V.Project Description - Amazon Web Services



Alaska Sustainable Salmon FundStatement of WorkRevision #1: Extend project period; reduce CIAA budget (reduces total budget); update PI informationProject Title: Pike Control Investigations - Phase 2II. Project Number: 44629 PCSRF Objective: HP&RIII. Principal InvestigatorAdam Sepulveda, PI U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center2327 University Way, Suite 2, Bozeman, MT 59715Phone: (406) 994-7975; Email: asepulveda@Co-Principal InvestigatorMatthew Smukall, BiologistCook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA)40610 Kalifornsky Beach RoadKenai, AK 99611Phone: (907) 283-5761Email: msmukall@Amy Shaw, CIAA Biologist, former Co-PIIV. Extended Project Period: 4/1/13 – 2/28/15 V.Project Description1. SynopsisInvasive northern pike (Esox lucius) are voracious predators in central Alaska that prey heavily on juvenile salmonids. This project will: 1) determine northern pike seasonal movements, physical habitat, and water quality parameters in three lakes of the Susitna River basin (Chelatna, Whiskey, and Hewitt), 2) conduct northern pike relative abundance, relative weight, sex, size, and age structure in the same three lakes, 3) investigate effective methods to mitigate loss of salmon habitat and production areas through targeted northern pike harvest goals in priority lakes, 4) continue ongoing beaver dam surveillance and mitigation for barriers to fish passage/prevention of flooded vegetation conducive to northern pike, 5) develop and assess the ability of NEPTUN barrier technology to influence pike movement, and 6) assess the utility of electricity in eradicating pike embryos and larvae in lab and spawning environments. Knowledge of northern pike characteristics and the most effective sampling methods will determine the best mitigation plan for individual lakes and recovery of salmon stocks in many severely impacted systems throughout the Susitna River basin.This is the second phase of a two-phase project begun in AKSSF project 45927, Pike Control Investigations - Phase 1.? This statement of work describes both phases of the project; activities that take place through March 31, 2013 are funded by Phase 1, and activities that take place after March 31, 2013, are funded by this project.2. IntroductionNorthern pike were illegally introduced into the Susitna watershed, Matanuska valley, Anchorage area, and Kenai Peninsula in the early 1950s. Outside their native range, pike have the potential to interfere with ecosystem function and destroy economically important fisheries. Surveys conducted by CIAA and ADF&G have documented a lack of salmon production in some lakes in the Susitna watershed that were historically known to produce salmon. This lack of production in small, shallow lakes has been attributed to predation by invasive northern pike. The Alaska Board of Fisheries designated Susitna River sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) as a stock of yield concern at their February 2008 meeting.Currently, invasive northern pike are found in over 130 small lakes and streams in the Cook Inlet area, having most likely gained access and established a stronghold in the Susitna River drainage through illegal stocking and subsequent colonization. The Susitna River drainage covers tens of thousands of square miles and contains a myriad of shallow lakes, sloughs, and clear water tributaries, many of which are now prime northern pike spawning and rearing habitats. Once established, northern pike can be devastating to juvenile salmonids and have impacted numerous coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), king (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), and sockeye salmon runs from the Susitna River drainage. The presence of northern pike in the Susitna River drainage poses a threat to other central Alaska streams because the drainage provides easy access to other streams and rivers within the area. For example, the Kenai River, though not good pike habitat, currently functions as a thoroughfare by providing pike with access to other critically important areas such as the Moose River which, along with its tributaries, is the main spawning and rearing grounds for steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), coho, and king salmon in the Kenai River drainage. Pike have also been documented in the marine waters of Cook Inlet south of the Susitna River, and have colonized freshwater areas such as Three Mile Creek and other small streams and rivers along the west coast of northern Cook Inlet. The establishment of northern pike threatens local, national, and international economies, as salmon are valuable commodities and pike are able to extirpate salmon populations over time. The local economy is poised to lose the most, as the central Alaska economy is dependent on revenue generated from wildlife viewing and commercial and recreational fisheries. Salmon and steelhead are also a main food source and are culturally important to many Alaskans. The primary control methodologies to reduce invasive pike in Alaska are the pesticide rotenone and netting. Only a small number of rotenone treatments can be conducted annually due to the limited supply, high costs to apply large quantities, and effects on non-target species. Although gillnets are an effective means to reduce the number of pike, there are several negative factors associated with this technique. Nets must be continually monitored to ensure by-catch of fish and aquatic birds are not excessive and the expense of equipment and need for a trained workforce may eventually necessitate reductions in effort. In conjunction with a project that Dr. Jackson Gross and affiliates are currently researching for the suppression of northern pike in Alaska, this project will investigate the use of a recently developed electro-electronic, 3-phase barrier (NEPTUN) to control the movement of pike. Studies on the NEPTUN electrical barrier have already demonstrated success in controlling fish movement. This project will test the ability of northern pike to pass through the electrical barrier and the distance pike maintain from the barrier in the field. It is anticipated that the electro-electronic NEPTUN barrier can be utilized to herd pike in order to enhance suppression efforts and to control the movement of pike outside their established range, thus preventing the expansion of pike into new areas. NEPTUN was developed and lab and field tested in Poland where it has been applied for protection of water intakes at hydropower facilities. NEPTUN generates a smooth non-uniform pulsed electric field at a low voltage (50-80V). Its field strength does not exceed 0.5V/cm, pulses are less than 2ms long, and energy need is 0.05 W/m2 per ?S/m. Two electrode arrays are anchored at the river bottom, one with the positive electrodes and another with the negative electrodes, to create an electric field where its strength grows continuously in the direction from the positive to the negative. Currently, the USGS is researching the use of NEPTUN electro-electronic barrier technology in capturing sea lamprey at the Hammonds Bay Biological station, Michigan. In addition, Dr. Gross and ADF&G are currently investigating the use of seismic water gun technologies to control the movement of northern pike. These instruments deter fish by emitting high-pressure underwater sound energy waves. The proposed study on the NEPTUN barrier would utilize similar methodology as the sound energy study already in progress (AKSSF project 44613). More specifically, both studies will utilize a two-dimensional radio telemetry system to analyze pike behavior in response to both pike control technologies.This project will also assess the utility of an electroshocker in killing pike embryos and larvae. Control methodologies for aquatic invasive species primarily focus on the removal of reproductive age individuals. Few management actions and technologies exist for targeting the embryonic life history stages of these organisms even while it is generally accepted that embryonic life history stages are significantly more susceptible to perturbations. Some studies have suggested that electroshocking poses little risk to embryos while others offer contrary assessments, concluding that embryos are at risk from electric field intensities commonly generated by electrofishing equipment. Electricity that targets embryos may be an effective suppression tool for two reasons. First, previous studies have suggested that embryos are vulnerable to electric field intensities commonly generated by electrofishing equipment and that vulnerability is a function of water conductivity and the voltage gradient (V/cm). Second, the location of embryos is easy to predict in space and time for most species. Thus, electricity can be used to target embryos of specific species, which would reduce mortality risk to non-target taxa. The mobility and ease of use of electroshockers in heavily vegetated areas would be useful in targeting pike nurseries. Data from this study will provide managers a means to predict the necessary power required to eradicate embryos in spawning substrate along a continuum of water conductivities regularly encountered. In addition to testing eradication methods, this project builds upon a current smolt emigration and adult migration study being conducted on Susitna River lakes. Population estimates, age and growth information, and radio telemetry data will be collected to target suppression methods for priority lakes with abundant northern pike. CIAA will collect, implant with radio tags, and release northern pike in order to record temporal and spatial data. Collected pike will also be marked for mark--recapture population estimates. Vegetation and water quality parameters will be documented in each lake system. Determination of northern pike movements will enable managers to better target pike at times that will allow for maximum harvest and to coordinate the best management plan to prevent the spread of northern pike to critical salmon spawning and rearing areas or limit pike populations in areas they are already present. Several gear methods and time periods will be evaluated to determine the most efficient removal method. Variations in netting gear, electricity, seismic water guns, and angling will be implemented through most seasons. 3. LocationLatitude: 62.2821.27 N Longitude: 151.2700.51 W4. AKSSF ObjectiveCentral: 1D-3 VI. Objectives1. Project ObjectivesObjective 1: Determine northern pike seasonal movements, physical habitat, and water quality parameters in Chelatna, Whiskey, and Hewitt lakesObjective 2: Conduct northern pike relative abundance, relative weight, sex, size, and age structure in Chelatna, Whiskey, and Hewitt lakesObjective 3: Investigate effective methods to mitigate loss of salmon production areas through targeted northern pike harvestingObjective 4: Continue ongoing beaver dam surveillance and mitigation for barriers to fish passage and to prevent the creation of flooded vegetation conducive to northern pikeObjective 5: Develop and assess the ability of NEPTUN barrier technology to influence pike movementObjective 6: Assess the utility of electricity in eradicating pike embryos and larvae in lab and spawning environments2. MethodsObjective 1: Determine northern pike seasonal movements, physical habitat, and water quality parameters in Chelatna, Whiskey, and Hewitt lakes: Researchers will capture northern pike and monitor them with radiotelemetry. Fish will be tracked through all seasons to determine habitat frequented and longitudinal movements. Associated physical and water quality parameters will be collected to describe the northern pike habitat frequented. Objective 2: Conduct northern pike relative abundance, relative weight, sex, size, and age structure in Chelatna, Whiskey, and Hewitt lakes: Northern pike will be sampled using gill nets and other gear as appropriate. Radiotelemetry movement data will indicate static time periods when pike remain in home territory. Recapture information will be used to compute a population estimate from each lake complex. Total length and weight will be measured. Scales and otoliths will be collected from 25-mm length groups and read for age estimation. Objective 3: Investigate effective methods to mitigate loss of salmon habitat and production areas through targeted northern pike harvesting: Gill nets and other sampling gear as appropriate will be used for pike harvesting. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) and recapture rates for each gear method will be estimated using different marks/tags for each sampling event and location. Objective 4: Continue ongoing beaver dam surveillance and mitigation for barriers to fish passage and to prevent the creation of flooded vegetation conducive to northern pike: Beaver dams will be periodically monitored through air and ground surveys to ensure free upstream passage for adult salmon and help restore normal flowage of water to streams and sloughs. Dams will be notched manually during salmon migrations. Removal of a portion of a series of dams to restore normal flowage of water to streams and sloughs temporarily eliminates surface area of stagnant, vegetated marsh areas which are conducive to northern pike life history requirements (spawning, foraging, and growth). Objective 5: Develop and assess the ability of NEPTUN barrier technology to influence pike movement: This experiment will assess pike avoidance behavior from a NEPTUN electro-electronic barrier at a singular point in the center of an artificial stream environment fabricated by a barrier net at Derks Lake. External transmitters will be sutured to the jaw of twenty fish (n=3) which will be allowed to acclimate for 48 hours in the test enclosure. The monitoring of fish positions will be carried out using a two-dimensional telemetry array configured with hydrophones. After 48 hours of acclimation and recording of fish movements, the NEPTUN barrier will be activated. Fish movement will be monitored to determine if fish swim past the electrical barrier or maintain specific distances from the barrier. Fish behavior with and without an electrical stimulus will be monitored for 24 hours over a three-day period. Data on fish positions will be collected from all individuals during the 48-hour acclimation period to derive baseline location and behavior. This integrated position will be compared to an integrated position generated for a period of time during and after activating the electrical barrier. Data will be quantified with a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Trajectory analyses will determine if changes in swimming behavior follow NEPTUN activation. Fish behavior will be observed and analyzed under a variety of electric field parameters to determine the most effective specifications to deter pike. Objective 6: Assess the utility of electricity in eradicating pike embryos and larvae in lab and spawning environments: Pike embryos and larvae will be tested both in the field and in lab settings. Experiments will be conducted every other day from 1-day post fertilization (DPF) to 15 DPF. To determine the voltage required to kill embryos, each age group (n = 10) will be exposed to 10 different voltage levels. To determine how water conductivity affects the vulnerability of embryos, six different conductivity levels using six different voltage levels will be tested. Embryos will be removed immediately following electrical exposure, placed into labeled PVC cups with a mesh bottom for water flow, and returned to the vertical incubator for 24 hours. Embryo mortality will be determined by a change in color. Logistic regression will be used to assess the effects of voltage and age on percent mortality in embryos.VII. BenefitsThe utilization of electrical barriers tested in this project may assist with eliminating the widespread dominance and habitat expansion of invasive northern pike. Population estimates and knowledge of northern pike habitat and movements will benefit known historical salmon lakes through targeted suppression efforts allowing salmon smolt production to return to previous levels. VIII. Products, Milestones, and Timelines (extended with Revision #1)April - May 2012: Obtain all required permits and other supplies; hire Student Conservation Association (SCA) interns and seasonal aidsMay - June 2012: Capture and tag northern pike after ice-out and implant transmitters; conduct barrier studies; test sampling gear; conduct limnology sampling; begin tracking of radio tagged northern pike, and conduct population estimatesJuly-December 2012: Continue data collection and analysis; perform gear maintenance and winterizationMay – October 2013: Continue with tagging and begin tracking of tagged pike; analyze telemetry dataSeptember - December 2013: Present findings at the American Fisheries Society conference or other meetingsJanuary 2013 - March 2013: Conduct winter sampling and trackingJanuary 2013 - April 2013: Write AKSSF project report and manuscriptsApril - May 2013: Obtain required permits and other supplies for barrier testingMay - June 2013: Conduct additional barrier studiesJuly - September 2014: Analyze telemetry dataJune 2013 - May 2014: Write and submit manuscriptsMay 2014 – September 2014: Field data collectionJune 2014 – February 2015: Finalize telemetry data and population data and report IX.PartnersPrivate landowners, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources will provide land access. X.Budget(5/9/14: Revision #1 reduces overall project funding by $34,577 for an amended project total of $588,505.)SummaryTotal100 Personnel$345,846 200 Travel$16,380 300 Contractual$126,196 400 Supplies$64,790 500 Equipment$48,577 Subtotal$601,789600 Indirect$21,293Total$623,082This project funds the following entities:USGS: $83,335 CIAA: $539,747 (5/9/14: Revision #1 reduces CIAA funding to $505,170.)USGS BudgetUSGSTotal100 Personnel$52,872200 Travel$9,170300 Contractual$0400 Supplies$0500 Equipment$0Subtotal$62,042600 Indirect @ 34.321%$21,293Total$83,335USGS Budget Narrative:Line 100: PersonnelPersonnel costs are for non-permanent positions that were hired or retained specifically for this project.Adam Sepulveda (replacing Jackson Gross), Biologist, will coordinate, oversee, and present results of pike removal research in Alaska and at the USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center in Bozeman, Montana. The salary for a two week pay period is $3,857.23 including 32.5% fringe:5 pay periods @ $3,857.23/pay period = $19,286A Biological Technician (Student Temporary Employee Program GS5; TBD) will be responsible for data collection, analysis, GIS, and writing of results. The salary for a two week pay period is $1,316.26 including 5.76 % fringe:12 pay periods @ $1,316.26/pay period = $15,795A Statistician (GS7; TBD) will be responsible for data collection, analysis, and writing of results. ?The salary for a two week pay period is $1,976.80 including 32.5% fringe:9 pay periods @ $1,976.80/pay period = $17,791Total Personnel: $52,872Line 200: TravelThe PI and the Biological Technician will travel from Bozeman, Montana, to Anchorage, Alaska, to conduct field studies during the summers of 2013 and 2014. ? Ground transportation (car rental and gas): $3,350 Lodging: 14 nights @ $120/night * 2 people = $3,360Meals and incidentals: 15 days @ $82/day * 2 people = $2,460Total Travel: $9,170Line 600: IndirectUSGS’s indirect rate through September 30, 2012 is 34.321%.CIAA Budget(5/9/14: Revision #1 reduces CIAA funding to $505,170.)CIAATotal100 Personnel$292,974200 Travel$7,210300 Contractual$126,196400 Supplies$64,790500 Equipment$48,577Total$539,747CIAA Budget Narrative:(5/9/14: Revision #1 increases Line 300 Contractual, reduces Line 400 Supplies, and eliminates Line 500 Equipment.)Line 100: PersonnelAmy Shaw or Matthew Smukall will conduct field surveys; coordinate seasonal staff and ?fish techs; conduct ?intern training and work duty instruction; and perform data analysis and report writing:16.9 months @ $5,285/month = $89,313Nathan Weber, biologist, will conduct field surveys; coordinate seasonal staff and ?fish techs; conduct ?intern training and work duty instruction; and perform data analysis and report writing:21.825 months @ $4,092.40/month = $89,312Matt Smukall, biologist, Seasonal Fish Technician, will supply field crews with essentials and perform fish collection, boat operation, radio tracking, and maintenance of equipment:19.56 months @ $3,730/month = $72,954Two Seasonal Aids (TBD) will conduct fish collection, tagging, and radio tracking:4.5862 months @ $4,513.50/month * 2 people = $41,395Total Personnel: $292,974Line 200: Travel Meals for the biologist, fish technician, two seasonal aids, and four interns while enroute to field camps:Per diem: 2 days/month @ $33.33/day * 6 months * 8 people = $3,200The biologists will travel twice annually to major universities and colleges for internshipprogram recruitment and to present educational programs (i.e., career forum, job fairs,symposiums): Airfare: $900/trip * 2 trips = $1,800Ground transportation: $200/trip * 2 trips = $400Lodging: 2 nights @ $137.50/night * 2 trips = $550Per diem: 3 days @ $35/day * 2 trips = $210Flights from Kenai to Anchorage as needed for travel to project sites: 7 roundtrips @ $150/trip = $1,050Total Travel: $7,210Line 300: ContractualStudent Conservation Association (SCA) fees (including travel, recruitment fees, and insurance) to support student interns (interns will conduct field data sampling, capture, tagging, and tracking on a volunteer basis): 4 interns @ $1,200/month * 6 months * 2 years = $57,600 Air charters for equipment and crew drop off and pick up (beaver): 64 flights @ $1,000/flight = $64,000Satellite and cell phone communications for field camps: 6 months @ $207/month + 6 months @ $214/month = $2,526 Crew Wilderness Safety and First Aid Training: 10 staff @ $103.50/person * 2 years = $2,070Total Contractual: $126,196Line 400: Supplies Public notices for project education signage/educational materials: $590Safety and personal protective gear/supplies: $4,000 Mark-recapture fishing supplies: $2,400 Camp equipment (kitchen items, bug spray, tarps, etc.): $4,000Supplies for vehicle, boats, electronics maintenance: $3,400 Groceries for eight people: 6 months @ $3,450/month * 2 years = $41,400Fuel: 1,000 gallons/year @ $4.50/gallon * 2 years = $9,000 Total Supplies: $64,790Line 500: EquipmentIf found to be effective or more testing is required, the NEPTUN will be leased for a second year. Alternatively, if electrofishing data from embryo control experiments are effective, electrofishing gear will be purchased for field application: $48,577?XI. Match BudgetCIAA Match (35%)Total100 Personnel$217,479200 Travel$0300 Contractual$600400 Supplies$0500 Equipment$0Total$218,079CIAA Match Budget Narrative:Line 100: PersonnelSCA volunteers will conduct field data sampling, capture, tagging, and tracking (4 volunteers working 12 hour shifts): 12,878 hours @ $21.36/hour = $275,079 - $57,600 SCA contractual fees = $217,479Line 300: ContractualIn-kind equipment and tool use such as computer, oscilloscope, hand tools, and generator: $600 ................
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