I will highlight today the following information gaps in the Klamath Basin that currently have weak scientific support, but that are key to our understanding of the potential impacts associated with water use in the Klamath Basin: (1) coho abundance and trend data; (2) relationship between instream flows and coho population response; and (3) water supply information

ID - 322 Last Name: Leland First Name: David
Title of Presentation: Overview of Water Quality Studies in the Lower Klamath Basin

Summary

The Klamath River in California is on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list for impairments related to temperature, nutrients and low dissolved oxygen. Measurements of water quality conditions of the Lower Klamath River and its tributaries date from about 1950. Most water quality studies have focused on measurements of physical parameters, particularly temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and specific conductance. Nutrients have also been monitored, with a notable increase in measurements of nutrient parameters in the last four years. Prior to the 1990s, most observations were limited to grab or spot sampling. The limited data led to conclusions that tended to be speculative and qualitative with respect to driving mechanisms. Most of the physical parameters show strong seasonal and diurnal fluctuations. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in continuous observations of many of these parameters, beginning in the early 1990s with temperature. Water quality modeling studies also date only from the 1990s. Studies include the USGS model SIAM, work by Mike Deas while at UC Davis, recent PacifiCorp model work, and, just outside the geographic scope of this conference, models of Upper Klamath Lake and the Klamath River from Link to the Oregon/California border prepared on behalf of the Oregon Dept of Environmental Quality. The combination of abundant data on the state of the system and mechanistic models of the system puts us on the cusp of substantially improved abilities to describe, understand, and predict water quality conditions and mechanisms controlling those conditions.

ID - 303 Last Name: Martz First Name: Craig
Title of Presentation: The Shasta and Scott River Pilot Program: a community based plan for recovery of coho salmon in an agricultural landscape.

Summary

The Shasta-Scott River Recovery Team (SSRT) has been working since January, 2003 to aid the Department of Fish and Game in developing its recovery strategy for coho salmon. As outlined in Fish and Game Code section 2107, the team includes representatives from state and federal agencies, local government, affected landowners, environmental groups and the scientific community. The team has developed a pilot recovery program focusing on recommendations for agriculture and agricultural water use in the Shasta and Scott River valleys. This program builds upon over a decade of local experience in voluntary riparian and instream restoration activities within the two valleys. Over 140 recovery tasks are identified by the SSRT for implementation. Recovery tasks are grouped into seven categories based on actions needed in the areas of 1) water management, 2) water augmentation, 3) habitat management, 4) water use efficiency, 5) protection, 6) assessment and monitoring, and 7) public education and outreach. Implementation priorities are assigned according to relative importance and recommended timing for individual tasks. The Shasta-Scott Recovery Team is continuing its work to refine the planning and implementation of the pilot program.

ID - 261 Last Name: McKinney First Name: Jim
Title of Presentation: California Energy Commission Perspectives on Klamath Basin Hydropower Issues

Summary

The California Energy Commission is reviewing Klamath Basin hydropower issues during the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing proceeding at the request of the California Resources Agency and State Water Resources Control Board. These requests coincide with Energy Commission investigations of state-wide hydropower issues. Findings from the Commission's 2003 Integrated Energy Policy Report include: hydropower is a key element of California's energy portfolio; hydropower contributes to significant, ongoing environmental impacts; mitigation via relicensing is having minimal effects on energy values; and selective decommissioning of low power & high impact projects can create substantial restoration benefits. One of hydropower's key energy attributes is its very low production cost: $2 to $7 per megawatt-hour (MWh) compared to $37 to $38 / MWh for combined cycle natural gas (although total installed costs for new combined cycle plants is about $53 / MWh). Other energy attributes include high revenue streams ($40 to $70 / MWh for peaking power), extreme flexibility in providing peaking and load following power, provision of ancillary services, lack of air emissions, and varying production levels according to hydrologic conditions. California's 14,116 MW of nameplate hydropower comprises 23% of the state's roughly 60,000 MW in generation capacity, and produces about 15% of its total energy (37,345 GWh annual average). During peak loads on hot summer days, hydropower provides about 15% of peak capacity generation. The Klamath River Hydro Project includes 7 dams with an installed capacity of 163 MW and average annual production of 656 gigawatt-hours (GWh). The project provides peaking and run of river energy. To assess the energy effects of potential decommissioning, the Energy Commission reviewed the energy resource planning documents developed by the Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Council and PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp's 1.5 million customers use about 47,708 GWh of electricity annually, with peak demand occurring on winter mornings (7,585 MW) and summer afternoons (8,511). The company's resource mix includes coal (86%), hydro (6%) and natural gas (5%). PacifiCorp is in a net-short situation and procures 38% of its energy through power purchase contracts. Additional energy resources will need to be built and purchased to meet growing demand and a potential 4,000 MW shortfall. The Energy Commission's preliminary analysis concludes that 1) loss of some or all of the Klamath hydropower from potential decommissioning would not have a significant effect on electric resource adequacy, 2) that replacement power may be available locally and regionally at higher cost, 3) that the small scale of Klamath hydropower would not significantly affect the need for additional generation, transmission and conservation required to meet load growth in Oregon and California, and 4) that more detailed studies are needed during the FERC relicensing. The Energy Commission commented to FERC that decommissioning is a viable NEPA project alternative to consider in the relicensing proceeding due to the project's small energy values and the Klamath River's regionally significant fishery resources. Peaking operations and valuation of project energy at $70 / MWh also need to be clarified and confirmed.

ID - 523 Last Name: Mohr First Name: Michael
Title of Presentation: Klamath River Fall Chinook Harvest Management

Summary

Harvest management for Klamath River fall chinook is conducted through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC). The PFMC has specific biological objectives for the stock, and fishery regulations are developed annually to satisfy these objectives. The first objective is that no more than two-thirds of the would be natural area spawners should be harvested in any given year. The second objective is that no fewer than 35,000 adults should be allowed to spawn in natural areas in any given year. For these (and other) reasons, the abundance of Klamath River fall chinook is frequently a limiting factor in designing ocean commercial seasons from Cape Falcon, OR, to Point Sur, CA, and ocean recreational seasons from Humbug Mountain, OR, to Horse Mountain, CA, and result in year-to-year variation in the harvest quotas for the river tribal and recreational fisheries. Fifty percent of the allowable annual harvest is allocated to the tribal fishery, and the remaining allocation among the various fishing interests is negotiated annually. The basis for the PFMC's "harvest rate management subject to a minimum spawner floor" approach is to allow for exploration of the stock-recruitment relationship while protecting production potential under adverse environmental conditions. In their investigation of this management framework, Prager and Mohr (1999) found that estimation error in annual abundance forecasts is the most significant factor effecting long-term average harvest, variability of annual harvest, and the probability of satisfying the PFMC spawner objectives for the stock. The Klamath Ocean Harvest Model (KOHM) is used by the PFMC to evaluate proposed ocean and river management options. The KOHM forecasts the expected harvest by fishing sector, and the expected numbers of returning spawners. The KOHM performs age-specific cohort projections through the ocean fisheries, maturation process, river fisheries, and spawning areas, given preseason ocean abundance forecasts. KOHM ocean fishery contact rates depend on fishery sector, month, area, and effort, while effort itself depends on management regulations. Ocean fishery impacts in turn depend on contacts, size-limits, hook-and-release mortality rates, and dropoff mortality rates. River fishery impacts depend on quota levels and dropoff mortality rates. The KOHM's quantitative relationships between the above factors were derived largely on the basis of coded-wire tag (CWT) recovery information. CWT fish are released each year from Iron Gate Hatchery (IGH) and Trinity River Hatchery (TRH), and later recovered in ocean and river fisheries, spawning areas, and at the hatcheries. Without the CWT release program, and the comprehensive ocean harvest and basin-wide monitoring of adults, the KOHM would not exist, nor would the cohort reconstructions for the stock that have yielded estimates of realized fishery mortality rates, maturation rates, ocean growth rates, and made possible stock abundance forecasts, and stock-recruitment analyses. The marking and monitoring programs are a substantial investment, but provide a substantial return in the way of rational fisheries management. Continuation of these programs would be wise, and could be improved considerably were IGH to adopt a 25% constant fractional marking policy, as TRH has done.

ID - 421 Last Name: Moyle First Name: Peter
Title of Presentation: The NRC Report: Endangered and Threatened Fishes in the Klamath River Basin, causes of decline and strategies for recovery.

Summary

The National Research Council Committee on Endangered and Threatened Fishes of the Klamath River was appointed with the following charge: -The committee will review the &biological opinions regarding the effects of Klamath Project operations on species&listed under the ESA, including coho salmon and shortnose and Lost River suckers. The committee will assess whether the biological opinions are consistent with available scientific information. -While focusing on coho salmon as the only listed fish in the lower basin, the Committee went beyond its charge in writing its report because the issues went beyond species listed under the Endangered Species Act. All 9 additional anadromous species in the river can be regarded as at risk of becoming listed and most are important as Tribal Trust Species. The committee found that the federal fisheries agencies acted responsibly but that too much emphasis was placed on water project operations to recover coho. The committee found that it was unlikely juvenile coho could survive the summer in the river for bioenergetic reasons. Rising river temperatures as the result of climate change are likely to stress other species as well. Basic recommendations included that agencies should: (1) expand scope of ESA actions, (2) improve coordination of research and monitoring, (3) conduct additional focused research & monitoring, and (4) engage in major remediation measures. Remediation measures included: (1) manage main stem flows for all species, (2) restore flows to tributaries, with a key goal being providing cold-water habitat, (3) engage in management of all activities in watersheds to reduce damage to aquatic habitats, (4) remove/reoperate dams and diversions and (5) reoperate Iron Gate and Trinity River hatcheries.

ID - 344 Last Name: Olson First Name: Todd
Title of Presentation: Panel Discussion on FERC Klamath Hydroelectric Project Relicensing

Summary

Prepared by Todd Olson, PacifiCorp 1.) Overview of the FERC licensing studies 2.) Executive Summary In February 2004 PacifiCorp submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) a license application for continued operation of the Klamath Hydroelectric Project. The Project for the most part, is located on the Klamath River mainstem between the city of Klamath Falls, Oregon and the town of Hornbrook in California. The existing Project spans roughly 60 river miles. Within the FERC relicensing process, PacifiCorp completed or will complete a total of 47 study plans (some of which have multiple studies within a single plan) over the areas of water quality, aquatic resources, terrestrial resources, cultural resources, socioeconomics, and recreation-visual resources. The studies were built through a collaborative process with interest stakeholders. The Klamath Collaborative process includes the Tribes, Nongovernmental organizations, and federal, state, and county agencies. Study reports have been prepared and were included in the Final License Application (The License Application can be viewed by visiting PacifiCorp's website at pacificorp.com). The results of completed studies informed development of PacifiCorp's license application to FERC. In addition, the Klamath Collaborative continues to proceed on completing several additional studies. These include water quality monitoring to support modeling efforts, geographic expansion and refinement of Fish Passage modeling, and further analysis of instream flows for within-Project reaches. Following PacifiCorp filing the license application, parties filed comments and additional study requests. PacifiCorp recently responded to these study requests. According to their project schedule, FERC will deliberate over the License Application, additional study requests, and PacifiCorp's response to requests until July 2004. At that point FERC will request additional information from PacifiCorp. A wealth of new knowledge is now available for resources within and affected by the Klamath Hydroelectric Project. PacifiCorp remains hopeful that the information will be useful to not just the licensing proceeding, but to those engaged in Klamath basin science. 3.) Most pressing science needs in the basin For the Klamath basin, the answer for this comment lies within development of a greater basin plan that has clearly stated goals and objectives. Given a plan, scientists can form hypotheses on actions needed to reach goals, and then test those through research. Absent such a plan, research should focus on water quality.

ID - 281 Last Name: Parker First Name: Nancy
Title of Presentation: Klamath River System Planning and Operations Modeling (KPSIM and MODSIM Models)

Summary

Models that simulate the flow of water in the Klamath River as a function of operations criteria have played a key role in recent years in developing strategies that target a broad range of stakeholder interests in the basin. KPSIM is a site-specific model developed in Microsoft Excel in the late 1990's to follow a 1995 Solicitor's Opinion on Klamath Project operations priorities. It has been extensively modified in recent years to address increasingly complex questions on the relationships among flow requirements, minimum lake levels, inflow, agriculture and refuge demand, and management strategies such as water banking. The model engine is also used to drive an operations model that provides annual operations analysis given a forecasted inflow. MODSIM is a general-purpose model that uses a water rights representation of basin operations criteria to drive decisions on allocation of water to flow, storage, or delivery. It is the initial model in the USGS Systems Impact Assessment Model (SIAM) suite of tools, which also has segments that predict water quality and fish production. MODSIM output for flow at selected river locations and water surface elevations in system reservoirs drives a HEC-5Q temperature model of the Klamath River. Flexibility has become critically important in representing river system criteria and the operations that they "what if" scenarios. The presentation will discuss past use of KPSIM and MODSIM and explore opportunities to address the need for flexibility.

ID - 521 Last Name: Pierce First Name: Ronnie
Title of Presentation: Tribal Perspective on the Klamath Hydroproject FERC relicensing

Summary

The Klamath River Inter-Tribal Fish and Water Commission was formed in 1995 by the federally recognized Karuk, Klamath Tribes, Hoopa Valley, and the Yurok Tribe to serve the member Tribes' common goal of restoring and protecting the Klamath River Basins natural resources. The construction of the Copco I and Iron Gate dams in the mainstem Klamath River is solely responsible for the termination of anadromous fish runs of salmon, steelhead and lamprey into the Upper Klamath Basin. In addition, the construction and current operation of the five hydroelectric and re-regulating dams constructed in the Mainstem Klamath River, beginning with Iron Gate Dam at the furthest downstream site through Link River Dam, impede or totally obstruct the movement and restrict the range of resident fish within and beyond the inter-dam reaches of the Klamath River. It is the goal of the Klamath River Inter-Tribal Fish and Water Commission to reintroduce, restore, and maintain populations of anadromous fish at harvestable levels throughout their historic range within the Upper Klamath Basin above Iron Gate Dam at river mile 190. Pursuant to the goal of restoring effective upstream and downstream fish passage throughout the river reach between Iron Gate Dam and Upper Klamath Lake, the Inter-Tribal Commission seeks a full analysis of all alternative volitional fish passage options including the biological, economic, and logistical analysis of the cost and/or benefits of decommissioning, removal, or modification of all or part of the facilities that make up the total hydroelectric project. In 1916, while Copco I was being constructed the Commissioner of Indian Affairs on behalf of the Tribes made inquiry on the fate of the salmon. The power company (COPCO) responded: "In reply, we beg to say that we expect that the said dam will be completed by the end of the present year, 1916. Ample provision has been made in the plans for the dam for a fish ladder which will permit unobstructed passage of fish up the Klamath River .&When the tunnel and flumes through the dam which now permit the run of fish to pass are closed up, the fish ladder will be in operation. Needless to say, the ladder was never constructed and the runs of salmon into the Upper Klamath Basin were terminated. There is nothing more important to the Tribes than the fate of the Klamath Basin's fisheries resources under the new license that is being considered for Scottish Power's Klamath River Hydroelectric Project. At question is the basic best beneficial use of the natural aquatic resources of the Klamath River, and whether the potential benefits of an improved ecosystem outweigh those derived from the limited power production of the project.

ID - 502 Last Name: Schreck First Name: Carl
Title of Presentation: Biological Assessments

Summary

The Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (IMST) for Oregon was asked to review the information and offer an independent assessment of the science used to establish lake levels and instream flow targets for suckers and coho. The IMST reviewed the Biological Assessments of the USBR, Biological Opinions of USFWS and NMFS, scientific literature, and scientific reviews of the Klamath Basin environmental issues. We concluded: 1: Sucker populations may have declined in the last decade, particularly in response to three major fish kills and several low water years, though population sizes are difficult to accurately estimate and are subject to many sources of error. Long-term declines over the last century have been substantial. 2: Between 1991 and 2001, abundance of juvenile suckers was lowest in the years of lowest lake levels. 3: Availability of spawning areas and access to refuges in Upper Klamath Lake are greater during high than low water. 4. That factors involved in fish kills are complex and difficult to predict. They involve lake levels, phytoplankton blooms, stratification, winds, mixing, and bottom sediments. We agree with the NRC that there is no strong scientific data to link fish kills with lake levels between 1990 and 2000. Typically, from such a short time series it is difficult to determine scientifically whether a relationship does or does not exist. 5. Regulating lake levels is one of the few options available to management agencies to protect sucker populations. IMST agrees with USFWS that lake level management is one of several appropriate management tools to reduce conditions that may lead to fish kills, but lake level management alone will not prevent sucker die-offs. The minimum lake levels required for protection of suckers are not exact. 6. Wetland and riparian restoration could lower the risk of sucker die-offs and provide additional benefits to the Upper Klamath Lake and Klamath River system. 7. Management of tributary spawning habitat, using a watershed approach, will be important to survival of sucker populations. 8. Review of the literature indicates that the scientific basis for NMFS (2001) decision requiring minimum instream flows at Iron Gate Dam for coho salmon in the Klamath River is conceptually sound. 9. Data on distribution of coho salmon and habitat use in the mainstem Klamath River throughout the year are scarce and incomplete. Decisions about management actions are limited by the timeframe and spatial extent of existing data. 10. The 2001 Biological Opinions prepared by USFWS and NMFS were based on the best available science. The types of data and information used in the Biological Opinions are appropriate and technically sound. 11. Upper Klamath Lake, the Klamath River and Klamath Basin watershed have been changed by many factors (e.g., land use, erosion, nutrient loading, wetland destruction, and introduction of non-native species), which have all contributed to decline of shortnose and Lost River suckers and coho salmon. 12. We recommend that future research and management include lake stratification and stability, weather, historical precipitation levels and streamflow, and historical fish distributions. 13. A high degree of uncertainty is related to complex phenomena and/or scarce empirical information. In the face of uncertainty, a precautionary approach to management is warranted.

ID - 403 Last Name: Snedaker First Name: Scott
Title of Presentation: Fish Passage/Reintroduction Modeling on the Upper Klamath

Summary

The Klamath Relicensing Fish Passage Working Group initiated a process to assess methods for reintroduction of anadromous fisheries to the Upper Klamath Basin above Iron Gate Dam. After much debate the stakeholders including PacifiCorp agreed to assess reintroduction thru the use of two models. Ecosystem Treatment and Diagnostic (EDT) was to be the production and limiting factors habitat model for the Klamath Project reaches and upstream habitats. A version of PASRAS called KLAMRAS was developed to address project reservoirs and facility scenarios impacts on a stochastic lifecycle model for Chinook and steelhead, with EDT production estimates as the basis for populating KLAMRAS. Stakeholders have spent much effort reviewing the attributes of EDT and are reviewing the structure and assumptions for both KLAMRAS and EDT. Currently EDT and KLAMRAS modeling are in draft form from Spencer Creek, near JC Boyle, to the mouth of the Klamath. Efforts are underway to validate EDT outputs using the Shasta River downstream of the project area. The combined modeling efforts have great potential for demonstrating the various levels of potential impact from different facility it's ability to show reaches and habitat components that would best be targeted for restoration and improve production. However, the modeling results are only as good as the data input to the model. PacifiCorp provided preliminary results of their EDT modeling efforts in their Final License Application estimating 450-4500 Chinook could be produced in the project area between Spencer Creek and Iron Gate Dam. This information is very limited in value since it was limited to existing conditions, reservoirs continue to inundate many miles of habitat, and the only changes in the model to develop estimates were from modifying survival assumptions at project reservoirs and facilities. Additional data need to be incorporated into the models to address refugia, project tributaries, and all of the Upper Klamath Basin above Upper Klamath Lake. Many aspects of the studies conducted by PacifiCorp intended to support modeling input are incomplete, ongoing, or are not acceptable to the stakeholders. Relevance and affects of certain assumptions inherent to the models which strongly influence the result of the model need to be agreed upon by stakeholders. Additional research into site specific impacts from those factors which drive model results needs to occur to support the validity of model results. Information on alternative project scenarios impact to fisheries within the project area while theoretically agreed to, have not been developed by PacifiCorp beyond the existing body of literature. This results in a limited value of the modeling at this time as site specific information is currently lacking. Some critical issues for reintroduction may never be resolved until some level of reintroduction is implemented and site specific information can be developed. However, there is great potential for these models to aid in developing effective measures to restore and reintroduce anadromous fish to the Upper Klamath Basin if implemented in a credible fashion.

ID - 302 Last Name: St. John First Name: Matthias
Title of Presentation: Klamath, Shasta, Scott, and Salmon River TMDLs

Summary

Staff of the California Water Quality Control Board - North Coast Region (Regional Water Board) are currently developing total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for the Klamath, Shasta, Scott, and Salmon Rivers, which are on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) List of Impaired Water Bodies. The Klamath River TMDLs are for dissolved oxygen, temperature, and nutrients. The Shasta River TMDLs are for dissolved oxygen, and temperature. The Scott River TMDLs are for temperature, and sediment. The Salmon River TMDL is for temperature. The technical analysis for the Klamath, Shasta, Scott, and Salmon River TMDLs will be completed in December 2005, December 2004, September 2004, and Sebtember 2004, respectively. The Klamath, Shasta, Scott, and Salmon River TMDLs are being developed because water quality objectives for these rivers are not being met and the river's beneficial uses are not being fully supported. A TMDL is a framework for assessing the condition of a watershed, evaluating the factors that contribute to identified water quality problems in the waterbody, and for developing a strategy, which when implemented, will lead to attainment of water quality standards. The objectives of the technical analyses of these TMDLs are to (1) identify and (2) quantify the natural and anthropogenic sources of the pollutants causing water quality impairment, and (3) establish a link between reductions in pollutant sources and attainment of water quality standards. The product of the technical analysis is a numerical calculation of the loading capacity of a waterbody to assimilate the respective TMDL-pollutant and still attain all water quality standards. In developing the Klamath, Shasta, Scott, and Salmon River TMDLs, Regional Water Board staff has identified some important information needs for greater understanding of water quality conditions and the associated affects on beneficial uses, including a better understanding of: · The fishery life stage periodicity in these watersheds, and associated water quality conditions at these locations and times. · The benthic community (attached algae, macrophytes, and invertebrates), particularly in the Klamath and Shasta Rivers, and the relationship between the composition and geographic extent of these communities on water quality conditions. · The site-specific primary biological response (e.g. benthic Chl a, AFDW, DO, pH) and secondary biological impacts (e.g. fish spawning and survival) associated with nutrient concentrations in the Klamath and Shasta Rivers. · Sediment oxygen demand rates in the Shasta River, and Klamath River reservoirs and estuary. · Surface water and ground water interactions, particularly in relation to stream temperature. · Sediment routing in the Scott River watershed and the link between sediment sources and effects on beneficial uses. · The link between water quality and disease (e.g. Ceratomyxa shasta).

ID - 601 Last Name: Strange First Name: Joshua
Title of Presentation: Adult Chinook Migration in the Klamath River Basin Using Radio Telemetry

Summary

The effects of physical variables on the spawning migration behavior of adult chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Klamath River Basin (the Basin) of northern California were investigated for two consecutive years with different water-year types and dramatically different migration patterns and prespawning disease mortality rates. In the spring of 2002 we initiated a radio telemetry study to investigate the migration behavior and thermal experience of 30 adult spring chinook in the Klamath River and its largest tributary, the Trinity River. Results showed high levels of thermal refugia use (cold water patches) and migration delays when mean daily water temperatures exceeded 22oC. Thermal refugia were found almost exclusively at tributary confluences, however, the Klamath River estuary emerged as the most critically important thermal refuge holding habitat. In September of 2002 an estimated 33,000 adult chinook salmon died in the lower 40 km of the Klamath River. Two gill parasites (Ichthyopthirius multifilis and Flavobacter columnare) were documented as the cause of death; however, exceptionally low flow releases from upriver reservoirs, chronically high water temperatures, and poor water quality leading to stress and crowding have been identified by agency scientists as the primary causal factors for the disease outbreak. In 2003 we included fall chinook and increased the sample size to a total of 100 chinook. Compared to 2002, the chinook migration of 2003 encountered higher flows and lower temperatures, with an associated decrease in thermal refugia use, migration delays, and disease mortality. Radio telemetry data combined with data from other monitoring efforts showed increased flow releases during 2003 from upriver reservoirs in the Basin decreased water temperatures and facilitated upriver migration, thereby reducing stress and crowding and contributing to decreased disease mortality rates. While this data provides valuable information, the ability to predict fish kill risk based on the interaction of physical and behavioral variables which trigger disease transmission and mortality remain to be elucidated. This study is continuing into the 2004 migration season and an intensive study of estuary residence and behavior is planned for the summer of 2005.

ID - 102 Last Name: Sutton First Name: Ron
Title of Presentation: Observations of Juvenile Coho Salmon and Other Species in Thermal Refugia Areas of the Mainstem Klamath River

Summary

During summer, 2003, fish usage of thermal refugia under two Klamath River mainstem hydrologic conditions was observed using snorkeling at four tributary confluences: Beaver Creek (RM 163), Elk Creek (RM 107), Red Cap Creek (RM 53), and Blue Creek (RM 16). Scheduled flow releases from Iron Gate Dam increased from 724 cfs (July 15-31) to 979 cfs (August 1-31). Corresponding Klamath River temperatures below Iron Gate Dam averaged 23.6°C on both July 31st and August 1st. Also, around August 1st 2003, a strong cold front passed through the area and dramatically lowered mainstem Klamath water temperatures which, in previous studies, have shown to be a strong determinant of fish utilization. The storm brought precipitation into the upper part of the system and increased flows in Beaver and Elk Creeks, as well as surrounding tributaries. The Karuk Tribe directed the biological fieldwork at Beaver and Elk Creek refugia. Higher numbers of actively feeding juvenile coho salmon post-Iron Gate flow increase at Beaver Creek may have been the result of a variety of factors, such as an increase in margin habitat, cooler water temperatures from the early August storm, or coho moving downstream from Beaver creek in response to the storm. Lowered use of the refugia by Chinook salmon and steelhead post-flow increase may be reflective of lower mainstem temperatures and not of a decrease in available habitat. Coho salmon juveniles were not observed in the Elk Creek refugia and low counts were observed in lower Elk Creek. Use by 0+ steelhead of the Elk Creek refugia increased with mainstem temperature before flow was increased from Iron Gate Dam. Fish usage of the Elk Creek refugia was diminished after flow was increased from Iron Gate Dam, reflecting the fact that maximum temperatures did not reach the same levels as pre-increase. However, size of the refugia did not appear to change in relation to its usefulness to salmonids. Yurok Tribal Fisheries Program conducted biological work near the mouths of Red Cap and Blue Creeks. Despite the confounding effects of weather, it appeared that fish use of these areas jumped sharply at mainstem temperatures above about 23C. Below this temperature, fish usage of refugial areas was not strongly related to river temperature, whereas at higher temperatures, usage climbed sharply. In previous studies, juvenile salmonids were observed to vacate refugia areas during the early morning hours, presumably to feed in nearby mainstem river areas. This pattern was not evident in this study, which was perhaps attributable to the colder weather in the area. No coho salmon were observed at either Red Cap or Blue Creek refugia areas, which is consistent with observations from previous years. One striking feature of the data collected in 2003 was the low numbers of adult Chinook that utilized the Blue Creek refugia area. In 2002, thousands of adult Chinook were observed during the summer at that location along with thousands of adult steelhead. In 2003, by contrast, the maximum number of adult Chinook observed in that area was approximately 20.

ID - 562 Last Name: Thorsteinson First Name: Lyman
Title of Presentation: Welcome and Overview

Summary

ID - 201 Last Name: Turek First Name: Stephen
Title of Presentation: Panel Discussion: The 2002 Klamath River Fish Die-Off Event

Summary

The September 2002 fish-kill was unprecedented in that it was the first major adult salmonid mortality event ever recorded in the Klamath River. Fall-run Chinook salmon were the primary species affected, but coho salmon, steelhead and other fish species were also lost. At least 33,000 adult salmonids died during mid to late September 2002 in the lower 36 miles of river. Although a larger number of Klamath River fall-run Chinook died, a greater proportion of the Trinity River run was impacted by the fish-kill, because the Trinity run is substantially smaller than the Klamath run on an annual basis and the peak of the Trinity run was present during the height of the fish-kill. The primary cause of the fish-kill was a disease epizootic from the ubiquitous pathogens ich and columnaris. However, several factors contributed to stressful conditions for fish, which ultimately led to the epizootic. An above average number of Chinook salmon entered the Klamath River between the last week in August and the first week in September 2002. River flow and the volume of water in the fish-kill area, were atypically low. Combined with the above average run of salmon, these low-flows and river volumes, resulted in high fish densities. Fish passage may have been impeded by low-flow depths over certain riffles or a lack of cues for fish to migrate upstream. Warm water temperatures, which are not unusual in the Klamath River during September, created ideal conditions for pathogens to infect salmon. Presence of a high density of hosts and warm temperatures caused rapid amplification of the pathogens ich and columnaris, which resulted in a fish-kill of over 33,000 adult salmon and steelhead. Flow is the only controllable factor and tool available in the Klamath Basin (Klamath and Trinity rivers) to manage risks against future epizootics and major adult fish-kills. Increased flows when adult salmon are entering the Klamath River (particularly during low-flow years such as 2002) will improve water temperatures, increase water volume, increase water velocities, improve fish passage, provide migration cues, decrease fish densities and decrease pathogen transmission between fish. The total fish-kill estimate of 34,056 fish, was conservative and actual losses may have been more than double that number. If fish-kill numbers were indeed doubled, more than 60,000 additional fall-run Chinook salmon could have been included in modeling efforts, for allocation to harvest allotments in ocean and in-river Klamath fisheries, during 2003. In addition, Klamath Basin tribal net and sport anglers may have lost the opportunity to harvest roughly 4,000 to 14,600 fall-run Chinook salmon in 2002, due to the fish-kill. This impact was more pronounced in the Trinity River than the Klamath River, because the fish-kill occurred below the confluence of the Trinity and Klamath, and precluded much of the harvest opportunity on the Trinity River.

ID - 481 Last Name: WINTON First Name: JAMES
Title of Presentation: DISEASE ECOLOGY IN POPULATIONS OF WILD FISH

Summary

While the effects of diseases are most easily observed among fish reared in aquaculture settings, infectious disease is increasingly recognized as an important component of the ecology of aquatic animals in the wild. Many of the viral, bacterial, protozoan and fungal pathogens of fish that were initially discovered in captive animals have their origin among populations of wild stocks; however, the impact of disease among free-ranging stocks has been difficult to study. More recently, combinations of field and laboratory investigations, aided by the tools of molecular biology, have begun to provide information on the ecology of infectious diseases among natural populations of fish in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. This presentation will use several examples of diseases in wild fish that have been associated with various population or stock level effects. These include: whirling disease in wild-spawning rainbow trout in the Rocky Mountain West; viral hemorrhagic septicemia in marine fishes of Northern Puget Sound; ichthyophthirius and columnaris disease in the Klamath Basin; and ichthyophoniasis in adult chinook salmon in the Yukon River. These examples will also serve to highlight the critical role played by environmental conditions in the ecology of fish diseases.

ID - 243 Last Name: Wallace First Name: Michael
Title of Presentation: Juvenile Salmonid Use of the Klamath River Estuary: A Decade of Monitoring by the CA Deptartment of Fish and Game

Summary

During the past decade the California Department of Fish and Game's Natural Stocks Assessment Project (NSA) monitored juvenile salmonid emigration through the Klamath River estuary to assess their relative abundance, emigration patterns and natural versus hatchery proportions. NSA captured juvenile salmonids with beach seines in the lower estuary and a boat electrofisher in the upper estuary. The peak emigration of juvenile coho salmon, steelhead trout, and cutthroat trout usually occurred in April and May prior to peak young-of-year (yoy) Chinook salmon emigration in late June and early July. Natural origin Chinook annually accounted for 49 to 90% of the yoy Chinook captured in the estuary. Annual median travel times of captured coded-wire tagged yoy Chinook from hatchery to estuary ranged from 16-43 days for Iron Gate Hatchery (IGH) fall Chinook, 9-58 days for Trinity River Hatchery (TRH) spring Chinook, and 16-75 days for TRH fall Chinook. Hatchery Chinook was most abundant in the estuary during June and July. NSA noted that smaller Chinook took longer to reach the estuary than larger ones. However, there was no significant correlation between river volume and travel time of yoy Chinook. Annual natural Chinook relative abundance ranged from 0.59 to 6.17 fish/1000ft2 in the lower estuary and 2.42 to 8.80 fish/minute in the upper estuary. There was no discernable trend in yoy Chinook abundance in the estuary. Annual mean estuarine residence of recaptured yoy Chinook was 8.7 days in 1997, 12.0 days in 1998 and 16.2 days in 1999, and their individual residence times ranged from 1 to 56 days. In all three years of this study project marked Chinook released during the second half of sampling seasons had longer mean residence times than fish marked and released during the first half of the season. It appears a higher portion of yoy Chinook rear in the Klamath River estuary in the late summer, and rear there for a longer period of time, compared to fish that emigrate during the time of peak catches in late June and early July. August mean fork-length of Chinook ranged from 87 mm to 98 mm in the lower estuary and 88 mm to 99 mm in the upper estuary. Yoy Chinook ate primarily insects and amphipods while in the estuary. There was a positive and usually significant correlation between the volume of summer river flow entering the estuary and the catch of yoy Chinook in the upper Klamath River estuary suggesting that yoy Chinook abundance is greater in years with high summer river flows. Natural origin coho salmon annually comprised 27-39% of NSA's yearling coho catch and TRH coho comprised 57-62% of the annual catch. Travel time of yearling coho from hatchery to estuary averaged about two months. Hatchery origin coho averaged about 30 to 60 mm longer than natural origin coho. NSA captured very few subyearling coho in the estuary and it doesn't appear that coho rear much in the estuary. Natural origin steelhead comprised 83-87% of NSA's steelhead catch in 2000 and 2001. Virtually all hatchery steelhead were from TRH. All juvenile coastal cutthroat trout were wild fish. Their annual mean estuarine residence was 2 to 4 weeks and ranged up to 89 days. NSA captured many more juvenile salmonids within or adjacent to the cool water plume at the mouth of Hunter Creek than at the other lower estuary sampling sites. This indicates that the mouth of Hunter Creek is an important rearing area for juvenile salmonids.

ID - 522 Last Name: Wells First Name: Scott
Title of Presentation: Klamath Water Quality - Science in Hand and Science Still Needed

Summary

A perspective on what scientific data may still be required to understand water quality transformations in the Klamath basin. After working on modeling the Klamath River above Keno dam about 10 years ago and reviewing the latest water quality modeling effort for the entire Klamath basin over the last several months, there are several areas that still need evaluating. These will be put in the context of how the information will be used  for research or for management. Also, efforts will be made to organize what we know and dont know into what I would call the big hammer effect and the butterfly wing effect.

ID - 441 Last Name: Whitridge First Name: Arnold
Title of Presentation: Information about the information

Summary

Policies and implementation decisions for natural resources management programs are in large part made and influenced by politicians and stakeholders who are not typically trained scientists, representing and responding to citizens who are typically not trained scientists. As a "stakeholder", I've watched as non-scientists attempt to apply incompletely certain scientific information about changing environmental conditions to management and policy decisions that must address economics, ideology, social dynamics, and lurking lawyers as well as science. Among several problems with this process, I diagnose a current insufficiency of information about our scientific information. We seem to be approaching social agreement that ecological conditions in the Klamath River system should be improved, and that improvement requires changes in our management of natural resources, and that management changes should be consistent with scientific understanding. But we're not so close to social agreement about what our scientific understanding is, or about just what changes are therefore appropriate. There in fact seem to be multiple, sometimes conflicting understandings, perhaps even among scientists. I acknowledge our perpetual need for better numbers and models, and more investigation into ecological mechanisms and relationships. Just as important for effective scientific guidance of resource management in our peculiar social system, I suggest better interpretation of and agreement about such information. Specifically, I suggest: greater effort towards explicit, itemized scientific consensus about what we think we know, and about the significance of our knowledge; better advertisement of scientific consensus (or broad agreement) beyond the scientific community, on a regular, ongoing basis; and establishment of a program to detect and correct illegitimate uses of the terms "sound science" and "junk science".

ID - 442 Last Name: Williams First Name: Thomas
Title of Presentation: Information needs for assessing viability of coho salmon populations in the Klamath basin.

Summary

The process used by Technical Recovery Teams to establish Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) viability criteria includes three major steps. The first, to identify historical population structure, hypothesizes likely roles different populations played in the persistence of an ESU. For coastal populations of coho salmon, three types of population units are being considered. Functionally Independent Populations were those that were likely to have persisted over 100-year time scales and whose population dynamics or extinction risk over a 100-year time period were not substantially altered by exchanges of individuals with other populations. Potentially Independent Populations were those that had a high likelihood of persisting in isolation over 100-year time scales, but were too strongly influenced by immigration from other populations to exhibit independent dynamics. Dependent Populations would not have had a high likelihood of sustaining themselves over a 100-year time period in isolation, yet received sufficient immigration to alter their dynamics and extinction risk. The second step is to determine the current viability of functionally independent and potentially independent populations. The third step is to recommend configurations of viable populations that would lead to a viable ESU. Viability of functionally and potentially independent populations of coho salmon will likely form the foundation on which the viability of the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast ESU will be examined. Viability of these populations will be evaluated based on four parameters: abundance, population growth rate, spatial structure, and diversity. Although all are important for assessing viability, there is a critical need for data on adult abundance and population trends, the population growth rate, and the spatial structure of independent populations to assess population viability of coho salmon in the Klamath Basin. Estimates of adult abundance of coho salmon in each of these populations and how the abundance changes over time are critical to assessing population viability. Adult abundance estimates provide a more direct measure of breeding population size than estimates based on other life stages. An estimate of a population's growth rate (typically derived from estimates of adult abundance) provides information on its performance in the habitats it occupies during its complete life cycle. Estimates of population growth that indicate a population is consistently failing to replace itself would suggest the population is not viable. Also of interest are estimates of life-stage specific survival. Low survival rates at one part of the life cycle might not immediately manifest in reduced adult abundance, but could indicate reduced resilience to variation in productivity elsewhere in the life-cycle. The spatial distribution of fish within a population's freshwater distributional area is needed to assess viability since habitat conditions are often quite heterogenous and a highly restricted distribution of suitable habitat would pose risk to the population. The spatial scale at which these parameters are measured is critical to properly evaluating population and ESU viability. At too small a spatial scale, estimates may not represent of the population. Preliminary analyses suggests that the habitat area that these population units will occupy in the Klamath River basin will be on the order of sub-basins (>100,000 hectares).

ID - 181 Last Name: Winton First Name: James
Title of Presentation: Disease Ecology in Populations of Wild Fish

Summary

ABSTRACT: While the effects of diseases are most easily observed among fish reared in aquaculture settings, infectious disease is increasingly recognized as an important component of the ecology of aquatic animals in the wild. Many of the viral, bacterial, protozoan and fungal pathogens of fish that were initially discovered in captive animals have their origin among populations of wild stocks; however, the impact of disease among free-ranging stocks has been difficult to study. More recently, combinations of field and laboratory investigations, aided by the tools of molecular biology, have begun to provide information on the ecology of infectious diseases among natural populations of fish in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. This presentation will use several examples of diseases in wild fish that have been associated with various population or stock level effects. These include: whirling disease in wild-spawning rainbow trout in the Rocky Mountain West; viral hemorrhagic septicemia in marine fishes of Northern Puget Sound; ichthyophthirius and columnaris disease in the Klamath Basin; and ichthyophoniasis in adult chinook salmon in the Yukon River. These examples will also serve to highlight the critical role played by environmental conditions in the ecology of fish diseases.

ID - 341 Last Name: Zedonis First Name: Paul
Title of Presentation: Effects of a late summer sustained pulse flow from Lewiston Dam on the Water Quality of the Trinity and Klamath Rivers, 2003

Summary

During the summer and fall of 2003, the USFWS and Tribal cooperators monitored water quality of the Trinity River and the Klamath River. Parameters measured included: temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, pH, and various nutrients. During this monitoring period, a unique flow event occurred where flow from Lewiston Dam increased by up to 400% (from 450 to 1,800 cfs initially followed by a slow decrease to 450) occurred between August 24 and September 17. The most significant effect of the sustained high release was a reduction in water temperature of the Trinity River and the Klamath River below Weitchpec (RKM 70.2). Prior to the pulse flows arrival at Weitchpec (approximately August 25), water temperatures of the Trinity River were 0.8 ÚC colder than the Klamath River at the confluence. During the time of arrival at Weitchpec (August 27 to September 18), water temperatures of the Trinity River were 1.4 and 4.0 ÚC colder than the Klamath River. The period of greatest difference occurred from September 1 to September 4 and coincided with a time when air temperatures were warmest. Water temperatures of the Klamath River below the confluence of the Trinity River were also reduced. Prior to the arrival of the pulse flow water temperatures of the Klamath River between Terwer and Weitchpec (above the confluence of the Trinity River) were less than 0.7 ÚC different and average daily water temperature between these sites was between 22.2 and 22.9 ÚC. During the arrival of the increased flow the water temperatures of the Klamath River between RKM 62.0 and 10.8 decreased by as much as 2.0 ÚC and daily averages were reduced to near 21 ÚC. From September 10 to September 30, water temperatures of sampling locations above and below the confluence of the Trinity River were very similar and average daily water temperatures were less than 20.0 ÚC. After September 17 the Trinity River was less than 1.0 ÚC colder than the Klamath River.