C05__Attachment_1_-_Kramer__Chin____Mayo__Inc___1977_Report.pdf

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F2 t~~i, facilities and Operations Study

Trinity River ·Salmon a_nd Steelhead Hatchery

. Prepared for United States Bureau of Recla..~ation

. CONTRACT NO.

7-07-20-VG014

August 1977

TRINIJY RIVER BASIN

RESOURCE LIBRARY

TRINITY COUNTY LIBRARY

WEAVERVILlE,· CALIFORNJA

Ubrarr u ..

OniJ

Kramer, Chin & Mayo, Inc. 1917 First Avenue, Seattle. Washington 98101 Teleph~ne Area Code 206-447-5300 t'i·~: . ;.~;·~ ) :~·t ~·~-~-: f~/\SJN

R!:SO\JRCE LI8i·ifliN

September 2, 1977 KCM 11328-1

United States Bureau of Reclamation 2800 Cottage Way Sacramento, CA 95825

Gentlemen:

This report transmittal culminates a three-month study of facilities and operations at Trinity River Salmon and Steelhead Hatchery. The work was authorized by the Trinity River Basin Fish and Wildlife Task Force as part of a comprehensive program to identify and connect fist1 and wildlife problems in the Trinity River Basin caused by dam construction and water diversion.

Included in the study are a series of biological program and f<Jcility mod:fication recommendations designed to increase the number of adults returning to the hatchery. Although the hatchery staff appears to operate the hatchery re;7lar~<!bl :-efficiently, we have recommended modifications which 'Nil! promote ease of operation, reduce overall manpower requirements for pond cleoning, Cine 2:to·.·1 the staff to devote more time directly to fish rearing and manogt:!ment pro'_lnms. Cast estimates for all items recommended have also jeen included.

The Kramer, Chin & Mayo study te::Jm wishes to thank all persons involved in the project for their cooperation and assistance. It has been a pleasure ~·.'or !.-:ing ,.lith you.

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Sincerely, ~MER, CHIN & MAYO, INC.

///lJ" , ~-;V) 1 /_.., (j/P~~7)(_;;( c/\0 Cecil L. Fax, P .E.

Vice President Project Ma_nager r\~< ·~ \..-· .~v~ Caro Bro•.vn Project Leader

Consulting Engineers, Architects and Applied Scientists

FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS STUDY

TRINITY RIVER SALMON AND STEELHEAD HATCHERY

Prepared for:

United States Bureau of Reclamation

Contract No. 7-07-zo:..voOl4

Kramer, Chin and Mayo, Inc.

1917 First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report summarizes the findings of a study conducted during the summer of

1977 to determine modifications needed at Trinity River Hatchery to improve production of vigorous outmigrants of four salmonid species. It was determined that the major areas affecting production are: water temperatures, gas supersaturation in water supply, conditions in existing rearing ponds, the method of fish release, and releasing fish at improper sizes and times. It was further concluded that a lack of program consistency and operation data make assessment of the rearing programs difficult.

In order to allow hatchery staff to follow the recommended biological and management programs contained in this report, modifications to existing facilities are proposed. They include alterations to the aerator, hatchery building, headquarters building, nursery ponds, hatchery grounds, spawning complex, and possibly to the intake structure after more data are collected. It is also recommended that the rearing· ponds be· replaced with raceways, each having a separate water supply and drain and that a smolt release facility be constructed.

The estimated capital cost for these improvements is $1,716,000.

i.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

California Department of Fish and Game

Kramer, Chin & Mayo, Inc.

Manager

Project Leader

Arc hi teet/Planner

Civil Engineer i i.

J. Bruce Kimsey

William D. Harper

Felix Smith

Jody Hoffman

William E. Schafer

Paul M. Hubbell

Gerald W. Bedell

Trinity Hatchery Staff

Cecil L. Fox

Carol M. Brown

Thomas Howard

John Scott

N£VAOA

CAl-IFORNIA I

FIGURE I

VICINITY MAP0

iii .

Trinity River Salmon & Steelhead Hatchery

Figure 2 iv.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1. General Description 1.1

2. Study Purpose 1.1

3. Study Scope 1.2

4. Study Approach 1.2

CHAPTER 2 OPERATIONS

1. Fish Production- An Historical Overview 2.1

2. Production Program Analysis 2.3

2.1 Age, Season and Size at Release 2.8

2.2 Condit ion at Release 2.14

2.3 Method of Release 2.15

2.4 Genetic Considerations 2.15

2.5 Diet 2.18

2.6 Incubation and Rearing Environment 2.18

2.7 Disease Control 2.19

2.8 Management 2.20

2.9 Species Selection 2.20

3. Summary and Recommendations 2.21

CHAPTER 3 FACILITIES

1. General 3.1

1.1 Fish Ladder 3.1

1.2 Spawning Complex 3.1

1.3 Intake Structure 3.2

1.4 Aerator 3.2

1.5 Hatchery Building 3.2

1.6 Headquarters Building 3.2

1.7 Accessory Buildings 3.5

1.8 Nursery Ponds 3.5

1.9 Raceways 3.5

2. Facility Analysis 3.5

2.1 General 3.5

2.2 Intake Structure 3.6

2."3 Aerator 3.7

2.4 Outside Rearing Units 3.8

2.5 Smolt Release Facilities 3.16

2.6 Hatchery Building 3.19

2.7 Headquarters Building 3.26

2.8 Spawning Complex 3.30

2.9 Site Improvement 3.31

3. Summary 3.32

Page

CHAPTER 4 COST ESTIMATE 4.1

APPENDIX A BIOLOGICAL CRITERIA A.1

1. Introduction A.1

2. Species Description A.2

2.1 King or Chinook Salmon A.2

2.2 Silver or Coho-Salmon A.2

2.3 Steelhead Trout A.2

2.4 Anadramous Brown Trout A.2

3. Spawning and Incubation A.3

4. Growth Criteria A.5

4.1 Temperature A.5

4.2 Length/Weight A.6

5. Mortality Criteria A.B

6. Rearing Criteria A.S

6.1 Rearing Units A.S

6.2 Rearing Density A.9

6.3 Flow Requirements A.9

6.4 Feed A.ll

7. Water Quality Criteria · A.ll

a. Diseases A.18

9. Application of Biological Criteria A.21

9.1 Determining Temperature A.22

9.2 Determining Date and Event and Length of Fish A.22

9.3 Determining Weight A.23

9.4 Determining Number A.23

9.5 Determining Total Weight A.24

9.6 Determining Flow A.24

9.7 Determining Rearing Space A.24

9.8 Determining Location A.24

APPENDIX 8 REARING PROGRAMS B-1

REFERENCES R-1

Cl1anter I Ji..

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Trinity River Salmon and Steelhead Hatchery is a mitigation facility located at the foot of Lewiston Dam in Trinity County, California. The Lewiston and nearby

Trinity Dams were completed in 1963 as part of a plan to supply additional water to the agricultural lands of the Sacramento Valley. Dam construction has resulted in the elimination of access to many miles of spawning beds previously ~tilized by anadromous species native to the . river. To compensate for this loss, Trinity River Hatchery was constructed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (U.S.S.R.) in 1963.

Traditionally, the Trinity River has supported an active sport fishery along its 130 mile length as well as contributed significantly to the important commercial fisheries in both Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. An historical study (Moffett and Smith, 1950) estimates that as recently as 1950, the Trinity River produced approximately 890,000 pounds of salmon and anadromous trout per year, resulting in an annual average harvest of 762,200 pounds.

During its 14-year history, Trinity Hatchery has been continuously operated by the

California Department of Fish and Game under annual contracts with U.S.S.R. These contracts provide specific mitigation funds for operation of the hatchery and fish production. Average annual production at the facility is approximately 180,000 pounds of outmigrants released each year. These are comprised of Kiflg Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Silver Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), Steelhead Trout (Salmo gairdneri), and anadromous Brown Trout (Salmo trutta). The composition and size of the release programs vary from year to year, primarily due to the fluctuating numbers of adults returning to spawn and the availability of excess eggs at other facilities to supplement egg supplies at Trinity. With the exception of a few peak years, runs in the river, particularly steelhead, are below those which occurred prior to dam construction.

2. STUDY PURPOSE

The Trinity River Basin Fish and Wildlife Task Force consisting of 11 federal, I state and local agencies initiated a comprehensive program to identify and correct fish and wildlife problems in the Trinity River basin caused by the Trinity River Division facilities and associated activities. The Trinity River Hatchery evaluation was one of many studies identified by the Task Force to be completed in Fiscal Year 1977.

1.1

In May of 1977, Kramer, Chin and Mayo, Inc. was engaged by the U.S. Bureau of

Reclamation to conduct a sixty man-day study of facilities aFld operations at the Trinity

River Hatchery. The purpose of the study, summarized in this report, was to analyze the hatchery in light of the goal of optimizing the annual releal)e of vigorous outmigrants of four salmonid species; king and silver salmon, and anadromous brown and steelhead trout. Specific concerns which have been addressed are:

o Age, size and time of release resulting in high release to return survival rates.

o Genetic ramifications of importing eggs and fry from other facilities for release in the Trinity River System.

o Condition of outmigrants including effects of water quality, water tempera ture, hatchery environment, handling, diet, etc.

o Management and operation techniques to effect maximum efficiency and production.

o Hatchery features in light of the present state-of-the-art in hatchery design and equipment.

3. STUDY SCOPE

The scope of this study is limited to those operations and facilities on the hatchery premises which pertain to fish production and operation efficiency. Effects of facilities and rearing techniques on water quality have been excluded.

As the reader is undoubtedly aware, a significant portion of the life of an anadromous fish is spent in waters other than the confines of a hatchery. Although events and conditions occurring in these waters have major effects on the survival and return of released fish, they are beyond the scope of this study. We assume that all biological program recommendations presented in this study will be reviewed by the

Client in light of information gathered by study teams analyzing Trinity River conditions and harvest management goals. Refinement of optimal age, size, and time of release recommendations will undoubtedly result from analysis of river conditions and behavior of hatchery stocks after release.

4. STUDY APPROACH

Kramer, Chin and Mayo organized a three member study team to visit the hatchery, observe conditions and operations, and collect data pertaining to facilities and

1.2 biological programs. Due to the time available for this study, hatchery activities normally taking place during Fall, Winter and Spring months could not be viewed first hand by the s~udy team. Descriptions of these events and operations were gained from personal communication with hatchery staff members and annual production reports.

Construction documents, photographs, annual reports and production summaries were analyzed in depth and all aspects were compared to facilities and programs in other West Coast hatcheries which demonstrate recent advancements in techniques ana utilize modern equipment. All elements effecting production ~aximization and operation efficiency in which the Tr!nity facilities do not meet state-of-the-art, were studied in depth. Various alternatives for modification were proposed and analyzed as part of a total hatchery system. Those alternatives appearing most feasible are included in the cost estimates in this report.

Due to the limited returns of tagged fish at Trinity Hatchery, most program recommendations were base~ upon studies conducted at other hatcheries and research facilities. Such sources have been documented throughout this text. Every attempt was made to compare such study data with data on Trinity River stocks in order to determine applicability.

1.3

Chapter II Operations

OPERATIONS

1. FISH PRODUCTION - AN HISTORICAL OVER VIEW

Fish production at Trinity River Hatchery is comprised of spring and fall-run king salmon, silver salmon, steelhead trout and anadromous brown trout. Production has fluctuated throughout the Hatchery's 14-year history, a situation not unlike natural production previous to dam construction on the River. However, the magnitude of annual production variations and especially adult returns has increased sharply. Figure

3 illustrates Trinity Hatchery's annual adult return history for the four species.

A trapping study on the Trinity River (Moffett and Smith, 1950) estimated adult runs of king salmon numbering 12,000 and 9,000 in 1944 and 1945, respectively. The major portion was comprised of fall run. As shown in Table 1, annual adult king salmon returns to the Hatchery have averaged 5,404. During the last five years, however, runs have averaged 8,220 fish. The run composition has shifted from mainly fall run in the early 1960's to predominantly spring run in the 1970's. Moffett and Smith report that the spring run once comprised the majority of king adult returns but diminished practically to extinction at the turn of the century.

Annual releases of silver salmon from the Hatchery have averaged 884,523 fish, resulting in average annual return of 1,495 adults. As shown in Table 2, adult returns follow three-year cycles in terms of quantity. The number returning in peak years in the cycle has exceeded the low years by ·as much as 85 times. Little historical data is available on silver run sizes. During some years, no silvers were observed as far upriver as Lewiston.

Steelhead always comprised a major portion of the Trinity River fish runs.

Estimates prior to dam construction are as high as 10,000 adults inhabiting the spawning beds above Lewiston (Hubbell, CFG, personal communication). At no time during the

Hatchery's history have returning adults approached this number. The average return has been 868 adults, and as few as 13 returned during 1976-1977. Correspondingly, the numbers released each year have varied considerably as shown in Table 3.

The history of the brown trout program at the Hatchery is shown in Table 4.

Returning adults have never exceeded 230. During recent years, yearling releases have fallen short of meeting a 40,000 goal. Historical records indicate brown trout were present prior to dam construction although no trapping study data are available.

Many enhancement schemes have been implemented in order to produce more returning adults. For example:

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2.2 o Yearling steelhead not attaining a minimum length of 6 inches are released above the dam in order to reduce competition among outmigrants, o Pen rearing, in order to take advantage of warmer surface water, was attempted, o Two incubator banks are provisioned with a water heating system to accelerate hatching, o Egg and fish exchanges have been made with other hatcheries to increase releases as well as develop runs which might be more suited to present river conditions, o - Releases have been made during all seasons, at a variety of places along the river, using juveniles of many ages and sizes.

o A water skimmer device was InstaHed in 1975 on a trial basis for the hatchery water intake at Lewiston Dam to use the warmer surface waters.

While some programs appear moderately successful, all are plagued with a lack of continuity, tag return data and controls for comparison. This results in an inability to truly determine success or failure.

2. PRODUCTION PROGRAM ANALYSIS

The ultimate goal of Trinity River Hatchery is to produce vigorous outmigrants of a size, age and condition, at a time which will result in sufficient annual returns to the

Hatchery to insure continual production at a fixed level as well as contribute to the fishery. Numerous studies have been conducted over the past twenty years in the

Western States in an attempt to determine release criteria which will result in maximum yields of particular stocks at given locations. The published results vary widely in terms of their degree of scientific rigorism. Presumably this is due to the vast number of variables entering into any biological study, particularly those relying on natural environmental conditions. In addition, limited observations in many of the studies make statistical analysis difficult. However, over the years some trends have become evident and presumably, as results from recent tagging programs in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and California become available, a great deal more will be known about optimizing returns through production programming for a variety of species and stocks.

2.3

Table 1

FISH PRODUCTION HISTORY

TRINITY RIVER HATCHERY

1963-1976

KING SALMON

Production Returns Eggs taken Total Year To Females Or Fingerlings Yearlings Pounds

July - June Hatchery Spawned Received Planted Planted Planted

1963-1964 6,735 2,409 8,045,900 4,704,900 0

1964-1965 5,016 2,849 9,370,600 7,471,300 300,000

1965-1966 1,554 930 3,196,400 1,300,000 224,548

1966-1967 2,054 1,000 3,332,000 2,873,600 0 2,568

1967-1968 2,870 1,164 3,758,050 2,109,400 52,185 9,556

1968-1969 3,899 1,897 6,094,000 4,252,000 518,400 76,276

1969-1970 2,586 781 2,401,000 1,270,230 500,000 46,392

1970-1971 4,444 686 3,664,000 1,665,494 750,000 67,340

1971-1972 9,221 3,530 10,556,000 4,304,720 330,373 67,645

1972-1973 11,381 3,456 10,616,000 5,775,210 1,302,029 142,403

1973-1974 5,212 902 2,833,000 798,376 946,254 94,629

1974-1975 8,064 2,169 6,054,000 2,267,075 730 ,775 99,476

1975-1976 7,223 2,936 9,881,000 4,092,000 609,068 103,516

Average 5,404 1,900 6,138,611 3,298,792 569,421 70,980

2.4

Table 2

TRINITY RIVER HATCHERY

1963-1976

SILVER SALMON

Production Returns Eggs taken Total Year To Females Or Fingerlings Yearlings Pounds

July - June Hatchery Spawned Received Planted Planted Planted

1963-1964 83 39 105,900 0 0 0

1964-1965 48 25 69,200 0 624,600

1965-1966 3 1 2,700 0 38,900

1966-1967 218 159 314,170 0 614,700 39,160

1967-1968 806 511 1,411,500 265,000 684,265 56,335

1968-1969 4 0 0 0 790,845 59,500

1969-1970 1,996 122 291,000 52,000 452,760 35,045

1970-1971 3,147 1,350 3,827,000 1,084,254 395,430 44,373

1971-1972 47 5 16,000 0 508,992 48,760

1972-1973 2,670 25 51,000 0 9,829 836

1973-1974 8,081 3,294 7,858,000 5,676,517 18,620 5,666

1974-1975 95 40 53,500 0 252,905 30,320

1975-1976 2,237 190 418,000 0 29 '180 3,200

Average 1,495 442 1,109,074 544,444 340,079 32,320

2.5

Table 3

TRINITY RIVER HATCHERY

1963-1976

STEEL HEAD

Production Returns . Eggs taken Total Year To Females Or Fingerlings Yearlings Pounds

July - June Hatchery Spawned Received Planted Planted Planted

1963-1964 894 306 961,600 0 688,000

1964-1965 6,941 3,879 14,504,100 0 590,100

1965-1966 992 503 2,123,100 6,803,200 630,257

1966-1967 135 54 207,400 0 840,848 128,383

1967-1968 232 53 160,900 0 676,342 99,241

1968-1969 554 315 1,124,000 120,500 40,388

1969-1970 241 56 535,000 200,400 608,988 66,045

1970-1971 67 20 1,485,300 0 705,423 125,601

1971-1972 242 686 1,814,000 0 622,548 113,905

1972-1973 271 527 1,534,000 101,376 582,942 54,965

1973-1974 162 136 1,083,655 184,729 411,212 39,773

1974-1975 372 246 1,461,612 0 226,452 6,530

1975-1976 175 109 951,128 8,800 517,577 66,026

Average 868 530 2,149,680 561,423 555,476 74,086

2.6

Table 4

TRINITY RIVER HATCHERY

1963-1976

BROWN TROUT

Production Returns Eggs taken Total Year To Females Or Fingerlings Yearlings Pounds

July - June Hatchery Spawned Received Planted Planted Planted

1963-1964 34 22 58,100 0 0 0

1964-1965 145 64 163,600 0 28,500

1965-1966 100 39 109,900 0 28,900

1966-1967 152 42 75,600 0 0 0

1967-1968 231 62 158,700 0 31,124 4,460

1968-1969 170 32 76,644 0 41,514 6,610

1969-1970 70 26 53,000 0 0 0

1970-1971 23 2 0 46,537 9,556

1971-1972 7 34 140,793 0 177 250

1972-1973 111 43 73,000 0 32,541 5,612

1973-1974 39 26 55,227 0 23,030 1,175

1974-1975 32 7 13' 200 0 17,820 1,100

1975-1976 24 9 17,272 0 7,360 800

Average 87 31 186,410 0 22,116 2,956

2.7

2.1 Age, Season and Size at Release

Traditional hatchery objectives have been to attempt to match releases both in timing and physiological conditions, with those of outmigrations of natural runs at release sites. Another traditional hatchery goal has been to release hatchery bred fish which are slightly larger than their wild counterparts.

In many cases, hatchery releases severely tax the carrying cap·acity of a river and, therefore, released fish must proceed directly to salt water in order to survive.

Smelting is the . common indicator of migratory tendencies and because · this conditon is readily identified, it is used to signal proper release size and time.l.

This may not always be the best practice. Smelting is a function of a variety of factors; size, rate of photoperiod change, water temperatures, and perhaps others less apparent. In a hatchery, all of these factors can be altered resulting in smoltation at times other than optimal.

It appears that the time of release resulting in maximum survival is actually a functiof) of age, size, season and condition at release, all of which are interrelated. In order to attain maximum survival rates it is necessary to define operational procedures consistent with natural life history. It is also imperative that release goals be establ_ished in light of conditions at the release site and behavior of the fish after release. However these elements are beyond the scope of this study. The following summary of observations of the four species at a variety of locations has been included to provide a basis for program and facility analysis. We assume that the recommendations formulated on the basis of this data will be reviewed and modified as required when studies of the Trinity River are completed.

2.1.1 Spring Run King Salmon

o Season

Limited empirical data are available from tagging and visual observation studies on Trinity River spring king salmon. Observations made by Moffett and Smith

(1950) indicate there are migrations twice a year; March through June is the period when most migratory activity takes place and a second smaller migration has been observed in October and November. Similar timing has been observed in the Columbia,

l. The Anadromous Fisheries Branch, CFG, reports Trinity River steelhead do not all attain "normal" smelt appearance.

2.8

Clackamas and Deschutes Rivers (Wallis, 1968). There is some speculation that Fall migrations do not terminate in salt water but rather in more favorable portions of the rivers (Royal, 1972). Several observers have also noted a strong increase in migration following periods of heavy spring rain. For this reason, Washington State Department of

Fisheries recommends its hatcheries release spring kings following a freshet during the period of March 15th to the latter part of May (Ray Johnson, WDF, personal communication).

o Age

Spring kings may migrate to salt water during their first or second year of life. Studies of scales of returning adults indicate that in the Willamette River, most surviving apults had emigrated after one year in fresh water (Royal, 1972). Royal

(1972) notes that investigators with the Oregon Fish Commission believe that few advanced fry enter the sea and survive to return as adults. Although thermal conditions and characteristics of the stocks in individual river systems may permit good returns of adults released as fry, most hatchery programs involve yearling releases of spring kings.

o Size

As mentioned previously, maximum survival of hatchery reared smolts results from releasing at a size slightly larger than their wild counterparts. The data base that exists for spring kings suggests that this size difference may be more important for this species than for other salmonid species, although the reason for this is not clear (Royal, 1972).

Studies in Oregon suggest surivival rate increases with size at release. The point of diminishing returns has not been established. At Wind River Hatchery, the 1962 adult escapement was 0.05 percent of juveniles released at 32 per pound. In 1971, adult escapement reached 0.6 percent for yearlings released in April at 21 per pound, and the following year, adult survival was 1.3 percent of the yearlings released in April at 16 fish per pound (Royal, 1972). Since data have been compiled from studies taking place during different years, one can not ignore the possibility of extraneous factors affecting survival. Hatcheries in southern Oregon releasing at 10 fish per pound predict release to return survival rates as high as 11 percent (Royal 1972). Hatcheries in Washington

State recommend release sizes of 6 to 8 fish pP.r pound (Ray Johnson, personal communication).

2.9

In addition to increasing survival, size at release has another important effect, age at return. Field observations indicate that as the size of the fish at release increases, the ratio of five-year-old adults to three- and four-year olds increases. For example, studies of spring kings on the Willamette show that for kings released at

39/lb., the composition of returning adults was 59% for three- and four-year olds and

41% for five-year-olds. For fish released at 29/lb., 79% returned as four year olds and

21% returned as five-year olds (Wallis, 1968).

2.1.2 Fall Run King Salmon

o Season

Considerable data from tagging studies on fall kings have been collected in

California, Washington, and Oregon. The data indicate that releases made later than the end of May result in residualization until the next spring at which time the number migrating may be as low as 5 percent of the original plant (Royal 1972). There may also be a negative impact on any wild stocks in the river due to increased competition. In

Washington, mid-May is considered the latest acceptable release date at release sites exceeding 100 miles from estuaries. Studies in Oregon cited by Royal (1972) indicated that time of release may be a more important factor in survival than smolt size. In other words, higher mortalities could result from post-May releases and subsequent residualization than from releasing fish of a smaller than optimum size.

o Age

The usual age at release of fall kings is during the first spring following hatching. This coincides with the natural migrating habits of this species. Although there is some summer and fall migration, these groups remain in estuarine waters for extended periods prior to moving into marine waters.

. Recent experimental programs have been established by Washington State

Department of Fisheries to examine effects of yearling releases. Two possible benefits may result from extended rearing. One, yearlings may not delay in the estuaries as do juvenile kings, thereby reducing competition. Two, the migratory patterns in salt water may differ from those of juvenile releases and may have a positive effect on local ocean fisheries. Studies at Bonneville Hatchery revealed that yearling releases resulted in greater numbers of adult returns than those of fingerlings released. However, the

2.10 adults from yearling plants averaged smaller. This is most likely the result of reduced salt water residence time, a period when anadromous fish attain maximum growth rates.

The program is still being evaluated in terms of the benefits/cost of one year additional rearing, and at present it appears desirable to adhere to the traditional practice of releasing during the first spring.

o Size

Because of long hatchery production history for fall run kings, we are able to determine quite closely the effects of size at release on survival. Fish have been released at 200 to 360 per pound in several Washington rivers resulting in high levels of residuals throughout the summer (Royal 1972). Studies on the Green River in

Washington indicate 100 fish per pound is the minimum for attaining high survival in that river (Royal 197 2).

A Washington Department of Fisheries study in the late 1950's showed the following returns for fall kings; rearing for 17 days (800/lb), .01 percent return, 45 days rearing (382/lb), .09 percent return, and 91 days rearing (136/lb) yielded .70 percent return. In general, they concluded the larger the fingerlings at release, the greater the returns (Wallis 1968). In a 1962 study, fingerlings reared 90 days yielded up to twenty times more adults than unfed fry (Wallis 1968). Similarly, Junge and Phinney (1963) showed a positive correlation between size at release and hatchery returns.

The present goal for Washington State hatcheries is a release size of 40 to

150 per pol.lnd. All release sizes, of course, are dependent upon the size that can be attained by a release date no later than May 30th.

2.1.3 Silver Salmon

o Season

Wi.ld silver populations migrate to salt water during the early spring. West

Coast hatchery programs, for the most part, follow this natural pattern. Due to the highly competitive nature of the species, it is recommended that releases be made prior to spring releases of, other species in order to minimize competition for both space and food (Ray Johnson, WDF, personal communication). Silvers seem, however, to cohabitate favorably with steelhead since the latter tend to occupy riffle areas in streams whereas silvers prefer pools. March and April are considered optimum release times.

2.11 o Age

Wild stocks emigrate as smolts at the end of one year. Therefore, all hatchery releases should be made with yearlings in order to attain direct outmigration.

A study in the early 1950's reports yearlings released return at rates 20 to 30 times greater than those released as juveniles (Wallis, 1968).

o Size

Data accumulated through many years of rearing silver salmon has resulted in a great deal of knowledge of optimum release sizes for the species in general.

Present survival rates from release to return in the State of Washington range from 0. 7 percent to 8.2 percent (Royal 1968). The primary effect of size at release seems to be th~t of size and age at return. Large smolts (fewer than 12 per pound) have a greater tendency to return during their second year as grilse (Hager and Nobel 1976). It is undesirable to encourage this trait because grilse are smaller than three-year old adults, contribute less to the fishery, and are not used for propagation at hatcheries. The limited tag return data from Trinity suggests that on those occasions when releases have been made at fewer than 10 to the pound, high numbers of grilse return. There is some indication that these larger smolts may have a higher survival rate although this is clouded by their reduced life span. Nevertheless, it appears desirable to attain a size as close to 10 per pound at time of smelting but not to exceed this size. Washington State

Department of Fisheries recommends a minimum release size of 16 to 18 per pound

(Ray Johnson, personal communication).

2.1.4 Steelhead Trout

a Season

Natural steelhead emigration on Trinity River t9kes place from April to

June (Moffett and Smith 1950). It is recommended that hatchery releases coincide with the normal peak of the downstream movement. Studies have shown that fish released earlier than April delay migration and suffer from reduced survival (Royal 1972). Fish planted later than May tend to residualize. It appears that as a general guideline, the ideal time for planting to effect maximum survival is from April through mid-May.

2.12

The optimal time for release may shift somewhat from year to year depending upon local climatological conditions. Wagner (1974), noted that temperature variations may influence both the duration and magnitude of emigration but not effect the onset of smelting. Migration times have also been influenced by phase and frequency adjustments of photoperiod. Royal (1972), suggests early warm weather results in early emigration and poor survival. Late migration as a result of cool weather favors high survival. He recommends making .steelhead releases one or more weeks after the peak of natural migration in years having a cold spring. Also, releases coupled with high river flows appear favorable. (Royal, 1972).

o Age

It is common to see wild steelhead fry drift within rivers during their first year of life, however, entrance into salt water does not take place until the end of the first or sometimes second year. Size and smoltation dictate appropriate age at release.

Studies in Oregon indicate releases of one year hatchery smelts result in most returning as two-year aids (Royal 1972). However, it is speculated that this may be more a factor of heredity than age at release. Summer steelhead, usually do not migrate until their second spring. Washington State hatcheries usually rear this run for two years.

o Size

Tagging studies indicate that the most advantageous size for release is at 6 inches to 8 inches (no smaller than 14 per pound). Studies during the 1940's and 1950's in

Washington resulted in survivals of 6.4 percent to 4.8 percent for yearlings released at 9 and 12 fish per pound, respectively (Royal 1972). Additional plants at 14 to 35 fish per pound resulted in reduced adult survival rates of 0.2 percent to 0.8 percent. Survivals as high as 12.7 percent have been observed for steelhead released at 4 fish per pound from Chambers Creek Hatchery in Washington (Royal 1972). Available data indicate that steelhead should be released as smelting occurs and that release of presmolts or fish less than 6 inches results in poor survival.

2.1.5 Anadromous Brown Trout

o Season

Brown trout should be released in the spring as smelting occurs. Release should coincide with the natural migration times for this species. It is preferable to

2.13 release these trout either before or after steelhead are released in order to reduce competition.

a Age

Similar to steelhead, brown trout do not emigrate to salt water until spending at least one year in the river. They are, therefore, almost always released as yearlings. Release of fingerlings will result in very poor rates of return.

o Size

Every attempt should be made to rear brown trout to the largest size possible by the specified release date. Through proper feeding and rearing conditions, a size of 9 to 12 per pound can usually be reached by the time of Spring smelting.

Although there is little supporting data, it seems probable that the larger the size at release, the higher the rate of adult survival, as is the case with most salmonids.

2.2 Condition at Release

2.2.1 Smelting

Smelting is the condition which traditionally signals appropriate time of release for hatchery programs. It is mast important to achieve smoltation synchronously with wild stacks in order to assure maximum survival. Since smelting is stimulated by a variety of conditions which may be altered in the -hatchery, it is easy to produce smalts either too early or tao late to emigrate directly to salt water.

2.2.2 Health

The pathological history of any group of released fish gives a great deal of insight into their probable release to return survival rates. Groups having high mort ality rates or requiring frequent prophylactics probably will have very poor return rates. Many culturists believe disease outbreaks are merely symptomatic of poor rearing conditions

(adverse environments, inadequate diets, improper feeding methods, etc.) rather than the mere presence of pathogens.

Fish should be examined regularly as well as prior to release for disease symptoms and a complete pathological examination should be made an an adequate sample of representative fish. Complete and accurate records of mortalities and treatments will aid in predicting returns.

2.14

2.3 Method of Release

It has previously been recommended that fish be released at the time of smelting.

However, in some species smoltation may occur asynchronously making proper release time difficult to determine. Kerstetter (1976) reports that this is a definite problem with Trinity River steelhead. If one waits until the majority have smelted, the risk is run of some reverting back to parr, both of which groups will remain in fresh water for the coming year. To eliminate this, one can individually remove and release smelts from rearing ponds. However, this is extremely time consuming. Another alternative is to place all fish in a release pond as conditions favorable to smelting approach. Smelts are then free to leave when ready. This system has been used in some Washington State hatcheries (Cowlitz, Minter Creek) and appears very successful. Staff members at

Humbo lt State University also are experimenting with this method of release

(Kerstetter, HSU, personal communication).

Release structures should be designed to avoid velocities exceeding 40 fps and instantaneous pressure changes of one half the acclimatized level (Bell 1973), be smooth sided to avoid abrasion and descaling, and provide temperature acclimation if hatchery water temperatures do not match those of the receiving water. No release structure should have areas requiring sudden directional change.

If plants are to be made in locations other than adjacent to the hatchery, .loading criteria for transport tanks should be observed (Bell 1973, Leitritz and Lewis 1976).

2.4 Genetic Considerations

Throughout the history of the Hatchery, eggs and fish for all species other than brown trout have been imported from other hatcheries. Table 5 summarizes these imports and their source. The reason for imports are twofold. One, during many years adult returns fall far short of expectations and, therefore, do not produce sufficient eggs to maintain the established program. Two, an attempt has been made to import eggs which may be more adaptable to Trinity River conditions and, therefore, enjoy higher rates of survival.

Recently some biologists have expressed concern over hatchery practices which

"contaminate" native fish populations by introducing foreign and perhaps inferior strains. They claim we know too .little about the genetic ramifications of such introductions to condone the practice.

2.15

Brood Yr.

SOURCE:

Table 5

SUMMARY OF EGG AND FISH IMPORTS

TRINITY RIVER HATCHERY

1963-1975

King Silver Steelhead

0 986,000 Eggs 433,94 7 Fish (Cedar Creek) (Cedar Creek)

0 0 0

0 887, 200 Eggs 0 (Cascade , OR)

0 783,400 Eggs 0 (Cascade, OR)

0 0 0

0 300 , 000 Eggs 0 (Cascade, OR)

250,000 Fish ( No)f<l River, Mt. Shasta, CA)

0 225,000 Eggs 0 (Alsea, OR)

1,617,000 Eggs 0 110, 300 Eggs (Iron Gate, CA) (Skamania, WA)

722,950 Fish (Iron Gate, CA)

0 0 0

0 0 130 , 840 Eggs (Washougal, W A

Summer Run)

0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 516,612 Eggs (Iron Gate, CA )

California Department of Fish and Game "Annual Report: Trinity River Salmon and Steelhead Hatchery." Anadromous Fisheries Branch, 1960-1976.

2.16

Brown Trout

By their very nature, hatcheries will impact genetic diversity. Smelts released from hatcheries have been produced from random pairing of adults by spawning crews.

They have also undergone natural selection for an optimal hatchery fish which is perhaps less suited to the rigors of stream and marine life than wild stocks.

To some extent these impacts can be mitigated by adopting hatchery practices which coincide more closely to natural conditions. For example, although milt from one male is sufficient to fertilize eggs from several females, the practice reduces genetic diversity. The male to female ratio should be 1 to 1 at spawning. Velocities in rearing ponds should be sufficient to force swimming in order to promote survival in typical stream velocities.

If it is deemed necessary or desirable to import stocks from other rivers, they should be taken from rivers similar in length and water condition to Trinity River. All imported stocks should demonstrate high survival rates in their own streams prior to selection and should have. smelting and adult return timings compatible with runs in the

Trinity.

Stock importation is a rapid method for rebuilding runs and may be desirable, particularly in the case of steelhead, where many years would be required to attain production goals if only Trinity stocks are used. Assessment of Trinity import program is complicated by lack of tag return data and continuity of both source and frequency of imports. At present, it appears that the steelhead program and the low return years in the silver salmon program are the only ones for which imports should be considered.

The following guidelines are offered for future imports:

a All imports should be thoroughly inspected for disease and at no time should diseased fish be allowed to enter another hatchery.

a Only fish adapted to river conditions similar to the receiving river should be imported.

a All imported fish should display smelt and return characteristics similar to native runs on the river.

a Any importation program should be continued for at least three generati_ons in order to have sufficient data to determine success or failure.

a All imported stocks should be marked.

a Current propagation programs whi~h show definite signs of recovery should not rely on imports.

2.17

2.5 Diet

Two diets, moist and dry, are used in modern salmonid hatcheries. Generally the moist diet encourages better growth and survival rates in locations with cold water temperatures such as are present at Trinity during winter months.

Although diets have been improved enormously over the past 20 years, little work has been done to correlate diet to adult survival. Both Washington and Oregon fisheries departments express the opinion that moist is superior to dry diet in terms of survival although many of their hatcheries have not made the switch (Royal 1972). Skamania

Hatchery has achieved higher survival rates using Oregon Moist Pe1lets in its steelhead program than they were attaining on a dry diet. Trinity River Hatchery converted from dry to moist feed in 1970. We recommend that moist diets continue to be fed at Trinity

Hatchery.

2.6 Incubation and Rearing Environment

The rearing environment and management practices associated with rearing and incubation have a major effect on the success of a hatchery production program. The following discussions address specific aspects which are of primary importance.

Possible alterations to Trinity facilities which will enable the staff to adopt recommended practices are contained in Chapter Ili of this report.

2.6.1 Temperature Control

As discussed in Appendix A, temperatures greatly affect the rate of growth and fish development. In many modern hatcheries methods for temperature manipulation are incorporated into the facility design and allow management to "fine tune" production to meet environmental conditions and harvest management objectives.

At Trinity, cold winter water temperatures delay hatching and result in slow growth rates. In the spring and summer, temperatures often exceed acceptable levels

(see Appendix A) resulting in disease and mortality. In addition, temperatures exceeding 59°F may curtail steelhead smelting and negatively impact release programs

'(Kerstetter 1976).

Based on average annual water temperatures and recommended sizes and times of release, it appears that the steelhead and fall king salmon programs will require temperature correction.

2.18

We recommend ra1smg temperatures during incubation, the time when small quantities of water are required. After hatching, all fry must be acclimatized slowly back to ambient water temperatures. The present practice at Trinity of shifting egg trays directly from ambient to heated water are undesirable and may result in high mortalities.

Excessively warm water temperatures are more difficult to combat. It appears that temperatures may be increasing several degrees in the raceways due to the long exposure to direct sunlight and their shallow depth.

2.6.2 Hygiene

When fish are held at high densities, hygiene becomes an important consideration.

Accumulation of uneaten food, fecal material, and algae presents a breeding ground for pathogens and utilize oxygen which would otherwise be available to the fish. Cleaning should be done on a regular basis and performed in a manner which minimizes fish stress. Stress can be reduced by 1) having rearing units of a small size so that cleaning is completed rapidly, 2) increasing velocities during cleaning to reduce turbidity and provide adequate fresh water to compensate for the increased metabolic rates of the excited fish, and 3) confining fish in areas not being cleaned to avoid abrasion and being stepped on.

In addition to regular cleaning, rearing units should be drained completely when not in use and thoroughly dried. This reduces the presence of pathogens as well as reduces hatchery labor.

2. 7 Disease Control

Once disease symptoms are manifest, it is often too late to save .infected fish.

For this reason, regular prophylactic treatments and pathological examinations should be made. Diseased fish should be quarantined as soon as they are observed. We recommend that Trinity staff members be trained in recognizing symptoms, fami.liarize themselves with conditions conducive to disease proliferations, and record disease outbreaks and treatments as standard practice. A pathologist should examine hatchery fish monthly and be available to handle emergencies on call.

2.19

2.8 Management

2.8.1 Records

Many of the production aspects of Trinity Hatchery are difficult to assess due to .

lack of data. We recommend establishment of a record keeping system and central office files to allow inter- and intra-brood year comparisons to assess program status.

In addition, it is strongly recommended that a trained pathologist examine and report on fish health in terms of diet, appearance, pathology and release condition. This should be carried out for all species in the program on a monthly basis throughout the rearing program.

2.8.2 Tagging

A tagging program should be established at the hatchery. Coded tags are recommended. Representative groups of fish should be tagged prior to release so that impacts resulting from physiological and handling differences can be evaluated.

2.9 Species Selection

All four species including summer-run steelhead and spring-run kings can be reared at Trinity Hatchery. Selection of species to be included in the program should be determined on the basis of harvest management goals. For the sample production program which appears in Table 6 and Appendix B, we have excluded spring-run king salmon and summer-run steelhead. The rationale behind the exclusions is that the program identified results in both the highest level of production and largest number of returning fish possible incorporating four species and not exceeding 35 cfs of water on a single pass basis. Both the spring king and summer steelhead programs require yearling releases, the latter requiring a two year rearing program to meet size requirements.

Thus the cost/benefit of operating these two programs in terms of water requirements versus adult returns exceeds that of fall king and winter steelhead programs even though the former should have higher adult survival rates.

If spring king and summer steelhead programs meet specific harvest objectives, however, they should be included. Appendix A contains criteria for developing rearing programs and estimating space and water requirements.

2.20

3. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the data presented in this chapter and the biological criteria presented in

Appendix A, a production program based on utilizing 35 cfs of water on a single pass basis has been formulated and summarized in Table 6. The program should result in annual harvests of 46,950 steelhead, 4,810 silver salmon, 22,018 fall kings and 300 brown trout if recommended practices are followed. The recommended fish sizes at release.

are summarized in Table 7. For comparison, date, age and size information on releases made at Trinity during the past five years have been included.

We recommend that either this program or a similar one be adopted by the hatchery programmers and followed for at least three generations for each species in order to assess its success or failure. Conjointly, a tagging program should be initiated and continued throughout the "test" period.

Accurate records on the program should be maintained including: adult returns, egg take, egg size, incubation mortality, time of hatching, rearing mortality, feeding rates, growth rates, pathological history, time and size at release and tag returns. This will enable an accurate assessment of the program and will assist in pinpointing areas which may be affecting adult survival.

Table 8 summarizes those areas which have been identified through this study as being potentially contributory to high mortality and poor adult returns at Trinity and make program evaluation difficult.

2.21

N .

N N

Release

Species to Ret"!

Survival •

Steel head 2%2.

Silver Salmon

King Salmon 1 %3· (Fall)

(Spring) 3%2.

Brown Trout 1%

Totals:

Table 6

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTION PROGRAM SUMMARY

Hatchery Fish Adult Available

7. Return for Females Egg Fry Fingerling Yearlings Regrmt. • Harvest Spawned Take Release Release Released

3050 46,950 1220 4,537,940 0 0 2,500,000

4,810 70 175' 300 0 0

22,018 1167 3,617,300 2,500,000

Not Included in this Production Scheme.

100 300 40 74,500 0 0 40,000

6322 2497 8,405,040 0 2,500,000 2,640,000

l. Based on survival from release to adults entering coastal waters.

2. Source: Warm Springs Hatchery Master Plan, KCM 1971.

3. Source: Washington Salmon Study, KCM 1976.

4. Assumes 50-50 Male to Female Mature Adult Ratio.

5. Assumes 25% of run is grilse.

6. Assumes 15% of run is grilse.

7. The Percent of Females Spawned based on Trinity Hatchery Annual Reports is:

King, 90%; Silver, 92%; Steelhead, 80%; Brown Trout, 78%.

Pounds Released

188,000

100,000

18,750

5,620

212,370

PECIES

ang Salmon Spring Run)

Fall Run)

,llver Salmon

>teelhead Trout lrown Trout

Fingerlings

Yearlings

Fingerlings

Yearlings

Fingerlings

Yearlings

Fingerlings

Yearlings*

Fingerlings

Yearlings

Table 7

FISH RELEASE PROGRAM

TRINITY RIVER HATCHERY

Historical (1972-1976)

Recommendations

DATE SIZE DATE

May, June

Oct., Nov., May, June

Jan., Nov.

April

March

July

Mar.

April, May , June

None

March, April

90-160/lb.

6-13/lb.

99-126/lb.

7-17/lb.

454-1000/lb.

4-14/lb .

88/lb.

3-19/lb.

None

9-20/lb.

Not Recommended

March, April, May - as smolting

May, June - as smolting occurs

Not Recommended

Not Recommended

March - as smolting occurs

Not Recommended

April- May -…