Upper Columbia Spring Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, and Bull Trout Recovery

Wenatchee spring Chinook

1. 
   Preliminary results of AHA analysis suggest that the hatchery environment may have a large effect on the fitness of naturally produced Chinook.
   
2. 
   A higher level of integration¹³⁹ may be possible under the present condition scenario by reducing the number of hatchery produced Chinook on the spawning grounds through removal at collection points or selective harvest.
   
3. 
   Scenario 3 habitat improvements may lead to a larger number of naturally produced returns. Additional returns of naturally produced fish may be realized if habitat improvements are coupled with removal of some hatchery produced Chinook.
   
4. 
   Scenario 1 habitat improvements may not have a large effect on the integration rate unless the number of hatchery produced Chinook are further reduced on spawning grounds.
   

Wenatchee steelhead

1. 
   Preliminary results of AHA analysis suggest that the hatchery environment may have a large effect on the fitness of naturally produced steelhead.
   
2. 
   A higher level of integration may be possible by reducing the number of hatchery produced steelhead on the spawning grounds through either removal at collection points or selective harvest.
   
3. 
   Scenario 1 habitat improvements (and their effect on the number of naturally produced fish) will probably increase returns of naturally produced fish.
   
4. 
   Scenario 3 habitat improvements may lead to a larger number of naturally produced returns. Additional returns could be realized if habitat improvements are combined with removal of some hatchery-produced steelhead.
   

Entiat spring Chinook

Entiat steelhead

Methow spring Chinook

1. 
   Preliminary results of AHA analysis suggest that the hatchery environment may have a large effect on the fitness of naturally produced Chinook.
   
2. 
   A higher level of integration may be possible by reducing the number of hatchery produced Chinook on the spawning grounds through either removal at collection points or selective harvest.
   
3. 
   Scenario 3 habitat improvements may lead to a larger number of naturally produced returns. Additional returns could be realized if habitat improvements are combined with removal of some hatchery produced Chinook.
   
4. 
   Scenario 1 habitat improvements will probably increase returns of naturally produced Chinook to spawning grounds.
   

Methow steelhead

1. 
   Preliminary results of AHA analysis suggest that the hatchery environment may have a large effect on the fitness of naturally produced steelhead.
   
2. 
   A higher level of integration may be possible by reducing the number of hatchery produced steelhead on the spawning grounds through either removal at collection points or selective harvest.
   
3. 
   Scenario 3 habitat improvements may lead to a larger number of naturally produced returns. Additional returns could be realized if habitat improvements are combined with removal of some hatchery-produced steelhead.
   
4. 
   Scenario 1 habitat improvements may increase returns of naturally produced steelhead to spawning grounds.
   

Okanogan steelhead

1. 
   Poor productivity of the natural environment currently prevents many naturally produced steelhead from being present in the Okanogan subbasin.
   
2. 
   Preliminary results of AHA analysis revealed that the hatchery environment may have a large effect on the fitness of naturally produced steelhead. Potential habitat improvements should increased survival for both naturally and hatchery produced returns and thus supports the transition to an integrated program.
   
3. 
   Under present conditions, additional naturally produced steelhead are incorporated as broodstock, which improves integration rate. A higher level of integration may be possible by reducing the number of hatchery produced steelhead on the spawning grounds through either removal at collection points or selective harvest.
   
4. 
   Scenario 3 habitat improvements may lead to a larger number of naturally produced returns. Additional returns could be realized if habitat improvements are combined with removal of some hatchery-produced steelhead.
   
5. 
   Scenario 1 habitat improvements may allow for 100% use of naturally produced steelhead for hatchery broodstock and increase returns of naturally produced steelhead.
   

5.6.3Conclusion

It is important to note that the integration analysis did not consider potential improvements in the estuary that may improve the survival of Upper Columbia populations. Actions that reduce toxics and predation in the estuary may translate into a relatively large survival benefit for Upper Columbia populations. These issues notwithstanding, it is highly probable that the combined actions within all sectors, including actions within the lower Columbia River and estuary, will move Upper Columbia populations to a more viable state. The monitoring and adaptive management program outlined in Section 8 will be used to demonstrate progress toward recovery of Upper Columbia ESU and DPS.