• ICAFS Home
• 2024 Mtg Home
• Mtg Info

Symposia Abstracts

1. Fish Passage in the Pacific Northwest

• Moderators: Adam Crispin, adam.crispin@shanwil.com, and Zach Sherker, sherkerz@mac.com
  
• Abstract: Rivers and streams are amongst the most fragmented systems globally. From large-scale hydroelectric dams to small-scale barriers, such as culverts, floodgates, tidegates, and dykes, in-stream structures have culminated to form an intricate, and poorly quantified, matrix of barriers to movement in salmon-bearing streams. Until recently, there was very little work done to quantify the totality of these barriers and effectively remediate them. In 2022, NOAA awarded $39.8 million dollars to Tribes, communities, and local governments to remove fish barriers and restore salmonid habitat across Washington state. This recognition and allocation has been touted as a major success in the salmon community, and with hundreds of thousands of barriers remaining along the North American range of Pacific salmon, we now need to maximize coordination amongst fish passage agencies and researchers to streamline further restoration of habitat connectivity for Pacific salmon. As federal, state, and provincial governments continue to prioritize fish passage and habitat, fisheries scientists, managers, and advocates play key roles in planning and implementing these projects across our region. This broad symposium would focus on four areas: Prioritization, Laws and Regulatory Frameworks, Barrier Remediation Works, and Effectiveness Monitoring

2. Improving salmonid adult escapement abundance estimates

• Moderators: Neala Kendal, neala.kendall1@dfw.wa.gov, Thomas Buehrens, and Kevin See
• Symposia Length: Propose 1 time block = 5 talks
• Abstract: Estimating escapement abundance of spawning salmonids is a core activity of many resource agencies. These estimates are key to conservation and management, but often they lack uncertainty bounds and utilize methods that have not been updated for decades. In this symposium, we will hear about new salmonid escapement abundance estimation methods utilized by a range of groups and their strengths and weaknesses, and we will discuss where we want to be going with these methods.

3. Conservation and management of Native Bull Trout and Dolly Varden in the coastal and inland Pacific Northwest

• Moderators: Judy Niebauer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Retired), jneibauer9395@gmail.com,Jeff Strait, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Dan Kenney, U.S. Forest Service (Retired), Brett Bowersox, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, brett.bowersox@idfg.idaho.gov, Marie Winkowski, Washington Department of Fish and Game, elizabethmarie.winkowski@dfw.wa.gov , and Dan Nolfi, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Daniel_Nolfi@fws.gov
• Abstract: Bull Trout and Dolly Varden are collectively the native char of the Pacific Northwest, and have been conservation-listed at the state, provincial, and federal level. The two species interact within marine and freshwater ecological communities across coastal and inland watersheds within the region. The diversity of life history and migration patterns of these native char results in a broad range of habitats used that face natural and anthropogenic challenges. These species require access between very cold headwater tributary spawning and rearing areas and lower elevation foraging and overwintering habitats in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and marine areas. Research informs conservation efforts and management program objectives across the variety of spatial habitat and population scales. New information addresses key questions such as abundance monitoring, migration behaviors, timing and use of connected habitats, population genetics and resilience, and management of threats. Findings from these efforts inform species status assessments for future conservation and recovery. This symposium provides the opportunity to share new science and presentations will be organized to address the following topics: 1) current species status, 2) new species information and population dynamics, 3)management and conservation actions, and 4) efforts that inform conservation and management pathways for maintaining Pacific Northwest native char across their range into the future.

4. Technological tools and fisheries science techniques: adaptations, evolutions, and advancements in fish monitoring and selective passage

• Moderators: Janine Bryan, janine.bryan@whooshh.com, Alexa Ballinger, Alexa.ballinger@idfg.idaho.gov.
• Abstract: With climate change, declining anadromous fish populations, and increasing numbers of opportunistic non-native fish species challenging the watershed ecosystems, there is need for improvement in how we measure, and which fish species are allowed passage. The process of monitoring and managing ESA-listed anadromous fish is time consuming and expensive. Effort and costs towards monitoring salmon and steelhead need to be evaluated to ensure recovery and management goals are met effectively. Understanding the issues from the fish perspective, hydraulic perspective, economic perspective, ease of use perspective, and regulatory perspective are all important aspects and considerations to be addressed within the technology development space. Any seasoned biologist will tell you that a polished, effective technique requires troubleshooting and often adjustment to original sampling design, equipment, methods, or analyses. The opportunities, however, to learn about, test, and adopt new technologies and techniques as they are being developed, commercialized and/or adaptively evolve in practice, are not always easy to come by. We can learn from mechanistic evolution and ultimately save time, money, and potentially, fish lives. This symposium serves as space for sharing adaptations, advancements in technological tools, development of new devices and an opportunity to articulate future aspirations in fish monitoring and selctive passage.

5. Pinniped Interactions

• Moderator: Kylie DaCunha, kdacunha@genuswave.com
• Abstract: Seals and sea lions (collectively known as pinnipeds) play a large role in our marine and aquatic ecosystems, acting as predator and prey for various species. Though populations were once severely depleted due to human impact, numbers seem to have increased in the past two decades. Given that these animals are sheltered under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), negative interactions between humans and pinnipeds are avoided whenever possible. However, this becomes challenging in instances such as: where pinnipeds predate on threatened/endangered fish populations particularly at passage “bottlenecks” in riverine environments, when they are caught as bycatch during fisheries operations, or when they damage aquaculture facilities leading to escapements and loss of profit. The purpose of this symposium is to identify the best available research quantifying such interactions, connect those interested in the topic, and gather solutions that prevent human/pinniped conflict.

6. Data Longevity Achieved! Reproducibility throughout the lifecycle and beyond

• Moderator: Megan Dethlof, mdethloff@usgs.gov
• Abstract: Co-sponsored by Pacific Northwest Aquatic Monitoring Partnership, StreamNet, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
  Reproducibility is a fundamental concept within the scientific method and it drives scientific advancement. This concept applies to all parts of our scientific work processes, and its successful application relies on the FAIR data principles of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable. Achieving reproducibility can be challenging for researchers and resource managers, especially in less data-driven parts of their work process. Part of the challenge arises from the differences in how people interpret whether their work meets the FAIR principles, such as how easily it can be found and accessed, and what is envisioned for current and possible future applications of the data (i.e., interoperable and reuse). Another challenging aspect is how to apply FAIR along with other principles and guidance that may seem at odds with each other such as the Collective benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility and Ethics (CARE) principles for responsible data governance. In this symposium, we discuss reproducibility throughout research and resource management workflows, from ideation and planning to sharing for data re-use. We will explore how biologists and researchers have adapted their approaches, accessed different expertise, and leveraged new technology and software to meet the four pillars of FAIR, while addressing new guiding principles such as Open Data and CARE. Presenters will highlight novel thinking, surprising results and a host of new friends met along the way as we rely on new expertise and disciplines to align with FAIR.

7. Application of drones in fisheries research and environmental monitoring

• Moderator: Alexander Fremier, alex.fremier@wsu.edu
• Abstract: Abstract Over the last decade researchers are using remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs, aka drones) in fisheries science and management. RPV technologies can help fill data gaps for understanding fish populations and be integrated into riverine ecosystem monitoring. New technologies allow researchers to interrogate persistent questions and potentially answer new questions because of the new observation scale that RPVs provide. This session aims to highlight: (1) how scientists are using RPVs, (2) what questions require further attention, and (3) what the next generation of RPV-based technologies are. We hope to move past RPV feasibility studies to begin mainstreaming RPVs for answering ecological questions and furthering long-term monitoring.

8. Hatcheries: The Need To Know

• Moderator: Alf Haukenes, ahaukenesafs@gmail.com >
• Abstract: Hatchery propagation as a fish management tool for salmon requires dynamic program management responsive to emergent needs and adapt to unanticipated outcomes. This symposium will include contributions by regional professionals tasked with characterizing the efficacy of hatchery programs and addressing the basic question, “How well is your hatchery program meeting its intended goals?”. The organizers hope that this symposium will lead to the development of a community of practitioners better able to field questions surrounding hatchery program evaluation as new roles for this activity are being considered. Hatchery program efficacy represents a complex topic best served by a community comprised of a broad range of expertise, experience, and points of view. Thus, we invite those active in all areas of hatchery program management/evaluation to contribute abstracts for inclusion as presentations in this symposium. Examples of topics might include:
  • Implementation of adaptive management strategies considering costs and benefits of hatchery programs,
  • Case studies or novel approaches to characterize hatchery program outcomes and impacts,
  • Discuss non-conventional roles for hatcheries in the recovery of species, mitigating environmental degradation, sustaining fish dependent communities, or improving the resilience of salmon populations to climate change.
  • Illustrating gaps in current knowledge and identify research priorities.
  In addition to contributed presentations, we will dedicate a portion of our symposia to a panel discussion where state, provincial, federal and tribal professionals can speak to a variety of issues relevant to the current and future uses of salmon hatcheries in natural resource management.

9. Integration of Physiology and Genetics in Aquatic Resource Conservation

• Moderator: Michael Phelps michael.phelps1@wsu.edu
• Abstract: Aquatic organisms in the Pacific Northwest face a growing list of challenges that may impact their future productivity. How these aquatic organisms adapt to these challenges will be determined by their physiology and underlying genetics. It is therefore critical to understand the physiology and molecular biology of aquatic organisms as a window into the inner workings of species, to help guide resource management and conservation efforts. New technologies are facilitating advances in both the physiology and genetics fields and combining these research areas holds great potential to understand aquatic organisms to a level not previously possible. This symposium will highlight the groundbreaking research being conducted in both the physiology and genetics fields that is aimed at understanding fundamental biological mechanisms in aquatic species. The topics will help begin to integrate our understanding of aquatic life spanning the organismal to the molecular level for a more complete picture of essential aquatic organisms in the Pacific Northwest.

10. Genetics in Fisheries Management and Conservation

• Moderators: Audrey Harris, audrey.harris@idfg.idaho.gov , John Hargrove, john.hargrove@idfg.idaho.gov
• Abstract: Genetic techniques play a central role in fisheries management and conservation by providing fundamental information on the distribution of genetic diversity across the landscape and the forces that shape it. This symposium will showcase research harnessing genetic data to make informed management decisions, promote biodiversity conservation, and ensure the long-term resilience of fisheries. The focus of this symposium is intentionally broad to capture the myriad applications of genetic data in modern fisheries management.

11. Science and Infrastructure modifications for fish passage at mainstem dams: How much has changed?

• Moderators: Rebekah Horn, rhorn@critfc.org, Marika Dobos, marika.dobos@idfg.idaho.gov
• Abstract: Passage in both directions through or around a dam is essential for anadromous fish to complete their outmigration to the ocean as juveniles and their return spawning migration as adults. Without fish passage at dams, anadromous fish lose access to critical habitats which can have detrimental effects on population viability. Many different technologies exist for passing fish around or through dams as passage must be tailored to the type of dam, surrounding environment, life history stage, and fish species (e.g., salmonids versus lamprey). Innovative ideas and technological advancements are providing improvements for the passage of fish by mainstem river dams. This symposium will cover how fish passage has changed through time and what improvements are being made to make the passage through and around dams safer and more efficient for fish species.

12. Kokanee Population Dynamics and Management

• Moderators: Timothy D'Amico, timothy.damico@idfg.idaho.gov , Art Butts
• Abstract: Kokanee salmon Oncorhynchus nerka are landlocked life-history variants of Sockeye Salmon and can be found throughout the western United States and Canada. Fisheries managers may focus on kokanee for a number of reasons, including providing angling opportunities, forage base for piscivores, or broodstock collection; and kokanee populations often function to meet multiple objectives. Due to population demographic effects, including relatively short lifespan and density dependent factors, kokanee management can often prove difficult for fisheries managers. This symposium seeks to provide an opportunity for fisheries managers across Idaho, Washington and British Columbia to share kokanee management successes, frustrations, and collaboration to improve kokanee management tools and techniques.

13. Angler Engagement in Support of Citizen Science

• Moderator: Sean Simmons, sean@anglersatlas.com
• Abstract: Anglers play an important role in providing scientists and managers with valuable data about the state of our fisheries and this is increasingly being described as “Citizen Science”. Local fish and wildlife clubs and other conservation groups have a long history of supporting fisheries research and management. More recently, new forms of electronic reporting through mobile apps have been developed which has greatly expanded the capacity of anglers to play meaningful roles in fisheries. This means anglers are becoming ever more important to fisheries research and management. For this symposium we are seeking fisheries professionals and anglers who have led (or been part of) a fisheries science project that supports research or management goals in a meaningful way. One of the important outcomes from this symposium will be a better understanding of the range of strategies used by fisheries professionals to engage anglers, and also the best practices that are necessary to achieve long-term angler engagement. This symposium is open to fisheries professionals and anglers alike.

14. Tribal Perspectives on Aquatic Habitat Restoration

• Moderators: Stephanie Hallock, Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Eric Berntsen, Kalispel Tribe eberntsen@kalispeltribe.com
• Abstract: Native American Indian Tribes and First Nations people in Canada have been focused on bringing back sustainable populations of culturally significant fish and wildlife species that were severely impacted by colonialization. Land use change, habitat degradation, and introduction of non-native species over the last 100 years has caused significant decline of anadromous salmon and steelhead runs and native resident fish populations within the Columbia River System as well as other water-dependent wildlife. Designing habitat restoration and management to bring back culturally significant species incorporates elements often absent from traditional restoration, including leveraging traditional ecological knowledge, promoting first foods such as camas, huckleberry, and water potato in restoration design, and incorporating tribal youth and tribal membership to bring connection back to the land. Talks in this symposium will highlight restoration and management efforts by different Tribes and First Nations to bring back culturally significant species in a manner that incorporates traditional ecological knowledge, first foods, and the broader, multigenerational tribal/First Nation community.

15. Northern Pikeminnow and Non-Native Predator Fishes in Anadromous Waters

• Moderator: Marika Dobos, marika.dobos@idfg.idaho.gov
• Abstract: Numerous factors have influenced the decline of salmon and steelhead in the Pacific Northwest and piscivorous predators are one of those contributing factors. The first known intentional stocking event of Smallmouth Bass, Micropterus dolomieu in the Columbia River system was in 1923 in Oregon. Illegal introductions of Walleye, Sander vitreus in the Columbia River system was suspected to have occurred somewhere between the 1940s and the 1950s in Banks Lake and/or Lake Roosevelt in Washington. Currently, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye have extended their distribution in the Columbia and Snake river basins and trends of abundance continue to rise. Additionally, hydrosystem dams have created habitats that favor native Northern Pikeminnow, Ptychocheilus oregonesis that specialize in eating juvenile salmonids. This symposium is intended to bring awareness about the spread of non-native predators in the Columbia River basin and how that might affect ESA-listed salmonids if they continue to widen their distribution in key rearing areas of juvenile salmonids. The symposium will also highlight current management actions and research on piscivorous fish that could aid with developing plans for managing non-native predator fishes in anadromous waters.

16. Pacific Northwest Sockeye Salmon

• Moderator: Jeff Fryer, fryj@critfc.org
• Abstract:Sockeye Salmon stocks in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia have been greatly impacted by human development of the region and are threatened by an expanding human population. In addition, these stocks, being at the southern end of sockeye salmon range, are most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Despite these challenges, some stocks have recently staged dramatic recoveries. For example, the 2022 Columbia Basin run had more sockeye counted passing Bonneville Dam than any year since counting began when that dam was completed in 1938 and the highest 7 counts have all been since 2011. Sockeye salmon restoration efforts are currently under way in the Elwha and Skokomish basins in the Olympic Peninsula as well as the Yakima and Deschutes basins of the Columbia Basin and proposed for Wallowa Lake and upstream of Grand Coulee Dam. This symposium will focus on past, present, and possible future management actions to mitigate human impacts. The question to be explored by this symposium is to what extent Pacific Northwest and British Columbia sockeye have been affected from past and present management actions and whether these actions will be sufficient for sockeye in the future.

17. Competition to Predict Salmon Returns

• Moderator: Sean Simmons, sean@anglersatlas.com
• Abstract: The Salmon Prize competition is a new initiative to spur discoveries about the mechanisms that drive salmon survival by measuring how well individuals or teams can predict salmon returns. For this unique symposium, presenters will be asked to present their 2024 predictions of salmon returns for any run of salmon whose return is measured by a recognized institution, such as the Pacific Salmon Commission or other public agency. Presenters can be individuals or part of a team and presentations must include the following elements: (1) the model used to make the prediction; (2) the list of variables used in the modeling process; (3) the theory of salmon survival mechanisms that underpin the model; and (4) the independent source that will be used to measure the actual number of returning salmon. Since this will be a competition with prizes as incentives, the first five abstracts submitted will automatically receive $500 (USD) after they successfully present their findings at the conference. A grand prize of $1,000 (USD) will be awarded to the presenter(s) who most accurately predict the number of returning salmon as measured in percent error. This prize will be awarded once all predicted salmon returns have been measured and are available from the measuring agency, most likely in 2025. If you want to participate but cannot accept a reward, you can dedicate your reward to a student scholarship. If anyone has any questions about the process, please contact the moderator, Sean Simmons, by email sean@anglersatlas.com . Funding for the prize is from the Salmon Prize project (www.salmonprize.com).

18. Where Does Tribal and First Nations Traditional Ecological Knowledge Fit Within Fisheries Science?

• Moderators: Ryan Branstetter, brar@critfc.org, Sean Simmons, sean@anglersatlas.com
• Abstract: Sockeye Salmon stocks in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia have been greatly impacted by human development of the region and are thThe WA-BC chapter of the AFS has set up a working group to increase Tribal and First Nations presence at our annual conference, which will be conducted in conjunction with the Idaho chapter of the American Fisheries Society. We feel it is of the utmost importance that our AFS chapters make a strong effort to include our Tribes and First Nations at this conference, not only for the stewardship perspective that they can offer to the members of the chapters but also to provide an opportunity to set the tone for our meeting, which is “Returning Home: Anadromous Fisheries in the Pacific Northwest”. Specifically, we want to recruit presenters who can speak to the value of traditional ecological knowledge that has been learned, handed down, and preserved by the members of your Tribes or First Nations, and its utilization to maintain and support native fish and aquatic organisms throughout the millennia.

19. Ignite Talks

• Moderators: Jeanne McFall, jeanne@rivhab.net
• Abstract: "To The Point" sessions have been a staple at many meetings for several years now and provide a great platform for people to quickly share project updates, notes from the field, or other important topics that don't require a full 20-minute presentation. Ignite talks take this idea one step further by automating slide progression and condensing the talk to 5 minutes! Topics can be inspirational, funny, or informative but all should strive to be engaging and entertaining. Maybe you want to update the membership on the good work of a specific group in the State or maybe you have figured out a better mouse trap, the possibilities are endless. Please consider participating to make our Ignite session successful!
  
  For more information about the format of Ignite Talks, click here.

© 2024 Idaho Chapter of the American Fisheries Society | Website by Handmade Designs | Annual Meeting Website Coordinator Kristi Stevenson