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Project Proposal Request for FY 2007 - FY 2009 Funding

Proposal 200735800: Estimating the detection efficiency of snorkeling for detecting anadromous salmonid parr

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Table of Contents
Part 1. Administration and Budgeting
Section 1: General Administrative
Section 2: Project Location
Section 3: Project Species
Section 4: Past Accomplishments
Section 5: Relationship to Other Projects
Section 6: Biological Objectives
Section 7: Work Elements
Section 8: Budget
Section 9: Project Future
Section 10: Documents
Part 2. Reviews
Part 1 of 2. Administration and Budgeting
Section 1: General Administrative Information
Process Information:
Date Proposal Submitted & Finalized Status Form Generator
January 10, 2006 Finalized Russell Thurow
Proposal Type: New
Proposal Number: 200735800
Proposal Name: Estimating the detection efficiency of snorkeling for detecting anadromous salmonid parr
Agency, Institution or Organization: US Forest Service (USFS) - Rocky Mt Research Station
Short Description: Although snorkeling is widely used to monitor anadromous salmonids, the bias and precision of snorkeling has rarely been assessed. We propose to develop sampling efficiency models to allow correction of extant and future data with systemwide application.
Information Transfer: Studies will result in publishable contributions to the fields of fish biology and management, ecology, population biology, and conservation biology. Information will be distributed via contract reports; peer-reviewed publications in professional journals; oral papers presented at professional meetings, technical conferences, and workshops; in response to information requests; and at informal meetings with state and federal agencies, tribes, and university scientists involved in co-management of anadromous salmonids within the Columbia River basin.
 
Project Proposal Contacts
Contact Organization Address Phone/Email Roles Notes
Form Submitter
Russell Thurow USDA Forest Service: Rocky Mt. Research Station 322 East Front St. - Suite 401
Boise, Idaho 83702		 Ph: 208.373.4377
Fax: 208.373.4391
Email: rthurow@fs.fed.us		 Form Submitter
All Assigned Contacts
Tim Copeland Idaho Department of Fish & Game 1414 E Locust Ln
Nampa ID 83686		 Ph: 208.465.8404
Fax: 208.465.8434
Email: tcopeland@idfg.idaho.gov		 Project Lead
Technical Contact
James Peterson [organization left blank] [address left blank]
[city left blank]		 Ph: [phone left blank]
Fax: [fax left blank]
Email: peterson@smokey.forestry.uga.edu		 Technical Contact
Russell Thurow USDA Forest Service: Rocky Mt. Research Station 322 East Front St. - Suite 401
Boise, Idaho 83702		 Ph: 208.373.4377
Fax: 208.373.4391
Email: rthurow@fs.fed.us		 Form Submitter
Project Lead
Technical Contact
Section 2: Project Location
Sponsor Province: Mainstem/Systemwide ARG Province: No Change
Sponsor Subbasin: Systemwide ARG Subbasin: No Change
Location(s) at which the action will be implemented
Latitude Longitude Waterbody Location Description County/State Subbasin Primary?
462531 1170210 Clearwater River Clearwater River sub-basin Clearwater, Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Idaho, Idaho Clearwater Yes
455123 1164733 Salmon River Salmon River sub-basin Lemhi, Custer, Valley; Idaho, Idaho Salmon Yes
Section 3: Focal Species
Focal Species:
Primary Secondary Additional Species
Chinook Snake River Spring/Summer ESU
Steelhead Snake River ESU
 Bull Trout
Interior Redband Trout
Westslope Cutthroat
Section 4: Past Accomplishments
Past Accomplishments for Each Fiscal Year of This Project This proposal is for funding a new project, and has no past accomplishments.
Section 5: Relationships to Other Projects
Other Current Projects Related to this Project (any funding source)
Funding Source Related ID Related Project Title Relationship
BPA 199107300 Idaho Natural Production Monit Project #200735800 will take advantage of sites being snorkeled under Project #199107300 at no cost and apply that data to estimate snorkel sampling efficiencies. Results of #200735800 will help improve the quality of extant and future parr monitoring data.
BPA 200301700 Integrated Status/Effect Progr Project #200735800 fully compliments Project #200301700 and will be applicable to improve the quality of data collected by examining bias and precision of methods.
BPA 200303600 CBFWA Monitor/Eval Program Project #200735800 fully compliments the CBFWA program and will be applicable to improve the quality of data collected.
Section 6: Biological Objectives
Biological Objectives of this Proposed Project
Biological Objective Full Description Associated Subbasin Plan Strategy Page Nos
Empirically estimate snorkel detection efficiency We will mark fish prior to snorkel surveys, complete snorkel surveys, and measure habitat characteristics at field sites. Although we use the Salmon and Clearwater Subbasin Plans to illustrate the relevance of this objective, this work has system-wide utility and will apply to any sub-basin plan that uses parr density, resident fish abundance, fish assemblage composition, or local abundance as performance measures. Salmon 1A2, 1B4, 3A2, 3C2, 3C3, 4A5 (also Clearwater strategies A2 [p14}, D4 [p21]). 20-27
Model factors influencing detection efficiency We will apply statistical models to examine the influence of fish species and size and habitat features on snorkel detection efficiency. As noted for Objective 1, although we illustrate the relevance of this objective to the Salmon and Clearwater Subbasin Plans, this work has system-wide utility and will apply to any sub-basin plan that uses parr density, resident fish abundance, fish assemblage composition, or local abundance as performance measures. Salmon 1A2, 1B4, 3A2, 3C2, 3C3, 4A5 (also Clearwater strategies A2 [p14}, D4 [p21]) 20-27
Section 7: Work Elements
Work Elements and Associated Biological Objectives
Work Element Name Work Element Title Description Start Date End Date Estimated Budget
Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation Project permitting Obtain permits to capture and mark Chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $ 0
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
Manage and Administer Projects Project planning and management Schedule and coordinate project activities 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $119,663
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
Produce/Submit Scientific Findings Report Project reporting This element includes all annual progress reports, quarterly status reports, and professional communications, such as presentations and peer-reviewed publications 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $ 0
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
Analyze/Interpret Data Data analysis Use statistical models to examine effects of fish movement, influences on snorkeling efficiency, and evaluate model accuracy 8/1/2007 12/31/2009 $150,425
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Complete snorkel surveys Snorkel stream sites, count all marked and unmarked fish by species and size 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $ 0
Biological Objectives Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: critical uncertainties research
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Measure habitat variables Delineate sites, install thermographs, measure physical habitat features 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $174,201
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
Create/Manage/Maintain Database Database management Manage and maintain the database. 8/1/2007 12/31/2009 $ 0
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
Mark/Tag Animals Mark fish Capture, fin-clip, and mark fish with Visible Implant Elastomer 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $454,262
Biological Objectives Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: critical uncertainties research
Submit/Acquire Data Data entry and proofing Transfer data from field forms to computer files and summarize. 8/1/2007 12/31/2009 $48,794
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
Section 8: Budget
Itemized Estimated Budget
Item Note FY 2007 Cost FY 2008 Cost FY 2009 Cost
Personnel Includes 12 field crew members, 5 mos. of data entry, 5 mos. for field sampling oversight, and 6 mos for a Postdoctoral research associate $163,042 $171,194 $179,754
Fringe Benefits rate of .2055 $33,505 $35,180 $36,939
Supplies Includes fish marking, snorkel, and habitat measurement gear, and crew camping supplies in year one. Supply costs diminish in year 2 and 3. $21,600 $5,000 $5,500
Travel Crew travel costs $36,950 $38,798 $40,737
Capital Equipment Includes two two complete boat-mounted electrofishing units in year one $36,000 $ 0 $ 0
Overhead 17.8% $51,815 $44,530 $46,801
Totals $342,912 $294,702 $309,731
Total Estimated FY 2007-2009 Budgets
Total Itemized Budget$947,345
Total Work Element budget$947,345
Cost sharing
Funding Source or Organization Item or Service Provided FY 2007 Est Value ($) FY 2008 Est Value ($) FY 2009 Est Value ($) Cash or in-kind? Status
IDFG General Parr Montioring - funded via BPA GPM parr snorkel counts that will be used to estimate sampling efficiencies $415,630 $430,410 $458,230 In-Kind Confirmed
US Forest Service: Rocky Mt Research Station PI salary for 3 mos. $28,404 $29,824 $31,315 Cash Confirmed
US Forest Service: Rocky Mt Research Station Office space and Administrative support $10,000 $10,500 $11 In-Kind Confirmed
US Forest Service: Rocky Mt Research Station Computer hardware and software $8,000 $8,400 $8,820 In-Kind Confirmed
Totals $462,034 $479,134 $498,376
Section 9: Project Future
Project Future Costs and/or Termination
FY 2010 Est Budget FY 2011 Est Budget Comments
$80,000 $ 0 We anticipate that all field data will be collected from 2007-2009.
Future Operations & Maintenance Costs
We will hire a Postdoctoral research associate for 12 mos. in 2010 to complete all data analysis and modeling.
 
Termination Date Comments
December 2010 See above, we anticipate that all field data collection will be completed in 2009. We will hire a Postdoctoral research associate in 2010 to complete all data analysis and modeling.
 
Final Deliverables
Studies will result in publishable contributions to the fields of fish biology and management, ecology, population biology, and conservation biology. Information will be distributed via contract reports; peer-reviewed publications in professional journals; oral papers presented at professional meetings, technical conferences, and workshops; in response to information requests; and at informal meetings with state and federal agencies, tribes, and university scientists involved in management of native fishes.
Section 10: Narrative
Document Type Size Date
Narrative for proposal 200735800 doc 285 kb 1/10/2006
Part 2 of 2. Reviews of Proposal
Administrative Review Group (ARG) Results
Account Type:
Expense		 No changes were made to this proposal


BPA's in lieu Funding Review of new project proposals (August 3, 2006) [Download letter and table]
BPA's in lieu Rating: 2.3
Approx. BPA share of total costs: BPA 88%
Status of Cost Share: Confirmed
Notes: Effectiveness of snorkel surveys, other entities authorized/required (eg fishery managers, other entities that rely on snorkel survey data)


NPCC Final Funding Recommendations (October 23, 2006) [Full NPCC Council Recs]
FY 2007 Budget
$ 0		 FY 2008 Budget
$ 0		 FY 2009 Budget
$ 0		 Total NPCC Rec
$ 0
Budget Type:Expense
Budget Category:Basinwide
Recommendation:Do Not Fund
Comments:


NPCC Draft Funding Recommendations (September 15, 2006) [Full NPCC Council Recs]
FY 2007 Budget
$ 0		 FY 2008 Budget
$ 0		 FY 2009 Budget
$ 0		 Total NPCC Rec
$ 0
FY 2007 MSRT Rec
$ 0		 FY 2008 MSRT Rec
$ 0		 FY 2009 MSRT Rec
$ 0		 Total MSRT Rec
$ 0
Budget Category:Basinwide
Comments:


Independent Scientific Review Panel Final Review (August 31, 2006) [Download full document]
Recommendation: Fundable
NPCC Comments: The scientific requirement for accurate and precise estimates of juvenile salmon abundance is well explained. Snorkeling is widely used as a juvenile salmonid census technique, especially in areas with listed species, because it does not involve handling individuals. However, in many cases there is no basis for estimating the degree to which snorkeling underestimates the actual number of fish present (it will likely always be an underestimate). This proposal outlines a study that will facilitate statistical models that allow snorkeling estimates to be corrected to provide more precise and accurate population censuses. The approach to resolving the uncertainty of the estimates appears sound. The ability to more accurately census juvenile salmonid populations is critical to status and trend monitoring, as well as estimating restoration effectiveness. This project has the potential to significantly improve monitoring accuracy by providing tools to correct snorkel estimates.

Table 1 provides a very nice summary of the uses of juvenile abundance data in management. The proposal describes its general relevance to other projects that involve snorkel estimates (there are apparently 17) and also the major monitoring efforts such as CSMEP, the NOAA Fisheries Pilot projects, and INPMEP.

Methods were thoroughly explained, especially the techniques used to construct the statistical models. This project will use ten-fold cross validation to evaluate model accuracy. It was nice to read a proposal that provided an adequate description of product quality. The sampling plan and analysis was excellent. The sequence of decision-making on the statistical analysis is the appropriate way to proceed in these circumstances. The presentation of the sampling, analysis, and decision-making is the best among other comparable systemwide proposals.

With regard to the effects of water clarity on snorkel enumeration, why not just use a turbidimeter instead of the secchi-disk method? It might be a bit less subjective.

Many of the habitat measurements described on pages 10-11 were not related explicitly to the goals of the proposal. How will this information factor into model development?


Independent Scientific Review Panel Preliminary Review (June 2, 2006) [Download full document]
Recommendation: Fundable
NPCC Comments: The scientific requirement for accurate and precise estimates of juvenile salmon abundance is well explained. Snorkeling is widely used as a juvenile salmonid census technique, especially in areas with listed species, because it does not involve handling individuals. However, in many cases there is no basis for estimating the degree to which snorkeling underestimates the actual number of fish present (it will likely always be an underestimate). This proposal outlines a study that will facilitate statistical models that allow snorkeling estimates to be corrected to provide more precise and accurate population censuses. The approach to resolving the uncertainty of the estimates appears sound. The ability to more accurately census juvenile salmonid populations is critical to status and trend monitoring, as well as estimating restoration effectiveness. This project has the potential to significantly improve monitoring accuracy by providing tools to correct snorkel estimates.

Table 1 provides a very nice summary of the uses of juvenile abundance data in management. The proposal describes its general relevance to other projects that involve snorkel estimates (there are apparently 17) and also the major monitoring efforts such as CSMEP, the NOAA Fisheries Pilot projects, and INPMEP.

Methods were thoroughly explained, especially the techniques used to construct the statistical models. This project will use ten-fold cross validation to evaluate model accuracy. It was nice to read a proposal that provided an adequate description of product quality. The sampling plan and analysis was excellent. The sequence of decision-making on the statistical analysis is the appropriate way to proceed in these circumstances. The presentation of the sampling, analysis, and decision-making is the best among other comparable systemwide proposals.

With regard to the effects of water clarity on snorkel enumeration, why not just use a turbidimeter instead of the secchi-disk method? It might be a bit less subjective.

Many of the habitat measurements described on pages 10-11 were not related explicitly to the goals of the proposal. How will this information factor into model development?

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