1. FPAC Development of the Future SMP
Margaret Filardo

2. Is SMP meeting Managers’ needs?
Background
Is SMP meeting Managers’ needs?
Can we reduce ESA take?

3. At the request of FPAC in May 2014
FPC developed a memo “2014 Review of the Smolt Monitoring Program”:
an overview of the Smolt Monitoring Program (SMP),
the data generated from this program and how these data are used by the fisheries managers,
identified the impacts of potential modifications to current sampling protocols at each of the SMP bypass facilities.

4. Three Questions Posed by FPC to The Salmon Managers
Are the needs of the Fisheries Managers being met by the current levels of limited sampling at LMN, LGS, MCN, JDA, and BON?
Is the present limited condition sampling schedule at some SMP sites adequate to accomplish the goals of RPA 53.3 (Monitor/document condition of smolts at dams with JBS systems).
Are LGR, MCN, RIS, and BON still considered Index Sites by the Fisheries Managers?

5. NOAA Proposal
On July 15, 2014, the NOAA membership provided a proposal for potential modifications to the SMP in order to reduce handling of listed and non-listed stocks, while still meeting current data needs. The NOAA proposal:
designates three sites as index sites (Bonneville, McNary, and Lower Granite)
eliminates index sampling at Little Goose (LGS), Lower Monumental (LMN), and John Day (JDA)
keeps condition monitoring at all SMP sites
had no proposed changes for SMP monitoring at Rock Island Dam

6. FPC Proposal
FPC worked with state and tribal fishery agencies to explore ways of reducing “take” at trap locations.
Presented and discussed with FPAC.
Modifications will be implemented in 2015.

7. Review of NOAA Proposal
FPAC tasked the FPC staff to review the proposal in detail and provide information on how these proposed changes might affect data collection and management decisions at each of the bypass facilities.
Discussions continued and FPAC recommended:
Prior to the initiation of spring transport operations at LGO and LMN –condition monitoring should occur on an every other day basis and samples should be collected over a 24-hour period.
trap modifications recommended by FPC be adopted
Further discussions to occur but, other than the agreed upon items, 2015 SMP remains the same due to contracting time constraints.

8. Status of Changes to Condition Monitoring
NOAA in discussion with the COE regarding every other day condition monitoring at Little Goose and Lower Monumental.
LGO – every other day
LMN – every third day until April 15th, then every other day.

9. Status of Changes to Trap Operations
Eliminate Clearwater Trap
Move some tags to upriver traps to better represent MPGs
Modify trap operations:
location,
Duration of operation,
Establish weekly tagging goals.

10. Ongoing FPAC will be having ongoing discussions over the next year.
FPC has advised NOAA/FPAC that if monitoring sites or functions are eliminated; it is imperative to agree beforehand as to the data that will be used to make management decisions.