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NWFSC Highlights 2002
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N o r t h w e s t F i s h e r i e s S c i e n c e C e n t e r |
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Highlights 2002 |
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Message from
the Science Director
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As 2002 closes and we welcome in a new year, I
would like to share some of the activities and
accomplishments of NOAA Fisheries� Northwest
Fisheries Science Center. It has been a
challenging year and I am extremely proud of
what Center scientists and staff have
accomplished. I am also thankful for the hard
work and dedication of our collaborators in
academia, state and tribal governments, as well as industry and
non-profit organizations. These partnerships have helped leverage
the Center�s resources and expertise to ensure that our efforts are
as wide-reaching as possible. The West Coast is facing a number
of critical challenges, including increasing coastal populations, a
slowing economy, and climate change. In light of these and future
challenges, I am committed, and look forward, to continuing our
research to better understand and help improve the condition of
living marine resources and their ecosystems.
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Sincerely,
Usha Varanasi
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Center scientists sampling invertebrates
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Who We Are and What We Do
The Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC or Center) studies living marine resources
(e.g., salmon, groundfish, and killer whales) and their habitats in the Northeast Pacific Ocean�primarily off the coasts
of Washington and Oregon and in freshwater rivers and streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, where anadromous
fish, like salmon, go. This is a large area and an important responsibility. The Center seeks to better understand living marine
resources and their ecosystems to assist resource managers in making sound decisions that build sustainable fisheries, recover
endangered and threatened species, and sustain healthy coasts. The Center's 300 scientists and staff conduct research in 5
primary areas:
Center scientist working on a vaccine to control a pathogen affecting salmon
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- Status of Stocks
- Impacts of Human Caused Stress/Risks
- Ecosystem and Climate Change
- Recovery and Rebuilding
- Innovation and Technology
What follows are some of the Center's 2002 accomplishments in each of these areas.
Observer taking catch information
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Stock assessments determine the state or health of fish and marine mammal stocks. Center scientists integrate information
from a variety of sources (e.g., observers, resource and habitat surveys, and fishermen, in the case of groundfish stock
assessments), analyze the information, and draw scientific conclusions from the results. These assessments are used by
managers to identify and guide the monitoring and rebuilding of overfished and threatened fish and marine mammal stocks,
and set biologically sustainable harvest levels for healthy fish stocks.
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Status of Stocks
In 2002 we:
Expanded Groundfish Surveys
The Center conducts groundfish surveys along the entire U.S. West Coast, from the Canadian to Mexican border, to target
important species. These surveys provide information about distribution, abundance, and age structure of groundfish
populations. In 2002, the Center expanded its annual series of slope species surveys from Cape Flattery, WA to the
Mexican border (previous surveys ended at Morro Bay, CA). Center scientists planned a new Pacific whiting acoustic
survey, which will be conducted jointly with Canada, in 2003, to improve timeliness of stock assessments for this species
and are currently planning resource surveys in untrawlable habitat, which requires that acoustic and other techniques be used.
Increasing the number and frequency of surveys will improve our ability to track trends in the abundance of key groundfish
species.
Strengthened Observer Program
The Center coordinates the West Coast Groundfish Observer Program. As part of this program, observers are placed
on commercial fishing vessels to monitor and record catch data and collect critical biological data. In 2002, the Center
added approximately 20 observers to its Observer Program in California, Washington, and Oregon ports, bringing the
total number of observers to about 40 coastwide. Observers improve our understanding of fishing activities and help the
Center provide accurate accounts of total catch, bycatch, and discard associated with different fisheries and fish stocks.
Improved Stock Assessments for Marine Species
Center scientists increased the number of stock assessments they conducted and improved the certainty of the information they
use in their assessments. Center scientists completed stock assessments for Pacific whiting and canary and yelloweye rockfish,
updated the stock assessment for sablefish, and coordinated rebuilding analyses for widow and darkblotched rockfish.
Southern Resident Killer Whales
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Led the Evaluation of Southern Resident Killer Whales
There has been growing concern in the region about the declining number of killer whales that inhabit Washington's Puget
Sound and Strait of Juan de Fuca in the summertime. To address this concern, NOAA Fisheries formed a team of scientists
from its three West Coast science centers, which was chaired by a NWFSC scientist, to review the status of the southern killer
whale stock. The team evaluated whether these whales were a distinct population of the global killer whale species, why the
whale population has been declining, and estimated the risk of extinction for this stock. NOAA Fisheries' managers used the
team's report to determine that the southern killer whale stock should be listed as depleted under the Marine Mammal
Protection Act, but that it should not be listed under the Endangered Species Act at this time.
Coho salmon migrating upriver to spawn
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Humans affect the environment around them and as a result living marine resources face a number of risks, from toxic
chemicals in sediments to hydropower systems and physically degraded habitats. Each life stage (e.g., egg, juvenile, or adult)
and species is affected differently.
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Human Caused Stress/Risks
In 2002 we:
Began Evaluating Potential Delayed Effects of Juvenile Salmon Passage
through the Columbia River Hydropower System
Salmon migrating through the Columbia River encounter a number of dams. While some salmon experience direct effects
(e.g., mortality), others may experience indirect or delayed effects that impact their future survival. Center scientists completed
their first full year of testing to evaluate the potential for delayed effects. After smolts passed through the hydropower system,
they were reared for up to 6 months in saltwater to observe their mortality and evaluate their immune system function.
Center scientists found that the smolts' passage history through the Columbia River related to differences in their mortality
and immune system function. As this research progresses, it will help fishery managers modify existing hydropower operations.
Completed Studies on Riparian Buffers
Center scientists snorkling to evaluate salmon abundance and distribution in a freshwater stream
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The state of vegetation near streams and rivers is integral to stream ecosystem health. Center scientists documented changes
in stream productivity associated with different riparian buffer widths, as well as different species composition within the stream.
One study in particular examined the effects of decadal climate change on riparian buffers and stream productivity; it is one of
the few studies demonstrating climate effects on stream systems. These studies will help managers determine how wide riparian
buffers need to be to protect streams and salmon from human disturbance.
Typical diatom assemblage, including Pseudo-nitzschia that can produce
toxin.
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Living marine resources in the Pacific Northwest use and depend on a
variety of ecosystems from freshwater streams and rivers to estuaries
and the ocean. Knowledge of these systems, however, as they apply to
marine fish, salmon, marine mammals, and their prey, is currently
very limited.
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Ecosystem & Climate Change
In 2002 we:
Discovered a Potential Initiation Site for Harmful Algal Blooms
A team of scientists from the Center and the University of Washington are gaining a better
understanding of toxic algae that threatens the livelihoods of coastal communities along the
Washington coast. In a recently published study, Center and University of Washington
scientists provide evidence showing that an important source of Pseudo-nitzschia, the algae
that produce the neurotoxin domoic acid, may be located off the tip of Cape Flattery in the
Juan de Fuca eddy. Harmful algal blooms have been responsible for beach closures and the
loss of millions of dollars in revenue in coastal communities. This study, and current
studies by the Center and its collaborators, will give managers vital information to help
predict harmful algal blooms before they hit the coast, greatly reducing the impact these
blooms have on coastal communities and the region.
Center scientists sampling fish in estuaries
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Conducted Critical Surveys to Develop a Better
Understanding of Estuarine and Ocean Environments
Center scientists conducted a number of critical surveys along the Pacific coast, as well as
in specific areas, such as the Columbia River plume and Heceta Bank, off central Oregon.
Scientists collected juvenile salmon to assess their abundance, distribution, growth, and
health. Scientists also collected samples of pelagic fish (salmon predators) and
zooplankton (salmon prey). Information collected from these surveys will enable scientists
to develop a better picture of how, when, and to what extent juvenile salmon use estuarine
habitats, and how changes in climate and ocean conditions affect juvenile salmon growth and
survival.
Yelloweye rockfish larva
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Over the past several decades, certain fish stocks have become depleted and, in some
cases, are in danger of extinction. Recovering and rebuilding these stocks is important
for biological, economic, cultural, and recreational reasons.
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Recovery & Rebuilding
In 2002 we:
Sucessfully Reared, for the First Time, Yelloweye Rockfish in Captivity
Center scientists developed new culture techniques to successfully rear yelloweye rockfish
eggs through their sensitive larval phase. This is the first time that this species has
been reared in captivity beyond 30 days. Yelloweye rockfish stocks are severely depleted
with rebuilding plans that are estimated to take from 40-170 years using current management
approaches. The successful culture of yelloweye rockfish larvae will help us learn more
about the biology of these fish and help managers evaluate different strategies that can
assist in the rebuilding process.
Provided Scientific Leadership for Salmon Recovery
Salmon swimming upstream
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Center scientists are directly involved in recovery planning efforts on the West Coast; they
chair Technical Recovery Teams (TRTs) that are providing the scientific underpinning for
salmon recovery efforts. TRTs are assessing factors responsible for salmon decline and
assisting in the development of recovery plans. This year, two TRTs completed draft
population viability documents. These documents describe key parameters related to
population viability (abundance, productivity, spatial structure, and diversity) and are
a critical step in developing delisting goals-when will listed salmon populations no longer
be threatened or endangered?
This year, Center scientists also completed several critical projects to assist TRTs and
aid in salmon recovery, including:
- A draft analysis of historical populations of chinook and chum salmon and steelhead,
in cooperation with members of the Williamette/Lower Columbia River TRT. This analysis
will help scientists develop delisting criteria for endangered and threatened salmon
populations.
- The first iteration of a habitat-specific fish production model for Puget Sound chinook
salmon. This model will eventually enable scientists to estimate changes in salmon survival
with changes in habitat quality and quantity. This information will help scientists better
understand the relationship between habitat and fish survival and production, and identify
the most beneficial restoration strategies.
- A web-based salmon database. This database is currently available online to Center
scientists and consolidates existing data from hundreds of sources into a consistent
database that is geospatially linked.
PIT tag
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Living marine resources are challenging to study because they live in a world of water
and in the case of salmon, can migrate thousands of miles. Innovations can lead to new
or better ways to conduct research and understand species and their habitats.
Center scientists develop and apply technologies, techniques, and tools to support
conservation and recovery of the Pacific Northwest's living marine resources.
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Innovation & Technology
In 2002 we:
Applied PIT-tag Technolgy to Adult Salmon
The passive integrated transponder tag (PIT tag) is a small device, about the size of a
grain of rice, with a computer-chip that is inserted into the body cavity of juvenile
salmon. Electronic systems, set up at dams, detect PIT tags in juvenile salmon as they
move downstream and send information to a centralized database so that scientists can
learn more about fish passage and survival. For the past few years, Center scientists have
been working on a way to apply PIT-tag technology to detect adult salmon migrating upstream. This year, a prototype adult system was installed and evaluated at several Columbia River dams. These adult detection systems will provide critical information regarding salmon migration behavior, passage, and survival.
Continued Development of Acoustic Technologies
Center scientists continued to develop and use acoustic (sonar-based) technologies that use
high-frequency sound pulses to measure groundfish abundance and map their distribution.
Scientists have traditionally used capture gear (e.g., nets) to measure fish abundance, but
these technologies do not work everywhere and can miss important information. Acoustic
technologies are improving our understanding of groundfish stocks and are enabling us to
study groundfish in many more areas of the ocean.
NATURES raceways
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Began Testing New Hatchery Raceways
Center scientists, as part of a cooperative study with the Washington Department of Fish
and Wildlife, are testing, at production scale, natural rearing enhancement raceways
(NATURES)-hatchery raceways enriched with cover, structure, and substrate to provide
salmon with a more "wild-like" environment-at western Washington hatcheries. These tests
will help determine NATURE's effects on the survival of salmon once they are released from
hatcheries. Recent research by Center scientists suggests that rearing fish in NATURES
increases post-release survival of hatchery fish. Development and testing of NATURES and
its application to hatcheries are critical to the development of strategies that will aid
in salmon recovery.
Usha Varanasi, Rebecca Lent (NOAA Fisheries) and Bill Nye, "The Science Guy", at the Center's 70th Anniversary
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A strong infrastructure is critical to ensuring that the Center can provide the science that
is needed to conserve and manage living marine resources and their ecosystems.
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Operations
In 2002 we:
Established a New "Science for Ecosystem-based Management" Initiative
The Center established a new initiative on the science for ecosystem-based management.
This initiative includes staff from across the Center who will provide scientific advice on
the ecological interactions and processes necessary to sustain ecosystem composition,
structure, and function in the environments in which fish and fisheries exist.
For example, as part of this initiative, scientists will examine how to define and bound
ecosystems, the impacts of climate on ecosystems, and what types of and how much habitat
plants and animals within identified ecosystems need.
Started a Series of Program Reviews to Evaluate and Improve the Center's Science
The Center has started a series of external program reviews to evaluate the quality and
appropriateness of its science in five major areas: hatchery science, watershed ecology,
ocean and estuarine ecology, recovery planning, and groundfish. The first of these reviews,
on the Center's salmon hatchery and marine enhancement/aquaculture programs, was completed in
September 2002.
Completed Construction of the New Captain R. Barry Fisher Building in Newport, Oregon
In October 2001, the Center began constructing a new research building to house a number of
its research activities that are based out of Newport, Oregon. The building was completed in
October 2002, and is dedicated to Captain Barry Fisher, in memory of his commitment to
fisheries research, cooperation, and education.
Continued Support of Diversity and Educational Opportunities
Center staff participated in local outreach events, including technology seminars and career
fairs. The Center also continued to work with the Northwest Indian College on the development
of the National Indian Center for Marine and Environmental Research and Education, and continued
to participate in internship programs with local high schools and undergraduate institutions.
Celebrated 70 Years of Science
On May 23 and 24, 2002, the Center celebrated the 70th Anniversary of its Montlake Facility in
Seattle, WA. This facility is the oldest fisheries research facility on the West Coast and has
a rich history of accomplishments. Attending this memorable event were a number of Agency
officials, including Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Sam Bodman, NOAA Fisheries Deputy
Assistant Administrator Rebecca Lent, and NOAA Fisheries Northwest Regional Administrator Bob
Lohn; honored guest speakers, including two former Center directors, Lee Alverson and William
Aron, as well as Bill Nye, "The Science Guy;" and partners from academia, tribal governments,
and the wider scientific and management community. During this event, Center scientists gave
presentations highlighting the Center's past and present work and provided tours of its research
facilities.
Provided Scientific Leadership and Support to NOAA Fisheries
NWFSC staff often serve as experts on national committees and teams. Two noteworthy examples of
Center staff involvement this past year include, Conrad Mahnken's leadership to develop and
implement an agency aquaculture initiative and Tracy Collier's service on the NOAA team that
assisted with clean-up efforts after the massive oil spill in Spain.
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Learn More and Come See us in Action
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To learn more about what we do, please continue to browse our web site or better yet, come visit us.
To arrange a visit or obtain additional information, please call 206-860-3200.
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last modified
02/20/2007
Web site owner: Northwest Fisheries Science Center
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