Salmon supplementation studies in Idaho Rivers (Idaho supplementation studies): Experimental design

摘要

The role of supplementation in helping recover declining anadromous stocks in the Columbia Basin is the subject of much debate. For upriver stocks of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), we believe supplementation should never be considered an alternative to reducing mortalities associated with the lower Snake River and Columbia River dams and reservoirs. As an interim recovery effort, concurrent with improvements in the overriding mainstem factors, we believe supplementation can potentially play an important role in the recovery process. Past failures and considerable risks associated with supplementation require careful development and evaluation of test supplementation programs prior to Basin-wide implementation. The purpose of this study is to help determine the utility of supplementation as a potential recovery tool for decimated stocks of spring and summer chinook salmon in Idaho. Our goals are to assess the use of hatchery chinook to restore or augment natural populations, and to evaluate the effects of supplementation on the survival and fitness of existing natural populations.