The Caddis Fly: Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

From the US Fish and Wildlife Service: As part of a broad effort to recover the threatened bull trout, the Fish and Wildlife Service proposed today to reintroduce this native fish species to the upper Clackamas River. A public comment period on the proposal is open until February 8, 2010. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Forest Service are cooperators in the proposed project.

The reintroduced fish would be designated as a “nonessential experimental” population, under the Endangered Species Act. This classification precludes anyone who accidentally kills or harms the fish from being in violation of the law, provided that this happens as part of an otherwise lawful activity. Federal projects will not be altered or stopped to protect these fish, and sport fishing in accordance with Oregon regulations would not result in a violation of the Endangered Species Act if a bull trout was harmed.

“For thousands of years bull trout were present in the Clackamas River,” said Robyn Thorson, regional director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. “After evolving there and existing all that time they were eliminated by human activities; reintroducing them will provide another solid step in our recovery strategy for the species.”

The boundaries of the proposed experimental nonessential population would include the entire Clackamas River as well as the Willamette River from Willamette Falls downstream to where it meets the Columbia River, including Multnomah Channel. Recent surveys have determined that bull trout currently do not exist in the area, and it is thought highly unlikely that they could re-colonize the area on their own due to geographic distance to other existing bull trout populations.

The last documented bull trout observation in the Clackamas River drainage was in 1963. Their elimination was likely caused by many of the same factors that led to the decline of the bull trout across its range, including migration barriers from hydroelectric and diversion dams, direct and incidental harvest in sport and commercial fisheries, targeted eradication through bounty fisheries, and habitat and water quality degradation from forest management and agricultural activities not in accordance with best management practices.

A detailed feasibility assessment completed by the agencies in 2007 determined that this reintroduction is biologically possible. The best candidate for bull trout donor stock was found to be the Metolius River, a tributary of the Deschutes River in central Oregon.

If a public hearing request is received on this proposal, in writing, within 45 days of the proposal’s publication in the Federal Register, one will be held at a location and time to be determined. If a hearing is to be held, it will be publicized on the USFWS Bull Trout Reintroduction Page.

We are also seeking comment on the draft environmental assessment (EA), prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act, which analyzes the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed reintroduction. The draft EA can be viewed on the internet at this link.

Bull trout are protected as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act throughout their U.S. range, which includes parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Nevada. The draft recovery strategy for bull trout was developed over a three-year period with involvement from more than 120 stakeholder states, tribes, watershed councils, and representatives of industry and conservation groups.

Bull trout are members of the char subgroup of the salmon family, which also includes the Dolly Varden, lake trout, and Arctic char. They can grow to more than 30 pounds in lakes, but in streams rarely exceed 4 pounds. They have small, pale yellow to crimson spots on a darker background, which ranges from olive green to brown above, fading to white on the belly. Historically bull trout occurred throughout the Columbia River Basin, east to western Montana, south to the Jarbidge River in northern Nevada, the Klamath Basin in Oregon, the McCloud River in California and north to Alberta, British Columbia, and possibly southeastern Alaska. Today bull trout are still widely distributed but they have declined in overall distribution and abundance. Small bull trout eat terrestrial and aquatic insects but shift to preying on other fish as they grow larger.

FAQs:
Q. Why choose the Clackamas River for this proposal?
The Clackamas was considered for reintroduction even before the bull trout was listed as threatened, in years of discussion between the Forest Service and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. With these two key partners already exploring the possibility, and the need expressed in the bull trout recovery plan, it was logical to continue exploring the idea. There are other appropriate locations for bull trout reintroduction, and accomplishing this reintroduction will gain knowledge and experience that can be applied elsewhere. From the bull trout’s perspective, the Clackamas is a good candidate because bull trout haven’t been documented there since about 1963; the factors which caused them to disappear have been remedied, and about 70 miles of the upper river and tributaries contain suitable habitat for bull trout spawning and rearing.

Q. How can a “nonessential” population contribute to recovery?
A nonessential experimental population would contribute to the recovery of the bull trout in the Willamette Basin, but it is not essential to the survival of the species in the wild. The designation allows for greater flexibility in managing other land uses and human activities, without the usual level of protections being given to individuals of the reintroduced species. The designation of nonessential experimental populations [through Section 10(j)] was added to the Endangered Species Act in 1982 by Congress in order to increase the public’s tolerance for putting a protected species back into an area where it had been previously.

Q. Would the agencies later want to change the nonessential population to an “essential” designation?
It is not likely that the Fish and Wildlife Service would propose to change the nonessential experimental population classification. Any changes that might become necessary would occur in cooperation with the State of Oregon and other affected parties and would require another federal rule-making process. The only likely change would be if the species recovers and is removed from the list of threatened and endangered species, in which case the “nonessential experimental population” designation would be eliminated as part of the delisting.

Q. Would bull trout negatively impact salmon and steelhead in the Clackamas River?
A. Like many other native fish in the Clackamas River, bull trout will eat juvenile salmon and steelhead. They also will eat other fish which would have eaten juvenile salmon and steelhead. These predator/prey dynamics are complex, and despite the fact these species evolved together, it is uncertain whether bull trout would have a negative, positive, or neutral effect on today’s salmon and steelhead populations. Because of this, the agencies are seeking to understand the potential impacts before making the decision to propose the reintroduction. A panel of expert scientists met in July 2008 to investigate potential bull trout effects on salmon and steelhead in the Clackamas River and to develop associated monitoring and management recommendations. Results from the workshop suggest the overall probability of extinction to salmon and steelhead in the Clackamas River from a successful bull trout reintroduction would be very low to moderately low. While the workshop provided an estimate of impact from expert scientists, actual baseline monitoring and evaluation in the Clackamas River prior to and following a reintroduction of bull trout would provide the data necessary to inform management options including reversing the reintroduction action if impacts are greater than anticipated

Q. Where in the Clackamas River would the fish be reintroduced?
They would be released into historical bull trout habitat in the upper Clackamas River above the confluence with the Collawash River. This reach contains the most suitable habitat for reintroductions.

Q. When might these fish be put into the Clackamas?
The reintroduction could begin in 2010 or 2011. Transfers would continue annually for the first phase of the reintroduction (approximately 7 years). Transfers of fish in phase two (years 8 through 15) would be contingent on the success of phase one.

Q. How many bull trout would be moved?
The proposed action includes the direct transfer of multiple life stages of bull trout from the Metolius River to the Clackamas River. Although current abundance of the donor stock would support more, we currently propose 30 adults, 30 subadults (more than two years old but not of reproductive age), 1,000 juveniles (age one and two years) and up to 10,000 fry annually at the onset of the project. The numbers and life stages of fish transferred annually will be linked strongly to the annual population size of the donor stock, as well as to information derived from monitoring and evaluating the success of the various life stages of the reintroduced fish over the initial years of the project.

Breaking news–ODFW researchers today released findings showing up to 30% mortality in juvenile salmonids that ingested sulfite cured roe. The study shows that some fish die from eating just one egg, but that others survive up to 23 days before dying. Sodium sulfite, the most popular “bite stimulant” in modern salmon cures, was clearly identified as the culprit. Early reports from the study had shown much higher mortality in rainbow trout–up to 60% from ingestion–but the final report tempers those findings.

For those who market sulfite cures, this should come as no surprise. Sodium sulfite, and its relatives sodium bisulfite and sodium metabisulfite, are all linked to cancer in laboratory animals and humans, while not officially recognized as carcinogens by the National Cancer Institute. Those who cure eggs commercially, and those who have regular contact with cures and cured eggs, know the caustic effects first hand. Eyes and lungs burn, noses bleed, and skin becomes irritated. Some people report the development of allergies after repeated exposure.

Jeff Mishler, a long time advocate for wild salmonids, instigated the study in 2008 after becoming concerned about the potential harm sulfite cures might be having on baby salmon and steelhead.

“I had heard stories of trout dying from eating cured eggs,” says Mishler. “Then one day while I was bobber fishing with my Dad, I noticed swarms of young-of-the-year steelhead pecking at our baits. Then we noticed the shoreline. Bait anglers had disposed of their old bait along the beach, creating a fuzzy pink margin along the river bank. Baby steelhead were eating them like crazy, and cutthroat hung behind waiting for an easy meal. It suddenly occurred to me that the poisons in cured eggs could be having serious impacts.”

Over the year that followed, Jeff saw this scene repeated everywhere he went. Finally, his concern demanded action, and he worked with ODFW’s research team to craft a study.

Now that this study has been released, anglers and the sportfishing industry are unsure what will happen next. Advocates for wild steelhead and salmon will work hard to spread the word, and push for a ban on sulfite cures. Debate is likely to flare, and more study will undoubtedly be call for to prolong any action.

“The smart manufacturers will simply design new cures that are not poisonous to our fish,” says Mishler. He adds, “Anglers want to do the right thing, and will undoubtedly move toward products that are safe for salmon.”

Ed Bowles, chief of fisheries at ODFW, was careful to clarify that the new study does not attempt to quantify the impact these poisonous bait cures have on fish populations. “We’re not interested in doing that research. It would be incredibly difficult and costly, and it’s not necessary,” Bowles said. “While this doesn’t appear to represent a crisis, we’ve found out that these cures present a non-targeted impact on our salmon and steelhead. Manufacturers need to adjust and get on with it.”–RR

All boat owners should be aware of a new permit required for 2010. This permit impacts both motorized and non motorized boat owners. Yes, it means drift boats, canoes, and rafts. Read on to see how it will or could impact you and how to get your permit.

Why do boaters need an Invasive Species Prevention Permit?

* Aquatic invasive species seriously damage waterbodies. Species like the quagga mussel and Eurasian watermilfoil “hitchhike” from one body of water to the next, primarily on boats. Revenues from permits will fund a new statewide prevention program to help protect our waters.
* Destructive invaders including the quagga and zebra mussels are rapidly spreading across the nation degrading water quality, depleting native fish and waterfowl populations and costing millions of dollars in maintenance of water and power facilities. The new program will be implemented by the Oregon State Marine Board and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

What does this mean to the motor boater with a boat registered in Oregon?

* Registered boaters (including sailboats 12 feet and longer that are registered) will pay an additional $5 surcharge when they renew their boat registration. Current boat decals (which are stickers that attach to the bow of the boat) are proof that you’ve paid the fee. Renewal notifications will itemize the cost of registration and the $5 surcharge so boaters understand how their fees are used.
* If your registration expires next year (December 31, 2010), you do not need to have a permit for the 2010 boating season. The fee will automatically be added when you renew your registration.
* Sailboats under 12 feet (that are not registered) will need to carry and purchase a $7 annual permit ($5 + $2 agent fee), which the boater can use with any manually powered boat. Permits for non-motorized vessels are being sold through www.dfw.state.or.us.
* If you have paddle craft, in addition to your motorized vessel, you will need individual permits when the paddle craft are in use. Permits for non-motorized vessels are being sold through www.dfw.state.or.us.
What does this mean for those with manually powered boats (paddlecraft)?

* Non-motorized boat operators (rafts, drift boats, kayaks, canoes, etc.) 10 feet and longer will need to carry and purchase a $7 annual permit ($5 + $2 agent fee), which the boater can use with any manually powered boat.
* Permits are required for both residents AND non-residents and are transferable to other non-motorized craft, but every vessel on the water must have a permit.
* Non-motorized liveries (rental businesses) will receive a quantity discount. Clubs and organizations can have permits issued in their name. Permits must be purchased directly from the Oregon State Marine Board.
* Permits are printed on water-resistant paper and easy to carry.

What about out-of-state visitors?

* Out-of-state visitors who trailer a motorized boat will be required to purchase a $22 annual permit ($20 permit + $2 agent fee) and carry it with them when boating on Oregon waters.
* Permits will be available ONLY through ODFW license agents, ODFW offices that sell licenses and on the ODFW web site. Out-of-state permits will not be sold through boat registration agents or the Oregon State Marine Board.
* Non-motorized out-of-state visitors will need to purchase the $7 annual permit ($5 + $2 agent fee).

What about Stand-Up Paddle Boards (SUP’s). Do they need a permit?

* YES. The USCG determined that stand-up paddle boards are considered boats for the purpose of life jacket requirements. Based on this determination, and if the stand-up paddle board is 10 feet or longer, the operator would need to have a permit.

What about multi-jurisdictional waters like the Columbia and Snake Rivers?

* Oregon residents will need to have the permit. Washington residents who launch in Washington follow Washington waterway rules. Because Washington does not have an invasive species permit program, Washington boaters do not need to purchase Oregon’s when operating on the Mainstem Columbia River.
* The Multnomah Channel is considered “inside” Oregon, and permits will be required when boating in the channel.
* Along the Snake River into Idaho, if Oregon boaters launch in Idaho, then they will need Idaho’s out-of-state aquatic invasive species prevention permit. If they launch in Oregon and boat into Idaho, they will need Oregon’s permit.

LV

Where do I get a permit?

* Permits can be purchased online at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Web site: www.dfw.state.or.us/online_license_sales/index.asp.
* ODFW license agents and ODFW offices that sell licenses. A complete list can be found at www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/licenses.
* Remember, motorboat registration fees include the $5 permit. Current registration decals are proof of payment into the AIS program.

Does this mean non-motorized boats will have to be registered?

* No. Non-motorized boats are NOT titled or registered under the program. Fees from permits are deposited directly into a fund dedicated to this program. They do not benefit the state’s general fund. Some of the funds will be transferred to ODFW to implement the program.
* Permits will be in the names of the people/organization purchasing them.

Why do motorized boats pay $5 every two years and non-motorized $7 ($5 permit + $2 agent fee) each year?

* Boat registration decals are non-transferrable -they adhere to the bow of the boat. Non-motorized permits are transferrable.
* Because this is a new program involving a different segment of boater, a new delivery system will need to be created which carries additional overhead costs.
* The surcharge on a motorboat will be automatic, with little overhead cost. Motorboaters are already paying a certain amount of their registration fees to maintain the registration data infrastructure. Eight-six percent of boaters’ fees go back to the boater in the form of boating access facilities, marine patrol services, and education/outreach programs.
* Because ODFW has nearly 500 point of sale agents and an online license sales system, their permit delivery system better serves boaters statewide.

Are there any exemptions to the new law?

* Yes, but they’re very limited and specific.
* State, county and municipality-owned watercraft used for official business.
* A ship’s lifeboat used solely for lifesaving purposes
* Seaplanes
* The Lightship Columbia
* Eleemosynary groups (Eleemosynary organizations are those which are operated primarily as a part of organized activities for the purpose of teaching youths scoutcraft, camping, seamanship, self-reliance, patriotism, courage and kindred virtues). Defined in ORS 830.790.

What if I don’t purchase a permit?

* Law Enforcement Officers will issue warnings for the first few months of the program. After that, they will begin actively enforcing the new law which is a Class D Violation which carries a $142 fine.

What if I lose my permit? How do I get a replacement?

* Because personal information isn’t kept, boaters will need to purchase another permit.

All boaters need to take personal responsibility by taking a few extra steps to prevent the spread of unwanted invaders.–LV

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