Feasibility of system-wide DIDSON estimation of sockeye escapement in the Quesnel River system | |
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Year
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2009 |
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Proponent
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Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFFCA) |
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Project type
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Fisheries |
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FSWP funding source
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DFO Fraser Basin Initiative |
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Grant amount
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$115,000 |
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Total project value
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$648,846 |
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ID number
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09 D SIFM 93 |
Location: Fraser River Basin,
Upper Fraser
Project Summary
Overview
We propose a detailed assessment of the feasibility of using DIDSON in the Quesnel River to enumerate the total sockeye escapement to the Quesnel Lake system in 2009. Prior to sockeye arrival to the Quesnel system, we will intensively survey the Quesnel River mainstem above Gravelle to identify potential DIDSON sites. Once an adequate site is chosen we will deploy DIDSON and develop, test and refine the operational methodology required to produce a total Quesnel Lake system sockeye escapement estimate in 2009 for comparison to the upstream spawning grounds assessments. Successful implementation of DIDSON on the Quesnel mainstem would result in numerous and substantial benefits to sockeye assessment in the Quesnel system. Current assessment activities in the area require expensive mark-recapture programs on the Horsefly (3 of 4 years) and Mitchell (2 of 4 years) river populations coupled with low precision visual estimates of the remaining tributary and lakeshore spawning populations. Due to funding limitations, these projects have been cancelled in recent years resulting in the loss of valuable escapement information. Additionally, lake spawning populations, which have accounted for >10% of the total system escapement would be enumerated more accurately than can be achieved with current surface based visual methods.
Objectives
1. DIDSON site selection: Identification and utilization of the best possible DIDSON field site for producing a total Quesnel Lake system sockeye escapement estimate in 2009.
2. Installation and operation of 2 DIDSON systems (one on each river bank, directly opposite) for the entire sockeye migration period, including on-site visual counts.
3. Generation of a total 2009 Quesnel Lake system (Quesnel Lake sockeye Conservation Unit) sockeye escapement estimate, and comparison to the upstream estimates of spawning escapement.
4. Establishing a capacity-sharing relationship between the UFFCA, NSTC and DFO that provides opportunities for First Nations fisheries technicians on all aspects of a DIDSON project, from concept to completion phases.
Methods
Site Selection: Prior to sockeye arrival to the Quesnel system, we will intensively survey the upper portion of the Quesnel River between the Cariboo River confluence and Quesnel Lake to establish an adequate site for DIDSON operation. Site selection is critical for optimal DIDSON operation and will adhere to several criteria proven successful in past operations.
Installation and Operation: Two DIDSON units (one per bank) will enumerate the sockeye, each with a small weir to force sockeye in front of the DIDSON transducer to reduce the chance of fish passing the site undetected. DIDSON operation will occur until sockeye migration is complete. Since site characteristics and program objectives will likely mirror those from previous DIDSON projects conducted at Chilko River, the set-up, operating protocol and methods will adhere strongly with those implemented at Chilko. Continual quality assurance and quality control measures will be implemented to ensure the highest data collection quality. Field technicians will conduct random daily double counts (two observers count the same file) a minimum of 5 times daily on both the right and left bank DIDSON units each for a total of 10 double counts/day. Comparing DIDSON counts between observers is necessary for estimating observer error and is maintained as part of the standard approach to quality control (precision). Technicians will conduct a minimum of 4 visual counts and compare results to simultaneous DIDSON counts to monitor acoustic performance.
Escapement Estimation: Upon completion of all data entry and analysis a total Quesnel Lake system sockeye escapement estimate will be generated and compared to the upstream estimates of spawning escapement.
Capacity Sharing and Building: The UFFCA, NSTC and DFO will coordinate efforts to provide employment and training opportunities for First Nations technicians through direct hiring of technicians to participate in planning, setup, operation and analysis for the project.
Final Results
The final report for the study is posted in the orange resource box to the upper right.
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