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Location: Thompson Project Summary
Overview We will develop the methodology needed to complete a survival study specific for Wilsey Dam to address mortality through the dam before reintroducing COSEWIC listed Interior Fraser Coho, Chinook, and other fish species (rainbow trout and bull trout). This project will address fish habitat issues at the Wilsey Dam on the Middle Shuswap River. The blockage of access to historical habitat is listed within the Middle Shuswap River Watershed Section of the BC Hydro’s Strategic Plan as being one of main factors limiting current levels of fish populations. Fisheries & Oceans Canada, the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, and ONAFD were involved in the decision making process that determined that fish passage is desirable. This group decided the next steps needed were to seed new habitat with Chinook and address mortality level issues through Wilsey Dam, leading to the development of this project. Seeding fry into habitat above Wilsey Dam has occurred in previous years and Chinook fry will be released above Wilsey Dam again this year in a traditional Okanagan ceremony. Objectives Methods The survival study methodology specifically designed for Wilsey Dam will be co-developed with a subcontractor experienced in experimental design of survival studies in conjunction with the ONA biologist. Several potential methods for the survival study are being proposed based on the guidelines by Peven et al (2005). These guidelines offer a set of protocols for all aspects of planning and implementation based on similar studies for locations on the Columbia River. The study will determine which of the two general approaches (single release-recapture model and paired release-recapture model) will be more appropriate for survival studies for the Wilsey Dam. The single release-recapture model consists of a single release of tagged fish with a minimum of two downstream recapture locations (Peven et al, 2005). This design establishes survival estimates through extended reaches of a river. This method identifies mortalities from all types of effects (i.e. the combination of the spillgates and concrete arch dam). The paired release-recapture model design has a minimum of two release sites and two downstream recapture sites. This model determines the mortality between the two release sites. To delineate mortality from each portion of the dam/spillway release sites may be proposed at varying locations above the dam. The sample size and recapture number will be determined by levels of precision needed. Information from the survival study can be used to determine net benefits to salmon (increase in habitat and mortality through dam) and by BC Hydro to determine future priorities for in the Middle Shuswap watersheds. This project will lead to future habitat and enhancement projects for passage of Interior Fraser Coho, and other Salmonids. Once an effective methodology is in place, steps will be taken to continue with the reintroduction of COSEWIC listed Interior Fraser Coho, Chinook, and other fish species (rainbow trout and bull trout).
Final Results The final report for the study is posted in the orange resource box to the upper right.
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