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Location: Upper Fraser, Takla Lake Project Summary
Background: Supporting the implementation Wild Salmon Policy (WSP) has been paramount in the FSWP"s initial business plan submitted to the Living Rivers Trust Fund Group, throughout every Fraser Assembly and in our yearly planning. The 2008 FSWP workplan, approved by LRAG, indicated that FSWP planned to explore approaches to protecting WSP conservation units (CU’s) at risk. Three CU’s were mentioned: lower fraser coho; Cultus lake sockeye; and early Stuart sockeye. This analysis is being proposed as one of the necessary pieces of work required to develop a Takla Lake fertilization program in 2010. Lake fertilization has been identified as a potentially effective strategy in support of Early Stuart sockeye recovery . Given the social, cultural, ecological and economic import of the Early Stuart sockeye CU it is crucial that the feasibility analysis of fertilization is a sustainable first step in recovery. Prior to undertaking the analyses FSWP plans to convene a meeting with the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance, DFO and the Province of British Columbia to consider the overall approach to recovering the Early Stuart sockeye CU. Overview: The biological feasibility of lake fertilization as a means to enhance Early Stuart sockeye is supported by the positive response of Chilko Lake sockeye to fertilization and previous DFO biological survey results from Takla Lake . The utility of Takla Lake fertilization for Early Stuart sockeye recovery was presented and discussed at 2 Inter-Tribal Fishing Treaty meetings at Merritt on June 18-19 and at Takla Lake on Aug. 12-13. The proposal has been endorsed by Tl’azten, Nak’azdli and Takla Lake First Nations, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council and Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFFCA). The concept was also discussed (Aug. 8) with DFO - Cultus Lake scientists with previous experience in Fraser sockeye lake fertilization. Objectives/deliverables: To maximize the benefits of fertilization, it is proposed to initially target the dominant cycle return year. These fish will return as adults in 2009 and the dominant brood fry will reside in Takla Lake in 2010 making 2010 the logical year to initiate a fertilization program. Analyses which can be usefully completed in the present fiscal year include evaluations of technical, biological, institutional and logistical factors. 1. Technical factors include: what type of fertilization approach is most relevant i.e. fixed wing aircraft, helicopter, barge, boat, fertilizer bags, etc. In view of the remote location of Takla in relation to the available nutrient suppliers, cost will also be an important factor to consider. All of these considerations need to be critically evaluated in order to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with a fertilization program. Methods/Approach: It is proposed that these feasibility analyses be undertaken by the UFFCA during the fall of 2008. Project participants will include Dr. David Levy, Habitat Biologist for UFFCA, Dr. Ken Ashley, Fisheries Researcher who developed the Kootenay Lake fertilization program and Marcel Shepert, Chairman of UFFCA who will provide liason with First Nations upon completion of the technical component.
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