In response to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s January 20, 2016 request, the ISRP reviewed the Kalispel Tribe of Indians’ report Box Canyon Reservoir Northern Pike Mechanical Suppression Project: Summary of 2012-2015 Project Results (hereafter “progress report”). The suppression effort is implemented through the Kalispel Tribe’s project, Non-Native fish Suppression in Graham Creek (#2007-149-00). The progress report is intended to address the Council’s recommendation and ISRP’s qualification as part of the Resident Fish, Data Management, and Program Coordination Category Review (see ISRP 2012-6).
This project and our review are closely related to the Lake Roosevelt northern pike suppression effort and our review of that project (ISRP 2016-2;2016-6). The development of the long-term management and monitoring framework in conjunction with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is commendable. The ISRP also compliments the proponents on the work and effort they have put into this project to date.
ISRP Recommendation: Meets Scientific Review Criteria (Qualified)
The report provides data on northern pike catch per unit effort (CPUE) indicating that a substantial decline in northern pike abundance has been achieved by the Box Canyon Reservoir suppression program. Its effectiveness was increased by focusing netting and removal on the pre-spawning period when northern pike are congregated in backwaters and sloughs. The suppression program, including monitoring of the northern pike population, is needed to not only continue suppression of the northern pike population but also to determine the efficacy of the program over time. Future emphasis may be directed toward refinements to enhance program effectiveness. The ISRP's full review memo lists 11 Qualifications that should be addressed in future statements of work and annual progress reports.
