Fish Health Management Plan. for All Major. Salmonid Enhancement Facilities

Transcription

1 Fish Health Management Plan for All Major Salmonid Enhancement Facilities Prepared by: Don MacKinlay and Karin Howard June, 2004 All SEP FHMP Draft, June

2 Introduction... 9 Objective... 9 Target audience... 9 Document structure... 9 Annual review of Living Document... 9 Personnel duties and responsibilities Veterinarian...10 Hatchery Manager...10 Fish Health Staff...10 Contact names and numbers...10 General Principles of Fish Health Management Keeping Pathogens Out Personnel movement...11 Visitors...11 Equipment...11 Equipment movement...11 Suppliers...12 Moving fish between sites...12 Broodstock Disease Screening...12 Keeping disease from spreading Separation of Fish Groups...13 Minimizing disease within the site...13 Hygiene and disinfection - personnel...13 Hygiene and disinfection equipment...13 Mort collection...13 Monitoring Fish Health...13 Mortality classification...14 Common fish health procedures...14 Adult spawning...14 Egg disinfection...14 Egg treatments...14 Alevin treatments...15 Vaccinating fish...15 Fish Health Outbreaks...15 First steps...15 Infectious Disease Emergencies...15 Quarantine...16 Stop fish movement and/or handling...16 Disinfection and Hygiene...16 Suppliers...16 Mortality Collection...16 Determining the cause of the outbreak (outbreak investigations)...16 Site depopulation...17 Reporting to authorities...17 Communicating with other operators...17 Handling drugs and chemicals properly...17 Medicated feed storage and inventory...17 All SEP FHMP Draft, June

3 Handling and administering medicated feed...17 Treatment records...18 Chemicals and Biologicals...18 Disinfectants...18 Chemicals...18 Biologicals...19 Maintaining an optimum environment Suitable rearing environment...19 Monitoring water quality...19 Contingency planning...19 Predators...20 Keeping Fish Healthy Normal fish behavior...20 Egg take...20 Egg transport...20 Feed and Nutrition...20 Fish Handling Techniques...21 Anesthetizing fish...21 Marking fish...21 Fish transports...21 Euthanasia...22 Keeping Good Records Fish Health Records...22 Reporting to BC Fish Health Database...22 Egg Take Records...23 Impacts on Non-Enhanced Stocks Fish escape...23 Releases...23 Description of Big Qualicum River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Source...24 River Water Quality...24 Fish Culture Objectives...24 Stock Re-Building...24 Fishery...24 Assessment...25 Description of Capilano River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water source...27 River Water Quality...27 Fish Culture Objectives...27 Stock Re-Building...27 Fishery...27 Assessment...28 Description of Chehalis River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Source and Quality...28 Project Facilities...28 Fish Culture Objectives...29 All SEP FHMP Draft, June

4 Stock Re-Building...29 Fishery...29 Assessment...30 Description of Chilliwack River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Source and Quality...31 Facility Description...31 Fish Culture Objectives...32 Stock Re-Building...32 Fishery...32 Assessment...33 Description of Conuma River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Source and Quality...34 Facility Description...34 Fish Culture Objectives...34 Stock Re-Building...34 Fishery...35 Assessment...35 Description of Inch Creek Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Source and Quality...36 Facility Description...36 Fish Culture Objectives...37 Stock Re-Building...37 Fishery...37 Assessment...38 Description of Kitimat River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Facility Description...39 Fish Culture Objectives...39 Stock Re-Building...39 Fishery...39 Assessment...40 Description of Little Qualicum River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Source and Quality...41 Fish Culture Objectives...41 Stock Re-Building...41 Fishery...41 Assessment...42 Description of Nitinat River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Source and Quality...43 Facility Description...43 Fish Culture Objectives...44 Stock Re-Building...44 Fishery...44 All SEP FHMP Draft, June

5 Assessment...45 Description of Pitt River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Facility Description...45 Fish Culture...46 Stock Re-building...46 Fishery...46 Description of Puntledge River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Quality...47 Fish Culture Objectives...47 Stock Re-Building...47 Fishery...47 Assessment...48 Description of Quinsam River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Source and Quality...49 Facility Description...49 Fish Culture Objectives...49 Stock Re-Building...49 Fishery...50 Assessment...50 Description of Robertson Creek Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Source and Quality...51 Facility Description...51 Fish Culture Objectives...52 Stock Re-Building...52 Fishery...52 Assessment...53 Description of Snootli Creek Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Source and Quality...53 Facility Description...53 Hatchery Buildings...53 Structures...54 Other...54 Fish Culture Objectives...54 Stock Re-Building...54 Fishery...54 Assessment...55 Description of Spius Creek Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Source and Quality...56 Facility Description...56 Fish Culture Objectives...57 Stock Re-Building...57 All SEP FHMP Draft, June

6 Description of Tenderfoot Creek Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Water Source and Quality...57 Facility Description...57 Fish Culture Objectives...58 Stock Re-Building...58 Fishery...58 Assessment...59 Standard Operating Procedures for SEP Hatcheries Adult Broodstock Adult Capture...60 Capture Method...60 Broodstock Selection...60 Adult Transport...61 Preparing Transport Tanks...61 Loading Transport Tanks...61 Tank Transport...61 Adult Handling...61 General...61 Anaesthetic Use...61 Handling Equipment...62 Broodstock Crowding...62 Broodstock Sorting...62 Tagging Broodstock...62 Adult Holding...62 Water Quality...62 Loading Rates...63 Groups...63 Conditions...63 Records...63 Adult Treatments...64 Maturation...64 Fungus and Disease...64 Records...64 Adult Spawning...64 Pre-spawn...64 Females...65 Males...65 Adult Disease Screening...65 Records...65 Adult Carcass Disposal...66 Stream Placement...66 Other Disposal Methods...66 Eggs/Alevins Egg Take...66 Equipment...66 Egg Removal...66 Milt...67 Fertilization...67 Gamete Transport/Moving...67 Records...68 Incubation...68 Post fertilization...68 All SEP FHMP Draft, June

7 Incubation conditions...68 Health Monitoring...68 Equipment...68 Records...68 Egg/Alevin Treatment...69 Fungal/Disease...69 Marking...69 Egg Picking...69 Timing...69 Methods...69 Records...69 Juveniles Juvenile Rearing...70 Ponding Timing...70 Ponding Methods...70 Health Observations...70 Rearing Conditions...70 Cleaning...70 Records...71 Juvenile Feeding...71 Start-up Feeding...71 Feed Rates...71 Delivery Methods...71 Observation...72 Feed Storage and Handling...72 Storage...72 Handling...72 Records...72 Juvenile Mortality Collection and Disposal...72 Collection...72 Disposal...73 Records...73 Juvenile Treatments...73 Preparation...73 Method...73 Juvenile Marking...73 Marking Operation...74 Mark Type...74 Juvenile Handling...74 General...74 Equipment...74 Anaesthetic Use...74 Juvenile Transport...75 Preparation...75 Transport Conditions...75 Loading Transport Tanks...75 Tank Transport...75 Juvenile Release...76 Objectives...76 Preparation...76 Records...76 Ancillary Operations Water Supply and Discharge...76 Source...76 Monitoring...77 All SEP FHMP Draft, June

8 Sampling...77 Water Discharge...77 Chemical/Supplies Storage...77 Storage...77 Discard...78 Records...78 Container/Equipment Maintenance...78 Disinfection...78 Condition...78 Personnel and Visitor Protocols...78 Predator Control...78 Predator Deterrents...78 Capture/Kill Methods...79 Human Saftey...79 Disease Management Serious Disease Outbreak Protocols...79 Securing the Site...79 Assessment...80 Records...81 Quarantine Protocol For Viral Or Exotic Diseases...81 Secure Site...81 Isolation of Infected Group...81 Remove Mortalities...81 Disinfection Protocols For Serious Disease Outbreaks...81 Personnel and Equipment...81 Mortalities...82 Sampling Protocols for Disease Analysis...82 Collection...82 Shipping...82 Emergency Response Protocols...83 Data Collection and Management All SEP FHMP Draft, June

9 Introduction Objective This Fish Health Management Plan provides best management practice guidelines for maintaining good health conditions for cultured fish. All SEP facilities maintain an upto-date Fish Health Management Plan (FHMP) specific to their facility. Target audience This document is intended for use by staff at each SEP site for training and day-to-day contact with the fish, for fish health staff who are responsible for keeping good health status of the fish, and for management who have to make decisions about fish health. Document structure 1. General principles of fish health management: a general description of a 'best management' approach to fish culture, including the management procedures for handling fish health concerns (who does what) and a statement of the basic principles of fish health management, which are: a) Keeping pathogens out b) Keeping disease from spreading c) Maintaining an optimum environment d) Keeping the fish healthy (stress-free and provided with basic needs) e) Keeping good records of appropriate information f) Consider impacts on non-enhanced stocks. 2. Description of the facility and its resources for culturing fish: a description of the facility in terms of enhancement strategies for the species cultured, water source characterizations, containers and other support facilities. 3. Standard Operating Procedures that describe fish health management practices that are suitable for Pacific salmon with particular reference to this facility. Annual review of Living Document This document will be reviewed annually by staff to make sure it is up to date, with changes made as required. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

10 Personnel duties and responsibilities Veterinarian The DFO Veterinarian, in conjunction with facility and biological support staff, oversees fish health management for all SEP facilities. The Veterinarian is responsible for disease diagnoses and writing prescriptions and is expected to exercise good professional judgment in fish health matters. Hatchery Manager The hatchery manager consults with the veterinarian and DFO biologists on the management of fish health issues. The hatchery manager is responsible for identifying and managing risk factors to minimize their effect on fish health. The hatchery manager reports outbreaks of significant diseases to the proper authorities. Fish Health Staff On site staff are responsible for day-to-day fish health management, according to this Plan and the hatchery manager's directions. Contact names and numbers Contact names and numbers for all key fish health personnel, including emergency numbers, are posted in an easily identifiable location at each site All SEP FHMP Draft, June

11 General Principles of Fish Health Management Keeping Pathogens Out All necessary precautions will be taken to ensure disease is kept out of a facility. Potential pathogens will be prevented or minimized by an effective biosecurity barrier at the perimeter of each facility and, where possible, between rearing units on the facility. Biosecurity applies to all personnel (staff, management), to all visitors and all equipment. Personnel movement Staff will adhere to biosecurity procedures for the site. Where possible personnel will not travel between hatcheries. If such travel is unavoidable, personnel will adhere to all biosecurity procedures at each facility. SOP Personnel and Visitor Protocols Visitors Each site shall have posted procedures for all visitors, and visitors are expected to follow these procedures. SOP Visitor procedure (generic procedure under development by BCSFA) Equipment Equipment will be kept clean at all times. This is to prevent possible spread of pathogens by fish, personnel or water borne route. Equipment will be properly disinfected after each use and put away in its proper place. SOP Container/Equipment Maintenance Equipment movement Where possible equipment will not be shared between sites. This includes pumps, vehicles and fish handling equipment. Where this is not possible, equipment that must be used at multiple sites will be subject to strict biosecurity and disinfection measures between uses. SOP Equipment disinfection All SEP FHMP Draft, June

12 Suppliers Suppliers will be advised of operator and site procedures in advance. Suppliers who visit multiple sites shall be subject to strict biosecurity measures and may be requested not to come on site. Particular attention will be paid to biosecurity measures for mort pick-ups. SOP Personnel and Visitor Protocols Moving fish between sites Fish movement between sites will be minimized, however wherever this is necessary permits will be obtained and a disease risk assessment done by a fish health professional prior to moving the fish. Particular care will be paid to handling of the fish to avoid undue stress, transmission of disease or possibility of escape. Where there is a potential fish health problem the risk will be reduced in conjunction with a Fish Health Management advance of the fish being moved. The move will be planned in advance to be as stress-free and short as possible. The receiving sites will make arrangements for isolating the newly arriving fish. Water quality will be maintained and frequently monitored during transport. All attempts will be made to minimize the amount of transport water delivered to the receiving site, to prevent spread of waterborne pathogens. SOP Gamete Transport and Moving Fish to be transported or released are checked for health condition prior to release. SOP Juvenile Transport Juvenile Release Broodstock Disease Screening The Veterinarian and/or Fish Health Management will develop specific disease screening procedures to minimize the risk of vertical transmission. Samples for disease screening will be collected using proper disinfection procedures Location of progeny from sampled fish will be kept track of until such time as screening results have been received and reviewed by the Veterinarian and/or Fish Health Management. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

13 For DFO enhanced fish, determining the causes of fish mortality prior to spawning can provide important information on disease incidence in the population and indicate the presence of vertically transmitted diseases. SOP Adult Disease Screening Broodstock Selection Keeping disease from spreading Separation of Fish Groups Different species or stocks are kept separated while on site. Rearing units are kept separate to prevent transmission of disease between groups. Minimizing disease within the site All efforts will be made to minimize disease on a site. Adequate hygiene, disinfection, mortality collection and tank cleaning help to keep fish healthy and exposed to as few pathogens as possible. Hygiene and disinfection - personnel All personnel will adhere to the facility hygiene and disinfection procedures. SOP Personnel and Visitor Protocols Hygiene and disinfection equipment Equipment must be kept clean, in good working order and disinfected. SOP Container/Equipment Maintenance Mort collection Mortalities will be collected on a routine and frequent basis to minimize the potential spread of disease and to minimize attractiveness to predators. The operator has BMP s for mortality collection. The mort storage area will be an appropriate distance away from any rearing units to minimize inadvertent spread of disease. Proper disinfection procedures will be adhered to after each mort collection. SOP Mortality collection and disposal Monitoring Fish Health Fish will be monitored at least once daily for any unusual behaviours, visible lesions or other signs of disease. Changes in behaviour and physical condition will be reported to site management. Water quality will also be routinely monitored. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

14 SOP Juveniles-Health Observations Mortality classification Morts collected will be examined for external signs of disease. As per the operator procedure suspect morts may be examined internally. Suspected causes of mortality must be recorded and fish health management will be notified of any unusual numbers or types of mortalities. SOP Juvenile Mortality Collection and Disposal Adult Carcass Disposal Sampling may be done as per the operator procedure and/or on the instructions of the operator Veterinarian and/or Fish Health Management. SOP Sampling Protocols for Disease Analysis Common fish health procedures Adult spawning Broodstock are treated preventatively for specific infectious diseases prior to maturation, to prevent vertical tramsmission of disease. Adults are disinfected prior to spawning to minimize spread of disease. Carcasses are disposed in a manner to prevent spread of disease. SOP Adult Spawning Adult Treatments Adult Carcass Disposal Egg disinfection Eggs can be safely disinfected following fertilization and water hardening. This is done at the Broodstock facility and/or when the eggs enter the hatchery. SOP Egg disinfection Egg treatments Developing eggs are sensitive to light, shock and fungal infections. Eggs will be periodically checked for mortality, and presence of infectious diseases or fungus. Affected eggs will be treated as necessary. SOP Egg picking Egg treatment All SEP FHMP Draft, June

15 Alevin treatments SOP Alevin treatments Vaccinating fish Vaccines are used to boost immunity to certain infectious diseases (e.g. Furunculosis) and are part of an integrated fish health management program. Vaccines are biologic substances that will be stored (refrigerated) and handled as per manufacturer s instructions so as to maintain their effectiveness. Staff will be appropriately trained prior to undertaking the vaccination procedure. Dip vaccination will be done in accordance with manufacturer s guidelines. Fish will be handled in as stress-free a manner as possible. Intraperitoneal vaccines will be administered in accordance with manufacturer s guidelines. SOP Juvenile Treatments Fish Health Outbreaks A fish health emergency is any situation where the health of the fish population is suddenly at risk. This may be due to significant pathogens such as IHN virus or sudden, severe decreases in dissolved oxygen levels. Vigilant monitoring and early detection is key to good management of emergencies. SOP Serious Disease Outbreak First steps If there is a system failure all efforts will be directed to restoring sufficient water quality for the fish. Sufficient oxygen levels must be restored to support the fish. The site will immediately activate the Operator s Water Quality Contingency Plan. If a serious infectious disease problem is suspected the operator Veterinarian and/or Fish Health Management will be immediately notified. If the problem is not easily discerned, diagnosis and management need to be done hand in hand. Infectious Disease Emergencies An outbreak is defined as an unexpected occurrence of mortality or disease. Not all outbreaks are fish health emergencies. Diseases may differ in how infectious they are and therefore how easy or difficult they are to control. Rapid response is essential but will be determined on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with the Veterinarian and/or Fish Health Management. Once an emergency has been recognized certain steps will be followed. The objective is to keep the pathogen load as low as possible and to prevent spread of the problem on or off the site. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

16 Quarantine Quarantine is the enforced physical separation of the healthy population from a (potentially) infected population, their products or items they may have contaminated. 1 At the Veterinarian s recommendation the site may be officially quarantined. Quarantine remains in effect until such time as the problem has been diagnosed and/or managed. Stop fish movement and/or handling The movement of all fish on/off and within the site may cease. Fish will not be further handled. No visitors or non-essential staff will be allowed on site unless previously authorized by Management. Disinfection and Hygiene Hygiene and disinfection on site, including procedure for personnel and equipment will be strictly enforced. Suppliers Suppliers (e.g., feed or oxygen delivery) will be instructed to visit the site last or to make special arrangements. Mortality Collection The frequency of mortality collection will be increased. Affected tanks will be mort picked last and staff will adhere to disinfection procedures between tanks and rearing units. Where possible separate gear will be designated for the affected unit. All equipment, surfaces and clothing that come in contact with infected fish or infected material will be thoroughly disinfected after use. Mortality collection and disposal procedures will be strictly adhered to, and provisions made for increased mortality pickups and disposal. Determining the cause of the outbreak (outbreak investigations) The Veterinarian may require records and appropriate sampling to determine cause of the outbreak and best course of action. The Veterinarian and/or Fish Health Management will give instructions for proper sampling. Water and feed samples may be requested. Samples will be properly handled, properly stored and promptly shipped as per the Veterinarian s or Fish Health Management s instructions. Continued monitoring will be required after the initial workup to determine the course of the outbreak and to assess whether treatment and/or management measure are being effective. Frequent observations of the fish are essential. Feeding response and water quality should be monitored. All treatments and management changes should be noted as they occur. The Veterinarian, Fish Health Management and site management will work together to review fish health records and make further management decisions. Any repeat sampling including results - should be duly noted. 1 Martin et. al., eds. Veterinary Epidemiology: Principles and Methods. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

17 Site depopulation If it has been agreed to depopulate the site, the procedures will conducted in a manner consistent with principles of hygiene and biosecurity. Reporting to authorities Where appropriate and/or in accordance with existent regulation, operator management will report the outbreak to Provincial or Federal authorities. Communicating with other operators The operator s head office will notify other operators in the geographic area of the outbreak. SOP Serious Disease Outbreak Disinfection Protocols for Serious Disease Outbreaks Quarantine Protocol for Viral or Exotic Diseases Handling drugs and chemicals properly The goal of good fish health management is to have healthy and productive fish. However if fish do become sick, they may require treatment with a therapeutant. The Veterinarian retains a veterinarian-client-patient relationship with the operator that is the basis for disease diagnoses and prescribing treatments. Medicated feed storage and inventory Medicated feed will be stored in clearly marked bags separately from non-medicated feed. The storage area should be clean, dry and free of predators. The label on the medicated feedbag states details about the feed, medication included, feed rate, name of the veterinarian, prescription number and date it was milled. Medicated feed will be inventoried separately from regular feed. Daily inventory records will be kept as the feed is fed to the fish according to prescription. In the unlikely event there is excess medicated feed after completion of the treatment the Veterinarian will be contacted to determine proper handling and disposal. SOP Feed Storage and Handling Handling and administering medicated feed Medication mixed into feed has a Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS), which specifies handling and safety precautions. An MSDS for all medications used on site must be on site in a readily accessible binder. As per WHMIS all chemicals must be handled safely by trained staff e.g., by wearing appropriate protective gear and taking suitable precautions. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

18 Medicated feed will be fed out in accordance with the Veterinarian s instructions. The appropriate tank(s) must receive the prescribed amount medicated feed for the duration of treatment. SOP Juvenile Feeding Treatment records Provincial regulations require that treatment records for therapeutants include: Aquaculture license number and name of holder Location of aquaculture facility Species of fin fish Name of the prescribing Veterinarian A log naming the drugs (therapeutants), including o How they were administered o Treatment schedule including the date treatment commenced o Date of last treatment o Name and signature of the person responsible for administering each treatment Detailed records of medicated feed administration will be kept during the entire time of medication. Medicated feed records will be kept for the entire time the fish are on site. In combination with inventory records, the groups that were treated will be readily identifiable through treatment and withdrawal times. A copy of the treatment records will accompany those fish to another site if the fish are moved. Chemicals and Biologicals Disinfectants Disinfectants will be stored in clearly marked containers. An MSDS for each disinfectant that is on site will be kept in a safe, readily accessible place, e.g., binder in the site office. As per WHMIS all chemicals must be handled safely by trained staff e.g., by wearing appropriate protective gear and taking suitable precautions. SOP Chemical /Supplies Storage Chemicals Chemicals include but are not limited to fixatives, such as formalin or Davidson s solution used for preserving fish tissues. These chemicals will be stored in clearly marked containers. An MSDS for each chemical that is on site will be kept in a safe, readily accessible place, e.g. binder in the site office. As per WHMIS all chemicals must be handled safely trained staff e.g., by wearing appropriate protective gear and taking suitable precautions. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

19 SOP Chemical/Supplies Storage Biologicals Biologicals include vaccines. Where applicable, these products will be kept refrigerated and handled as per manufacturer s instructions. A product insert for each vaccine that is on site will be kept in a safe, readily accessible place. Trained staff must handle all biologicals safely e.g., by wearing appropriate protective gear and taking suitable precautions. SOP Chemical/Supplies Storage Maintaining an optimum environment Suitable rearing environment The operator management is responsible for ensuring a suitable rearing environment for the fish, so they can stay healthy. Facility requirements for physical assets are specified elsewhere. Redundant and/or back up systems are necessary in the event of catastrophic failures in the water supply. Monitoring water quality Maintaining good water quality is vital to good fish health. The operator maintains a regular program for monitoring and recording water quality at hatchery sites. Monitoring will vary between sites depending on location and the specifics of the aquatic environment. In-line monitoring may be applicable. The frequency of monitoring will depend on available equipment and type of facility, e.g., flow through or recirculation. SOP s Water Supply Transport Contingency planning The operator maintains a contingency plan in the event of acute deterioration of water quality. Systems are suitably alarmed to indicate changes in water quality below predetermined set points, e.g. precipitous fall in dissolved oxygen levels. Failure of pumps and/or oxygen delivery is an immediate emergency. The site has back up system(s) for keeping dissolved oxygen levels compatible with short-term life support for the fish while the system failure is being addressed. SOP Emergency Response Protocols All SEP FHMP Draft, June

20 Predators Predators will be excluded from the site. Predators include birds, rodents and occasionally mammals such as mink and river otters. The operator maintains Best Management Practices (BMP s) for predator exclusion. SOP Predator Control Keeping Fish Healthy Keeping fish as healthy as possible is critical to keeping disease from coming on site and/or spreading within a site. Normal fish behavior Fish will be routinely monitored for signs of health and disease. All staff should be familiar with normal fish behaviour. Key behaviours that indicate healthy fish include but are not limited to: Physical changes from normal i.e. scale loss, parasites, external injury Behavioral - swimming and schooling behavior, increased respiration Feeding normally aggressive feed response when feed is presented Fish will be kept at reasonable densities. Changes in behaviour and physical condition will be reported to site management. Early detection is key to good disease management. Egg take Egg take will be done in as hygienic a manner as possible to prevent horizontal transmission of diseases to other broodstock or progeny. Adult fish will be anesthetized, gametes harvested, and females destroyed in a humane manner. Males, if used for multiple egg takes, will be monitored for recovery from anesthesia. Proper hygiene and disinfection will be adhered to. SOP Egg take Egg transport Fish Transplant Permits will be used when eggs and/or milt are transported to the hatchery. Transport will be done in clean, labeled containers with secure lids. Strict disinfection and biosecurity procedures will be adhered to, to prevent transmission of disease from the broodstock site to the hatchery site. SOP Egg (milt) transport Feed and Nutrition The objective of good nutrition is to keep fish healthy. The operator has procedures in place for healthy feeding of fish, including type of feed and different feed delivery All SEP FHMP Draft, June

21 methods. Proper storage of these diets is essential to maintaining their nutritional value. Feed will be stored in secure buildings where wildlife can be excluded and spillage prevented. SOP Feed storage/handling Fish Handling Techniques The operator maintains BMP s for handling fish, e.g. grading, including minimizing the risk of escape while the fish are being handled. Handling including equipment maintenance - will be done so as to minimize injury to the fish and/or predispose to disease. Fish will be monitored while being handled. Staff will minimize the time fish are exposed to stressful events such as crowding and out-of-water events (i.e. handling, counting, grading, tagging, injecting). SOP Handling Equipment Adult Handling Juvenile Handling Anesthetizing fish A variety of fish health procedures require that fish be anesthetized. Anesthetics will be obtained from the operator s veterinarian. Netting of fish prior to anesthesia will be done in as stress-free a manner as possible. Exposure to anesthetic will be minimized while ensuring the anesthetic level is adequate for the procedure. Anesthetized fish will be monitored carefully at all times. Water quality of the anesthetic bath in particular, oxygen level will be monitored. SOP Anesthesia Marking fish Marking fish will be done in a manner to cause minimal injury and stress to the fish. The resulting open wound can lead to secondary infections. Appropriate anesthesia and monitoring will be done for adverse effects after the procedure. SOP Marking Fish Fish transports Fry, smolts and other life stages will be handled in as stress-free a manner as possible in preparation for transport. Equipment will be checked to prevent significant injury that could predispose fish to disease. Proper hygiene and disinfection will be adhered to. Appropriate permits will be obtained from DFO. SOP Adult Transport Juvenile transport Juvenile Release All SEP FHMP Draft, June

22 Euthanasia In the uncommon situation where fish should be euthanised (e.g., certain fish health sampling), euthanasia should be done in as humane a manner as possible. The method used should result in rapid and irreversible loss of consciousness. SOP Juvenile Treatments Keeping Good Records Fish Health Records Fish health records include but are not limited to: Inventory records o Includes source, number, location and lot of fish at the site Fish movement records Mortality records including mortality cause Lab work Diagnostic sampling records Water quality records Medicated feed records Therapeutant teatment records Records of mitigative actions (other than therapeutants) taken to prevent or mitigate disease, e.g. refused shipment of potentially infected eggs Records of reporting to Provincial or Federal authorities, in accordance with existing regulation Many of these records are computerized and form part of the integrated operator record keeping system. The operator will provide adequate system training and documentation to authorized site personnel including data entry and reports, e.g. ENPRO for DFO and HIMAN for FFSBC. Backups will be maintained. Paper records not entered into a computerized system will be well organized, easily accessible and protected from damage, e.g. kept in binders. Records will be kept for the duration of time the fish are on site. The operator will keep archived records at a suitable location in head office or securely stored off site. Records will be available for inspection upon request by BC MAFF. Records will be reviewed on a routine basis by the operator Veterinarian and/or Fish Health Management to look for patterns in fish health and disease. Reporting to BC Fish Health Database The operator will report required fish health data, e.g. mortality cause and fish health event information to the BCSFA Fish Health Database on a monthly basis. Aquaculture companies will keep records of data submission for audit by BC MAFF. Also need to All SEP FHMP Draft, June

23 include something on reporting from the database to MAFF so it is clear there is reporting required. SOP Data Collection and Management Egg Take Records Records will be kept for egg take and broodstock disease screening. Records will accompany each shipment of eggs from the Broodstock location to the hatchery receiving the eggs, whether destined for onsite or off site incubation. SOP Data Collection and Management Impacts on Non-Enhanced Stocks Fish escape In the unlikely event that fish escape into nearby streams or watersheds, the operator's Fish Escape Response Plan goes into immediate effect. As part of the Response Plan, fish health records - including relevant diagnoses and treatments - will be made available to the appropriate regulatory authorities as required. Releases The planned release of enhancement/conservation fish from enhancement/conservation facilities will undergo a risk assessment, so as not to allow undue harm to wild fish populations or public health. The health and treatment status of fish will be considered when planning intentional fish releases. Fish shall not be released until risk assessment recommendations are in place SOP Juvenile Release All SEP FHMP Draft, June

24 Description of Big Qualicum River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Big Qualicum River Hatchery, Flow Control, and Spawning Channel Project was the first of the modern enhancement projects to be undertaken in this province and has provided a model for other developments. It is located on the East Coast of Vancouver Island near Qualicum Beach, adjacent to the Qualicum First Nation Reserve. The Big Qualicum River is a typical coastal stream. From its source at Horne Lake, the river flows approximately 11 km (7 mi) to the Strait of Georgia. Big Qualicum Hatchery is a major contributor to commercial and recreational fisheries, and supports a significant First Nations harvest. All species of Pacific salmon return to Big Qualicum as do steelhead and cutthroat trout. Chum represent the highest production followed by good populations of coho and chinook. The facility produces steelhead for the province and would likely figure prominently within a Georgia Basin steelhead recovery plan. Many community groups and scientific researchers utilize the hatchery for support. Water Source All water is taken from the Big Qualicum River. Pumps and three surface gravity intakes are used. In addition, there is a tunnel supply from Horne Lake, capable of drawing water from 0m, 60m, and 90m depths. Water from each depth can be mixed allowing some temperature control. River Water Quality Alkalinity 38 Conductivity 85 Hardness 39 ph 7.7 Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building The Big Qualicum project incorporates a hatchery, spawning channel and flow control, all of which contribute to ensuring that stocks in the watershed are healthy. The facility is working with community groups to re-establish pink, chum and coho runs on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. DFO is currently spending $2M to upgrade the flow control dam. Steelhead runs to both the Big and Little Qualicum Rivers are of conservation concern. Little Qualicum is currently part of the provincial Live Gene Bank Captive Brood program. Fishery The Big Qualicum channel and flow control enhanced production is a major contributor to South Coast inside chum catch. Dependent on run strength of these and other comigrating stocks, a non-targeted net fishery in Johnstone Strait catches an average 100,000 ( ) chum. An Area 14 targeted chum fishery catches 125,000 BQ chum, All SEP FHMP Draft, June

25 along with Little Qualicum Channel and Puntledge Hatchery enhanced chum. Without enhanced production, this terminal fishery would be severely curtailed. A local terminal recreational marine and freshwater chum fishery has also developed which harvests small numbers. Big Qualicum coho are significant contributors to the Strait of Georgia recreational fishery (>3,000 pieces). The stock is largely resident within the Strait of Georgia, although migrates to West Coast Vancouver Island during some years. All coho have been massed marked for hatchery mark-selective fisheries. A major terminal marine and freshwater recreational fishery for coho is dependant on hatchery production. In addition, special effort is being made to ensure that significant numbers of coho are passed above the main fence to allow sports fishers more opportunities for fishing in the upper river. This helps to relieve the pressure below the main fence, where a very small area is open to fishing. Big Qualicum chinook are significant contributors to B.C. recreational fisheries (>1,000 pieces) and are caught by commercial harvesters in northern B.C. and Alaska. A terminal freshwater recreational fishery is dependent on hatchery production. A small freshwater catch & release fishery exists for winter run steelhead and anadromous cutthroat. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Fall Big Qualicum R 3,735, Chum Fall Big Qualicum R 54,000, ,000 Coho Fall Big Qualicum R 1,450,000 59,000 Cutthroat Fall L Qualicum R 15,000 1,500 Steelhead Winter L Qualicum R 25, * Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment Marked (coded-wire tagged or finclipped) hatchery stocks provide much of the critical data for determining catch distribution, survival and exploitation rates. Selected hatchery stocks are also used for stock management and as indicators of the stock status for both wild and hatchery stocks in their area. For chinook and coho, Big Qualicum provides the longest time series of data in the region and is the indicator for Strait of Georgia stocks. Funding is provided by Stock Assessment to apply additional coded-wire tags to hatchery chinook and coho for increased analytical utility. Big Qualicum chinook are also a Pacific Salmon Treaty indicator stock. For chum, Big Qualicum, together with Inch Creek in the lower Fraser, are the indicators for South Coast inside chum management. Big Qualicum employs a number of natural and artificial enhancement techniques to increase populations of Pacific salmon and steelhead trout. It was the first of the modern All SEP FHMP Draft, June

26 enhancement projects to be undertaken in this province and has provided a model for other developments. Research and assessment of this facility have increased the scientific data available on salmonid behaviour, life cycle and habitat requirements. And not to be forgotten is the annual landed value of over $10 million to the commercial and sport fisheries. The hatchery also provides an important source of fish for the native food-fish program and countless hours of enjoyment for the recreational fisherman. Description of Capilano River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description The Capilano Salmon Hatchery is located on the Capilano River in the District of North Vancouver. It is a local landmark visited by thousands of visitors and supports a major terminal First Nation and sport fishery for residents of the Greater Vancouver area. The Capilano River originates near Capilano Mountain, 32 km upstream from the west end of Burrard Inlet. As early as 1889, the river was partially dammed to supply water for the growing city of Vancouver. In 1954, construction of the Cleveland Dam was completed 6 km from the ocean, creating a reservoir that currently supplies 40% of Greater Vancouver's water supply. The construction of the Cleveland Dam blocked the route of coho and steelhead traveling up the Capilano River to spawn. Greater than 95% of their spawning and approximately 75% of their rearing habitat was lost. To mitigate this loss, the Greater Vancouver Water District constructed a concrete river weir and fish ladder. This system collected adult salmon returning to the river to spawn. They were then transported in transport tanks and deposited above the dam to continue their journey upstream. However, young salmon migrating downstream to the ocean suffered high losses, as they had to travel over the dam. Over the next decade the Capilano salmon stocks continued to decline. To address this problem, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans decided to build Capilano Hatchery to rear and release salmon below the dam. Construction began in 1969 and the three million-dollar facility was completed in Capilano Salmon Hatchery is now famous for its contribution of coho and steelhead to the sport fishery in Burrard Inlet. Also, Chinook salmon were introduced to the system in an attempt to establish a self-sustaining run of these prized sport fish in the Capilano River fishery and Vancouver Harbor tidal sport fishery. Salmon returning in the fall to the Capilano River also provide an active food and ceremonial fishery for the Squamish First Nation. Scientific research is an important aspect of the hatchery. Salmon and working facilities are provided for research projects originating in the private and public sectors. Prior to being released, a percentage of the juvenile chinook and coho are tagged with an internal All SEP FHMP Draft, June

27 coded-wire-tag, and given an external adipose fin clip. Information gathered from this program is used to analyze experimental work as well as reveal details on fish migration, ocean survival and fishery contribution rates. Another major role of the Capilano Salmon Hatchery is public education. Coho eggs and adults are used in the Salmonids in the Classroom programs in local schools. Coho fry and smolts are used to support various Community Involvement Projects and Public Involvement Projects in the Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm area of Greater Vancouver. The hatchery is open for public viewing every day, allowing locals and visitors form around the world a chance to learn more about this magnificent resource. Water source Facility has ground (2-5 cfs) and surface water (>10 cfs). Surface water is gravity flow from the Capilano River. Groundwater comes from wells located adjacent to Capilano Lake. The surface water is very soft. River Water Quality Alkalinity 4 Conductivity 13 Hardness 4.5 ph 6.5 Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building By 1970, severe coho and steelhead stock declines occurred as a result of fish passage issues associated with construction of the Cleveland Dam (part of the Greater Vancouver Water District, GVWD) in There is almost no habitat available for salmonids below the Cleveland Dam. The hatchery goals were for conservation of the coho and steelhead, rebuilding of the coho run to support a significant terminal recreational fishery and introduction of a chinook stock for creation of a terminal recreational fishery. Without the facility, the summer and winter runs of steelhead would likely be extinct within one generation and the coho would likely be extinct within three generations during periods of low ocean survival. Fishery Capilano coho are significant contributors to the Strait of Georgia recreational fishery.. The stock is largely resident within the Strait of Georgia, although it does migrate to West Coast Vancouver Island during some years. All coho have been massed marked for hatchery mark-selective fisheries. A major urban terminal marine and freshwater recreational fishery for coho is dependent on hatchery production. Capilano also provides coho smolts on an annual basis to support a recreational fishery in Sechelt Inlet. A small terminal marine recreational fishery for chinook has been developed on an introduced run of chinook, which also contribute to mixed stock commercial and recreational fisheries in the Strait of Georgia, Johnstone Strait and off the West Coast of Vancouver Island. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

28 A small freshwater catch & release fishery exists for both summer and winter run steelhead. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Fall Capilano R 560,000 6,000 Chum Fall Capilano R 10, Coho Fall Capilano R 850,000 60,000 Steelhead Summer Capilano R 35, Steelhead Winter Capilano R 35, * Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment Provides basic information required of all enhancement projects. Capilano coho are one of the earliest returning coho stocks and provide early indications of abundance of Strait of Georgia stocks. Description of Chehalis River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Chehalis River Hatchery is located near Harrison Mills in the Lower Fraser Valley, east of Vancouver. It is located on Chehalis River, a tributary of the Harrison River. It is mainly a chum facility but also enhances chinook, coho, chum, cutthroat and steelhead. Water Source and Quality Facility has ground (<10 cfs) and surface water ( <10 cfs) available, multiple incubation and rearing containers (supplied by both well and surface water) and reliable fish culture experience. Both the surface and ground waters are very soft. Alkalinity 6.5 Conductivity 28 Hardness 10 ph 6.2 Project Facilities Chehalis River gravity feed, riverbank fixed-screen intake- supplies 25,000 to 50,000 lpm (15-30 cfs) of river water depending on water demand. Three pump stations (20, 60, and 100 hp)- supply up to 17,000 lpm (10 cfs) of well water. Aeration tower- for aeration of well water and distribution of well and river water. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

29 Hatchery building- contains the offices, washrooms, lunchroom, laboratories, workshop, dry storage areas, mechanical/electrical room, incubation room with Heath trays and Atkins boxes, and freezer (20,000 kg capacity) for fish food. Keeper channels (12)- for chum salmon egg hatching and alevin incubation. Aluminum rearing troughs (32)- for initial fry rearing. The troughs are used mainly for coho, chinook, steelhead and cutthroat fry. Concrete raceways (14)- for final rearing (all species) and adult holding (coho, chum, and chinook). Concrete holding channels (3) - for steelhead and cutthroat adults. Asphalt lined channels (3 )- for coho and chinook final rearing and sometimes adult coho holding. Fish brailer and lifter, anesthetic tank, sorting table and transfer pipes- for adult salmon handling. Egg-take shelter- used for adult spawning. Sludge lagoon - waste from cleaning the channels is pumped into the lagoon. Fuel shed - for fuel and oil storage. Residence - for crew standby. Display panels (10) - for public information and self-guided tours (bilingual). Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building The Harrison River supports the largest naturally-spawning chinook stock in British Columbia. The objective of fall chinook enhancement at Chehalis Hatchery is to provide a buffer in years where flooding or other events result in poor natural survival of Harrison River production. Chum and coho enhancement were undertaken in the early 1980 s to rebuild depleted stocks; both species are now considered rebuilt. Enhanced chum contributed an average of 56,000 ( ) natural spawners to rebuild the stock. Chum production was reduced to 900k as a buffer against low natural production. Steelhead and cutthroat populations are depressed and are maintained by enhancement. Fishery Chehalis Hatchery supports a significant destination freshwater sport fishery for all species; the coho, cutthroat and steelhead sport fisheries are hatchery mark only. Discontinuation of current production levels of coho would impact the potential for marine hatchery mark-selective fisheries. Chehalis contributes an average of 2,000 chinook to marine fisheries, with the majority of these taken in the West Coast Vancouver Island commercial fishery. Coho contribute to marine fisheries in the Strait of Georgia or the West Coast Vancouver Island, depending on distribution patterns. Chehalis was a significant contributor to the South Coast chum catch (41, average), including 8,000 to the Fraser River. Commercial exploitation rates for chum have declined in recent years as Johnstone Strait and Lower Fraser chum fisheries have been scaled back because of conservation concerns for coho and late timing Lower Fraser chum. Because the stock is considered rebuilt, chum production was reduced to buffer levels in All SEP FHMP Draft, June

30 Steelhead and cutthroat populations are maintained by enhancement. Both winter and summer runs are enhanced and support major steelhead fisheries. The Chehalis River supports the 2 nd largest steelhead fishery in the region. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Summer Chehalis 390,000 1,500 Chinook Fall Chehalis/Harrison R 2,219,000 24,000 Chum Fall Chehalis R 6,000,000 46,000 Coho Fall Chehalis R 1,076,000 54,000 Cutthroat Fall Fraser R Low 20,000 2,000 Steelhead Winter Chehalis R 40,000 3,400 Steelhead Summer Coquihalla R 26,000 1,700 Steelhead Winter Harrison 25,000 1,600 Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment Marked (coded-wire tagged or finclipped) hatchery stocks provide much of the critical data for determining catch distribution, survival and exploitation rates. Selected hatchery stocks are also used for stock management and as indicators of the stock status for both wild and hatchery stocks in their area. For chinook, Harrison River stock is the StAD indicator for Lower Fraser white chinook as part of DFO s obligations under the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Until 1999, Chehalis escapement assessment formed the hatchery component of the Harrison River assessment. Escapement sampling difficulties led StAD to switch to Chilliwack chinook (transplanted originally from Harrison) as the hatchery comparison to the wild return on the Harrison. Chum were coded-wire tagged annually for hatchery contribution to catch and escapement until 1999, when hatchery production was reduced. Inch Creek now represents Fraser River chum. Description of Chilliwack River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Chilliwack River Hatchery is located on the Chilliwack River, south of the city of Chilliwack. The Chilliwack River Hatchery was built on an old side channel of the Chilliwack River under the Salmonid Enhancement Program (SEP). It was completed in 1981 and, in keeping with the wishes expressed by local residents, the hatchery site has been kept in its natural state as much as possible. The site is approximately two kilometers long and 0.5 kilometers at its widest point. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

31 Up to 6 million salmon smolts, of five salmon species including two Chinook stocks, Coho, Chum, and Steelhead are produced annually for the commercial, sport and First Nations fresh-water and marine fisheries. There are several styles of rearing containers from troughs, circular tubs, concrete ponds, and earthen channels. In recent years, there has been a recovery in the natural spawning population of Pink salmon in the Chilliwack River. They return to the river to spawn in every odd-numbered year e.g. 2001, 2003, Migration timing is from August to early October, peaking in September. The Chilliwack River also supports a significant number of Sockeye salmon migrants returning to Chilliwack Lake between June and August. Water Source and Quality Facility has ground (2-5 cfs) and surface water >20 cfs) available. The water is quite soft. Alkalinity 6.5 Conductivity 28 Hardness 11 ph 6.2 Facility Description Masonry block hatchery building (mechanical room, incubation room, workshop, laboratory, staff lounge, bathrooms, offices, and standby residence). 3 deep wells with submersible 3-phase pumps, with capacity of 1729 Imp. GPM, underground PVC pipe water supply and distribution system 2 metal-clad wood frame storage buildings, 2 wood frame storage buildings 3 masonry block pump house buildings 1 masonry block aeration building 1 masonry block public washroom building 3 back-up diesel gensets for wells & hatchery building 3 earthen rearing channels - volume 6207 m3 34 Capilano rearing troughs on concrete pad 3 concrete intermediate rearing raceways - volume 64 m3 4 large concrete rearing/adult holding raceways - volume 1254m3 1 adult sorting brailler, elevator, diversion fence and egg take/fish sort covered area 2 river water intakes and pipelines - only one is active 1 river water settling basin and concrete constructed distribution chamber and inlet controls complete alarm system for all process and intrusion alarms perimeter chain link fencing All SEP FHMP Draft, June

32 Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building Facility objectives were to rebuild chum, coho, steelhead and indigenous chinook stocks. The first two species may be considered rebuilt. Extensive habitat restoration has occurred on the Chilliwack River and significant numbers of enhanced chum and coho have utilized these new spawning areas. Enhanced chum contributed an average of 30,000 ( ) natural spawners to rebuild the stock. Chum targets have been reduced to a level sufficient to provide a buffer in years where flooding or other problems result in poor natural survival of Chilliwack River production. Coho production levels have been maintained to address fishery objectives. Fall and summer timing chinook stocks were introduced for fishery objectives. The hatchery has initiated work on rebuilding a small remnant population of indigenous summer timing chinook. Steelhead are enhanced for fishing opportunities in a co-operative arrangement with the province. The facility is also participating in the recovery plan for the endangered Cultus Lake sockeye stock through the capture and initial rearing of juvenile sockeye destined for a captive brood program. The hatchery has taken over enhancement of threatened Elk Creek coho, as a result of the closure of the Provincial Corrections Facility which previously conducted the program under the direction of the Community Advisor. Lowland stream re-stocking efforts are being made to re-establish chum and coho populations in creeks whose access was cut off by historic channelization and dyking to protect and reclaim lands and property for agricultural purposes. Fishery The facility supports a very significant destination FW sport fishery for coho, fall chinook, steelhead and chum; the coho and steelhead fisheries are hatchery mark only. Enhanced summer chinook are targeted to varying degrees, depending on the availability of sport fish in the adjacent waters of the Fraser River. The local community considers these fisheries to make an important contribution to the local economy. Chilliwack Hatchery contributes an average of 5,550 chinook to marine fisheries, with the majority of these taken in the W. Coast Van. Is. commercial fishery. Coho contribute to marine fisheries in the Strait of Georgia or the West Coast Vancouver Island, depending on distribution patterns. Discontinuation of current production levels of coho would impact the potential for marine hatchery mark-selective fisheries. Chilliwack was a significant contributor of South Coast chum catch (31, average), including 2,900 to the Fraser River. Commercial exploitation rates for chum have declined in recent years as Johnstone Strait and Lower Fraser chum fisheries have been scaled back because of conservation concerns for coho and late timing Lower Fraser chum. Because the stock is considered rebuilt, chum production was reduced to buffer levels in All SEP FHMP Draft, June

33 The recreational freshwater steelhead fishery on the Chilliwack River is the largest steelhead sport fishery in BC, targeting marked hatchery returns. Without enhancement, the fishery would be catch and release only. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Fall Chilliwack R 1,210,000 52,000 Chinook Summer Chilliwack R 410,000 1,600 Chum Fall Chilliwack R 1,100,000 8,000 Coho Fall Chilliwack R 1,950,000 96,000 Steelhead Winter Chilliwack R 120,000 10,000 * Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment Marked (coded-wire tagged or finclipped) hatchery stocks provide much of the critical data for determining catch distribution, survival and exploitation rates. Selected hatchery stocks are also used for stock management and as indicators of the stock status for both wild and hatchery stocks in their area. For chinook, Chilliwack fall whites are the ground truth indicator for Lower Fraser white chinook and for comparison to the Harrison River wild chinook assessment. Funding is provided by Stock Assessment to undertake an extensive escapement sampling program on the Chilliwack for increased analytical utility. Coho are a key indicator stock for Lower Fraser stock assessment. Chum were finclipped annually for hatchery contribution to catch and escapement until 1999 when hatchery production was reduced. Inch Cr. now represents Fraser River chum. The Chilliwack Hatchery program has historically provided a long-time series of adult escapement data for chum, coho and fall chinook. In recent years, staff have also participated in and supported juvenile assessment programs for resource restoration channels and development in the watershed. Description of Conuma River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Conuma Hatchery is located on the North West Coast of Vancouver Island near the town of Tahsis. The facility was built in 1978 with the goal of major enhancement of wild chum salmon stocks in the area and minor enhancement of wild coho, chinook and steelhead stocks in the Conuma River to offset any incidental catch in the commercial fisheries. A significant recreational fishery has developed which attracts many visitors to the Nootka Sound area. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

34 Water Source and Quality The facility has ground (>10 cfs) and surface water (>10 cfs) available. The water is quite soft. Alkalinity 8 Conductivity 25 Hardness 12 ph 7 Facility Description Masonry block hatchery building (offices, washrooms, locker room, walk-in cooler, freezer) Masonry block incubation building (20 Atkins cells, 20 free style, 15 Heath tray stacks) Four 20 Hp. 30 phase submersible well pumps each in a small building Two 60 Hp. 3 phase vertical turbine pumps with diesel back up, housed in a Masonry block build. 125,000 kv sub-station Two metal buildings 48' x 127' each housing 6 concrete channels Three metal buildings 48' x 105' each housing 5 concrete channels Four concrete rearing ponds 23' x 93' Three HDPE lined channels 30' x 300' each with concrete inlet and outlet structures and walkways Concrete dam and intake structure for a 16' feed line Uncovered concrete slab with 40 Capilano style rearing troughs One masonry block and one concrete aeration tower Three wood framed residences with finished basements One 10' x 20' trailer on a concrete pad 24' x 80' covered storage area One 40' x 40' metal building for shop and storage, and an oil storage shed Seven reinforced concrete fishway control structures One 50' x 100' metal seapen and one 100' diameter inflated seapen anchored in Moutcha Bay Underground pvc pipe for a water supply system Underground power supply lines Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building The main focus of enhancement effort by Conuma Hatchery has been toward supporting terminal fisheries, with all the major chinook and chum stocks in the inlet being enhanced. Small scale enhancement of coho occurs to reduce impacts of the chum net fishery. During El Nino ocean event years Conuma Hatchery stocks, especially chinook, are susceptible to mackerel predation. The hatchery helps to mitigate for poor ocean survival during these years. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

35 Fishery Conuma chinook are significant contributors (average 14,000) to commercial and recreational fisheries from Alaska to the terminal area. A major terminal recreational fishery has developed in Nootka Sound, targeting on enhanced chinook. Over half the harvest occurs terminally. Conuma enhanced chum have contributed an average 37,000 pieces ( ) to the Area net fisheries. A terminal commercial and native chum fishery (average 14,000 enhanced chum) occurs in Conuma Inlet, targeting enhanced stocks. A small freshwater fishery on marked hatchery steelhead is supported by the facility. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Fall Conuma R 2,400,000 65,000 Chinook Fall Sucwoa R 40,000 1,200 Chinook Fall Tlupana R 40,000 1,200 Chum Fall Canton Cr 1,032,000 9,000 Chum Fall Conuma R 2,000,000 24,000 Chum Fall Deserted/NWVI 1,700,000 15,000 Chum Fall Sucwoa R 2,000,000 18,000 Chum Fall Tlupana R 1,000,000 9,000 Coho Fall Conuma R 152,000 4,500 Steelhead Winter Conuma R 22, Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment Stocks have been coded-wire tagged (chinook and coho) and fin-clipped (chum). The marking strategy has been to mark one stock from each species as an indicator for other stocks in the area. Additional funding is provided by Stock Assessment to conduct escapement surveys for chinook in the area. Due to logistical difficulties in sampling the escapement, reliable estimates of exploitation rates cannot be calculated. However, these stocks are part of the stock aggregate used by the Pacific Salmon Commission to indicate trends in escapement to naturally spawning chinook along the West Coast of Vancouver Island. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

36 Description of Inch Creek Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description The Inch Creek Hatchery is located east of Mission in the Lower Fraser Valley. Inch Creek Hatchery uses modern fish culture techniques to produce coho salmon, chinook salmon, chum salmon, and steelhead trout for a number of local tributaries to the Fraser River. The project was conceived and constructed (from 1981 to 1983) as a satellite facility. This means that broodstock is collected from a number of local streams, eggs are incubated and juveniles reared at the hatchery, and then fry or smolts are released in their stream of origin. The facility uses groundwater exclusively, pumped from shallow wells. Water Source and Quality Facility has ground water (<10 cfs), multiple rearing containers and very reliable fish culture experience. The water is very soft. Alkalinity 8 Conductivity 25 Hardness 8.5 ph 6 Facility Description Located on completely fenced site of approximately 3.4 acres, with adjacent 10 acre parcel recently purchased in Masonry block hatchery building (mechanical room, incubation room, freezer with 47m3 holding capacity, small wet lab area, office/reception areas). reinforced concrete aeration tower and water storage tank located on hatchery building. Uncovered rearing area with 10 Capilano troughs on concrete slabs for intermediate rearing. 2 Aluminum "raceways" for trout rearing. 4 10' circular tubs for rearing, adult holding. 6 concrete raceways for coho rearing. 8 keeper channels. 8 concrete raceways for chum rearing and adult holding. Effluent pond (also used for adult sturgeon holding and occasionally for coho rearing). Trailer with light housekeeping facilities. Enclosed storage area (boats, canopies, pumps, etc.), wood frame construction. Enclosed shop with attached enclosed storage area, wood frame construction. 2 pump houses (masonry block construction). 1 small building (wooden construction) All SEP FHMP Draft, June

37 1 separate aeration tower and water storage area. 3 wells with total capacity of approximately 20,000 to 30,000 LPM (depending on well water levels. Pump information: HP and 1-50 HP vertical turbine pumps, 2-20 HP and 1-30 HP submersible pump. Back-up information: 1-65 KV, 1-75 KV diesel generators, HP right angle back-up diesel motor. Underground P.V.C. pipe water supply and distribution system. 3 - phase electrical power to the site. Alarms linked to answering service for emergency call-out by pager. Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building Facility objectives are to rebuild area chum, coho, steelhead and chinook stocks using a satellite strategy. Specific hatchery targets have been adjusted in recent years in response to changing regional objectives and changes in return rates of local stocks. For example, chum production has been terminated for the Stave stock, which is considered rebuilt. Hatchery production provided 47,000 ( average) natural spawners annually to rebuild this stock. Extensive habitat restoration between more than doubled chum and coho spawning area to take advantage of naturally spawning hatchery returns. In addition, extensive coho rearing area has been created on the Stave River. Coho production levels have been maintained to address fishery objectives. The Maria Slough chinook program has successfully restored a seriously depleted stock. Once again, hatchery returns took advantage of restored spawning and rearing habitat. A fall timing chinook stock (Stave) has been introduced to support fishery objectives and re-establish a previously existing stock. Since coho returns have improved for several years, the hatchery has reduced its targets on the original stocks of interest (Inch, Stave, Norrish) and will add Alouette, Nicomekl, and Serpentine stocks in The Upper Pitt sockeye stock will be enhanced at Inch hatchery beginning with the 2003 brood. Pitt stock rebuilding is intended as a buffer for poor natural survival due to unstable natural incubation conditions (destructive floods exacerbated by poor historic logging practices). Although there is no planned directed harvest for Pitt sockeye, a stable return of enhanced fish will allow more flexibility in harvest plans for the early summer sockeye stock aggregate. Inch hatchery will also participate in the captive broodstock portion of the Cultus lake sockeye recovery plan. The site will be used as a secondary rearing location in the raising of juveniles to maturity. Steelhead are enhanced for fishing opportunities in a cooperative arrangement with the province. Fishery Inch Hatchery supports a significant destination FW sport fishery for all species on the Stave and in Nicomen slough; the coho sport fisheries are hatchery mark only. Coho All SEP FHMP Draft, June

38 contribute to marine fisheries in the Strait of Georgia or the West Coast Vancouver Island, depending on distribution patterns. Discontinuation of current production levels of coho would impact the potential for marine selective hatchery mark fisheries. Inch Hatchery was a significant contributor to the South Coast chum catch. Stave stock contributed 21,000 pieces ( average), including 4,500 to the Fraser River while Inch stock contributed 5,600 pieces ( average), including 1,100 to the Fraser River. Commercial exploitation rates for chum have declined in recent years as Johnstone Strait and Lower Fraser chum fisheries have been scaled back because of conservation concerns for coho and late timing Lower Fraser chum. Because the chum stocks are considered rebuilt, chum production was reduced in 1999 to zero for Stave stock and to a buffer level for Inch stock. Pitt River sockeye stock is part of the early summer timing group. The stock is not large enough to drive fishing plans but if returns are reduced, fisheries could be constrained to protect the stock. This would restrict access to returns for other larger, early summer timing group stocks. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Summer Maria Sl 20, Chinook Fall Stave R 210,000 2,800 Chum Fall Inch Cr 1,000,000 15,000 Coho Fall Inch Cr 210,000 11,000 Coho Fall Serpentine 75,000 3,800 Coho Fall Alouette 75,000 3,800 Coho Fall Norrish 75,000 3,800 Coho Fall Stave R 290,000 46,000 Steelhead Winter Chilliwack R 20, Sockeye Summer Pitt R Up 2,000,000 40,000 * Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment Marked (coded-wire tagged or finclipped) hatchery stocks provide much of the critical data for determining catch distribution, survival and exploitation rates. Selected hatchery stocks are also used for stock management and as indicators of the stock status for both wild and hatchery stocks in their area. Inch Creek coho and chum are indicators for Strait of Georgia stocks and South Coast stocks respectively. The latest data available indicate the following juvenile to adult survival rates for hatchery releases: Chum 1.3%; Coho 5.2%; Chinook 1.4%; Steelhead 4.0% All SEP FHMP Draft, June

39 Description of Kitimat River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Kitimat River Hatchery is located on Humphreys Creek adjacent to the Lower Kitimat River in the industrial area south of the city of Kitimat. The Kitimat Hatchery consists of 14 outside raceways, 62 Capilano Troughs, 6 Chum Keeper Channels, 80 Atkin Cells, and 672 Heath trays. The hatchery gets it water three ways; 5 wells are located around the property, there is a river water intake pump, and we use industrial wastewater at 40oC that is supplied by Eurocan. This water is used to heat the building as well as manipulate the growth of the fry. The facility is a satellite facility, designed to culture many different stocks in segregation and return them to their natal streams. Five different species of salmonids are raised at the hatchery, Chum, Chinook, Coho, Cutthroat, and Steelhead. The Steelhead and Cutthroat are actually trout, but they are sea-run trout, which means that they have the same life cycle as a salmon by going out to the ocean to mature and returning to the rivers to spawn. Facility Description Main building - metal clad (35,000 cu. ft.) Storage building for boat - metal (4,000 cu. ft.) Aeration building and control room 5 wells, 8 river pumps, pulp mill condenser water pumps, controls, pipeline) located at Eurocan Pulp and Paper Company 14 concrete raceways - 4 x 50 x 2.5 meters each Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building Enhancement activity started in this area as a pilot hatchery at the Eurocan Pulp Mill to rebuild chinook stocks which had been impacted by fishing pressures and habitat instability from watershed development (mill construction and logging). The current objective of the Kitimat River Hatchery program is to rehabilitate indigenous stocks of chinook, chum, coho and steelhead to support commercial, recreational and First Nations fisheries. Approximately 30-40% of the chum and chinook returns to the rivers are of enhanced origin. Returns in recent years indicate that chum stocks have been rehabilitated. However, because of logging in various watersheds the stocks are vulnerable to regularly occurring high flow events. Fishery The majority of Kitimat chinook are harvested in non-target fisheries in Alaska (46%) and the North Coast Areas (11%). Targeted terminal marine (10%) and freshwater (36%) recreational fisheries harvests occur for Kitimat chinook, which are much prized internationally by recreational anglers for their large size. Many tourists from B.C., All SEP FHMP Draft, June

40 Alberta and around the world travel to the Kitimat for marine and fresh water fishing of these large chinook. The chum fishery targets Kitimat River as well as passing stocks of chum in the approaches to Kitimat Arm and enhanced chum in Kitimat Arm. A significant in river sport fishery (13%) has also developed for these large bright chum. The majority of Kitimat coho are harvested in non-target Alaskan fisheries (38%) and target marine and freshwater sport fisheries. The recreational freshwater steelhead fishery is hatchery-mark only. Without hatchery production, this prized recreational opportunity would be catch and release only. MWLAP places a high value on the steelhead production as this is the second largest winter fishery in BC. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Spring Hirsch Cr 175,000 1,000 Chinook Summer Kildala R 195,000 1,000 Chinook Spring Kitimat R 1,445,000 9,000 Chum Summer Hirsch Cr 1,245,000 30,000 Chum Summer Kitimat R 3,600,000 87,000 Coho Fall Kitimat R 500,000 12,000 Cutthroat Fall Kitimat R 7, Steelhead Winter Kitimat R 50,000 4,700 * Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment Hatchery stocks are marked every year for catch distribution information. Adults are sampled for marks during broodstock capture and spawning ground sampling, but there are logistical difficulties to estimating total spawners. Only chum escapements are used to estimate contribution to escapement. StAD is funding the marking of Kitimat coho for catch distribution. The Kitimat River Fish Hatchery was first started in 1977 as a pilot project. It was located across from the Eurocan Pulp and Paper mill. At that time it consisted of an Atco trailer containing a few troughs. The hatchery only released 50, ,000 fish. The Hatchery was started because of decreased salmon stocks from historical levels, particularly in the Chinook. Overfishing, habitat degradation, industrial logging, etc. caused the decreased stocks. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

41 The Government of Canada granted the Kitimat Hatchery with 10 million dollars to build the facility as it is today. Construction was completed in 1983, and now 11 million fish are released each year. Description of Little Qualicum River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Little Qualicum River Hatchery and Spawning Channel is located on the Little Qualicum River, just north of Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. It consists of a major channel development project for chum production and hatchery facilities for chinook and steelhead. Along with Big Qualicum Channel and Puntledge Hatchery, it is a major contributor to the non-target Area 12/13 and target Area 14 chum fisheries. Water Source and Quality Facility has surface water (5-10 cfs) available. The river water is moderately soft. Alkalinity 35 Hardness 35 ph 7 Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building The primary objective of the chum channel was to produce a healthy, harvestable chum population. Chinook and steelhead were introduced from the Big Qualicum River to develop a viable population for harvest. Fishery Dependent on run strength of these and other co-migrating stocks, a non-targeted net fishery in Johnstone Strait catches an average 39,000 ( ) Little Qualicum chum. An Area 14 targeted chum fishery catches 42,000 Little Qualicum chum, along with Big Qualicum and Puntledge enhanced chum. Without enhanced production, this terminal fishery would be severely restricted. Little Qualicum chinook are significant contributors to B.C. recreational fisheries (>1,000 pieces). A small freshwater catch & release fishery exists for winter run steelhead and anadromous cutthroat. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Fall L Qualicum R 2,500,000 9,000 Chum Fall L Qualicum R 38,000, ,000 All SEP FHMP Draft, June

42 Steelhead Winter L Qualicum R 25,000 1,000 * Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment The facility provides the basic information required of all hatcheries. Coded wire tagged chinook provide data for determining catch distribution, survival and exploitation rates. Chum are currently cyclically marked (finclipped) and in years when they are not marked, Big Qualicum stock status is used as the indicator for this stock. Description of Nitinat River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Nitinat River Hatchery is situated near Nitinat Lake, a tidal salt water fjord, 70 kilometers southeast of Port Alberni on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It can be reached by logging road from Port Alberni, or from Lake Cowichan and Youbou, Nitinat Lake is 23 kilometers long, 1.2 kilometers wide, and has a maximum depth of 200 meters. The lake joins the Pacific Ocean via a narrow tidal passage ("the infamous Gap") three kilometers long and 2.5 meters deep at low tide. Below the depth of 20 to 30 meters, the waters of Nitinat Lake are permanently anoxic, with high levels of hydrogen sulfide. Nitinat River Hatchery is Canada's largest salmon hatchery, and produces chum, chinook and coho salmon, and also some steelhead. The hatchery annually performs the largest chum salmon egg take in all of Canada, with a total of over 40 million eggs being taken. The facility is a major contributor to the commercial chum fishery. Over 350 thousand coho are produced each year, as well as approximately ten thousand steelhead. The facility is also a major producer of chinook, the annual release of which has grown to over six million smolts. This has resulted in a thriving sport fishery inside Nitinat Lake and also in surrounding fishing locations on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Nitinat River Hatchery studies enhancement techniques with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of smolts released. In association with the Ditidaht First Nations band, the hatchery monitors a program of downstream trapping, habitat availability, and net pen rearing in a salt water tidal lake. The hatchery is also involved in habitat improvement projects, stream enumeration, and classification and mapping of spawning gravels. As the Nitinat River has significant natural spawning populations, escapement monitoring is very important to preserve genetic diversity. The hatchery's coded wire tagging program and otolith marking program, both provide important information on the distribution and timing of stocks, which is very useful to Fisheries Management. Nitinat Hatchery also works with other branches of Fisheries, both Federal and Provincial, providing assistance with special programs and management activities. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

43 Water Source and Quality Facility has ground (>10 cfs) and surface water (>10 cfs) available. The water is moderately soft. Alkalinity 30 Conductivity 65 Hardness 34 ph 7.6 Facility Description The Nitinat site is hectares. Masonry block hatchery building (430 cu. m.) with maintenance shop, kitchen, bathrooms, walk-in freezer (45 cu. m.) and 3 offices. Masonry block powerhouse (120 cu. m.) with main electric control centre/hydro diesel transfer, three 325 KVA diesel gensets, 1 well 28 HP 3 phase submersible. Outside building is a fuel storage shed (10 cu. m.) three 36,000 l. metal fuel tanks and a 25 KV to 600 V 3 phase substation. Masonry block river pumphouse building (65 cu. m.) with attached river sump concrete structure(80 cu. m. floor area, 11 m. deep) and two linkbelt 45A overhead travelling screens. Inside the building are five 40 Hp. vertical turbines, one 125 Hp. vertical turbine with 170 Hp. diesel engine and one 50 BHP right angle drive, two motor control centres 3 phase. The total pumping capacity of the river pumps is 73,00 LPM. Masonry block pumphouse DH-1 building (40 cu. m.) with motor control centre /diesel hydro transfer, 75 KW diesel genset and one 40 Hp vertical turbine well pump. Concrete structure aeration tower, two floors (60 cu. m.). All underground piping leads to and from the building. One steel surge tower. Three steel structured metal clad buildings (1200 cu. m. each) house eight concrete keeper channels, full length in each of two buildings and in the third building are eight shorter keeper channels. This building also has incubation and laboratory facilities (500 cu. m.). The incubation facility consists of 70 stacks of Heath trays, 160 Atkins cells and 32 Emmonds bulk boxes. One eight bedroom crew residence (two floors cu. m.) with bathrooms, living area, storage and kitchen. One three bedroom wooden managers residence (two floors cu. m.). One wood structure storage building (two floors cu. m.) with covered open storage area attached. One wood structure carport with concrete slab (150 cu. m.) All SEP FHMP Draft, June

44 Seven covered submersible 3 phase well pumps - 16 Hp, 25 Hp, 40 Hp, 60 Hp, 75 Hp. - total rated groundwater delivery is 39,000 LPM. A paved area complete with concrete rearing area consisting of eight ponds 32 x 4.5 x 1.2 meters and four ponds 32 x 4.5 x 2 meters, surrounded by a distribution and outflow network. Asphalt rearing area consisting of three asphalt channels, 11.5 m. wide and 2.5 m. deep, with varying lengths of 88 m., 80 m. and 70 m. Aluminum rearing area consisting of eight Capilano troughs and three Mega troughs. Four net-pen rearing areas at Gus's Bay, Caycuse, Dooban and Hickeys all on Nitinat Lake with five 7 x 14 m. and four 5 x 5 m. lake pens (wood structures). One boat launch and adult holding/sorting area on Nitinat Lake with 7 x 14 m. covered aluminium float. Facility buildings are completely alarmed with process intrusion and fire alarm systems to a main alarm control panel alert system. Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building The main focus of Nitinat Hatchery is chum production. The hatchery was initially built to stabilize the production of chum fry into Nitinat Lake to allow a consistent chum fishery. Chinook and coho were added to rebuild depressed runs and reduce the impact of the chum fishery. Subsequently, chinook production was increased for recreational and commercial harvest. Sarita River chinook are below desired escapement levels and are enhanced to compensate for habitat damage from logging and the effect of the Barkley Sound recreational fishery. Fishery The Nitinat chum fishery provides a significant, reliable commercial fishery that harvests an average of 391,000 ( ) enhanced chum annually with minimal effect on other chum stocks. Enhancement also stabilizes natural production through significant natural spawning of enhanced chum (151,000). Nitinat chinook are significant contributors to commercial and recreational fisheries from Alaska to the terminal area, contributing an average of 17,000 pieces. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Fall Nitinat R 3,000,000 29,000 Chinook Fall Sarita R 500,000 3,000 Chum Fall Nitinat R 25,000, ,000 Coho Fall Nitinat R 350,000 7,000 Steelhead Winter Nitinat R 9, * Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

45 Assessment Stocks have been coded-wire tagged (chinook and coho) and fin-clipped (chum) to evaluate hatchery production. Fin-clipping of chum has been discontinued due to funding constraints and assessment relies on a thermal otolith mark applied to all hatchery production. Due to logistical difficulties in sampling the escapement, reliable estimates of exploitation rates cannot be calculated for Nitinat stocks. However, Nitinat chinook are part of the stock aggregate used by the Pacific Salmon Commission to indicate trends in escapement to naturally spawning chinook along the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Additional funding is provided by Stock Assessment to conduct escapement surveys for chinook in the area. Description of Pitt River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description The Pitt River summer run sockeye stock is one of the largest sockeye found anywhere, with adults averaging ~3.5kg (some individuals have been recorded in excess of 7.0kg). This is largely due to this stock's propensity to spend an extra year feeding in the ocean (added growth) and return as five year old fish rather than four as most other sockeye stocks. Both their large size and silver-bright condition upon return is valued, so they have been actively targeted by commercial and aboriginal fishers for well over a century. Facility Description The Upper Pitt River Hatchery is a fully self-contained facility. Wood framed hatchery building (incubation room & workshop). Gravity fed surface water intake system with flow structures, settling basin, and underground wood stave water supply system. Open pit well with 550 USgpm capacity (two submersible 3-phase elec. pumps) and underground pvc pipe water supply and distribution system. Wood frame pumphouse on concrete foundation located on creek (diesel driven emergency back-up deepwell pump and pvc pipe water supply. Wooden degassing (aeration) tower. Covered rearing area with 10 capilano troughs on a concrete slab for intermediate rearing. Covered area with 9 circular fiberglass tubs (various dimensions) for extended rearing and experimental study. Portable metal structure powerhouse on concrete slab containing four diesel generators (25-75 Kw) and electric controls for full-time power supply to hatchery; also 10,000 L diesel storagetank and 61,000 gallon propane tanks. Wood frame manager's residence, wood frame crew cookhouse, crew residence trailer, office/crew recreation trailer. Wood frame storage building and covered area for heavy equipment storage. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

46 Tower and electronic equipment for fisheries radio communication, telephone and fax. Low water level alarms to residences. Lake netpens located near Debeck Creek on Pitt Lake. Fish Culture Stock Re-building The earliest recorded sockeye intervention in the upper Pitt area occurred in 1898 when 1.85 million fry were transported in from Morris Creek. Between 1904 and 1906 eggs and fry were brought into Pitt from Morris Creek, Granite Creek, and Pemberton, while eggs taken in the area were subsequently distributed to Vancouver Island, Queen's Park Hatchery in New Westminster, Fraser River Hatchery, and Harrison Lake. In 1915, in an attempt to rebuild sockeye stocks on the Fraser River following the Hell's Gate slide, the federal Dominion Hatchery program was initiated. Funded with 6 million dollars, in excess of 20 sockeye hatcheries were constructed around the province, including one at the now defunct town of Alvin in the upper Pitt River watershed which commenced operations in1917. During it's lifetime it outplanted green and eyed eggs and released both fed and unfed fry. It was also involved in numerous transplants of eggs and fry to and from other areas in the province including the Birkenhead, Lilloet, Harrison, Chilliwack, and Shushwap river systems. The signing of the first Canada/US salmon treaty in 1937 saw the demise of this program and as per the treaty all sockeye enhancement was now undertaken by the International Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commission (IPSFC). By 1960, many upper Fraser River stocks of sockeye had grown rapidly because of enhancement and with increasing "incidental" catches of smaller numbered, nonenhanced stocks such as Pitt, a stabilization program was initiated. This included the construction of a "temporary" experimental facility on Corbold Creek, a tributary of the upper Pitt River. Eggs taken were held to eyed stage in a California trough and basket type incubation room before being planted into upwelling gravel beds. Over the next 23 years 75,000,000 unfed fry were released producing an estimated 800,000 adults. Late 1985 saw the signing of the most recent Canada/US treaty and the IPSFC facilities were absorbed by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans which continues to operate the project today. Fishery Interception (catch) rates average about 60% (10-90% range) of the returning adults. In most years the largest portion of this catch is taken by the lower Fraser River gill net (commercial and aboriginal) and the West coast troll fisheries. Seine and gill net fisheries in Johnson and Juan de Fuca Straights, as well as sport fishers from outer Barclay Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island through to the Fraser River, are also known to harvest these fish. Over the past 50 years the estimated catch has ranged from 6, ,000 pieces, and escapement to the spawning grounds has ranged from 5,000-55,000 fish. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

47 Description of Puntledge River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Puntledge Hatchery is located in the town of Courtenay on the east coast of Vancouver Island. The hatchery is comprised of sites on the lower river, upper river and Headquarters Creek and produces fall and summer run chinook, coho, chum, pink, cutthroat and winter and summer run steelhead. The Puntledge River supports one of the two existing stocks of summer run chinook in the South Coast. The Puntledge River Hatchery was constructed to save these chinook from extinction and to boost other species to healthy levels. Water Quality Alkalinity 18 Conductivity 38 Hardness 18 ph 7.5 Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building The native fall chinook and pink have gone extinct and are being re-established by transplants from Big Qualicum (chinook) and Quinsam (pink). As well, the winter steelhead have twice been supplemented by transplants. Native summer chinook, summer steelhead and cutthroat stocks are threatened. High water temperatures, the presence of a B.C. Hydro dam, logging, and urbanization combine to hinder stock rebuilding efforts. Copper contamination from an abandoned copper mine on Mt. Washington poses a significant environmental threat to salmon production capability of the Tsolum River and lower Courtenay River. Coho populations are healthy, but only because of enhanced production. Remnant wild stocks of steelhead, especially summer run, are declining and are of extreme conservation concern and cutthroat are threatened. The facility is working with Province to rehabilitate these runs. Discontinuing enhancement will likely result in subsequent loss of significant funding from B.C. Hydro wateruse plan and Bridge Coastal Compensation Program for habitat restoration and maintenance. There would be severe impacts because of degraded habitat. Fishery Puntledge coho are significant contributors to the Strait of Georgia recreational fishery (>3,000 pieces). The stock is largely resident within the Strait of Georgia, although migrates to West Coast Vancouver Island during some years. All coho have been massed marked for hatchery mark-selective fisheries. Small numbers of Puntledge chinook (mainly fall run) are harvested, mainly in the Strait of Georgia recreational fishery. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

48 Dependent on run strength of these and other co-migrating stocks, a non-targeted net fishery in Johnstone Strait occurs. An Area 14 targeted chum fishery catches 20,000 Puntledge chum, along with Big Qualicum and Little Qualicum enhanced chum. Without enhanced production, this terminal fishery would be severely curtailed. Although the relative contribution of Puntledge Hatchery to this fishery on average is smaller than for the other enhanced stocks, the production improves management of the fishery and helps to sustain the fishery in years when marine survival is low. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Fall Puntledge R 1,800,000 2,000 Chinook Summer Puntledge R 1,800,000 2,400 Chum Fall Puntledge R 3,600,000 47,000 Coho Fall Puntledge R 1,800,000 26,000 Cutthroat Fall Puntledge R 13,500 1,400 Pink Fall Puntledge R 2,800,000 26,000 Pink Fall Tsolum R Steelhead Summer Puntledge R 50,000 1,500 Steelhead Winter Puntledge R 50,000 2,000 * Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment Stocks have been coded-wire tagged (chinook and coho) and fin-clipped (chum and pink) to evaluate hatchery production. Fin-clipping of chum and pink has been discontinued due to funding constraints. Tagging of chinook and coho is continuing to address facility concerns. Description of Quinsam River Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Quinsam Hatchery is located on the Quinsam River, a tributary of the Campbell River, north of the town of Campbell River. This hatchery has played a vital role in restoring natural spawning runs to the Campbell/Quinsam Rivers as well as assisting production of other systems such as the Puntledge and Oyster rivers. The Quinsam/Campbell system is renowned for its run of large chinook. The Campbell River area is a destination area for local and international recreational fishers, as well as becoming a centre for ecotourism. The Quinsam Hatchery has been in operation since Prior to this date the numbers of adult fish returning to spawn were 4,000 coho, 4,000 chinook and 30,000 pink salmon per year. Hatchery returns have boosted these runs to 30,000 coho, 15,000 All SEP FHMP Draft, June

49 chinook and 10,000 pink salmon. This hatchery has played a vital role in restoring natural spawning runs to the Campbell/Quinsam Rivers as well as assisting production of other systems such as the Puntledge and Oyster rivers. Each year, five species of Pacific salmon and two species of searun trout return to the Quinsam and Campbell Rivers to spawn. Generally, the salmon spawn in the fall and the trout in the spring. The preferred time to observe salmon is from September to November. Adult salmon can be found throughout the river, but the largest concentration can usually be found just below the counting fence. Water Source and Quality Facility has ground (>10 cfs) and pumped surface water (>10 cfs) available. Alkalinity 15 Conductivity 40 Hardness 20 ph 7.1 Facility Description The hatchery is located on an 32.4 hectare site at the confluence of Quinsam River and Cold Creek. The buildings on site are of wood frame construction with cedar siding and include: main hatchery building, Quinsam River pump house, clarifier pump house, aeration tower, two storage building, carport, and two residences. Within the pump house buildings are located ancillary equipment and systems, such as emergency power, and back up water supply systems. The main hatchery building contains offices, work shop, egg incubation room, feed storage room, freezer, public areas such as the display room, and washroom facilities. Incubation facilities include, Heath trays, gravel boxes and Atkins cells. Additional items on site include, a power line, access road parking lots and bridge, counting fence, impoundment dam, pipelines (1150 meters) and two clarifiers. The facilities for rearing include: 15 Burrows ponds (4.9 m x 22.8 m x 0.9 m deep), three convertible Burrows pond (4.9 m x 22.8 m x 2.1 m deep), 36 Capilano style troughs, 10-3 meter diameter tubs, and 4 earthen rearing channels. The site is well maintained, and has a park like atmosphere, with picnic tables located in several places. A nature trail parallels the Quinsam River. Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building Both Campbell and Quinsam rivers have been extensively dammed or diverted for hydroelectric power, changing river discharge and flow regimes and making spawning areas inaccessible. Additionally, the city of Campbell River and its associated industry surrounds the lower river and have highly modified the estuary and lower river. The hatchery has played a vital role in restoring natural spawning runs to the Campbell/Quinsam Rivers as well as leading and participating in habitat restoration projects in the river and estuary. Quinsam pinks are the only remaining native population All SEP FHMP Draft, June

50 of pinks on the East Coast of Vancouver Island and are the donor stock to restore pinks to other systems such as the Puntledge, Tsolum, Englishman, Nile and Oyster rivers. The hatchery is currently involved with the Province of B.C. in the Living Gene Bank program for the severely depressed winter run Quinsam steelhead. Rebuilding efforts for chinook on the Campbell River continue with habitat restoration and egg incubators in Elk Falls Channel. Fishery Campbell River is renowned for its tyee chinook fishery, which is largely dependent on enhanced production. Quinsam Hatchery chinook are significant contributors to B.C. recreational fisheries (>1,500 pieces) and are caught by commercial harvesters in northern B.C. and Alaska. Campbell River is also a recreational fishing destination for coho, a large percentage of which originate from Quinsam Hatchery. Over 10,000 pieces are harvested annually in recreational and commercial fisheries in the Strait of Georgia and Central Coast areas. All coho have been massed marked for hatchery mark-selective fisheries. A terminal marine and freshwater recreational fishery for coho is dependent on hatchery production. Quinsam pinks are harvested in the Johnstone Strait commercial fishery. A significant terminal recreational fishery has developed both in the ocean and river to harvest pinks. A small freshwater catch & release fishery exists for winter run steelhead. Recreational fishing for cutthroat (catch & release) is becoming increasingly popular in the spring, as numbers of searun cutthroat have significantly increased due to enhancement. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Fall Quinsam R 4,230,000 12,250 Coho Fall Quinsam R 1,730,000 43,000 Cutthroat Fall Quinsam R 6, Pink Fall Quinsam R 6,000, ,000 Steelhead Winter Quinsam R 20, * Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment Marked (coded-wire tagged or finclipped) hatchery stocks provide much of the critical data for determining catch distribution, survival and exploitation rates. Selected hatchery stocks are also used for stock management and as indicators of the stock status for both wild and hatchery stocks in their area. For chinook and coho, Quinsam provides a long time series of data and is the indicator for Upper Strait of Georgia/Johnstone Strait stocks. Hatchery releases of chinook are now thermal otolith marked to differentiate them from naturally produced fish. Funding is provided by Stock Assessment to apply additional coded-wire tags to hatchery chinook and coho for increased analytical utility. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

51 Quinsam chinook are a Pacific Salmon Treaty indicator stock and receive additional funding for increased escapement sampling. Due to funding constraints, there is no marking of pink stocks. Description of Robertson Creek Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Robertson Creek Hatchery is located on the Somass River system at the outlet of Great Central Lake, northwest of Port Alberni on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. It is a significant contributor to commercial fisheries from Alaska to the terminal area and supports major recreational and First Nations fisheries. The Robertson Creek project began as a spawning channel in When officially opened in 1960, it was the largest artificial spawning channel in North America. The project was designed to introduce pink salmon into the Somass River system, and although 1.6 million pink salmon eggs were planted in the gravel, very few pink salmon returned as adults to the channel. In 1971, a successful pilot operation on Robertson Creek led to construction of a full scale salmon hatchery. Production began with chinook and coho runs in the fall of Steelhead trout were later introduced. An expansion of the facility in 1975 increased the rearing capacity by two ponds. A second expansion in 1980 increased incubation, rearing and adult fish handling facilities and added a water cooling system for the summer months to reduce stress and disease among rearing coho and steelhead fry. Water Source and Quality The facility has surface water (>10 cfs), cool subsurface lake water (>10 cfs). Alkalinity 14 Conductivity 33 Hardness 15 ph 7.3 Facility Description Wood Frame Buildings Include: Pumphouse, Office, Lab, Residence(3), Incubation, Tourist Info, Maintenance Shop(2), Freezer, Shed(7) Steel Frame Buildings Include: Quanset Storage, Marking Trailer, Sheds(2) One well for domestic use. Covered rearing area with 18 Capilano troughs for intermediate rearing on a concrete slab. Covered rearing area with 9-10' diameter tanks for intermediate rearing on a concrete slab. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

52 Covered adult holding for steelhead with 32 condo- minium boxes on a concrete slab. Twenty-seven concrete ponds for juvenile rearing and adult holding. Ten earthen raceways for juvenile rearing. Six uncovered concrete keeper channels for incubation of 1.5 million chinook from the eyed stage. Two covered adult sorting and egg take stations. One pumping station containing four turbine pumps, each capable of 15 cfs, to supply thermocline water for improved fish health and environmental conditions. Two three phase electric power supplies to provide a standby power supply. Alarms linked to answering service for emergency call out by pager. A separate walk-in freezer unit with a 100 m3 holding capacity. A two boiler system for heating incubation water c/w two 1000 gallon propane tanks. Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building The main focus of Robertson Creek Hatchery is coho, steelhead and chinook production for recreational and commercial harvest. Nahmint River chinook are below desired escapement levels and are enhanced to compensate for habitat damage from logging and the effect of the Barkley Sound recreational fishery. Fishery Since the development of Robertson Creek Hatchery in 1971, the Somass River system has become one of Canada s major producers of chinook salmon, with large contributions (40,000 pieces) to ocean troll and recreational fisheries and stimulating the development of substantial terminal recreational, First Nations, and commercial fisheries. A significant portion of the ocean harvest of chinook occurs in SE Alaska fisheries. Robertson Creek coho are significant contributors to the West Coast Vancouver Island and Barkley Sound recreational fishery (>3,000 pieces). All coho have been massed marked for hatchery mark-selective fisheries. These fish are also harvested by commercial harvesters as far north as Alaska. Steelhead are enhanced for fishing opportunities in a cooperative arrangement with the province. A significant FW sport fishery exists targeting marked hatchery steelhead. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Fall Nahmint R 430,000 8,000 Chinook Fall Robertson Cr 7,250, ,000 All SEP FHMP Draft, June

53 Coho Fall Robertson Cr 800,000 24,800 Steelhead Summer Robertson Cr 60,000 2,000 Steelhead Winter Somass R 50,000 4,000 Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment Marked (coded-wire tagged or finclipped) hatchery stocks provide much of the critical data for determining catch distribution, survival and exploitation rates. Selected hatchery stocks are also used for stock management and as indicators of the stock status for both wild and hatchery stocks in their area. For chinook and coho, Robertson Creek Hatchery provides a long time series of data and is the indicator for West Coast Vancouver Island stocks. Funding is provided by Stock Assessment to apply additional coded-wire tags to hatchery chinook and coho for increased analytical utility. Robertson Creek chinook are also a Pacific Salmon Treaty indicator stock and receive additional funding for escapement sampling. With the heavy reliance on Robertson hatchery stocks for assessments of chinook and coho for PST analysis, Robertson data are being scrutinized more than other hatchery data. Description of Snootli Creek Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Snootli Creek Hatchery is located at the head of North Bentick Arm on the Bella Coola River near the town of Hagensborg. An unmanned spawning channel and earthen rearing channels are located adjacent to the Atnarko River in Tweedsmuir Park. Built in 1978, with an initial capacity of 10 million eggs, this Japanese-style hatchery was designed to increase adult chum salmon returns to the Bella Coola River and its tributaries by 160,000 fish annually. Water Source and Quality Facility has ground (3.6 cfs) and surface water (5 cfs) available, multiple rearing containers and reliable fish culture experience. Alkalinity 6 Conductivity 34 Hardness 10 ph 6.5 Facility Description Hatchery Buildings Wood frame office 180 sq.m. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

54 Steel arch incubation (chum) 1080 sq.m. Wood frame early rearing 270 sq.m. Wood frame incubation (chinook) / lunch room / office 270 sq.m. Wood frame boat shed/shop 156 sq.m. Steel arch shop/storage 387 sq.m. Two story duplex, wood frame residence 316 sq.m. Freezer/cooler 60 sq.m. Post and beam storage 160 sq.m. Aeration tower, reinforced concrete 25 sq.m. Structures Concrete chum rearing ponds (8) 540 sq.m. Concrete chinook rearing ponds (2) 135 sq.m. Reinforced conrete surface intake 12 sq.m. 8 well houses, well capacity lpm 42 sq.m. Enfiltration pit 30 sq.m. Other Release channel, 2 m wide x 200 m long, upgraded spawning gravel, upgraded rearing capacity. Site surrounded on east and north sides by 2000 sq.m. rip-rap dyke. Three phase power; 600 Volt 200 amp back-up generator. Radio alarm system linked to pagers and portable alarms for emergency call out. Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building Snootli Hatchery was designed to increase adult chum returns to various stocks on the Bella Coola River to increase fishing opportunities and mitigate the effects of spawning habitat loss in the Lower Bella Coola River and its tributaries. Chinook and coho enhancement began in response to declines associated with high exploitation in nontarget (mixed stock) fisheries. The hatchery is also responsible for maintaining a pink spawning channel to buffer against the loss of natural production during high water events. The Rivers Inlet/Smith Inlet sockeye program is part of a recovery plan whose goal is to rebuild these severely depressed stocks to self-sustaining population levels. Severely depleted Rivers Inlet chinook stocks are enhanced in Cupertino with local community groups. Fishery The majority of Atnarko chinook are harvested in non-target fisheries in Alaska (30%) and the North Coast Areas (17%). The targeted terminal fisheries occur in Area 8 and include a gillnet fishery, First Nations FSC fishery and recreational fishery. Wannock River chinook are exceptionally large bodied, red-fleshed fish, much prized by recreational anglers. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

55 The chum fishery targets enhanced chum in North Bentick Arm. The hatchery has been very successful in providing a large, consistent commercial catch almost every year since operations began. An average of 109,000 (26%) chum have been harvested in Area 8 between The scale of sockeye enhancement is to rebuild these stocks to self sustaining levels, not to support a fishery. Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Summer Atnarko R 1,808,000 7,000 Chinook Summer Noosgulch R 43, Chinook Summer Nusatsum R 86, Chinook Summer Salloomt R 86, Chinook Fall Wannock R 86, Chum Summer Fish+Airport 1,656,000 23,500 Chum Summer Salloomt R 1,656,000 23,500 Chum Summer Snootli Cr 1,656,000 23,500 Chum Summer Thorsen Cr 1,656,000 23,500 Sockeye Summer Owikeno Lake Tribs Sockeye Summer Long Lake Tribs 440,000 3, ,000 1,000 * Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment Snootli chum stock is fin-clipped every year and escapement assessed to provide contribution and exploitation estimates for this stock. This exploitation rate is used to estimate exploitation rates for the other enhanced stocks that are marked cyclically. Atnarko chinook are marked every year for assessment of hatchery contribution and extensive enumeration and mark recovery occurs in the FSC fishery and escapement. StAD is currently investigating the use of the hatchery chinook stock to estimate exploitation rates for other Central Coast stocks. The hatchery works with community groups to culture, mark and assess a local coho stock. Thermal marks (otolith bands) are applied to all sockeye prior to release. Returning adults have not yet occurred. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

56 Description of Spius Creek Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Spius Creek hatchery is located about 15 km west of Merritt, 0.5 km upstream of the Nicola/Spius confluence. Modern fish culture techniques are used to produce coho and chinook salmon. The juvenile fish are reared two months to seventeen months (depending on the stock) at the hatchery and are then released into the interior rivers of their origin. The juveniles then migrate to the Thompson River down to the Fraser River to the Pacific Ocean. The fish grow in the ocean from two to five years (depending on the species) and will then return to spawn in the interior rivers that they were released into. Hatchery statistics and hatchery benefits provide more detailed information. Water Source and Quality Facility has ground (2 4 cfs) and surface water (5 10 cfs) available. Alkalinity 184 Conductivity 425 Hardness 193 ph 7.7 Facility Description Wood frame/metal clad hatchery building containing an incubation room, storage room, mechanical room, workshop, wet lab, reception area, two offices and staff washrooms (no public washrooms). Two story hatchery residence located on a small terrace overlooking access road and facility. Wood frame/metal clad storage building: two bays. Three wells with a delivery capacity of approximately 7800 lpm. B. C. Hydro 3-phase, 600 volt power supply and 75 Kw, 90 amp genset backup. A Spius Creek gravity fed-surface water supply which is licenced to draw up to lpm.from the creek. Conventional packed column aeration tower. Eighty individual isolation boxs (for adult steelhead holding). One hundred and two half stack vertical tray incubators. Twelve Capilano troughs for early rearing. Eight small concrete raceways (total usable volume of 92 m3). Six modular aluminum raceways; three paid for by B. C. Hydro (total usable volume of 114 m3). Six final rearing concrete raceways (total usable volume of 414 m3). Three additional modular aluminum raceways (paid for by B. C. Hydro). Separate freezer building with 15,000 kg fish food capacity. Continuous-run effluent settling pond and vacuum waste settling pond. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

57 Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building Spius hatchery is a key conservation facility for Thompson stocks. The project is working with a number of stocks from the Thompson coho aggregate, recently listed as endangered by COSEWIC. Returns have increased slightly due to extreme harvest restrictions and slightly improved marine survival but stocks are still of extreme conservation concern. Salmon River stock in particular is on the verge of extirpation. Chinook rebuilding efforts on the Nicola are intended to act as a safeguard against fluctuating natural production due to climate events. During the past three years, endangered coho stocks from the Shuswap Hatchery have been over-summered at Spius Creek Hatchery. Description of Tenderfoot Creek Salmonid Enhancement Facility General Description Tenderfoot hatchery is located near the town of Squamish, north of Vancouver. Tenderfoot Creek Hatchery was built in 1981 to enhance primarily chinook salmon stocks in the Squamish River watershed. The hatchery enhances chinook, coho, pink and chum stocks from the Squamish system. Steelhead were enhanced during previous years. At full production the facility will contribute 20 thousand chinook, 25 thousand coho and one thousand steelhead to the commercial, sport and native food fisheries of British Columbia. Additionally, it will contribute to conservation efforts on endangered, local salmon stocks. Although located beside Tenderfoot Lake, the hatchery is used to enhance many different stocks of chinook, coho and steelhead. These salmonids normally spawn in the mainstem of the Squamish River or its major tributaries, including the Mamquam River, Ashlu River, Elaho River, Cheakamus River, Tenderfoot Creek and in the Indian River, 36 Mile Creek and Shop Creek. This process, called satelliting, makes use of a large, centrally located hatchery designed to enhance several different stocks, instead of operating several smaller hatcheries built beside each river. Water Source and Quality Facility has ground (<10 cfs) water available. Alkalinity 27 Conductivity 83 Hardness 32 ph 7 Facility Description Masonry block hatchery building (mechanical room, incubation room, lunchroom/kitchen, 2 washrooms, locker room, 6 room office area). Wood frame workshop/storage building with complete shop tools. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

58 Wood frame open storage building. Steel frame open storage building. Crew residence/garage. 2 bedroom. Egg take/sampling building. 2 wells with a capacity of 750 USPGM (25 HP single phase submersible). Underground PVC pipe water supply and distribution system. Presently, not used. 1 deep well with a capacity of 2000 USGPM. 1 infiltration gallery well with a capacity of 3000 USGPM. 2 reinforced concrete aeration towers and elevated water storage tanks. Uncovered rearing area with 16 Capilano troughs for intermediate rearing, on a concrete slab. 8 small concrete raceways for adult holding and juvenile rearing. 24 adult holding "condo" boxes. Concrete rearing channels with concrete inlet and outlet control structures with PVC drain pipe and concrete outflow structure into Tenderfoot Lake. Three phase electric power supply 125 KW diesel generator stand-by-power supply and diesel motor to run deep well. Alarms linked to answering service for emergency call out by pager. A separate freezer building with a 120 m3 holding capacity. Seapens located at Porteau Cove. Fish Culture Objectives Stock Re-Building The facility was initially constructed to address the problem of serious decline in chinook populations in the Squamish River watershed. Chinook stocks were subject to conservation measures in the mid to late 1980 s and are stable but likely below target (assessment is difficult). The chinook rebuilding program originally worked with individual stocks within the watershed but now concentrates on a stock aggregate captured from Porteau Cove/Brittania Beach, an area seaward of the Squamish estuary. Juveniles are sea-pen reared and released from Porteau Cove. The original strategy utilizing natal capture and release of individual chinook stocks proved to be unworkable. Similar declines subsequently occurred in coho and steelhead populations and these stocks were added to the enhancement objectives. Like most southern coho stocks, Squamish watershed stocks experienced declining marine survival in the 1990 s and inriver sport fisheries were closed in the early/mid 90 s. Survival has improved and stocks are beginning to rebuild. Pink populations have also experienced drastic declines since the highs of the mid 1960 s. Fishery Coho contribute to marine fisheries in the Strait of Georgia or the West Coast Vancouver Island, depending on distribution patterns. Coho have been mass marked for marine hatchery mark-selective fisheries. Chinook outside catch averages about 1,200 pieces, with the majority of the fish taken in the North Central sport and commercial fisheries and the Strait of Georgia recreational fisheries. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

59 Species Run Stock Release Expected Adults * Chinook Summer Porteau Cv 1,200,000 6,000 Chinook Summer Squamish R Chum Fall Tenderfoot Cr 100,000 1,000 Coho Fall Ashlu Cr 35,000 1,200 Coho Fall Mamquam R 35,000 1,200 Coho Fall Squamish R 35,000 1,200 Coho Fall Tenderfoot Cr 100,000 3,500 Pink Fall Cheakamus 1,000,000 10,000 * Expected Adults are calculated using average survival rates and do not reflect survival rates observed during the recent return year. Assessment Chinook from Tenderfoot were formerly a stock assessment indicator stock but are no longer because it was too difficult to mount an adequate escapement program for the Squamish river. Chinook are now marked (coded-wire tagged) cyclically for project assessment. Tenderfoot coho are used by HEB as an indicator stock for other Squamish watershed coho stocks and are marked annually. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

60 Standard Operating Procedures for SEP Hatcheries This list outlines a variety of options for fish culture procedures that are used at SEP hatcheries to promote fish health. These options are all "acceptable practices" but may not all be used under all conditions or for all species. SEP encourages innovation and flexibility in fish culture operations to ensure the best possible treatment for the fish considering operational constraints. Each procedure listed addresses one of the principles of fish health management, as discussed in the first section of this report. The main principle(s) being followed for each procedure are indicated by a letter code (P = excludes or controls pathogens; E = provides a clean environment; F = reduces fish stress; R = considerations for keeping records and following regulations; G = reduces potential negative genetic impacts). Adult Broodstock Adult Capture Capture Method F- Adults are captured using the least stressful or injurious technique available considering the species, numbers of fish and location of capture. F- An attraction channel allows adult salmon to swim directly into the adult holding ponds. F- Broodstock are captured manually by swimmers using tail snares. F- Broodstock are received into a fish ladder and trap. F- Broodstock are captured in a trap. F- Broodstock are angled and transported from the river to the hatchery. F- Broodstock are captured by seine boat in salt water. F- Broodstock are captured primarily by drifting gill nets through known holding areas. F- Broodstock are collected using tangle nets and beach seines. F- Broodstock are captured using electro-fishing equipment. F- Broodstock are captured by snagging or gaffing. Broodstock Selection G- Broodstock selection follows the recommendations in the Genetics Guidelines, to ensure that enhanced fish maintain the fitness characteristics of the native stock. G- The percentage of Jacks in the broodstock reflects the proportion in the population. G- All adults captured are transported to the hatchery to serve as broodstock. G- Some captured adults are released based on unbalanced sex or age ratios or apparent health condition. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

61 P- F- G- Select clean healthy brood stock (adults and jacks) with no obvious physical defects (boils, lesions, discolouration, etc.). G- Wild fish and hatchery returns are used as broodstock according to the genetic guidelines. G- Broodstock are chosen from throughout the adult return timing period. Adult Transport Preparing Transport Tanks E- F- Clean, cool water is used to fill transport tanks. F- Ions/salts are added to transport water to reduce osmotic stress. F- Vidalife (polyvinylpyrrolidone) is added to tank water to reduce skin damage from trauma. F- Sedative (Marinil, Aquacalm) is added to transported water to reduce fish stress. Loading Transport Tanks F- Transport tanks are loaded using a fish pump (pescalator). F- Fish are transferred to the transport tanks in water in buckets. F- Transport tanks are loaded using dipnets. F- Fish are transferred to the transport tanks using backpacks. F- Transport tank is filled to the brim with water to avoid sloshing. Tank Transport E- F- Dissolved oxygen levels are maintained at or near saturation using aeration stones fed from compressed oxygen tanks or air pumps. E- F- Transport water is cooled with ice or chillers for long hauls on hot days. E- F- Transport tanks are insulated to maintain a cool, even, water temperature. E- F- Tanks are kept fully covered (dark) to minimize stress. F- Travel time in the transport tanks is kept to a minimum. E- F- Transport trucks are driven in a manner to minimize tank disturbance (jostling). E- F- Metabolites are filtered out during transport. Adult Handling General F- Fish are held out of water for the shortest possible time to avoid stress. F- Individual fish are handled with care and with minimal stress so as to prevent any damage to gametes (eggs and milt). F- Fish that are expected to survive are not held solely by the tail. Anaesthetic Use F- Broodstock are handled without anaesthetic if the handling is quick and minor. F- Fish are sedated if handling is minor but takes time. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

62 F- Fish are anesthetized if handling is extensive. F- Anaesthetics are stored, handled and applied according to manufacturer's recommendations (WHMIS) and fish health manager's instructions. F- Time under anesthetic is minimized to provide as gentle a recovery as possible. F- Anaesthetic bath is big enough to completely immerse the fish. F- Anaesthetic bath is kept cool and well oxygenated. F- Anaesthetic bath is changed frequently. F- Sodium bicarbonate is added to the anaesthetic bath to reduce acidosis. F- Electro-anaesthesia is carried out under strict safety guidelines. Handling Equipment E- F- The brailer/crowding system is designed with no sharp edges to minimize skin abrasion. E- F- Fish handling equipment is inspected before each use for sharp edges or projections that might cause damage to fish skin, and repairs are made before being used. E- F- Fish-friendly nets (knotless nylon), are used to minimize skin abrasion. P- E- F- Handling equipment is cleaned thoroughly between operations. P- E- F- Portable handling equipment (nets, backpacks, etc.) are sterilized and rinsed between uses. Broodstock Crowding F- Volitional crowding is encouraged by placing a tarp over one end of the holding pond. F- Fish are crowded from a downstream to an upstream direction to minimize stress. F- Crowding is carried out slowly to allow the fish to adjust. F- Broodstock are crowded using a seine net. F- Broodstock are crowded using a custom-designed crowding fence in the holding raceway. Broodstock Sorting F- Broodstock are sorted on a sorting table with a smooth, wetted, clean surface. F- Tubes with flowing water are used to direct the fish to different holding containers. Tagging Broodstock F- Tags are selected that provide minimal impact on fish well being while providing clear visibility F- Tags are applied according to manufacturer's directions. F- Tags are applied to sedated or anesthetized fish to minimize stress F- Fish-friendly adult tags include: operculum, spaghetti, PIT, opercular punch... Adult Holding Water Quality All SEP FHMP Draft, June

63 F- E- Water temperature is monitored continuously and flow/source are adjusted to keep the containers as cool as possible. F- E- Oxygen levels are monitored continuously and water flow is adjusted to compensate for low readings. E- P- Strict disinfection and hygiene procedures are used. P- To minimize two-way transmission of disease, mature broodstock are kept separate from production fish. Loading Rates E- Fish will be held at densities not exceeding 35 kg/m 3. E- Fish will be held at densities not exceeding 13 kg/m 2. E- Fish will be held at densities not exceeding 1.5 kg/lpm. Groups F- Broodstock are held in mixed-sex groups to ensure maturation. F- Broodstock are kept in same-sex groups to ease processing during spawning. F- Broodstock are kept in groups determined by their timing of arrival. F- Broodstock are kept in separate species groups. Conditions P- Fish are routinely observed for signs of health and disease. E- F- Disturbance by activities around holding containers is kept to a minimum. E- F- Light levels are reduced by opaque covers over the holding containers. F- Predators are kept away from broodstock (see Predator Control). P- Mortalities are removed whenever they are discovered. P- Cause of death for pre-spawn mortalities are classified. E- F- Where possible separate staff and equipment are designated for broodstock. Records P- R- Mortalities are immediately reported and recorded. R- Records are kept according to the ENPRO Adult Manual, and may include: Species Numbers caught Location of capture Method of capture Transport method Drug use (sedative, antibiotic) Number retained Sex Age Date of capture Tag numbers All SEP FHMP Draft, June

64 POHL Comments on health condition Adult Treatments Maturation F- Photoperiod manipulation is used to accelerate or synchronize broodstock maturation. E- F- Water temperature is cooled to accelerate or synchronize broodstock maturation. F- Broodstock are treated with gonadotropin to accelerate maturation, according to manufacturer's instructions. Fungus and Disease P- Broodstock are treated preventatively for specific infectious diseases prior to maturation, particularly those diseases that may be transmitted vertically, i.e., from parent to egg. P- Medications are handled and applied according to the manufacturer's and veterinarian's instructions in a safe manner using appropriate equipment. F- Vidalife (PVP) is added to adult holding pond to reduce skin injury. P- Parasite-S (formalin) treatments are administered frequently to reduce fungal infections. P- Broodstock are injected with oxytetracycline as a prophylaxis against bacterial infection. P- The type and timing of therapeutant treatments required is decided by the Veterinarian and Fish Health Management. Records R- Withdrawal times are calculated and posted for each treated group. R- Treatment information that is recorded includes: Fish group Treatment date(s) Species/stock/size/age of fish Treatment chemical Application method Dosage Veterinarian approval Clearance time Adult Spawning Pre-spawn F- Fish are anesthetized prior to handling for ripeness checks. F- Unripe fish are immediately returned to clean, cool water to recover from anesthesia. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

65 F- Fish are killed by a sharp blow to the head. F- Broodstock are killed by anaesthetic overdose. P- E- Broodstock are wiped with iodophore prior to spawning to minimize spread of disease. P- E- Broodstock are wiped with a clean, dry cloth prior to extraction of gametes. Females P- Females that do not look healthy (lumpy, lesions, discoloured), are not used. P- Eggs from females with unhealthy kidneys are rejected. P- E- Females are immersed in iodophore to disinfect their surface. E- Females are bled head-down for at least 10 minutes to minimize blood contamination of eggs. E- Paper towels are placed inside the operculum to minimize blood contamination. E- Females are only bled if problems have occurred with blood contamination of eggs. F- Eggs are stripped from females first, then milt is taken from males. E- Females are slit open in a way that minimizes bleeding and maximizes access for egg extraction. P- Knives are disinfected between use on different females. Males F- Milt is collected by cradling the male and extending the tail, while applying firm but gentle pressure on both sides of the body at the level of the testes. P- E- Males are milked so as to minimize the contamination of milt by feces. P- Broodstock are observed for internal and external signs of disease. P- All males are killed after stripping unless there is a shortage of males in this group. F- Males, if used for multiple egg takes, are monitored for recovery from anesthesia. Adult Disease Screening P- Adult broodstock are screened for disease if there is a need according to the judgement of Fish Health Management. P- Screened adults are numbered, with the number being traceable to the eggs/milt and the tissue/fluid samples collected for lab analysis from the same adult. P- Tissue and fluid samples for disease screening are collected according to veterinarian instructions. P- Field disease screening kits are used according to manufacturer's instructions. P- Replicate disease samples are taken from some fish to proof the lab analyses. P- If required, carcasses are sampled for diseases (see Disease Sampling Protocols, below) Records R- Records are kept according to the ENPRO Adult Manual. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

66 Adult Carcass Disposal Stream Placement E- Carcasses are placed into local streams according to DFO Carcass Placement Guidelines. P- Carcasses are placed only in their natal stream. P- Carcasses are placed in nearby streams within the same watershed and disease zone. P- Fish that show visible signs of disease are not used in egg takes. E- Fish treated with an antibiotic or anesthetic are not used for carcass placement. E- Carcasses are frozen for later placement in streams. E- Carcasses are tethered in place using biodegradable materials such as natural-weave ropes. E- Non-biodegradable tether are collected and removed from the stream after decompostion. E- Carcasses are anchored in place using natural anchors such as large woody-debris, log- jams, beaver dams. R- Records of numbers and species of carcasses placed in streams are kept. Other Disposal Methods P- E- Carcasses are disposed of into solid waste containers and removed to local landfill. P- E- Carcasses are removed for fish sales (ESSR). P- E- Carcasses are composted. P- E- Carcasses are buried in a facility landfill. Eggs/Alevins Egg Take Equipment E- Egg take is carried out under cover, away from inclement weather, especially rain. E- Egg take and gamete handling is conducted in a hygienic manner. P- E- Clean, dry containers are used to collect eggs and sperm. P- E- All egg-take containers are disinfected between use on different females. Egg Removal F- Only loose eggs are gently removed from skeins (no tearing or forcible removal). P- Eggs and ovarian fluid are observed for signs of disease, such as cloudiness, overripeness or discoloration. P- E- Hard and other abnormal eggs are discarded. E- Extra care is taken to ensure that no water contacts the eggs prior to fertilization. E- Presence of broken eggs is tested with a drop of ovarian fluid in clean water. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

67 E- Eggs are treated with sodium bicarbonate solution to reduce impact of broken eggs. E- Batches containing many broken eggs are discarded. E- Blood clots are removed from egg masses prior to fertilization. Milt P- G- Milt from different males is collected into separate containers. F- At least 1 ml of milt is collected per male or the male is returned to holding to use at a later date. F- Milt that appears questionable (watery, discoloured, thick, or contaminated with water, blood or organic matter) is discarded. F- G- Sperm samples from each male are checked for motility prior to use. F- G- Milt from each male is assessed for spermatocrit to determine suitability for use. Fertilization F- Eggs and sperm are stored in a cool, dark, dry location prior to fertilization. G- Crosses are carried out according to the DFO Genetics Guidelines. G- Matrix spawning is used to maximize genetic diversity. G- One-to-one crosses are used to mimic natural conditions. G- Egg batches are combined and fertilized with a mixture of milt from different males. F- Eggs/sperm are left to mix for at lease 1 minute after the addition of milt. P- E- Clean (sterile), cool (same temperature as eggs) water is added to the egg/sperm mix. E- F- Only enough water to cover the eggs is added to activate fertilization and hardening. E- F- Egg containers are filled with clean water to activate fertilization and hardening. P- Eggs are disinfected in iodophore for 1 hour following fertilization and water hardening. P- Egg take will be done in as hygienic a manner as possible to prevent transmission of diseases to other broodstock or progeny. Gamete Transport/Moving P- Fish Transplant Permits are obtained when eggs and/or milt are transported to the hatchery from outside the watershed. E- Transport occurs in clean, labeled containers with secure lids. F- Eggs and milt are transported unfertilized. F- Eggs are transported at the eyed stage. F- Eggs are transported within 24 hrs of fertilization and water hardening. E- F- Milt is transported in sealed plastic bags inflated with oxygen. E- F- Eggs and milt are kept cool and in the dark, with minimal disturbance during transport. E- F- Eggs and milt are transported on ice (not direct contact to avoid freezing). All SEP FHMP Draft, June

68 Records R- Records are kept according to the ENPRO Adult Manual. Incubation Post fertilization E- F- Incubators are loaded at prescribed densities depending on the container and species, determined from prior experience and expected conditions. P- F- A sample of eggs is checked for fertilization success at the 4-cell or 8-cell stage hours following fertilization. Incubation conditions E- F- Dissolved oxygen is monitored and adjustments to incubator loads and water flow are made to compensate for low readings. P- E- Flow is kept low enough to avoid mechanical disturbance of eggs. P- E- Water supply is sterilized using UV lamps. E- Water supply is ozonated to sterilize it. E- F- Water supply is filtered to remove solid particles. E- F- Water supply is supplemented with salts to reduce ionic stress on eggs/alevins. E- F- Incubation temperature is controlled to obtain optimal development. E- F- Eggs/alevins are incubated in the dark with minimal disturbance. E- F- All mechanical disturbance is avoided in pre-eyed eggs. Health Monitoring P- Eggs/alevins are routinely observed for signs of health and disease. P- Diseased groups of eggs/alevins are quarantined to prevent spread of the infection. P- Cast off egg shells are removed following hatching. P- Eggs diagnosed positive with disease organisms are culled from production. P- Culled eggs are destroyed. G- Disease-positive eggs are planted into their natal stream only if they are from an endangered stock. Equipment P- Incubation containers are thoroughly cleaned and dried between egg batches. P- Incubation containers are cleaned in citric acid to clean and sterilize them. P- Incubation containers are sterilized in iodophore between egg batches. Records R- ATU s are calculated and recorded to track develop. R- Egg/alevin developmental milestones (eyed, hatch, button-up) are observed and recorded. R- Incubation information are recorded according to the ENPRO Incubation Manual. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

69 Egg/Alevin Treatment Fungal/Disease P- Eggs are routinely treated with Parasite-S (formalin) to reduce fungal infections. P- Eggs are routinely treated with a salt solution to reduce fungal infections. P- Eggs are routinely treated with hydrogen peroxide to reduce fungal infections. P- Disease treatments of eggs/alevins follow the instructions of the veterinarian and the drug supplier. Marking E- F- Temperature changes in thermal marking procedures are limited to +/- 5C to minimize temperature stress. E- F- Strontium marking is carried out according to safe concentration procedures. E- F- Drip or bath treatments of rare earth elements are kept to the safe recommended concentrations. Egg Picking Timing P- F- Eggs are shocked and picked after reaching the eyed stage, and as required to keep the proportion of dead in the incubators to a low level. P- F- Pre-eyed picks are carried out if mortalities are very high. Extra care is taken to avoid disturbing live eggs while picking out dead eggs. Methods P- Mortalities are observed on a routine and frequent basis. F- Eggs are picked by hand using modified tweezers. F- Mechanical egg pickers are operated according to the manufacturer's specifications. P- Mechanical pickers are sterilized between egg batches. Records R- Unusually high mortalities are recorded and reported to the veterinarian. R- Cumulative mortalities for each incubation container are recorded in ENPRO. R- Mortalities during the first four days of rearing will be recorded as incubation mortalities. R- The first pick of mortalities after ponding is the last pick from the incubation room. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

70 Juveniles Juvenile Rearing Ponding Timing F- Eggs are ponded to keeper channels at the "eyed" stage. F- Fry are ponded when they reach the swim-up stage. F- Fry are ponded when 80% of them reach the button-up stage. Ponding Methods E- F- Fry are ponded into water of similar temperature to the incubation temperature. F- Swim-up fry migrate volitionally downstream to the rearing ponds. F- Fry are ponded from incubators to rearing containers by arranging plumbing to allow volitional downstream movement. F- Incubators are emptied into rearing containers with great care not to damage the fry. F- Fry are ponded from incubators to rearing containers using dipnets. F- Fry are ponded from incubators to rearing containers using buckets. E- F- Keeper channels are covered to protect the eggs from sunlight and predators. Health Observations P- Fish are routinely observed for signs of health, injury and disease. P- Groups of fish suspected of having a disease are sampled for lab analysis, according to the veterinarian's instructions. Rearing Conditions E- F- Fish are kept at densities not exceeding 20 kg/m 3. E- F- Fish are kept at densities not exceeding 10 kg/m 2 E- F- Fish are kept at densities not exceeding 1.2 kg/lpm E- F- A minimum exchange rate of 1 per hour is maintained. E- F- Oxygen level is checked regularly and flows are adjusted to compensate for low readings. E- F- Rearing ponds are covered with shade netting. F- Disturbance of rearing fish is kept to a minimum. F- Predators are kept out of rearing ponds (see Predator Control). Cleaning E- F- Troughs are not cleaned for the first 4 days after ponding. E- Rearing troughs are cleaned by pulling the standpipe. F- Container water level is never drained to less than 1/2 of the operating depth. E- Rearing ponds are designed to be self cleaning with baffles. E- Rearing ponds are cleaned daily with gentle sweeping. E- Water quality is not compromised by accumulation of feed and fecal material. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

71 E- Fish rearing containers are kept clean to optimize water quality. E- Containers are vacuumed twice per week. Records R- Rearing fish are sampled for lengths/weights every two weeks (see Juvenile Handling, above). R- Changes in behaviour and physical condition are reported and recorded. R- Groups of fish are tracked from their incubation containers to their rearing containers using the ENPRO Juvenile Manual. R- Biological sampling includes: species, stock, length, weight, condition, and comments on appearance. R- The Fish Health Assessment procedure is used to monitor general health condition of the fish by recording detailed observations of internal and external morphology. Juvenile Feeding Start-up Feeding E- F- Food is withheld from newly ponded fry for 2 full days after ponding. E- F- Newly ponded fry are not fed for the first four days to allow adjustment to their new environment. F- Once feeding has begun, the water surface is lightly dusted with food every 30 to 45 minutes, whether the fry respond or not. Feed Rates F- Feed rates (timing and amount) follow the recommended values calculated in ENPRO. F- Feed rates (timing and amount) follow the recommended values of the manufacturer's feed tables. F- Feed rates (timing and amount) are determined from prior hatchery experience, including consideration of goals for growth rates, feed conversion efficiency and target release size. F- Feed sizes are selected following the manufacturer's guidelines and past experience. F- Types of feed are selected based on past history and program goals. P- Medicated feed is delivered to the fish in accordance with the Veterinarian s instructions. Delivery Methods F- All of the scheduled feed is distributed during the course of the day. F- Each feeding session continues until all the fish are satiated, to avoid pinheading/dropout. R- Unfed food (leftovers) are recorded. E- Feed is protected from sun and rain before and during feeding. F- Mechanical and hand feeding methods are combined to provide optimal feed delivery. E- Mechanical feeders are cleaned regularly. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

72 E- Feed buckets are washed and dried frequently. E- Spilled feed is cleaned up immediately from around rearing containers. Observation P- F- Fish are observed during feeding for unusual behavior. P- If fish are suspected to have contracted a disease, feeding is suspended. E- If water quality deteriorates, feeding is suspended until good water quality is restored. P- F- Notice is taken of fish not feeding as usual, which is a good indicator of disease or poor water quality. Feed Storage and Handling Storage E- Feeds are stored according to manufacturer's recommendations. E- Feeds are discarded according to shelf life expiration date listed on feed bag. E- Feeds are protected from extremes of heat, light and humidity. E- Feed is stored in a clean, dry area that is free of predators. E- Feed buckets have secure lids that exclude rain and pests. E- Frozen feeds are kept frozen until as close to distribution as possible. E- Medicated feed is stored in clearly marked bags separately from non-medicated feed. Handling E- Medication mixed into feed is stored with a Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) which specifies handling and safety precautions. E- Excess medicated feed following completion of the treatment is disposed of according to the Veterinarian's instructions. E- An MSDS for all medications used on site is located in the Hatchery office. E- As per WHMIS all chemicals are handled safely by trained staff e.g., by wearing appropriate protective gear and taking suitable precautions. Records R- The label on the medicated feedbag states details about the feed, medication included, feed rate, name of the veterinarian, prescription number and date it was milled. R- Feed is supplied by feed mills that have been inspected by CFIA. R- Medicated feed is inventoried separately from regular feed. R- Daily inventory records are kept of all feed fed to the fish. Juvenile Mortality Collection and Disposal Collection P- E- Mortalities are collected on a routine and frequent basis. P- E- Mortalities are counted and classified as they are collected. P- E- All dead and moribund fish are removed from rearing containers daily. P- Fish that are suspected of being diseased (dark, deformed, pin-head, fungused) are removed from the rearing containers. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

73 P- Mortalities are classified as to apparent cause of death according to types in the Fish Health Database. P- The mortality storage area is distant from the rearing containers to minimize spread of disease. P- Buckets used to collect mortalities have secure, tight-fitting lids that exclude predators and scavengers. P- Equipment used to collect mortalities is disinfected after each mort collection. P- Separate raingear is used for mortality collection, or raingear is disinfected between mortality collection and fish feeding operations. Disposal P- Mortalities are disposed of by placing in plastic bags and putting in the garbage. P- Mortalities are disposed of by burial on site. P- Mortalities are disposed of by composting in a remote corner of the property. Records R- Suspected causes of mortality are recorded and management is notified of unusual numbers or types of mortalities. Juvenile Treatments Preparation F- Staff are trained prior to undertaking vaccination procedures. E- Vaccines are stored (refrigerated) and handled as per manufacturer s instructions. P- Vaccines are not used past their expiry date. P- Abnormal-looking vaccine (not a uniform cloudy suspension) is discarded. F- Fish are not fed for 1-3 days prior to vaccination. F- Fish health and size are judged to be suitable before vaccination proceeds. Method P- Dip vaccination is done in accordance with manufacturer s guidelines. P- Intraperitoneal vaccines are administered in accordance with manufacturer s guidelines. P- Bath vaccination is done in accordance with manufacturer s guidelines. R- Both used and un-used vaccines are disposed of according to waste management regulations. P- Treatments for fungus, ectoparasites or diseases are carried out according to the DFO veterinarian's instructions. F- Euthanasia is done humanely, resulting in rapid and irreversible loss of consciousness. Juvenile Marking All SEP FHMP Draft, June

74 Marking Operation F- Marking fish is done in a manner to cause minimal injury and stress to the fish (see Juvenile Handling). F- Marking is done by staff or contractors who are trained in the manufacturer's procedures. F- Fish are anaesthetized for marking (see Juvenile Handling, below). P- Tagged fish are treated with Parasite-S to reduce the occurrence of external infections. P- Marking equipment is disinfected after each batch of fish/day of operation. Mark Type adipose clips, swim-fin clips, branding, coded-wire injection, PIT tag insertion, external tags, physiological tags (thermal, strontium, calcein, oxytetracycline) Juvenile Handling General F- Handling is conducted to minimize injury to the fish. F- When fish are handled out of water, any surface that they touch is kept wet to minimize abrasions and loss of mucous. F- Fish are handled in as stress-free a manner as possible at all times. F- Dip nets loads are kept to a volume that does not crush the fish on the bottom. F- Exposure of fish to stressful events such as crowding and out-of-water events (i.e. handling, counting, grading, tagging, injecting) is minimized. Equipment E- F- Fish handling equipment is inspected before each use for sharp edges or projections that might cause damage to fish skin, and repairs are made before being used. E- F- Fish-friendly nets (knotless nylon), are used to minimize skin abrasion. P- E- F- Handling equipment is cleaned thoroughly between operations. E- F- Handling equipment is coated with Vidalife to reduce skin damage. P- E- F - Handling equipment is disinfected between uses on different groups of fish. P- E- F- Portable handling equipment (nets, backpacks, etc.) are sterilized between uses. Anaesthetic Use F- Fish are handled without anaesthetic if the handling is quick and minor. F- Fish are sedated if handling is minor but takes time. F- Fish are anesthetized if handling is extensive. F- Fish are starved for 24 hr prior to being anaesthetized. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

75 F- Anaesthetics are tested on small groups of fish to evaluate potency. F- Anaesthetic concentration is adjusted to give an induction time of 1-2 minutes. F- Anaesthetics are applied according to manufacturer's recommendations and fish health manager's instructions. F- Time under anesthetic is minimized to provide as gentle a recovery as possible. F- Exposure to anesthetic is minimized while ensuring the anesthetic level is adequate for the procedure. F- Anaesthetic bath is changed frequently. F- Anaesthetic bath is kept cool and well oxygenated. F- Sodium bicarbonate is added to the anaesthetic bath to reduce acidosis. F- Anesthetized fish are monitored carefully during and after exposure. F- Netting of fish prior to anesthesia is done in as stress-free a manner as possible. F- Electro-anaesthetic equipment is used according to the manufacturer's recommendations. R- Anaesthetic baths are disposed of in accordance with waste management regulations. Juvenile Transport Preparation P- R- Appropriate permits are obtained from DFO for transports out of the watershed. P- The receiving sites make arrangements for isolating the newly arriving fish. P- Proper hygiene and disinfection are adhered to. E- F- Fish are starved for at least 24 hours prior to transport. P- F- Fish health is evaluated for suitability before transport loading proceeds. Transport Conditions P- All attempts are made to minimize the amount of transport water delivered to the receiving site, to prevent spread of waterborne pathogens. E- Water quality is maintained and frequently monitored during transport. E- F- Clean, cool water is used to fill transport tanks. F- Transport tanks are filled to the brim to avoid sloshing. F- Ions/salts are added to transport water to reduce osmotic stress. F- Vidalife (polyvinylpyrrolidone) is added to tank water to reduce skin damage from trauma. F- Sedative (Marinil, Aquacalm) is added to transported water to reduce fish stress. Loading Transport Tanks E- F- Tanks are loaded so as not to exceed 50 kg/m 3. F- Transport tanks are loaded using a fish pump (pescalator). F- Fish are transferred to the transport tanks in water in buckets. F- Transport tanks are loaded using dipnets. Tank Transport All SEP FHMP Draft, June

76 E- F- Dissolved oxygen levels are maintained at or near saturation using aeration stones fed from compressed oxygen tanks. E- F- Transport water is cooled with ice or chillers for long hauls on hot days. E- F- Tanks are kept fully covered (dark) to minimize stress. F- Travel time in the transport tanks is kept to a minimum. E- F- Transport trucks are driven in a manner to minimize tank disturbance (jostling). E- F- Metabolites are filtered out during transport. E- A contingency plan for breakdowns during transport includes provision for extra oxygen bottles, alternative means of aeration, methods for cooling the transport water, Juvenile Release Objectives F- Target numbers, weights and dates for release are determined according to stocking guidelines that are meant to maximize survival rates. E- A stocking rate formula is used to determine number of fry per reach for each stream and tributary. G- Fish are returned to their natal streams. Preparation F- Release sites and rivers are checked for adequate flow, level and temperature, prior to release. R- Other watershed users are made aware of the time and date of the fish release. F- Fish are given a salt-water challenge test before release to determine smolt readiness. P- Fish designated for the watershed are checked for health condition prior to release. F- Fish are not released if there is a potential for extreme conditions in the river. E- F- Fish are not fed on the release day. F- Fish are released by removing screens and allowing them to leave at will. F- Fish that have not left within 2 weeks of screen removal are forced to leave. R- Fish are sampled the morning of the release day. E- F- All equipment (tanks, pumps, hoses, aerator, air stones, helicopter transport bucket with control box) is checked to be in good working order. Records R- Fish transport and release information is recorded according to the ENPRO Juvenile Manual. Ancillary Operations Water Supply and Discharge Source P- Water sources with the lowest likelihood of being contaminated with disease causing agents are used. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

77 P- Ground water that is free of fish and pathogens is used. E- Wells are equipped with back-up pumps and/or power supplies. E- Groundwater is aerated. E- Surface water that has a natural thermal regime is used. E- Plumbing and containers are flushed prior to use to ensure fresh water for the fish. E- Water from different combined sources is thoroughly mixed to ensure homogeneity of temperature and quality. E- Excess solids are filtered or settled from surface waters. E- Water quality and quantity are more than sufficient to support the biomass of fish to be held at all times by providing enough oxygen and removing metabolic wastes. Monitoring E- Monitoring and recording the quality of source and wastewater is carried out regularly. E- Water level alarms are used to indicate low or high water levels. E- Clarifiers are used to settle out and remove solids before the water is returned to the river. R- An automated system is used to monitor water flow and water quality parameters. Sampling E- R- Water temperatures are measured daily. E- Inflow, outflow and rearing water is monitored for oxygen, nitrogen, ammonia and suspended solids. E- R- A visual assessment of turbidity is made and recorded daily. E- R- Dissolved oxygen is measured daily. E- R- Flow rates are assessed continuously. E- R- ph readings are done infrequently. Water Discharge G- Water discharge is screened to prevent accidental release of fish to the environment. P- G- Effluent from quarantined fish is discharged to ground. Chemical/Supplies Storage R- Trained staff handle all biologicals safely e.g., by wearing appropriate protective gear and taking suitable precautions. Storage R- Chemicals and biologicals are stored in clearly marked containers. R- An MSDS for each disinfectant that is on site is kept in a safe, readily accessible place, e.g., binder in the site office. R- As per WHMIS all chemicals must be handled safely by trained staff e.g., by wearing appropriate protective gear and taking suitable precautions R- Where applicable, these products are kept refrigerated and handled as per manufacturer s instructions. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

78 Discard R- Chemicals and biologics are discarded after their expiration dates. Records R- A product insert for each vaccine that is on site is kept in a safe, readily accessible place. Container/Equipment Maintenance Disinfection P- Equipment is disinfected after each use and put away in its proper place. P- Sodium hypochlorite, iodophor, citric acid or formalin are used to disinfect nets, egg take buckets, food pails, mort pails, sampling equipment, heath trays and incubation baskets, rearing troughs, ponds, crowders, dividers, stop logs, etc. P- Equipment is washed between uses and allowed to dry in the sun. P- Organic material is rinsed off before using disinfectant solution. E- Equipment is well rinsed with fresh water after it has been in the disinfectant solution. P- Equipment that must be used at multiple sites is disinfected between uses. Condition P- Where possible, equipment is not shared between sites or rearing containers. F- Equipment is checked regularly for signs of wear and tear (sharp edges, holes, etc.) and repaired when necessary. F- Containers are checked regularly for signs of wear and tear (sharp edges, holes, etc.) and repaired when necessary. P- Containers are cleaned (power washed, scrubbed, drained, dried) between fish groups. F- Screens are checked for fish-proof fit and repaired when necessary. Personnel and Visitor Protocols P- Where possible personnel do not travel between hatcheries. R- Procedures and off-limit areas are posted for all visitors. P- All personnel adhere to the facility hygiene and disinfection procedures. P- Footbaths are used between zones in the hatchery. P- Handwash stations are used between zones in the hatchery. P- Designated sensitive areas of the hatchery are off-limits to visitors (including deliveries). P- Staff do not cross-contaminate different zones of the hatchery (e.g. adult holding and incubation or rearing). Predator Control Predator Deterrents All SEP FHMP Draft, June

79 F- Fish are examined for signs of predator attacks. E- Feed and household refuse is stored in a secure location where wildlife is excluded. E- Dead fish are regularly removed from the facility. E- Predators are excluded from the site using: enclosure fences, exclusion nets, container covers and screens, overhead lines (with flagging tape), decoys (owl, scarecrow), motion sensors, bird canons, lights, balloons, electricity, water sprinklers. Capture/Kill Methods R- Trapping and 'kill' permits are obtained from MELP and the Canadian Wildlife Service. E- Small mammals are trapped live and released a long distance away from the site without trying to negatively impact other populations. R- Lethal means are used only as a last resort and do not impact predator populations. R- Lethal means include: drowning, shooting, lethal traps (conibear and foot-hold traps) Human Saftey R- Traps are not placed in areas of public access. R- Traps are not set during times when experienced staff are not around to deal with them. R- Traps are flagged for human safety. R- Traps are checked daily. R- Firearms are rarely used but when they are gates are locked to minimize potential of staff or public injury. Disease Management Serious Disease Outbreak Protocols Securing the Site P- A suspected infected population is quarantined from the healthy population, as are the items they may have contaminated. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

80 P- At the Veterinarian s recommendation the site may be officially quarantined. P- Quarantine remains in effect until such time as the problem has been diagnosed and/or managed. P- F- Fish are not further handled. P- The movement of all fish on/off and within the site is stopped. R- No visitors or non-essential staff are allowed on site unless previously authorized by Management. P- The frequency of mortality collection is increased. P- Affected tanks are mort picked last and staff adhere to disinfection procedures between tanks and rearing units. P- Where possible, separate equipment is designated for the affected unit. P- All equipment, surfaces and clothing that come in contact with infected fish or infected material are thoroughly disinfected after use. P- Mortality collection and disposal procedures are strictly adhered to, and provisions made for increased mortality pick-ups and disposal. P- R- The hatchery management will notify other hatchery in the geographic area of the outbreak. Assessment R- When a serious infectious disease problem is suspected the operator Veterinarian and/or Fish Health Management is immediately notified. R- The Veterinarian is sent all records and appropriate sampling information to determine cause of the outbreak and best course of action. R- The Veterinarian and/or Fish Health Management provides instructions for proper sampling. F- R- Monitoring continues after the initial workup to determine the course of the outbreak and to assess whether treatment and/or management measure are being effective. F- Fish are observed frequently. E- F- Feeding response and water quality are monitored. R- Water and feed samples are taken if requested. P- Samples are properly handled, properly stored and promptly shipped as per the P- P- R- Veterinarian s or Fish Health Management s instructions. R- The Veterinarian, Fish Health Management and site management work together to review fish health records and the incident and make recommendations on how to avoid or handle similar events in the future. P- Where numbers of personnel are sufficient, there will be separation of staff working on sick and healthy fish. P- Where numbers of staff are insufficient the healthy fish are cared for first and personnel disinfect themselves between handling groups. P- Disinfection procedures (below) are followed for movements into and out of the affected areas of the facility. P- Sample collection is conducted by fish health personnel after securing the site. (see guidelines under sample collection) R- The staff veterinarian will review management records including: species, age, yearclass, source, vaccination, movements, treatments, results of previous diagnostic All SEP FHMP Draft, June

81 screening or disease events, water quality, feeding history, mortality rate for several weeks prior to the outbreak and fish behavior in the weeks previous to the outbreak. R- Further diagnostic testing to be conducted is at the discretion of the veterinarian responsible for the case, which may include health checks on 60 randomly sampled fish and 20 moribund fish. R- On site post mortems and sampling are done at the discretion of the fish health veterinarian. P- R- Temporal distribution of disease is assessed by biweekly sampling. F- R- Spatial distribution is assessed by conducting health checks on apparently healthy fish throughout the facility. R- A treatment or action plan is determined by the veterinarian and hatchery management. Records R- All treatments and management changes are noted as they occur. Quarantine Protocol For Viral Or Exotic Diseases Secure Site P- Affected hatcheries are quarantined; facilities are locked down. P- Gates to the facility are closed and only essential personnel are admitted. P- The movement of fish, vehicles, equipment and personnel from the affected hatchery to fish bearing habitat or other fish rearing facilities is immediately halted. Isolation of Infected Group P- The affected fish rearing containers are isolated. P- Movement of fish into and out of these containers is stopped. P- Disinfection procedures are followed for movements into and out of the facility. P- If possible, effluent is trapped and treated prior to discharge to the environment. Remove Mortalities P- Depending on overall morbidity rate, all sick, slow swimming or moribund fish are removed from the environment. P- Mortality removal is done at least twice daily. P- Morts are collected into spill proof containers with secure lids and transported to a composting landfill for disposal. P- Equipment and containers used to collect mortalities are disinfected after each use. Disinfection Protocols For Serious Disease Outbreaks Personnel and Equipment P- Foot baths are used by all personnel before entering and leaving the facility. P- In the case of viral outbreaks a 2% solution of Virkon is used in the foot bath. P- Foot baths are clearly marked and a log of when the bath concentration has been tested or when it has been changed is kept so all personnel are aware of its efficacy. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

82 P- Raingear, field kits and boots of fish health personnel are disinfected before entering and leaving the site. P- There is a separate disinfectant bucket and brush for fish health personnel visiting the site. P- A 1% solution of Virkon is used for dipnet disinfection. P- Trucks used to transport mortalities are hosed down and disinfected after use. P- The outside of mort totes is disinfected prior to removal from the site. P- The outside of mort buckets is disinfected prior to their removal from the infected area. Mortalities P- Mort collection equipment is disinfected after use. P- Any surfaces in contact with morts are disinfected after contact. P- Dissection of fish for samples is conducted in a contained area to prevent the spread of disease within the facility. Sampling Protocols for Disease Analysis Collection P- The DFO Veterinarian instructs site staff whether to collect whole fish or tissue samples from which locations and other conditions of collection. P- Tissue samples are collected under as sterile conditions as possible and preserved by: Freezing, Immersing in at least three volumes of alcohol Fixing in formalin, Davidson's or Bouin's solutions or some other preservative. P- Moribund fish are collected from sick populations of juveniles. P- F- Moribund fish and water are packaged in plastic bags in 20 L buckets with spill proof lids and ice packs placed under the samples. P- If moribund fish are not available, dead fish may be substituted as long as their gills are red at the time of colleciton. P- Sampling may include a random sample of healthy fish from the population, according to the DFO Veterinarian's instructions. Shipping F- Fish are double bagged in water in heavy-duty plastic bags that are topped-up with oxygen. P- The exterior of the transport bucket is disinfected before it leaves the side of the tank from which the samples are collected. F- The fish or tissue samples are transported directly to the lab by hatchery staff or courier. P- Tissue samples are maintained at 4-7C during shipment and reach the diagnostic lab within 24 hrs of sampling. P - Tissue samples shipped in toxic fixatives are considered to be dangerous goods for shipment, according to regulations. P- Water and feed samples may be collected and frozen for later analysis. All SEP FHMP Draft, June

83 R- At the veterinarian's discretion, water samples are collected and sent to the WQ lab for water quality analysis. R- At the veterinarian's discretion, feed samples are collected and sent to the fish feed lab for quality analysis. Emergency Response Protocols R- Systems are suitably alarmed to indicate changes in water quality below predetermined set points, e.g. precipitous fall in dissolved oxygen levels. E- R- The DFO Business Resumption Plan includes provisions for acute deterioration of water quality. E- The site has back up system(s) for keeping dissolved oxygen levels compatible with short-term life support for the fish while the system failure is being addressed. E- Backup power sources and pipes can bring alternate water from the river if needed. E- F- If there is a system failure all efforts are directed to restoring sufficient water for the fish. F- If water flow cannot be restored or substituted, the fish may be moved to a more secure site or released into the environment. E- F- Sufficient oxygen levels are restored to support the fish by airstones, bottled oxygen, agitation or change in water supply. R- In case of complete power loss, or other disastrous circumstance, the site will immediately activate the DFO Business Resumption Plan. Data Collection and Management R- Fish health records include but are not limited to: Inventory records Includes source, number, location and lot of fish at the site Fish movement records Mortality records including mortality cause Lab work Diagnostic sampling records Water quality records Medicated feed records Therapeutant treatment records include: Location of facility Species of fin fish Name of the prescribing Veterinarian A log naming the drugs (therapeutants), including How they were administered Treatment schedule including the date treatment commenced Date of last treatment Name and signature of the person responsible for administering each treatment All SEP FHMP Draft, June

84 Records of mitigative actions (other than therapeutants) taken to prevent or mitigate disease, e.g. refused shipment of potentially infected eggs Records of reporting to Provincial or Federal authorities, in accordance with existing regulation R- These records are computerized and form part of the integrated DFO record keeping system. R- DFO provides adequate system training in ENPRO and documentation to authorized site personnel including data entry and reports. R- Backups of all data and computer records are maintained. R- Paper records not entered into a computerized system are organized, easily accessible and protected from damage, e.g. kept in binders. R- Archived records are kept at a suitable location in head office and securely stored on site. R- Records are available for inspection upon request by authorized personnel. R- Records are reviewed on a routine basis by the DFO veterinarian, site manager and biological staff to look for patterns in fish health and disease. R- Records accompany each shipment of eggs from the broodstock location to the hatchery receiving the eggs. R- Detailed records of medicated feed administration is kept during the entire time of medication. R- Medicated feed records are kept for the entire time the fish are on site. R- In combination with inventory records, the groups that were treated are readily identifiable throughout their treatment and withdrawal times. R- A copy of the treatment records accompanies those fish to another site if the fish are moved. All SEP FHMP Draft, June