Board Book – Fall 2015

Transcription

NSRAA Board of Director’s Meeting
November 12 – 13, 2015
Sitka, Alaska
Agenda
Thursday November 12, 2015
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Audit Committee (Kevin M., George E., Deborah L., Richie D.)
Full Board Convenes at 9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. Ω Call to Order
Ω Roll Call
Ω Establish quorum
Ω Approve agenda
Ω Appointed seats 2015 – Municipality (vacated), ’16 processor , interested person, & Native Org.
Ω Approve minutes of March 11 – 12, 2015 meeting
Ω Board Reimbursement Receipts & Documents
Note: Submit board seat nominations by 5 p.m. today, (2 troll, 2 seine, & 1 gillnet seats)
9:30 a.m. General Manager’s Report
9:45 a.m. Operation Manager’s Report – Scott Wagner
10:00 a.m. 2015 Salmon Season & 2016 Forecast – Chip Blair
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Project Reports
Ω Medvejie Hatchery – Adam Olson (Tab 4)
Ω Sawmill Creek Hatchery & Salmon Lake Coho – Rebecca Olson (Tab 4)
Ω Hidden Falls Hatchery – Jon Pearce, Hatchery Manager (Tab 5)
Ω Coho Lake Rearing – Woody Cyr, Project Leader (Tab 6)
12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Gunnuk Creek Update
2:00 p.m. Hidden Falls Reconfiguration Options
3:00 p.m. Break
3:15 p.m. NSRAA Financial Position for 2016
5:00 p.m. Adjourn until Friday morning
5:10 p.m. Time for Committee Meetings
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Friday November 13, 2015
9:00 a.m. Electronic Meetings via Tablets
9:30 a.m. Gunnuk Creek discussion continued
10:00 a.m. Allocation Twenty Year Retrospective
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Reserve Fund Inflation Proofing
11:00 a.m. Broodstock Policy
11:45 a.m. Scholarships & Merit Fellowship Award Policy
12:00 noon Lunch
1:30 p.m.
General Manager Evaluation NSRAA
1:45 p.m. Chinook Futures Coalition Update – Deborah Lyons
2:00 p.m.
Audit Committee Report (ERM – Karen Tarver principal) by Audit Committee
2:30 p.m.
H.F. Tax Assessment: 2016 Resolution & Flat Fee Legislation
2:45 p.m. Whale predation research at Hidden Falls – Ellen Chenoweth
3:00 p.m.
Break
4:00 p.m.
Executive Session – NSRAA Employee Bonus & GM Evaluation
4:30 p.m.
United Fishermen of Alaska Report – Steve R.
4:45 p.m.
Approve Board of Directors Election Ballot
4:55 p.m.
Set Spring Meeting Date
5:00 p.m.
Adjourn
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NSRAA BOARD ROSTER
November 2015
*1. John Barry-VP
F/V Pillar Bay
(’17) At-Large Seine
800 Halibut Pt. Rd, #C
Sitka, AK 99835
623-640-1167
*2. Dalton Bergman
F/V Mae Lou
(’18) At-Large Gillnet
108 Herb Didrickson St.
Sitka, AK 99835
907-752-2212 cell
3. Will Bergmann
(’18) Conservation
PO Box 130
Petersburg, AK 99833
541-740-7085
4. John Blankenship
(’17) Subsistence
PO Box 2765
Sitka, AK 99835
907-747-3240
*5. Richie Davis
F/V West Bank
(’16) At-Large Troll
2347 Kevin Court
Juneau, AK 99801
907-789-2696
907-321-1219 cell
*6. Mitch Eide
F/V Rose Lee
7224 78th Ave SE
206-790-8815 cell
*7. George Eliason
F/V Tammy Lin
(’18) Sitka Power Troll
102 Kuhnle Drive
Sitka, AK 99835
907-747-6817
8. Mike Forbush
(’16) Processor
Ocean Beauty
1100 W. Ewing
Seattle, WA 98119
206-218-8199 cell
9. Carl Johnson
(’18) Interested Person
PO Box 793
425-334-3464
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Lake Stevens, WA 98258
*10. Eric Jordan
F/V I Gotta
(’16) At-Large Power Troll
103 Gibson Place
Sitka, AK 99835
907-747-6743
(’18) Crew Member
PO Box 379
Sitka, AK 99835
907-747-0629-H
907-738-3362 cell
12. Wade Martin
(’16) Native Organization
PO Box 1865
Sitka, AK 99835
907-738-1470
13. Brian Massey
(’18) Sports
PO Box 2324
Sitka, AK 99835
907-747-3139
11. Deborah Lyons
Secretary/Treasurer
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*14. Charles McCullough
F/V Intrepid
PO Box 707
907-518-1567
*15. Kevin McDougall-Pres. (’18) Juneau Gillnet
F/V Quicksilver
PO Box 240714
Douglas, AK 99824
907-364-2273
907-209-4959 cell
16. Dave Moore
PO Box 2943
Sitka, AK 99835
907-747-5534
*17. James Moore
F/V Aljac
(’18) Rural Troll
PO Box 770
Haines, AK 99827
907-723-9060
*18. Mike Nilsen
F/V Carol Louise
PO Box 2069
907-518-1901
*19. Zachary Olson
F/V Sassy
(’17) At-Large Power Troll
PO Box 2451
Sitka, AK 99835
907-957-2432
*20. Dan Pardee
F/V Sentry
2223 Fritz Cove Rd.
Juneau, AK 99801
907-463-3365
907-957-2848 cell
907-463-4617 work
*21. Justin Peeler
F/V Defiant
PO Box 1482
907-340-6106
*22. Lars Stangeland
F/V Valhalla
222 Front St, Ste 600
Juneau, AK 99801
907-723-4043 cell
*23. Sven Stroosma
F/V Voyager
18273 W Big Lake Blvd
Mt. Vernon, WA 98274
360-202-7173
24. Karl Wolfe
213 Lakeview Dr.
Sitka, AK 99835
907-738-0367
25.
(’19) Municipality
* Permit Holders
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E-MAIL ADDRESSES
Name
Address
NSRAA
or staff
[email protected]
[email protected]
John Barry
[email protected]
Dalton Bergman
[email protected]
Will Bergmann
[email protected]
John Blankenship
[email protected]
Richie Davis
[email protected]
Mitch Eide
[email protected]
George Eliason
[email protected]
Mike Forbush
[email protected]
Carl Johnson
[email protected]
Eric Jordan
[email protected]
Deborah Lyons
[email protected]
Brian Massey
[email protected]
Charles McCullough
[email protected]
Kevin McDougall
[email protected]
Dave Moore
[email protected]
James Moore
[email protected]
Mike Nilsen
[email protected]
Zachary Olson
[email protected]
Dan Pardee
[email protected]
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Justin Peeler
[email protected]
Lars Stangeland
[email protected]
Sven Stroosma
[email protected]
Karl Wolfe
[email protected]
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Kevin McDougall, Pres.
John Barry, VP
Deborah Lyons, Sec/Treasurer
Richie Davis
Mitch Eide
George Eliason
Kevin McDougall
Deborah Lyons
Richie Davis
George Eliason
& Interested Members
BUDGET COMMITTEE
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Kevin McDougall
Deborah Lyons-Chairman
Mitch Eide
Dan Pardee
Zachary Olson
Kevin McDougall
Deborah Lyons
Paul Webber
Brian Massey
Steve Reifenstuhl
UFA REPRESENTATIVE
NEW FACILITIES & PRODUCTION
COMMITTEE
Eric Jordan
Sven Stroosma
Will Bergmann
Dan Pardee
Deborah Lyons
Steve Reifenstuhl
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NSRAA REGIONAL PLANNING TEAM
NOVEMBER 2015
Mitch Eide, NSRAA Board member representing seiners,
7224 78th Ave SE, Mercer Island WA 98040
206-790-8815
Voting Member
George Eliason, NSRAA Board member representing trollers,
102 Kuhnle Dr, Sitka AK 99835
907 747-6817
Voting Member
Dan Pardee, NSRAA Board member representing gillnetters,
2223 Fritz Cove Rd., Juneau AK 99801
907 957-2848
Voting Member
Steve Reifenstuhl, Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture,
1308 SMC Rd., Sitka, AK 99835
907 747-6850
Brian Frenette, Regional Supervisor, Division of Sport Fish,
ADFG, PO Box 20, Douglas, AK 99824
907 465-4270
Flip Pryor, Division of Commercial Fisheries,
Voting Member
907 465-4250
Lowell Fair, Regional Supervisor, Division of Commercial Fisheries, 907 465-4250
Voting Member
Andy Macaulay, Loan Examiner, Division of Community & Econ Dev. , 907 465-2510
Dept. Of Commerce, PO Box D, Juneau, AK 99811-0800
Sam Rabung, Section Chief,
ADFG, Division of Commercial Fisheries
PO Box 115526, Juneau, AK 99811-5526
907 465-4088
Voting Member
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NSRAA Board of Director’s ANNUAL Meeting Minutes
March 11-12th, 2015
Douglas Island Pink and Chum Board Room - Juneau, Alaska
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President Kevin McDougall at 9:00 AM, March 11, 2015 in
Juneau.
Roll Call
Gillnetters present: Lars Stangeland, Dalton Bergman, Jr., Kevin McDougall, Mike Nilsen and
Dan Pardee. Seiners present: John Barry, Mitch Eide, Sven Stroosma, Charles McCullough, and
Justin Peeler. Trollers present: Zachary Olson, Carl Peterson for Eric Jordan, George Eliason, and
Jim Moore. Other Board members present: Brian Massey-Sportfish, John Blankenship-Subsistence,
Marlene Campbell-Municipality, Carl Johnson-Interested Person, Mike Forbush-Processor, Deborah
Lyons-Crew Member, Wade Martin-Native Organization, Dave Moore-Interested Person, Will
Bergman- Conservation and Karl Wolfe –Interested Person. Absent: Richie Davis – Troll
Establish Quorum
A quorum is established with greater than 8 (13 present) gear group Directors and greater than 5 (9
present) other Directors in attendance.
Announcement
Board members were requested to complete and return the annual Conflict of Interest statements.
Approve Agenda Changes were made to the agenda because some Board Members could only be
present for one day. The President suggested that the agenda be amended and that the General
Manager, Steve Reifenstuhl and the Operations Manager Scott Wagner give their reports first, then
move on to a summary discussion of the recent Board of Fisheries meeting in Sitka and then review
and approval of the FY 2016 N SRAA budget. The Staff reports are shifted to later. Motion 3-1115(a) M/S Brian M. /George E., to approve the agenda as amended. MCWOO. (The Motion Carried WithOut Objection)
Introductions Board members introduced themselves and their affiliations. Members of the public
and various agencies were also present and i ncluded: Norm Carson – Pelican, Ron Josephson –
ADFG, Flip Pryor – ADFG, Lorraine Vercessi – ADFG, Mike Stopha – ADFG, Mike Pountney –
NSRAA, Rebecca Olsen – NSRAA, Angie Bowers – NSRAA, Mike Chapman – Auke Bay, Paul
Johnson – Gull Cove, Mary Ann Peterson – Sitka, Eric Prestegard – DIPAC, and Scott Wagner –
NSRAA.
Announcements: Eric Prestegard the DIPAC Executive Director welcomed the Board to the
beautiful facility in which the board was meeting, and said a tour of the “working hatchery” would be
available at noon. The President thanked him for the efforts made by the DIPAC and others to host
the meeting in Juneau.
Approve Minutes
The President noted one correction to the minutes. Motion 3-5-15(b) M/S Brian/Marlene: To
approve the corrected version of the minutes of the November 13-14th 2014 Board Meeting. It
was noted that there be a name change from Port Alexander to Port Armstrong. MCWOO
Election Committee report, Certify Election Results & Seat New Board members
Motion 3-11-15(c) M/S Brian M. / Dan Pardee: To approve the Election Committee report
certifying the February 2015 election results and to seat the Board Members: At Large Gillnet
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– Dalton Bergman, At-Large Gillnet – Kevin McDougall, Rural Troll – James Moore, Sitka Power
Troll – George Eliason, At-Large Seine – Mitch Eide, Crew Member – Deborah Lyons. MCWOO
The President noted that this is Marlene Campbell’s last meeting he thanked her for her
contributions to the NSRAA Board over many years. Michael Harmon the Sitka Public Works
Director has submitted a letter of interest. The President gave the Board the option of accepting his
application now and i nforming him to be a t the next meeting. The Board members had a b rief
discussion about qualifications and p rocess. At the conclusion of the discussion Board members
decided they wanted to ask other communities if they were interested and wait to hear back, and
then appoint them as usual.
Election of Officers – President, Vice/President, Secretary/Treasurer
Motion 3/11/15(d) M/S Mitch/Sven Re-elect the existing slate of officers: President Kevin
McDougall, Vice-President John Barry and Secretary-Treasurer Deborah Lyons. The President
gave the Board members the opportunity to cast ballots if they wished but the Board members didn’t
think that was necessary. Nominations were closed without objection and the officers were reelected. MCWOO
Committee Seats
The President said a gillnetter is needed to serve on the Executive Committee. He asked that input
from the gear group on whom they would choose to serve be g iven to him sometime during the
course of the Board meeting and said he will make the appointment later. The role of the Evaluation
Committee was discussed and found to be no longer necessary since the Board has developed a
process that is working well for the General Manager Evaluation.
General Manager’s Report – Steve Reifenstuhl
Steve had prepared a ten page written Manager’s Report for the Board. It included 2 pages of
general comments and then comments specific to items on the agenda. He opened his remarks by
acknowledging the presence of the ADFG PNP program staff in attendance and he complimented
them for their years of professionalism in their dealings with NSRAA. Ron Josephson, ADFG
Fisheries Biologist, is retiring after 40 years. Steve said, “It will be a huge loss”, and Steve hopes
Ron can remain involved with the pink and chum wild and hatchery interactions study. (Mr.
Josephson had prepared a two page summary of the study and it had been distributed to the Board.)
Steve introduced Mary Alice Hamberg who has been hired to replace Jean Myer as NSRAA Office
Manager. The Board was invited to the March 27th retirement party for both Jean and Roger Vallion
at the Sitka Sound Science Center.
Steve noted that since the last Board meeting in November that NSRAA has new programs already
in the water. This is a remarkable achievement due to a lot of hard work and concentrated effort.
Two new barges and a number of net pens have been manufactured and delivered. Young fish are
already in the water at Crawfish Inlet - west of Sitka, and at South East Cove, near Kake. The
common property fisheries will see adults returning within 3 years. This incredible demonstration of
efficiency is due to NSRAA’s exemplary staff. The staff saw net pens arrive one day, assembled
them the next, and had the fish arrive to go into the pens within a day or two after. Steve used the
term “Miraculous.”
Steve told the Board that no internet service is available within the DIPAC building being used for
the Board meeting. This was not anticipated, and one of the results is that the staff reports are not
available on line to the Board Members. Written reports are in the Board books. Steve concluded his
general comments and said he would speak to other specific items as they appear later on the
agenda.
Announcement: The President informed the public that they are invited to comment during the
meeting and asked that they raise hands to be recognized.
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Operations Manager Report -Scott Wagner
Scott thanked the staff for the amount of work they do and then made very brief summaries on a
number of topics. He gave a few details of getting the Crawfish Inlet project up and r unning. He
made a trip to Campbell River to see the barge construction. The new anchors and barge were
delivered last Saturday. Scott said, “Although we were short of our egg take goal last year, we
got 35 million more chums into the water, and next year we plan to be abl e to take 50 million
eggs for incubation.” Scott, Mike Pountney and the Sitka building inspector did a complet e
Gunnuk Creek hatchery building inspection in February. There was successful chum incubation at
Sawmill Creek hatchery, a new project. The SMC hatchery coho survived great. The
longshoremen’s strike threatened to delay the pen deliveries, but it worked out in the nick of time.
Scott was able to get the Hidden Falls PAR for 30 million DIPAC chum at the RPT meeting. He
described other permits that were approved. NSRAA is managing three grant-funded projects and
the HF pipeline replacement is in progress.
Scott briefly touched on t he HF Hydro repair, the HF Weir improvements and said the Medvejie
grant-funded project was completed and closed out. Scott is overseeing the implementation of new
policies to address issues with the Crawfish Inlet project which will be conducted in a very isolated
location. The HF Manager position is still open and Carrington Gorman is filling in during the interim.
Board members asked questions about safety, and suggested some press coverage of the new
project.
Board of Fisheries review – Steve Reifenstuhl
Before beginning the Board of Fisheries Meeting discussion, Steve mentioned that he had i nvited
our State legislative representatives and their staff to attend the NSRAA meeting, if possible. The
DIPAC Board was also invited and Kevin said that Amy Jo would be attending on their behalf.
Steve said a positive outcome of the Sitka BoF meeting was that the Mist Cove and Kasnyku closure
areas were upheld for NSRAA staff safety and working conditions and finally put into regulation. It
was a relief to get these passed. NSRAA has been working to address these issues for years. Steve
said the BoF meeting was a t ough and an i ntense 10 day s and w as acrimonious. The President
spoke briefly and said he knew most of the commercial permit holders on the Board were very
aware of things that had occurred at the Board of Fisheries meeting but he w anted a c hance to
discuss the meeting for the benefit of the non gear group representatives who sit on t he NSRAA
Board. NSRAA and chum allocation issue was in the BoF meeting spotlight. Proposal #176 sought
to change the Deep Inlet harvest schedule and to limit the time the net groups fished there and to
increase the amount of time for the trollers to fish there, as a means for increasing the troll share of
benefits from the production of hatchery produced fish. The Vice President said that taking on the
cost and responsibility for the new projects that were offered instead of #176 as part of a
compromise solution were done by the NSRAA Board and staff with an understanding of good faith
on the part of the other fishing group (the chum trollers). However, he thought good faith was not
universally demonstrated by that group of fishermen. He is bitter about what happened at the
meeting and feels the deal was broken and he fully expects the chum trollers to come back in three
years with more demands. Another seiner said he is tired of fighting about the issue. Because the
Regional Plan Team will meet in April, he is going to suggest review of the allocation plan. He feels
the Seiners have endured a serious threat to their existing fisheries and that a long term solution is
needed to put the problem to rest. Other Board members spoke and some members of the public
also spoke.
Mary Anne Peterson, the wife of the chum troller sitting in for Eric Jordan at the NSRAA meeting,
said the Board of Fisheries meeting was contentious and t hat Steve, as the representative of
NSRAA, had to deal with some negative perceptions of NSRAA and i ts programs (“Steve took a
hit.”). Ms. Peterson made the comment that people don’t seem to know how to really listen and then
talk to each other. She said, “Mitch is right. We need to talk to each other and understand where the
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other group is coming from.” The President talked about the efforts that went into developing the
Crawfish Inlet project in order to address the troll allocation imbalance and how difficult it was trying
to make a deal with a d iverse group of fishermen. The Secretary\Treasurer of the NSRAA Board
said she had attended the meeting and heard a lot of hatchery-bashing and inaccurate statements
about how the chum programs negatively affect the herring, etc. She observed that the General
Manager was able to set the record straight for the BoF members, during the course of the meeting,
but at the time the inaccurate comments were expressed they went unchallenged. She also did not
appreciate the characterization of the NSRAA Board as two wolves (the net groups) and a sheep
(the trollers). She said it was her thought that, at the end of the day, the Board of Fisheries is
depending on NSRAA to continue to act in a reasonable manner and to do what the organization
can to address a very difficult issue of chum salmon production and allocation, under the guidance
of the Allocation Plan. A Board member suggested that NSRAA allocate some funds and invest in
some public relations and t elling our story better. Steve responded that he has spoken with Lisa
Busch at the Science Center about hiring a person, or intern, who could do fish stories for the radio
and newspapers. A NSRAA Board member clarified the record; and s tated that the entire Alaska
Trollers Association Board of Directors and all the troll representatives on t he NSRAA Board
opposed BoF Proposal #176. A troller on the NSRAA Board said “Let’s move forward with no
grudges and give things a chance to settle and let the projects come on line before acting rashly.”
He recommended a year for things to settle and more exploration for the sorts of assurances that
are needed. He spoke about how much he had personally learned by engaging in discussion with
the net groups. After he s poke several of the net fishermen thanked him for his efforts, his
consistency and r eliability. Another troller appreciated the willingness of the NSRAA Board net
fishermen to move forward with troll chum projects. The President made a concluding statement that
“Proposal #176 got its day in court. A decision has been made not to support it. What remains is for
the NSRAA organization to do what we said we were going do, move forward, and see how things
play out.”
The General Manager spoke to a different Board of Fisheries proposal to shut Chatham Straits
fisheries to protect sockeye. As a r esult of talks between the Seiners and Kootznoowoo, Inc., to
change the start dates of the pink fishery, the extra-territorial jurisdiction petition may be withdrawn.
Coffee Break 10:15
2015 NSRAA Budget – General Manager - Steve Reifenstuhl - Board book Section 10
page102
Steve referred the Board members to the Budget worksheet from the Board book and also had an
overhead table available in PowerPoint for the Board to follow. He explained the income projections
to the Board line-by-line. The Enhancement Tax estimate from Department of Commerce is $1.8
million dollars. The 2014 income figures are known at the time the budget is developed and are
applied to forward funding for a total of $1.5 M which is derived from coho sales and other revenues
such as rental income, investment earnings, roe sales, incidental species, and carcass sales. The
Northern Southeast account represents the revenue to be donated by (DIPAC) of $2 million dollars
for FY 16. The 2015 Crawfish Operational loan of $375,000 was added in. $1.1M will come from
unrestricted reserves. The SET tax refund and some leftover DIPAC funds and SET tax came in at
$3.6 million. Total Income is projected to be at $7.5 million. The Operational budget is projected to
be $7,137,536 and the Capital budget is $398,300. Total is approximately $7.5 million.
Deborah summarized the budget committee meeting. It was attended by Steve, Deborah, Mitch,
Zach, Dan and Kevin. A discussion began in the budget committee about whether the Haines project
should be el iminated and t hat item is now brought to the Board for discussion. A Board member
asked a question about the fish food price.
The President said, “Let’s decide what to do about the Haines project first. The budgeted amount
for Haines is $45,061. Staff evaluations of the program don’t promise much in the way of a
harvestable return of fish produced through the program.” On the management side, ADFG will not
allow NSRAA to increase production without otolith marking every fish, which must be d one in
winter, at a remote site. This would be prohibitively expensive. ADFG is not disposed to provide for
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more fishing time, which results in NSRAA producing fish that there is no opportunity to fish on
because of the possible impacts to other stocks of concern.
M/S Mitch/George: To remove the Haines program funding from the budget. ($45,061)
The Board discussed the proposed action. The spawning channels at Herman Creek and 24-Mile
will still continue. The Haines gillnet fleet will be unhappy, because they are not here to understand
the rationale for the decision. NSRAA is estimating 1% survival on a 36,000 fish return. NSRAA
should anticipate maintenance of the channels every ten years (appx. cost $10,000). Herman Creek
may be expanded again in size. With $500,000 NSRAA should be able to build two more successful
channels. Two other channels NSRAA developed in the past didn’t work out so well. The Herman
Creek and 24-Mile spawning channels will continue and perhaps the Board could put the $50,000
towards other channels/stream enhancement projects The President thought that the NSRAA Board
has always funded good projects and that setting aside funds in advance can become problematic.
A board member referred to page 104 of the Board book and asked about the Cost Benefit ratio and
levels of releases. Staff indicated that the 1% marine survival is not an i ndicator of a s ustainable
project. The motion to de-fund the Haines project carried on a roll call vote with 14 yes and 9
opposed.
Motion 3/11/15 (n) M/S George/Brian Massey To approve the FY 2016 NSRAA operation
expense budget of $7,092,475 and a capital expense budget of $398,300. The total is
$7,490,775. A Seiner asked to place an inflation proofing of the budget on the agenda for discussion
at the next Board meeting. The action of eliminating the Haines project does not eliminate a s taff
position and m akes current staff more efficient. The motion carried unanimously on a roll call
vote.
The Board moved on to a discussion of the value of the Haines property which is estimated at
$100,000. Some Board members said, “Let’s evaluate more and look for a possible other project.”
Steve spoke to how long NSRAA has been present in Haines searching for viable projects, since
1983. The large wild stock returns on C hilkat and Chilkoot rivers make enhancement projects
difficult in that area because enhanced returns are generally isolated from wild stock returns
according to ADFG policy. Steve thought spawning channels and i ncubation boxes have been
developed to the maximum extent possible. A seiner said, “Just like Haines desires a local project,
the Petersburg guys have always wanted a project close to home, but it has never worked out for
Petersburg.” Another person pointed out the Haines project only serves one gear group, not all
three. “It is not like NSRAA has not tried. NSRAA has supported the north end gillnet fleet through
the way NSRAA has supported DIPAC.” Another person advocated for development of more
spawning channels. The President said “For right now, whether to sell NSRAA property is not a
decision we need to make today, given the comments of some of the Board members.” The issue of
run timing between the enhanced chums and wild coho was discussed. NSRAA has grant funds for
chum enhancement that must be spent by 2017. A member of ADFG staff commended NSRAA for
how hard they have tried to provide an enhancement project in the area over the years and agreed
the area is problematic.
Gunnuk Creek Hatchery Inspection 2015 - Steve Reifenstuhl
Steve summarized information from the General Manager’s report and Scott showed some slides of
the condition of the facility near Kake. Although the NSRAA Board had asked for an appraisal, the
State of AK Department of Commerce did not agree to have one done because they had another
valuation in mind, $3.5 million dollars. NSRAA staff estimate that the organization would have to
invest $2.5 million to become operational there. Over time, as no agreement could be reached with
Commerce, it became apparent that the facility was not being maintained. Water damage has
occurred and there are mold issues. Last year, the place was boarded up and the water turned off.
The pipeline has ruptured. Originally NSRAA could have operated with what was there. Now the
facility is uninhabitable. NSRAA does have fish culture taking place at nearby SE Cove. New pens
and a barge are in place. A Board member asked, “When do we make the decision to just move on
from this project?” The Board discussed making a new offer, more in line with current value, now
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that the property has became an even larger liability. The GM said, “If we get this project, it will be
the hardest and most difficult rearing site that we have ever faced because of the water circulation
demands and other issues. A dollar value is still being developed to assess the damage. Part of the
$2.5 M estimate to get going there, was to replace the pipeline. That was already figured in. But now
we have lost the value of the valve, an unplanned additional expense. The real cost is the housing.”
The Board continued to discuss the pros and cons.
Motion 3/11/15 (o) M/S Mitch/George: To authorize the General Manager to make an offer on
Gunnuk Creek Hatchery for $900,000, inclusive of the money NSRAA has already spent.
(Approximately $900,000) The General Manager will supply whatever additional explanatory
information he feels appropriate to Department of Commerce with the offer. The motion carried
with 21 in favor and 2 against on a roll call vote.
Noon: Break for catered lunch 1 hour. 1:10 return from lunch
Scott Wagner the Operations Manager took up the agenda after the lunch break and informed
the Board that: “The written facility reports are all in the Board book and will be given this afternoon
in a s hortened summary style. The maintenance topics will be r eported as a gr oup at the end by
Mike Pountney, instead of the individual hatchery managers”
Hidden Falls Hatchery Presentation by Scott Wagner for Carrington Gorman, Assistant
Manager
Scott summarized the status of the chum, chinook and coho being raised at Hidden Falls. Some of
the outstanding points from his report were that the warm water temperature was accelerating
growth. The One hundred and eleven million (111.1 M) chum fry in incubation is the largest number
ever. In past years BKD and vibrio have been problematic. Staff has responded with cleaner
incubators, more drugs and a l ater saltwater entry date. So far this year the incubations have been
very clean for all species with low mortalities. Saltwater mortality for chinook is also very low. Coho
are the largest size to date. The USFS is still taking comments on the permit for Hidden Falls and
are slowly moving forward with the renewal of the Special Use Permit
Coho Lake Rearing Woody Cyr
1.37 M coho fingerlings were released from their nets into Deer Lake on 11th January. The other half
over-wintered in net pens. The released component entered the lake just after turnover. The new
larger outboard motor that was bought for the project and a favorable east wind allowed the staff to
tow the pens back towards the head o f the lake and place them in four different locations. 1.4 M
coho fingerlings overwintered in submerged pens. During the winter, an otter chewed a hole in one
of the net pens and released about 150,000 coho into the lake but they will emigrate with the other
lake fish next January. Although weight loss occurred (15%) over winter, they are gaining weight and
on track for 25 gram release size. A big rainfall event of 16 i nches recorded at Little Port Walter
caused some problems. Lake water levels came up. It affected the docks but staff recovered. The
wireless camera is helping with remote observations of conditions there and was a good investment.
The frequent fly-in trips to monitor the site are helping too. The weir will be i nstalled on schedule
since snow is not an issue this year. Woody is looking forward to pumping out the net pens for the
forced emigration and letting the Coho begin their journey out to sea.
Medvejie Angie Bowers – Medvejie Hatchery Manager
Angie gave an o verview of releases on the Sitka side of Baranof Island. The Medvejie chum are
maturing at a rate two weeks ahead of last year, the earliest ever, they will be almost 6 grams in size
by Friday. The warm water is encouraging mold in the incubation water at Bear Cove. Some losses
occurred, about 1,2 M. Staff are responding with more frequent cleaning. The Deep Inlet transfers
went great, the 4.0 gram fish went in on the 4th and 5th of February. Four more brand new net pens
were built the night before delivery of the 9 million chum increase. At Deep Inlet everything is good,
not a lot of wind this year and that makes it easy to feed the young chum fry. Trycophyra, a
protozoan that attaches to the gills of the Chinook, usually happens in September. We have had
trouble with this in
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Green Lake so the chinook program there has been revised in response. We are still having
problems with this even in saltwater. 60% of the fish that came down from Green Lake were lost to
BKD. We have developed new rearing sites, we are stocking the pens at lower densities, and we are
now using underwater cameras and have switched to a larger mesh size to improve water circulation
in the pens. Later staff will add 800,000 chinook but they will not go up to the lake in order to avoid
those problems. Staff are trying to keep the chinook release at the same size. The Coho are doing
great. They grow well and ar e doing well. A Board member asked if NSRAA would have to stop
using Green Lake. Angie said she hoped not. Steve briefly discussed City policies for allowing water
to spill or not spill from Green Lake and how that may or may not affect the fish. Steve said staff is
still experimenting to see if Green Lake is a viable site.
Rebecca Olsen-Sawmill Creek Hatchery Manager
Rebecca began her presentation with a s lide showing the SMC hatchery temperature graph. It is
averaging 2 degrees warmer than the previous three years. For the first incubation of chum for
Crawfish there were a lot of unknowns but things went smoothly. There was a little sediment that
settled from the water, but the incubators were kept clean and very little mortality during incubation.
The hatch took two weeks, no p roblems, at a temperature of 7.5 degrees Celsius which made
fungus growth a bit of a concern. Staff worked very hard to keep the incubators clean. Because of
the temps, instead of ponding in late March they ponded on Feb 18th and they used the ponding box
for Medvejie. This crowded the project onto other activities. To adapt, they pumped fish around into
the raceways. Fish were delivered by boat out to Crawfish Inlet. There are now 13.5 million Chums
growing really well on site and the new barge has arrived. There are no ice problems at Crawfish
Inlet. NSRAA has invested in a D elorme In-Reach texting device and s atellite phone to assure
communications with the staff on site at Crawfish. Kinks with the barge are being worked out. The
living quarters provided in the barge are nice, even a washer and dryer. The BY13 Deep Inlet coho
transfers happened by truck a w eek after last November’s Board meeting with very minimal loss.
Currently there are 959,000 fish on site 17.6 grams. The size goal is 22 grams for saltwater entry.
There are 828,800 BY 14 Coho incubating: the original date for release was April 15 and i s now
pushed up to March 20th. This works well this year because the chum salmon are out of the way in
the warehouse, but we have to work around the chum and coho maturation-to-ponding timing in the
future. Four more round pounds are to be installed in May for coho at the SMC site, so the expanded
amount of chums can get ponded into the raceways. Scott Wagner explained how the ponding box
works. The entire incubator is dumped into the box, the substrate falls out and the salmon fry are
gently washed out. Board members asked about the timing of ponding at SMC compared to
Medvejie. Steve explained the sequence based on the egg takes. A question about size of the coho
release, size of egg take and status of PAR. A modification of the Management Plan will be
undertaken with ADFG. Eric Prestegard DIPAC said this technique is being used today at DIPAC if
the Board would like to see that. The President invited Board members, again to take advantage of
the opportunity to look around the DIPAC facility.
Mike Pountney - Maintenance Supervisor
NSRAA Operations Manager Scott Wagner has restructured the staff organizational chart and Mike
Pountney is now the Maintenance Manager and s upervises and c oordinates the four other
maintenance staff positions for the NSRAA projects. Steve said Mike had i nvented and bui lt the
ponding box system. He is also responsible for development of NSRAA’s systems of remote
cameras and alarms to monitor hatchery and rearing conditions.
Mike showed the Board a PowerPoint Presentation. He has been working at NSRAA for twenty
years and this is his first time before the Board. He showed the new incubation storage building built
at Hidden Falls this winter to support the SE Cove project. CBC Construction Company’s efforts to
install the building were overseen by Jason Dagenhart the NSRAA Maintenance Supervisor. They
made good use of the use Hidden Falls construction equipment. Putting the 50x50x20 building up in
just four months at a remote site during the winter was an amazing accomplishment made possible
by the mild winter weather and hard work. The warehouse will protect the incubators from the
weather when they are not in use. He showed the new Mezzanine storage areas inside main
15
building which have now been brought up to code. Upcoming projects: pipeline upgrades are
scheduled for this Spring. The old high pressure line will be replaced and a new vault and PRV will
be installed to reduce the pressure. Staff will make manifolds for the previously installed PRV’s
delivering water to the round pounds. Temperatures can then be controlled and a tee installed on
the end lets staff open up the pipeline and get freshwater flowing to the lagoon. He described a new
tap for the new hydro for Hidden Falls. A smaller 80 KW hydro is planned. Main taps have to be
in by June. They are grant-funded. Mike showed a photo of the problems with the weir. Options
for improvement are being developed.
SMC Hatchery / Blue Lake dam project: The pumps installed by the CBS are not as advertised and
NSRAA is using their own PRV. Staff is setting up an alarm system to avoid wastage of water now,
and in the design and planning stage. Staff are also going to put a wireless video feed to monitor the
wet well and the 80 KW backup generator will start automatically if it needs to, keep water levels up.
The coho start tank room was turned into a chum incubation room for Crawfish Inlet. The new drain
installed last year worked perfectly. Staff mobilized for the move out to Crawfish Inlet in eight days!
“A miracle.” They loaded the American Patriot with absolutely everything. The new crew transport
boat will provide transportation out to Crawfish Inlet. They found a great boat online at a very good
price and i t can be use d for other projects. They completely rebuilt a skiff for use at Crawfish.
Together, they got the two new boats for $90,000.
Medvejie Maintenance: They had to modify the Chinook building and split it in half to increase the
chum production. They found a new crane and fixed the outmigration building. Preventive
maintenance work is all done. The staff is starting with the North Fork weir replacement. They will
install galvanized I-beams and steel I-beams to make the weir more durable. This will be done by
July 1 by hatchery crew and Troy Bayne. Staff is adding another pipeline to supply the four adult
Medvejie raceways. This will spare more water for the incubation room.
Steve asked Mike to review the development and implementation of safety programs for the staff. All
sea-going staff are schooled in boating safety. Equipment safety is taught, and staff does not allow
new employees to use forklifts and ot her equipment until they are competent and hav e received
OSHA forklift and s afety training. Shop safety training occurs. Staff does quarterly reports for the
workman’s compensation insurance. NSRAA has a l ow rate of safety incidences. The employees
are physically fit.
In response to questions about the City water supply at SMC hatchery. NSRAA is not charged for
the first 10 c/f/s. And this must be negotiated again next year with CBS. NSRAA works cooperatively
on electrical and water issues with CBS.
At Steve’s request, Scott described the dive policy, boat safety and travel policies. Each hatchery
site has defined areas where skiffs can and cannot go, and all operators are trained. The Board
complimented Mike on his presentation and Scott said, “This concludes the reports from the staff.”
2:50 PM return from break
Alternates/substitute for Board member absence – Voting status review
A Board member had asked that this item be brought to the Board for discussion. The idea was to
add a new item to the bylaws and provided for election of an alternate Board member that would be
available to attend Board meetings for each gear group. Current Board Bylaws and NSRAA’s
attorney’s interpretation is that; because the gear group members are elected, they are the ones
who must cast their votes and an alternate, who is not elected, can attend the meeting in a
member’s place but is not allowed to vote. The Board members had been provided the attorney’s
opinion by William T. Council of February 19, 1998. The opinion cited Alaska State Non-Profit
Corporation Act, Roberts Rules of Order and o ther sources as the basis for the opinion. B oard
members discussed the idea and s aid NSRAA would have to change by-laws, and find a s ixth
person (possible the second vote-getter). Someone asked, “Where does it stop? Now we need five,
now we need six.” A Board member said, “We’ve made it this far. Show up for meetings.” Steve said
16
information was provided to educate the Board about this policy. The Secretary/Treasurer said she
thought the background and di scussion was useful, especially for the newer Board members and
her opinion the system was working as designed. The President said, “If there is no more
discussion, let’s move on with the agenda.”
Eric Prestegard DIPAC General Manager
In contrast to NSRAA Board the DIPAC Board currently allows proxies. Their original intent was to
assure a quorum is present. The DIPAC committee is now proposing doing away with proxies. Eric
distributed a letter from USAG about the DIPAC decision to fund NSRAA and SSRAA proposals only
for the distribution of their unencumbered funds. This policy is in keeping with Statute 16.10.450
defining what can be d one with revenue derived from cost recovery. The letter from USAG is
complimenting DIPAC for reducing cost recovery. DIPAC has received proposals for funding from
their Norther Southeast Fund from NSRAA and SSRAA. If there is only $3 million to distribute, as
there is this year, there is not enough money to go down the policy priority list to grantees other than
NSRAA and SSRAA, but this may happen in other years. The President mentioned the timing of the
notice of the award of funds to NSRAA is problematic. NSRAA has to let the Dept of Revenue know
about the amount for the HF assessment for the year and both figures are not in hand at the same
time. Eric is working with his DIPAC Board to help them understand the issue, and the amount of
revenue available for distribution for next year will also be smaller. Eric said a letter describing the
NSRAA budgeting process could be he lpful towards increasing his Board’s understanding of the
issue. The President thanked Eric for his cooperation and his leadership. Amy Jo, the President of
the DIPAC Board arrived at the meeting. She was welcomed and w as given a s eat at the Board
table.
Deep Inlet Harvest Plan – Board discussion
Motion 3/11/15 (p) M/S Mitch/Dan Pardee; To continue with the same harvest plan at Deep
Inlet as in 2014, including the same troll timing (after any type of closure for broodstock) and
the seine/gillnet hours. Given the emotions still remaining from the Board of Fisheries meeting, the
suggestion to remain with the status quo was favorably received by most of the Board. “This
schedule worked last year and s hould again.” The statement was also made that; “Cooler heads
have prevailed.” The harvest plan has three components. May-June, June-July period, the 2:1 and
the third week of July, the 1:1. The motion carried with 22 in favor and 1 opposed.
NSRAA Visioning Session - Looking to the Future– Steve Reifenstuhl
Steve showed the Board a sli de that outlined NSRAA’s future projected budget and production
values. The Board first saw this information a y ear ago at the meeting in Petersburg. The figures
have been revised to show the addition of the Crawfish Inlet and Southeast Cove chum programs to
show what NSRAA will look like in 2030. The 2030 budget will be $10.8 million dollars. At that time
chum salmon releases will have risen to 277 million, up 150% from 2014. Chinook will remain stable
at 4.5 million smolt and coho at 7.6 million. Total catch value is projected to be $44 m illion dollars.
$35 million of that is the value of the commercial catch, primary chum, and the rest is cost recovery.
Approximate value by species might be Chum, $37 M (at .60 cents), Chinook $4.2 M and Coho
$3.8 M. Cost recovery would be $8.4 million and the balance would be from the SET tax.
Coho project development summary: Smolts are increasing by 210 % from FY 2010 levels:
Releases are increasing to 2 M smolts at SMC, 2.5 M at Deer Lake, and 3.4 M coho smolt at Hidden
Falls:
Chinook: Green Lake standards are planned to increase from 1 M to 1.5 M, if we can resolve the
issues there. The overall chinook release goal is up 33%.
Steve said, “Chum is the big driver. We started at 77 million eggs for Deep Inlet and the new goal is
86 million eggs with a 78 million fry production. This is a 9 million egg i ncrease or over 212,000
additional adult fish and increase of $1 million in value for the commercial catch.
For SE Cove production we started at 10 million eggs, we are now at 15 M and will raise all those to
4.0 gram fish to increase marine survival because we got less eggs than anticipated last year. The
budget was developed for 35 million egg take goal, we only took 20 million, so the surplus funding
17
gives us enough to pay for more fish food for the 20 M 4.0 fish. The combined Chum production is
up 194% from 2010 levels, and the release goal is 67% of the long term goal. Crawfish is permitted
at 30 million and SE Cove at 55 million and we are not there yet, but building into those levels. We
are in the early stage of our plan, with production increasing, but not seeing the returns yet.” Steve
reviewed the increases in operational and capital costs and the status of the loans involved. He also
touched on s ome cost benefit information. Board members discussed the survival rates and fish
prices that the staff used for the assumptions.
Harvest and Cost Recovery Plans – Hidden Falls Tax Assessment
Steve explained that the 2016 Hidden Falls Tax Assessment is built on a rate of 10 cents per pound,
based on 60 c ent per pound chums, or 16%. The big pink salmon year that is anticipated should
build up the account and allow for a lower percentage to be paid the following year. A Resolution
needs to be pr epared and adopted by the Board to approve the rate. This is part of the annual
process with the Department of Revenue.
Motion 3/11/15 (q) M/S John Barry/Mitch Eide: “The NSRAA Board of Directors requests the
Department of Revenue to implement the Hidden Falls Tax Assessment for the 2015 fishing
season at a flat rate of $0.10/lb based on NSRAA’s FY ’16 budget and projected income.” It
was explained that this flat rate will provide for a bal anced budget and will contribute to build the
Hidden Falls contingency account. The General Manager will provide exact figures to Revenue
along with the Board Resolution. The Board discussed why generating some addition revenue is
considered necessary by the Board. The General Manager said, “Part of the explanation for why the
Board wishes to generate some funding into the contingency portion of the account is that NSRAA is
making projections based on a forecasted return, which introduces uncertainty into the equation.
Last year the run did not meet the forecast but the expenses did not change and had to be paid for.”
A Board member said, “It is prudent fiduciary management to plan for and anticipate possible
shortfalls. This is especially important because as commercial fishermen we are aware of how
Mother Nature can be v ery generous one year and far more moderate the next.” Another person
said, “The (implementation) goal of the tax assessment is to create a fund that will allow a consistent
annual rate that is paid by the average fisherman. This will allow them to anticipate this expense
when planning their season.” The Vice-President said, “A fund that can provide for a consistent rate
will smooth the swings in revenue generated by the fluctuations of the value of the large-year and
small-year returns.” The motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
The Board briefly discussed what would happen if the anticipated funding from DIPAC does not
come through. Steve described how he would go out for cost recovery for $1.3 million dollars. The
decision will be made by the DIPAC Board April 4th. Steve would have time to email the Board and
get the cost recovery bid (RFP) documents to the processors.
Steve explained that this year’s chinook bid documents still need t o go out for Medvejie and t hat
Coho at Mist Cove and Hidden Falls are covered under the current multi-year agreement with
Trident. Steve said, “Trident has been great and they have a g illnet harvest boat that is doing an
excellent job at Mist Cove with mopping up the coho there.” Formerly the staff was trying to do this
and it was difficult for them.
Because there is time remaining, the President moved into the remaining agenda items scheduled
for the morning of March 12th.
Reserve accounts and financial snapshot – Steve Reifenstuhl
Steve gave his regular report to the Board. The details were shown on an overhead slide and
contained in his written report to the Board. As of January 31, 2015 NSRAA Total liquid assets are
$13,481 M. To get an idea of funding available, it is necessary to subtract the $2.5 M needed to
balance the budget for the current fiscal year. As of June 31, 2015 the total remaining liquid assets
are $10,981,423. The $656,000 loan repayment for new roof at Medvejie and other capital
18
improvements is due into the escrow account. The HF tax assessment is $405,000. The Boarddesignated Operational and Capital reserves are $7.5 M. Assets earmarked for forward funding of
next year’s budget equal $3.270 M. The SET tax estimate is $1,856.8 M. When all these
commitments are taken into account, $1,007,130 in discretionary, or uncommitted funding remains.
If NSRAA fails to generate revenue on account of a failure of chinook to return and be taken cost
recovery (example), we will not meet our income generation goals. This uncertainty is a fact of life
for NSRAA.”
Steve briefly reviewed the NSRAA Board Asset Allocation policy and reported that the investments
are very close to the ranges designated. 53% Liquid Short Term (50-56%), 24% Fixed Income (2040%) and 23% Equities (10-20%).
Steve reviewed the loan repayment schedule. $656,000 is due in ’17 for Medvejie roof. $1.1 M is
due ’21 for the SE Cove chum project. $1.9M is due in ’21 for Crawfish chum project. $750,000 is
due in ’21 for operational expense. Total loans outstanding = $4,406,000
Steve distributed a current balance sheet to the Board which was presented in QuickBooks format
by Mary Alice Hamberg, the new Office Manager and by Chip Blair, the NSRAA Data Analyst. This
balance sheet is a bit easier for the Board members to understand and will be in the Board book
from now on. The conversion to QuickBooks is another result of the NSRAA General Manager’s
efforts to create financial transparency.
General Manager Evaluation Results
“The evaluation process from the Fall November 2014 meeting went very well.” said President
McDougall. There was interest expressed by Board members to better understand the safety
programs in place for the organization staff. The President characterized the tone of the evaluation
comments submitted by the Board members as, “A glowing review.” The President thinks the
evaluation process is working well and allows for give-and-take of ideas between the Board and the
General Manager. He reiterated that the Board members should take responsibility for making sure
their concerns, if any, are aired through the evaluation process. He also said he is always personally
available, any time that a Board member has a question or a concern they would like addressed.
The General Manager thanked the Board for their many supportive comments. A seiner spoke on
behalf of the Board telling the General Manager how much his excellent work is appreciated on
behalf of NSRAA and the commercial fishing industry.
Chinook Futures Coalition – Deborah Lyons
Deborah gave an update of the efforts of the CFC to ask NMFS to review the status of Snake River
Fall Chinook under the Endangered Species Act., These fish are caught in the SE Troll fishery, and
one year their presence forced a preemptory closure of the fishery and the loss of fishing opportunity
on every other healthy stock that was present. Howard Pendell is the President of CFC. He is on the
Northern Panel of the Pacific Salmon Commission representing the troll fleet. A couple years ago he
asked NSRAA to help fund and investigation into whether SRFC should be removed as a threatened
species. Because of the Nez Perce hatchery success and multiple efforts by many agencies, the fish
have been r eturning at record levels in the 30-50,000 fish range past Lower Granite dam on the
Columbia River. The NSRAA Board agreed to fund the initial investigation by Dr. Bernard. Later
DIPAC donated funds to CFC. Howard hired Deborah as Executive Director and with the aid of
some other consultants; CFC has petitioned NMFS to delist this species. The NMFS has now
opened a five-year review of all the listed stocks on the Columbia and have not yet responded
directly to the petition. This five year review may involve a longer process than a s imple ESA
decision would have. CFC also worked with the SE Conference to support ADF&G and increased
access to Chinook through the US Salmon Treaty process. There have been huge returns of
Chinook going down the coast these past three years and t rollers have been deni ed access to
fishing on them in any meaningful amount. A seiner who is also on the Northern Panel said he
supported the CFC effort, although he thought it was “A long shot.” He asked if there are any clear
19
criteria for recovery. Deborah said there are population projections for sustainable returns of the wild
component but NMFS is not counting the presence of the hatchery returns even though they are
part of the designated ESU. That is one of the points raised in the petition. She also said CFC was
very concerned that de-listing not result in a change to the water regimes that are so helpful to the
survival of these fish. CFC’s research concluded those regimes are dictated by other Federal
programs required of the dams and ACOE. A seiner said the attitude towards Alaska at US.Canada and by the NMFS and the other Treaty parties is extremely hostile and they do not
acknowledge the Alaska fisheries’ histories or contributions in rebuilding these runs, or the State’s
right to harvest them.
Benefit Cost Analysis-Steve Reifenstuhl
The Board reviewed the detailed information on pages 101-102 the Board book. The Benefit: Cost
update for 2015 is 7.3 to 1 according to the table presented. Simply stated: The Benefit: Cost ratio is
what fishermen are getting in value of the fisheries compared to what the organization production
costs have been. Over the years NSRAA has continually improved the way these numbers are
calculated to try to give the public the most accurate comparison. NSRAA calculates B:C to just
fishermen and B:C to fishermen including cost recovery. Steve reviewed how this ratio has varied
from year to year and program to program. Chinook are the most costly to produce and have lowest
harvest rate due to the restrictions on troll harvest. Their presence in the inside waters allows for all
the spring fisheries which are very valuable to the troll fleet. A Board member said he has grown
used to the gross conclusion that what has been paid in has given a tremendous return, but he did
find the supporting detail very useful in comparing historical costs of the production programs.
NSRAA Scholarship Program
Steve has developed a draft document titled: “NSRAA Merit/Award/Fellowship Policy and Guidelines
2015 - 1 Draft” The board discussed the policy and made suggestions and asked questions. The
goal of the policy is to facilitate, train and enc ourage highly qualified fisheries and credentialed
people for employment in NSRAA positions. $5,000 per year would be budg eted but is not
mandated to be spent each year. Steve has tried to develop this program based on previous Board
discussion. The Board wanted to work with the UA Fish Tech program. There are several levels of
training offered from a Tech Certificate on through AA and BA degrees. Board members
recommended more of a panel review to select applicants with final approval by Steve. The Board
members asked to be given more time to review and formulate the policy with Steve and to take it up
again at a later date.
Draft Broodstock Policy-Section 3 page 48
Steve discussed the policy and priorities for broodstock with the Board. Development of the policy
was requested to clarify how the General Manger is making broodstock decisions. It lays out
priorities for broodstock collection for “core programs” and explains how eggs are allocated to
programs in years when egg take shortages occur. This policy is a lengthy clarification of a policy
already adopted by the Board at the Fall 2014 Meeting Minutes on Page 29 of the Board book.
Motion 3/11/15 (r) M/S Wade Martin/Karl Wolfe: To adopt Broodstock Policy 2014-1 as
amended, and as presented by the General Manager. After Board discussion the decision was
made that the motion be withdrawn and placed on the agenda for the Fall Board meeting.
United Fishermen of Alaska – Steve Reifenstuhl
A topic discussed at UFA is that the State Legislature is discussing taking hatcheries off the books
as owned by the State and putting them into the ownership of the Aquaculture Associations. The
General Manager thinks this is a mistake for reasons mentioned in the Manager’s report and is
working with UFA to help the Legislature understand why. The State is just looking at this as a cost
saving issue and a w ay to avoid deferred maintenance. But the impact of their actions would have
many ramifications far beyond fiscal, that would ultimately hurt the State and the Aquaculture
programs. ADFG and the State will lose their tie and working relationship with NSRAA. The historical
20
loss of the FRED division from ADFG caused problems because losing this division lost the
Department’s relationship to the programs. Now NSRAA and others have recreated a strong tie with
the PNP division. These personnel have helped coordinate a State response to issues like MSC,
hatchery-bashing, hatchery-wild stock interactions and science. If the Hidden Falls hatchery was
transferred to NSRAA, NSRAA would incur the liability required in the US Forest Service permit. The
original agreement states that, if ever abandoned, the area “Has to be returned to original state.”
The USFS regards the State’s legal standing for Special Use Permits as much more compelling than
the standing of an Aquaculture Association. A change in ownership status could threaten the future
of some of our programs. The Board members are still working on 100% membership in UFA by all
the gear group representatives. Almost everyone is current on their membership. The President
thanked Steve for his report and stated, “This concludes our Board business with the exception of
setting the next meeting date.”
The next meeting date is set for November12/13 2015 in Sitka. The Board discussed the
efficiency of the meetings and would like to complete business in two days. The meetings have been
running shorter partially because of the interim seasonal report information supplied by the General
Manager and his much-appreciated efforts to produce a written report to the Board
The President took a moment to thank Marlene Campbell for her years of service representing
Municipalities on the Board and the Board members chimed in with appreciative comments and a
round of applause.
Motion 3/11/15 (s) M/S Brian/Carl Johnson: To adjourn the 2015 Spring NSRAA Board Meeting.
Meeting minutes submitted by:
Deborah A. Lyons
NSRAA Secretary/Treasurer
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NSRAA Board of Director’s Annual Meeting Minutes ~ SPRING 2015
March 11th-12th
Douglas Island Pink and Chum - Juneau
SUMMARY OF ACTIONS – Full discussion of each item is in the body of the minutes.
Approve Agenda
Motion 3-11-15(a) M/S Brian M./George E., to approve the agenda as amended. MCWOO.
Approve Minutes
Motion 3-5-15(b) M/S Brian/Marlene: To approve the corrected version of the minutes of the
November 13-14th 2015 Board Meeting. MCWOO
Election Committee report, Certify Election Results & Seat New Board members
Motion 3-11-15(c) M/S Brian M. / Dan Pardee: To approve the Election Committee report
certifying the February 2015 election results and to seat the Board Members: MCWOO
Election of Officers – President, Vice/President, Secretary/Treasurer
Motion 3/11/15(d) M/S Mitch/Sven Re-elect the existing slate of officers: President Kevin
McDougall, Vice-President John Barry and Secretary-Treasurer Deborah Lyons. Nominations
were closed without objection and the officers were re-elected. MCWOO
2015 NSRAA Budget – General Manager - Steve Reifenstuhl - Board book Section 10
page102
Motion 3/11/15(e) M/S Mitch/George: To remove the Haines program funding from the budget.
($45,061) The motion to de-fund the Haines project carried on a roll call vote with 14 yes and
9 opposed.
Motion 3/11/15(f) M/S George/Brian Massey To approve the FY 2016 NSRAA operation
expense budget of $7,092,475 and a capital expense budget of $398,300. The total is
$7,490,775. The motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
Gunnuk Creek Hatchery Inspection 2015 - Steve Reifenstuhl
Motion 3/11/15(g) M/S Mitch/George: To authorize the General Manager to make an offer on
Gunnuk Creek Hatchery for $900,000, inclusive of the money NSRAA has already spent.
(Approximately $900,000) The motion carried with 21 in favor and 2 against on a roll call vote.
Deep Inlet Harvest Plan – Board discussion
Motion 3/11/15(h) M/S Mitch/Dan Pardee continue with the same harvest plan at Deep Inlet as
in 2014, including the same troll timing (after any type of closure for broodstock) and the
seine/gillnet hours. The motion carried with 22 in favor and 1 opposed.
Harvest and Cost Recovery Plans – Hidden Falls Tax Assessment
Motion 3/11/15(i) M/S John Barry/Mitch Eide: “The NSRAA Board of Directors requests the
Department of Revenue to implement the Hidden Falls Tax Assessment for the 2015 fishing
season at a flat rate of $0.10/lb based on NSRAA’s FY ’16 budget and projected income.” The
motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
Draft Broodstock Policy-Section 3 page 48
Motion 3/11/15 (r) M/S Wade Martin/Karl Wolfe: The motion was withdrawn.
3/11/15 (s) M/S Brian/Carl Johnson: To adjourn the 2015 Spring NSRAA Board Meeting.
22
Contents
2015 Production Summary
Page 25-26
2015 Releases & Evaluation
Page 27-29
Project Map
Page 30
Organization Chart
Page 31
Page 32
23
24
Summary of NSRAA Production 2015
Value of Catch
Commercial
NSRAA Commercial Contribution: 2,323,167 salmon
Estimated Value to Commercial Fleet: $10.25 million
Percent of NSRAA Salmon to Commercial: 84
3%
84%
Cost Recovery
NSRAA Cost Recovery Harvest: 74,525 salmon
Cost Recovery Revenue: $ 848 thousand
Percent of NSRAA Salmon to Cost Recovery: 3
Enhancement Tax Update
Enhancement (3%) Tax paid by fishermen 1980-2014: $
46,676,200
Commercial Value of NSRAA Salmon 1980-2014: $ 249,643,837
GENSUM 2015 VALUE.DOCX
25
Summary of NSRAA Production 2015
Adult Production
NSRAA contributed an estimated 2.5 million salmon to the Southeast Alaska commercial
salmon fisheries this season. Chinook harvest numbers were 157% of 2014 levels, with contributions
totaling an estimated 17,946 Chinook. Hatchery chum returns show a commercial chum harvest of
2.39 million fish, or 200% the 1.19 million 2014 catch. NSRAA commercial coho harvest 100,278 fish
or 72% of the harvest of the 138,338 fish caught in 2014.
Catch by gear group information is summarized in the table below and shows comparable
data for the 2014 season. Figures shown for 2015 are preliminary. Catch estimates for the Sheldon
Jackson Hatchery portion of the Deep Inlet return are included. Numbers are prior to adjustments for
Hidden Falls Assessment and NSE Fund chum.
Juvenile Production
The following table shows total NSRAA releases of salmon fry and smolts in 2015. Fry stocked
in lakes are shown but not included in the grand total; these fish are counted as they emigrate as
smolts. Goals shown are NSRAA production goals. Sheldon Jackson chum released at Deep Inlet are
included.
Fry and Smolt Production: All NSRAA Projects
GENSUM 2015.docx
26
Brood Year 2015 Eggtake Evaluation
Project
Eggtake Goal
Hidden Falls
Chinook
Hidden Falls
Medvejie
Chinook Total
Chum (Fed fry)
Kasnyku
Kasnyku-4.0
SE Cove-4.0
Takatz
Takatz-4.0
SE Cove
Chum (Fed fry) Total
Coho
Deer Lake
Kasnyku-FW
Kasnyku-SW
Coho Total
Hidden Falls Total
Medvejie
Chinook
Medvejie
Chinook Total
Chum (Fed fry)
Bear Cove
Bear Cove-4.0
Deep Inlet
Deep Inlet (HF stock)
Deep Inlet (SJ Portion)
Deep Inlet-4.0
Coho
Medvejie
Coho Total
Pink (Un-Fed fry)
Medvejie Total
Sawmill Creek
Chum (Fed fry)
Sawmill Creek
Coho
Deep Inlet
Coho Total
Sawmill Creek Total
NSRAA Total
27
Actual Eggtake Average
900,000
3,300,000
4,200,000
1,179,500
3,596,600
4,776,100
131%
109%
120%
42,400,000
13,100,000
24,500,000
37,300,000
8,200,000
30,500,000
156,000,000
42,334,660
12,510,620
23,655,700
37,410,700
8,208,640
31,248,280
155,368,600
100%
96%
97%
100%
100%
102%
99%
3,200,000
3,000,000
1,500,000
7,700,000
167,900,000
3,200,000
3,000,000
1,500,000
7,700,000
167,844,700
100% est
100% est
100% est
100%
103%
629,000
629,000
735,000
735,000
117%
117%
16,000,000
4,000,000
24,550,000
24,000,000
9,000,000
8,450,000
86,000,000
16,039,092
4,005,912
24,573,570
23,991,200
9,018,198
8,461,590
86,089,562
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
200,000
200,000
300,000
87,129,000
200,000
200,000
300,000
87,324,562
100% est
100%
100%
102%
30,000,000
30,000,000
30,048,432
30,048,432
100%
100%
2,570,000
2,570,000
32,570,000
287,599,000
1,100,000
1,100,000
31,148,432
286,317,694
43% est
43%
71%
100%
Fall 2015 Rearing Evaluation
Project
Hidden Falls
Chinook
Hidden Falls
Chinook Total
Coho
Deer Lake
Kasnyku-FW
Kasnyku-SW
Coho Total
Hidden Falls Total
Medvejie
Chinook
Medvejie
Chinook Total
Coho
Medvejie
Coho Total
Medvejie Total
Sawmill Creek
Coho
Deep Inlet
Coho Total
Sawmill Creek Total
NSRAA Total
Goal
Actual #
% Goal
803,461
803,461
755,615
755,615
94.0%
94.0%
2,790,750
2,484,000
1,242,000
6,433,200
7,236,661
2,750,000
2,644,855
1,313,365
6,708,220
7,504,585
103.1%
106.5%
105.7%
104.6%
102.3%
2,551,020
2,551,020
1,932,355
1,932,355
75.7%
75.7%
79,900
79,900
2,630,920
98,530
98,530
2,030,885
123.3%
123.3%
99.5%
2,007,840
2,007,840
2,007,840
11,875,421
782,000
782,000
782,000
10,317,470
38.9%
38.9%
38.9%
86.9%
28
2015 Release Evaluation
Project
Hidden Falls
Chinook
Hidden Falls
Chinook Total
Chum (Fed fry)
Kasnyku
Kasnyku-4.0
SE Cove-4.0
Takatz
Takatz-4.0
Coho
Deer Lake
Kasnyku-FW
Kasnyku-SW
Coho Total
Hidden Falls Total
Medvejie
Chinook
Green Lake
Medvejie
Chinook Total
Chum (Fed fry)
Bear Cove
Bear Cove-4.0
Deep Inlet
Deep Inlet (HF stock)
Deep Inlet (SJ Portion)
Deep Inlet-4.0
Coho
Medvejie
Coho Total
Pink (Un-Fed fry)
Medvejie Total
Sawmill Creek
Chum (Fed fry)
Sawmill Creek
Coho
Sawmill Creek
Coho Total
Sawmill Creek Total
Haines
Chum (Un-Fed fry)
Haines Incub. Box
Chum (Un-Fed fry) Total
Haines Total
NSRAA Total
Goal
# Released
% of Goal
650,000
650,000
674,433
674,433
103.8%
103.8%
33,840,089
7,439,376
13,608,615
38,467,018
11,884,857
105,239,956
23,868,519
6,513,515
17,478,583
31,396,973
11,826,533
91,084,123
70.5%
87.6%
128.4%
81.6%
99.5%
93.5%
2,165,760
2,434,320
1,018,440
5,618,520
111,508,476
2,495,732
2,423,109
813,777
5,732,618
97,491,174
115.2%
99.5%
79.9%
98.2%
87.4%
2,500,000
550,000
3,050,000
785,553
1,031,371
1,816,924
31.4%
187.5%
59.6%
14,665,504
3,666,376
22,502,383
21,998,256
8,249,346
7,745,219
78,827,084
14,752,476
3,444,433
31,138,791
11,183,247
8,174,000
7,879,634
76,572,581
100.6%
93.9%
138.4%
50.8%
99.1%
101.7%
97.4%
78,302
78,302
285,000
82,240,386
77,769
77,769
220,000
78,687,274
99.3%
99.3%
77.2%
95.7%
14,100,000
14,100,000
13,370,294
13,370,294
94.8%
94.8%
1,031,744
1,031,744
15,131,744
949,412
949,412
14,319,706
92.0%
92.0%
93.4%
3,420,000
3,420,000
3,420,000
212,300,606
3,373,246
3,373,246
3,373,246
193,871,400
98.9%
98.9%
98.9%
91.3%
29
NSRAA Project Locations and Sites of Interest
Spawning Channels:
Herman Creek
24 Mile
Confluence Cannel
X
Incubation Boxes:
Herman Creek
17 Mile
31 Mile
Haines
Lutak Inlet
Chilkat Lake
Chilkoot Lake
Boat Harbor
Excursion Inlet
X
X
Pelican
Tatsamenie Lake
Taku River
Hoonah
X
X
Juneau
Trapper Lake
Limestone Inlet
Snettisham Hatchery
Speel Lake
Medvejie, Deep Inlet
Sawmill Cove, Green Lake,
Salmon Lake
X
Sitka
X
Angoon
Crescent Lake
Sweetheart Lake
Hidden Falls
Takatz Bay
Baranof Lake
Gilbert Bay
Hobart Bay
Crawfish Inlet
Kake
Plotnikof Lake /
Port Banks
X Gunnuk Creek Hatchery
Southeast Cove
Port Camden
Deer Lake / Mist Cove
X
Petersburg
Tuya Lake
Stikine River
Tahltan Lake
X
.
Wrangell
X
Ketchikan
0 5 10 20 30 40
Miles
30
Southeast_2006b
© NSRAA
NSRAA Board of Directors
Steve Reifenstuhl
General Manager
Scott Wagner
Operations
Manager
Ilona Mayo
Office Manager
Kris Wilcox
Secretary
Shirley Womack
Facilitator
Woody Cyr
Project Manager
Coho Lake Rearing
Adam Olson
Hatchery Manager
Medvejie
Coray Harvey
Assistant Project
Leader
Baxter Poe
Assistant Hatchery
Manager
Kenneth Gray
Medvejie
Maintenance
Engineer
Matt Golden
Project Leader
David Campbell
Medvejie/SMC
Fish Culturist/
Maintenance Asst
Ritch Phillips
Senior Fish
Culturist
Chip Blair
Data Analyst
Jon Pearce
Hatchery Manager
Hidden Falls
Rebecca Olson
Assistant Hatchery
Manager
Sawmill Creek
Ben Adams
Special Projects
Coordinator
Rick Morehouse
Hidden Falls
Maintenance
Supervisor
Cain DePriest
Assistant Hatchery
Manager
Salmon Lake Weir
Crew
Tagging Crew
Open
Hidden Falls
Maintenance
Engineer
Benji Burbank
Fish Culturist
Mike Pountney
NSRAA Maintenance
Manager
Bill Coltharp
Fish Culturist
Samantha Kanak
Fish Culturist
Open
Fish Culturist
Open
Fish Culturist
31
NSRAA Awards 2015 Scholarships
Congratulations to recipients of the 2015 NSRAA scholarships!
$2,500 scholarships were awarded to:
• Shalie Dahl (Green River Community College)
• Nels Evens (Gonzaga University)
• Ian Fleming (Montana State University)
Previous recipients:
• 2014 – Spencer Combs (CAL Poly)
• 2014 – Nicole Peterson (Alaska Career College)
• 2014 – Andrew Vallion (University of St. Joseph)
• 2013 – Justin Cabe (UAF Fairbanks)
• 2013 – Laurel Eliason (UAS Sitka)
• 2013 – Cody Worhatch (Cornell University)
• 2012 – Alaire Hughey – (Linfield College)
• 2012 – Sarah McDermott (Seattle Pacific University)
• 2012 – Anna Szymanski – (University of Alaska – Fairbanks)
• 2011 – Karl Jordan (Bellingham Technical College)
• 2011 – Maggie Garrison (Western Washington University)
• 2011 – Maximilian Worhatch (Washington State University)
• 2010 – Tessa Hasbrouck (University of Wisconsin – Stephen’s Point)
• 2010 – Maximilian Worhatch (Washington State University)
• 2009 – Molly Emerson – (Yale University)
• 2009 – Calvin Drake – (University of Montana)
• 2008 – Raechel Katy Pendell – (Connecticut College)
• 2008 – Teslyn Vissher – (school undecided)
• 2007 – Sierra Golden – (Gonzaga University)
• 2007 – Adrienne Wilbur – (Carleton College)
• 2006 – Genny Szmanski – (Northwestern University)
• 2006 – Kyle Knight – (Western Washington University )
• 2005 – Jennifer Vallion – (University of Alaska – Anchorage)
• 2005 – Chelsea Hicks – (Chapman University or Seattle University)
• 2005 – Emily Blair – (Montana State University)
• 2004 – Ryan Gregg (Seattle University School of Law)
• 2004 – Christen Oen (California Maritime Academy)
• 2003 – Kelsea Peterman (Gonzaga University)
• 2003 – Chelsea Young (University of Alaska – Southeast)
• 2002 – Tyler C. Eells (UAS, Juneau)
• 2002 – Maria Melambianakis (Lewis-Clark State College)
• 2001 – Krystyna L. McCay (Southern Oregon University)
• 2001 – Nick G. Eliason (Union College)
32
Scholarship Information
The NSRAA board established the scholarship program at their March 2001 meeting.
In March 2011, the NSRAA board added a third scholarship, specifically for two-year degrees,
including most vocational / technical programs.
Three $2500 scholarships are available annually. Those eligible to apply are those who hold a current
State of Alaska salmon limited entry permit and paid enhancement tax to NSRAA in the year prior to
the application, and their children. NSRAA full-time and seasonal benefited employees and their
dependent children and other immediate family members are also eligible to apply.
At this time the scholarships are non-renewable, but winners can apply again in the future.
The scholarship is not limited to students who intend to study fisheries.
Application forms may be picked up at (or requested from) the NSRAA office in Sitka. Forms will also
be available at the counselor’s office at your local high school.
The application period runs from January 1 through April 15 (or the Monday after the 15th if the 15th
falls on a weekend).
33
34
Medvejie Hatchery Fall Project Report 2015
Adam Olson, Hatchery Manager
Medvejie Hatchery
Return Projections 2016
Chum 1,782,000
Chinook
31,200
Coho
5,000
Personnel 2015
Assistant Manager: Baxter Poe
Maintenance Manager: Mike Pountney
Maintenance Engineer: Kenny Gray
Fish Culturists: Ritch Phillips, Bill Coltharp,
Matt Golden and David Campbell
35
Overview
Large eggtake goals and changes to an already complicated rearing plan posed
some daunting challenges this year. As always, the staff at Medvejie stepped up
and met each challenge head on.
After two consecutive years of disappointments rearing fish in Green Lake, the
Medvejie Chinook programs underwent some changes and redistribution of fish
this year. The Green Lake program continued but with a reduced number of fish
going to the lake. A number of modifications and improvements to the rearing
plan were also employed. I am glad to be able to report at this time that the lake
rearing portion was a success, experiencing only 0.15% mortality; compared to
last year’s losses of over 25%.
The mild winter experienced last year led to very favorable early saltwater fry
rearing this spring. Temperatures started out close to 7 degrees C and only
gradually increased throughout rearing, topping out at 8.3 degrees. This enabled
staff to achieve good growth without having to battle the issues, such as the
onset of Vibrio, that can present themselves with temperatures over 9 degrees.
All Medvejie and Deep Inlet fry were released by April 30th.
Deep Inlet and Medvejie experienced an excellent Chum return coming in at
188% of forecast. Due to some major changes and improvements to the facilities
infrastructure, spawning of Chinook and Chum went very smoothly. The largest
Chum eggtake in the history of the facility was efficiently completed in just 20
days.
Chum
Rearing and Release
Chum ponding went extremely quick this year, transferring all 79.1 million fry to
saltwater in just 2 weeks from February 2-16. There appeared to be a high
organic load in the hatcheries water supply this year which produced a not so
unfamiliar challenge during the incubation period with random outbreaks of
fungus buildup which can cause alvein mortality. Through the staffs diligent
efforts keeping things flowing and as clean as possible, post hatch loss was
mitigated to only 2.3%, a situation that could have become much more serious.
After ponding, saltwater conditions were extremely favorable for growth at both
sites. The fry performed well right out of the gate and easily met size goals for
early releases. The rearing of the 4.0 programs at both Bear Cove and Deep Inlet
continue to perform well. Once again the fry were orally vaccinated for the Vibrio
bacteria and were able to surpass their release goal size in excellent health at an
early date.
36
The following table outlines the BY14 Chum releases for 2015.
Program
Number
released
Size at
Release
Release Date
2015
Medvejie Broodstock
Medvejie Broodstock 4.0
Deep Inlet-HF
Deep Inlet-MCIF
Deep Inlet 4.0
Total
14.75 million
3.44 million
10.86 million
39.31 million
7.88 million
76.24 million
2.07
4.20
1.99
2.00
4.23
4/11-14
4/30
4/27-28
4/15-23
4/28-29
BY15 Chum Eggtakes
With Chum production doubling at Crawfish Inlet this coming season, the
Medvejie Chum eggtake goal was the largest in the facilities history at 92 million
eggs (additionally another 3 million for SSSC). This is up 37 million from just 2
years ago. With the 4 year old component from the additional 10 million increase
in 2011, the returning broodstock were fully utilized to reach the various program
goals. One hundred and eleven thousand Chum went through the rack this year.
Only 13,500 were excess and not required for broodstock. Once eggtakes began
fish recruited up the ladder into the facility at a relatively steady rate throughout
the 20 day eggtake. The daily average was 4.66 million eggs and a new one day
eggtake record of 7.07 million was set.
The following table provides a breakdown of the allocation of green chum eggs
taken for programs in Deep Inlet, Bear Cove and Crawfish Inlet.
% of
Program
Green Eggs
Eyed eggs
Goal
MCIF Broodstock 4.0
4.05 million
TBD
Deep Inlet 4.0
MCIF Broodstock
regulars
Deep Inlet regulars
Deep Inlet - SSSC
Crawfish Inlet 4.0
Crawfish Inlet regulars
SSSC gamete xfer
8.46 million
TBD
16.04 million
TBD
24.57 million
9.02 million
15.03 million
15.03 million
2.57 million
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
Total
94.72 million
TBD
100%
37
100 %
100 %
Chinook
Rearing and Release
B13 FWOW & GL and BY14 ZERO CHECK
The following information outlines the spring 2015 BY13 and 14 Chinook
releases:
•
Medvejie Fresh Water Over Winter (FWOW)- On April 25th and 26th
433,421 FWOW Chinook were transferred by boat to Halibut Point
Marine for short term rearing and release. The fish grew extremely well
with minimal mortality and were release on May 15th at 27.3 grams. The
Bear Cove FWOW Chinook also performed exceptionally well this spring
and put on over 9 grams in their 3 weeks in saltwater and were released
on May 18th at 31.7 grams.
•
Green Lake Yearlings- After suffering losses due to Trycophora during
their rearing last summer in Green Lake, the smolts continued to have a
challenging time in saltwater. Shortly after saltwater entry, due to their
compromised state, the fish began to exhibit clinical signs of Vibrio and
then Bacterial Kidney Disease. Treatments were administered for both
with minimal positive results. Two pens were released very early,
January 16th, due to the severity of the BKD infection. These pens were
uniquely tagged so their potential survival can be determined upon their
return. A second group of early releases occurred on March 26-27
releasing 8 of the remaining 14 pens. The final 6 pens were released on
April 20th. Overall losses experienced in saltwater was 59.3%. Despite
the challenges and failures experienced with this broodyear the
remaining smolt released in March and April showed excellent health
and averaged 62.6grams.
•
Medvejie Zero Check- After the tough losses experienced with the
Green Lake program shifts in production were made with the BY14 eggs.
600,000 were converted into Zero Checks as there were no other
available options for their rearing. The fry were advanced as much as
possible in incubation and ponded in early January. Their growth was
slow throughout the spring and were transferred to saltwater on May 27th
at 2.8 grams. The fry performed surprisingly well growing over 4% per
day and were released on June 15th at 6.0 grams.
38
BY14
The shift in production of the BY14 eggs also recreated the Medvejie Yearling
program. This program is reared at the hatchery all summer and transferred to
saltwater pens in the fall. Despite slowing considerably in the late summer/early
fall, the fish are doing well thus far in saltwater with minimal mortality and a
decent feed response.
After the previous two years of challenging rearing in Green Lake a number of
changes were made to the rearing plan for this season. Half the number of fish
were brought to the lake (1.4 million), a new rearing location where 40% of the
population were to be placed was chosen, and new mortality removal
components were purchased and fabricated for every pen and were to be run
daily. Fry were transferred to the lake on July 21st and 22nd at 4.78 grams. Both
sites performed well this year with only 0.15% mortality for the rearing period. A
major difference this year, in addition to the rearing changes, was that the lake
was spilling for most of the time the fish were there. A Trycophora outbreak never
occurred this year; it is uncertain if the lake spill was the contributing factor or the
improvements in the rearing plan. It was more than likely a combination of factors
that produced a successful season. Fish were transferred out of the lake and
held for varying amounts of time in the freshwater raceways before being
counted to saltwater. Transfers occurred on October 6th, 10th, and 13th. Before
considering ramping the lake production back up, the current strategy is to move
the same number of fish to the lake next year and see if the results can be
duplicated.
Rearing of the FWOW group is going very well, with no health issues and solid
growth rates since ponding last winter. We presently have 555,000 FWOW
Chinook of which 149,000 will be released at Bear Cove and the remaining
406,000 will be released at the Halibut Point Marine dock in the spring. The fish
weigh about 14.5 grams and should reach their release goal size without any
issue.
BY15 Chinook Eggtakes
The following table is a breakdown of eggs taken for BY15.
Program
Green Eggs
Eyed Eggs
Med Zeros
Med FWOW
Green Lake-MCIF
Med Yearlings
DIPAC Shortfall
HF Shortfall
Total
735,000
735,000
1,764,000
1,097,600
319,475
259,700
4,910,775
682,820
661,476
1,512,000
TBD
39
Coho
Rearing and Release
BY13
77,769 BY13 Coho were released on May 13th at an average size of 23.1 grams.
The fish only put on about a gram during their 3 week imprinting period in
saltwater, however fish health was excellent at release with less than a half
percent mortality observed.
BY14
98,530 BY14 Coho are currently being reared at Medvejie for the Sawmill Creek
Hatchery’s broodstock program. The fish are almost 15 grams and have been
healthy throughout freshwater rearing. Additionally, there are 107,000 Coho
being reared at Sawmill Creek Hatchery with the intent to transfer to Medvejie
next spring for imprinting and release.
BY15 Coho Eggtakes
Broodstock availability for the Sawmill Creek Hatchery Coho program continues
to be an area of concern. Releases at Medvejie (the brood source for the
program) have gone from 50K in 2011 to the upcoming release of 200K in 2016.
At the time of this writing no eggtakes had been conducted. The facility was
holding 205 pair with an estimated 100-150 unsorted in the raceways and holding
below the fish ladder. Of the 205 pairs, 66 were seined and transferred from
Deep Inlet using company skiffs. Additionally, 106 were seined in the hatchery
area and transferred to the raceways to avoid potential predation from sea lions.
In the past, predation could have played an integral role in the inability to acquire
necessary broodstock.
Pinks
Last spring we released 220,000 Pink salmon into the North Fork for stream
mitigation. This fall we took 300,000 eggs, and allowed 600 pairs to spawn in the
North and south fork streams.
40
Facility & Equipment
Program expansion at Medvejie over the last few years has continued to reiterate
the importance of safe and efficient broodstock management. A number of
projects were taken on this past spring and summer to better prepare the facility
for the fall chum eggtake this year and into the future.
A new, and significantly more robust, weir was installed at the mouth of the
North Fork Creek. The new design consists of large vertical galvanized I-beams
with large base plates buried and reinforced with multiple rows of engineered
concrete blocks. Smaller I-beams run horizontally and bolt to the uprights and
have over 200 aluminum pickets that fit through punched out holes. Multiple large
rain events during eggtakes were a cause for concern but the new weir
performed exceptionally. I am confident the old weir would have experienced
significant damage and quite possibly a complete failure which would have led to
an abundance of broodstock entering the creek.
The adult raceways were modified and retrofitted with new aluminum tail
sections. The new pieces not only made the raceways larger but were integrated
into newly installed drain lines to better control the flow of effluent water thus
making it easier to run the fish ladder at optimal levels for recruitment.
Another major improvement was the installation of a new 16” HDPE line directly
off of the reservoir to feed all of the adult raceways. This allowed for significantly
more flow to be run and to maximize fish recruitment by keeping dissolved
oxygen level up. The new line is also a great help in that it reduces the demand
on the older lines that feed the rearing containers and incubation rooms.
The number of projects the maintenance department takes on seems to be ever
increasing over the years. A new larger shop was built this year next to the New
Chum Incubation room that will better serve the facilities needs in the future. The
old shop will be re-integrated with the current feed warehouse and be used to
store incubation components, rearing nets, and other small hatchery equipment.
Personnel
Some big changes took place this year throughout NSRAA and Medvejie was no
exception. Angie Bowers stepped down as the Hatchery Manager to take a
position with the Sitka Sound Science Center as their Aquaculture Director. A
position, until recently, held by another NSRAA alum, Lon Garrison. I have taken
over the Manager position and truly look forward to leading the exceptional and
innovative staff here at Medvejie. As NSRAA continues to grow and change, it
never ceases to amaze me the dedication and perseverance with which the staff
meets every new challenge.
41
42
Sawmill Creek Hatchery Fall Project Report 2015
Rebecca Olson, Assistant Manager
Coho 57,000
Personnel 2015
Maintenance: Mike Pountney, Kenny Gray
Fish Culturists: David Campbell, Ritch Phillips
43
Overview
2015 has been a calm year for Sawmill Creek Hatchery, which is a nice variation from
the somewhat hectic feeling of last year. It has been a good year for rearing and we
continue to adjust as we set new standards for Sawmill Creek coho growth and water
temperature “norms.” Now that we have made it a full year after the changes with the
Blue Lake Dam, we can start to see that the water temperatures will probably stay in a
tighter range, with cooler summer water temperatures and warmer winter water
temperatures. This will probably show slower, steadier fish growth versus rapid gains
and dormant winter periods. In the end, the fish should come out the same, if not
healthier.
The big achievement of the year was the successful first season of chum incubation and
rearing at Crawfish Inlet. Going into the second season, everything will be doubled at
30 million, but with a year under our belts at this new site, things should feel simpler.
We have very high hopes to have everything turn out just as much of a success as the
first season.
Coho
Rearing and Release
BY13
The broodyear 2013 Coho did well this year with a steady growth over winter and into
spring. They surpassed the size goals set for them with just under 950,000 fish being
transferred to Deep Inlet from April 22-24 at a 23.14 gram average. They were held
there for 3 weeks and released about 1.5 grams larger.
BY14
Despite being ponded a month earlier than the previous year, the Broodyear 2014 coho
had a slower start than they have had in the past. Although the water temperature was
2.0oC warmer at the time of ponding than it has been in the past few years, it didn’t
have the same rapid increase in the spring months. With the very slow temperature
increase came slow, but steady growth with the Coho. At the time of writing, the fish
were around 10.25 grams, with the average temperature currently being around 8.5 oC
and continuing to rise very slowly. I predict it will soon make a downturn but stay
warmer over the winter, allowing the coho to continue to feed and grow, as they did last
year. The fish have been staying in good health and the mortality has been low, despite
having a slightly elevated mortality in the month following ponding.
There are currently 782,000 fish being reared at Sawmill, but 107,500 of those have
recently been designated “Medvejie Broodstock Coho.” An increase in Broodstock coho
was passed, bringing the release number up to 200,000 for the Broodyear 2014
release. They will be reared in separate round ponds, but alongside the 674,500
Sawmill Creek coho. At the end of September, 100% of these Medvejie Broodstock
coho were tagged, followed by approximately 13% of the Sawmill group. They have
since been split into all of the 16 round ponds and will remain there until spring, where
44
the Sawmill group will go to Deep Inlet as usual, but the Medvejie Broodstock group will
be transported to Medvejie for saltwater rearing and release.
BY15 Eggtakes
Broodyear 2015 coho eggtake will go as planned this year, with the collection of the
gametes at Medvejie being transported to Sawmill where the fertilization and incubation
will occur. At the time of writing, broodstock collection is ongoing and spawning should
begin at the very end of October.
Crawfish Inlet Chum
Rearing and Release
BY14
The inaugural season of chum rearing at Crawfish Inlet was a great success. 13.37
million Chum were transferred the 40-mile boat ride over a 5-day period, with very little
transfer loss. 2 net pens a day were transferred out using the new raceway liner nets
that were made to be used inside 2 existing outdoor raceways.
With the fish larger from the start, they took to food right away and their growth took off,
with an overall average growth per day of 3.3%, which is the highest GPD of any of the
chum rearing projects this year. The fish stayed in great condition throughout rearing
and were all a very consistent size within each net pen. There was sign of
chaetoceros, but the fish were able to handle it well, with little to zero related mortality.
In fact, there was very little mortality throughout all of rearing and it only reached an
average of 1.55% loss total.
As these were all 4.0 chum, they made it to their expected 4.0g size quicker than
expected. Fish were released using the trickle release method from May 1 – 6. There
was little sign of predators around throughout the whole rearing period, probably due to
the newness of the site.
Soon after release, the site was cleaned up and the barge was towed back to Medvejie
for the winter. The net pens were moved to the winter site, which is closer to the mouth
of the Inlet to avoid icing conditions that could potentially occur, though no icing was
seen this year, before and during rearing.
The transferring of personnel and communication went as expected. Due to the
protected route that you can take to Crawfish Inlet, personnel transfers went off without
any problems. Communication from site to town was difficult, as expected. The
DeLorme InReach served to be the main form of communication, though it was a very
slow form. The Satellite phone proved to be the back-up, as it didn’t perform great and
only really worked if you travelled out into the Inlet.
All in all, things probably couldn’t have gone better and we hope to continue the
success into BY15 rearing.
45
BY15 Eggtake
30.05 million Chum eggs (an even split of 15 million each for 4.0s and regular) have
been taken for the second rearing season at Crawfish Inlet. The eggs will be eyed up
and otolith marked at Medvejie Hatchery. The incubation room is set up and awaiting
the arrival of the eggs once the otolith marking is complete. The 4.0 egg group will be
transferred October 26th, with the regular egg group not far behind, around November 4.
Site Projects
During the planning of the installation of the 4 new round ponds, it was decided that a
new 18” valve should be installed to isolate the new 4 ponds so they could be installed
at any time, even if there were fish in the other 16 ponds. However, it was determined
that the main line out to the round pond field could not be isolated without draining the
main headbox. At the point of determining this, fish were already in the rearing building,
making it impossible to shut the water down for a significant period of time.
A plan was created to install a tap off of the high pressure line, which pulls water from
the back-up high pressure bypass line, but before the isolation valve to the main
headbox. Once the tap was installed, this would move water to the indoor raceways,
but allow the main headbox to be drained to install a large 24” valve under the headbox
for the future, if we ever needed to isolate the round pond main line again. During this
time when the line is drained, the 18” round pond isolation valve would be installed as
well.
However,
to install
the high
pressure
line tap,
water did
need to be
shut off to
the indoor
raceways
for
approximat
ely an hour
and a half.
During that
time, we
made use
of the Crawfish chum headline, which was laid across the 6 indoor raceways and
plumbed from the coho incubation room with flexhose. There was also oxygen stones
in each raceway to ensure the fish stayed in good condition.
46
All in all, the water shutdown was quick and the fish did well. With the high pressure tap
installed to the rearing room, which is also a good back-up water source for future
problems, the headbox was able to be drained, allowing the new 24” and 18” valves to
be installed over a two-day period.
Once the valves were installed, the fish were able to be
moved to the outside raceways, allowing for the indoor
raceways to be removed and the room flipped into the
chum incubation room. The new bridge crane made it
extremely easy to get the aluminum raceways and
plumbing out of the building and to install the chum
plumbing. With the addition of another 15 million chum
eggs, another headline was also installed to accommodate
another row of incubators, making a total of 28 stacks.
Currently in the works is the purchasing of a back-up
generator and load bank for the hatchery, as well as the
installation of cameras for security and for viewing the wet
well and a new PLC to be able to quickly and easily see the
readings of the pressures in the hatchery supply line where
it taps into the Blue Lake penstock.
Installation of very heavy 24”
valve under main headbox
47
48
Salmon Lake Project Report 2015
Ben Adams, Special Projects Leader
Personnel 2015
Fish Techs: Adam Bocco, Caleb Taylor, Michael
True
49
Overview
Beginning in 2007, NSRAA took over operation of the Salmon Lake weir to fulfill permitting
requirements of the Basic Management Plan for the Sawmill Creek Hatchery. Primary objectives
for operating the weir were to monitor for Medvejie Coho strays and estimate escapement, sex
composition, length, and age structure of returning wild Coho. In July of 2009, the Sawmill
Creek Hatchery’s Basic Management Plan was revised by ADF&G and NSRAA. The BMP now
stipulates that NSRAA will continue operation of the Salmon Lake weir for spring smolt
emigration and adult returns through 2017 (the initial return years of Salmon Lake broodstock
development).
The objectives of this study are:
1. To monitor for hatchery-produced Coho salmon (adipose missing fish) present at the
Salmon Lake weir.
2. Coded Wire Tag (CWT) up to 10,000 emigrant Coho smolts each May for three years
beginning in 2014 to evaluate fisheries interception and marine survival rates.
Salmon Lake Floating Adult Weir
2015 Adult Weir Operation
Based on operating procedures developed by NSRAA and ADF&G, all Coho salmon are
enumerated and sampled for CWT at the Salmon Lake Weir by NSRAA employees. The weir
was in operation by August 3 and will be removed by mid November. All adipose-present Coho
salmon captured in the live trap receive an operculum punch and are released upstream of the
weir. The operculum punch serves as a verification of weir passage. Adipose missing Coho
50
found in the live trap are sacrificed and sampled for length, condition, and sex. Heads are
collected on both adipose missing Coho as well as any morts found upstream of the weir.
Otoliths are removed from all collected heads and read by NSRAA. Adipose-missing heads are
then sent to the ADF&G tag lab for CWT analysis. Axilary processes were also collected from
100 adult Coho and sent to the ADF&G gene lab for stock genetic analysis.
2015 Preliminary Results
A total of 647 adult Coho have been counted (Figure 1) and 4 CWT heads have been
recovered as of October 22, 2015.
Salmon Lake Adult Coho Weir Counts
2,500
2,300
1,515
1,424
1,500
1,060 1,018 1,132
1,055
1,000
500
Preliminary
Estimate
2,000
737
1,024
632
678
721
647
432
0
2001 2002 2003 2004* 2005 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011* 2012* 2013 2014 2015
Figure 1: Historical weir counts for adult Coho at Salmon Lake 2001-2015. Results for 2015 are preliminary.
51
Salmon Lake Smolt Weir
2015 Smolt Weir Operation
2015 was the second year for CWT tagging of emigrating smolts. The fixed smolt weir and
floating live box were installed on April 17, immediately downstream from the adult weir location.
The weir occupied approximately 80% of the stream channel width to allow for the passage of
steelhead and other resident fish. The Weir remained in operation through June 9 th, with the
exception of a single high water event in late April. All fish captured in the smolt weir were
identified and enumerated.
The smolt trap was checked daily and all Coho smolts captured were tagged with a unique CWT
code (04-08-49) and given a right ventral fin clip, then released downstream from the weir. In
total, 818 Coho smolt were captured and 807 were tagged. Additionally, 187 pinks, 200 chum,
2,557 sockeye, 41 small sculpins (<120 mm), 91 stickleback, 31 rainbow, 1 cutthroat, and 1
Dolly Varden were also caught and released downstream.
Returning adults will be sampled in commercial fisheries, creel sampling, cost recovery fishing
and at the Salmon Lake weir. This information will be used to estimate marine survival and
interception rate in common property and subsistence fisheries.
52
Hidden Falls Hatchery Fall Project Report 2015
Jonathan Pearce, Hatchery Manager
Chum 1,433,000
Chinook
5,400
Coho
194,000
Personnel 2015
Assistant Manager: Cain DePriest
Maintenance Supervisor: Rick Morehouse
Maintenance Engineer: Open
Fish Culturists: Benji Burbank, Cain
DePriest, Sam Kanak
53
Overview
After a mediocre winter snowfall, a relatively wet spring and late summer made up for
the lack of precipitation with a combined 45.1” of rain from March through August.
The surplus of rain allowed Hidden Falls Lake to stay full and spill the majority of the
summer with the exception of a majority of chum spawning window. Although plenty
of water was available, the lake heated faster and became warmer than rearing
conditions during 2014. Size goals for overwinter were easily met early this fall with
the Coho and Chinook. The moderately mild winter also made for favorable early
ponding conditions this spring. These conditions were especially important given the
advancement of the 4.0 Chum rearing programs. Hidden Falls had Chum fry in the
water the first day of February. The favorable spring conditions with warm ocean
temperatures also allowed for great growth (2nd highest) and survival (lowest
mortality) of the BY13 SWOW and Chinook. Minimal dropout occurred during the 10
day holding periods in salt water for the Freshwater overwintered Coho.
This season’s Chum broodstock were counted in volitionally and allowed to enter the
lagoon easily with no high water periods during the 28 days of spawning. It was a
slow start to our impending eggtake goal of 180 million chum eggs, however, with the
help of a dedicated staff, we were able to meet this goal and set an all time record
eggtake goal for Chum salmon in Alaska. Staff easily kept up with the run and at
times there were four roe strippers, another first. Throughout the eggtake only 6.5%
of the females were inviable.
Hidden Falls continues to employ techniques for whale avoidance at release. This
year the majority of releases were able to be conducted directly at the rearing sites,
despite the on and off presence of whales. The earliest releases of the Chinook, and
Early Entry Coho, did not have to combat with whale presence. Trickle releases, tow
releases, and no release holding periods while whales were actively feeding in the
area seemed to have the desired effect of limiting the buildup of potential prey
sources by keeping the whales on the move. However, the whales still continue to be
a presence during releases.
This year marked many construction projects for Hidden Falls. The completion of the
new 50’x 50’ storage building allows for storage of incubators when not in use in the
main incubation room. The new PRV and pipework brought many improvements to
the hatchery and increased our ability to manipulate water
distribution on site.
Chum
Hidden Falls/Takatz
Rearing and Release
Rearing of the broodyear ‘14 Chum was a challenging
struggle this year. Winter returned shortly after ponding with
slushy water conditions making it difficult to effectively feed
BY14 Chum Fry Transfers
54
the fry. For the third year HF rearing sites have experienced mortality issues. This
was more severe at the Kasnyku rearing site, which experienced an overall loss of
almost 28% compared to the Takatz site at 15%. These mortality levels were higher
in the Regular group than the 4.0 group which was opposite from last year’s rearing
mortality (KS 16%, TK 20%). Despite these setbacks again, all fry exceeded their
release size goals, with the 4.0 chum averaging 4.26 grams, the largest size to date.
We are currently conducting a Trial on the BY15 Chum to try and get to the bottom of
why Hidden Falls has had such high mortality during rearing over the last three years.
A portion of the HF Regular group were advanced in order to pond the chums and
conduct the feed trial. The trial consists of different starter feeds brands and sizes.
After an ADF&G pathology report stated the mortality could be occurring due to Gill
Hyperplasia caused by the phytoplankton Chaetocerous. We are implementing more
water sampling efforts during rearing and possibly a new starter feed to help the fry
feed better. We hope to obtain results before the next rearing season in order to
apply our findings and lower the mortality losses we have seen over the last several
years.
Southeast Cove
Rearing and Release
The southeast cove (SEC) rearing site experienced excellent rearing conditions once
again which reinforces the continued expansion of this project. Fry transfers in March
conducted by the F/V Lucy O were very successful in transporting the 17.8 million
chum fry. Mortality was extremely low (1.88%) during the rearing season and size
goals were easily met due to great rearing conditions. 17.5 million Chum were
released at the end of May with an average weight of 4.15g.
SEC chum eggs were taken during the end of the spawning season at Hidden Falls.
It was decided that HF would take all the eggs required for the SEC expansion. 22.4
million regulars and 32.5 million 4.0 eggs were collected and make up 30.5% of the
180 million eggs taken at Hidden Falls in 2015.
BY15 Eggtake
A number of factors contributed to making this year the largest eggtake on record.
Pre-season planning with flood mitigation and lagoon aeration allowed for a smooth
broodstock entry into the lagoon and ladder. Two new air pumps were installed to
oxygenate the outflow from the front round ponds and re-direct it through a 14” HDPE
line to the base of the ladder. Although we didn’t surpass last year’s daily eggtake
record of 14.6 million eggs, we were able to stay persistent during our 28-day long
spawn and meet the 180 million eggtake goal. This year we were able to sell 86% of
the Chum carcasses. The roe was fully utilized from 2,706 green females and 2,122
surplus females. Currently HF now has 155 million chum eggs incubating in 735
NOPADs, using roughly 4.2 million gallons of water per day.
SEC chum eggs were taken during the end of the spawning season at Hidden Falls.
It was decided that HF would take all the eggs required for the SEC expansion. 22.4
55
million regulars and 32.5 million 4.0 eggs were collected and make up 30.5% of the
180 million eggs taken at Hidden Falls in 2015.
Chinook
Rearing and Release
Currently, 755K Chinook are being reared in saltwater. Positive rearing conditions
over the summer had the smolts up to size in early September for their saltwater
entry. So far, in the first month of rearing, the smolts have grown well making them
the second largest broodyear at this time.
In late April and early May, 737K Chinook smolts were released at 66 grams just
behind last year’s release weight of 66.8g. These were the third largest Chinook
released from Hidden Falls since the start of the program. Continued research and
improvements in population tracking yielded a release number discrepancy of 8.49%
this year, down again from last year’s 13.4%, and the year before which was close to
25%. Habitual seal predation appears to be one of the contributing factors as they
have been observed to be able to extract smaller fish through the perimeter of the
rearing net. Acoustic deterrents as well as utilizing smaller mesh rearing nets have
been used and will continue to be used to deter this form of predation.
BY15 Eggtake
This summer, staff collected 888,000 Chinook eggs at Hidden Falls. This amount was
well below the planned eggtake that was to include the entirety of the Medvejie
Green Lake program. Thankfully, adequate broodstock was available at Medvejie,
and that portion of the eggtake, along with the Hidden Falls Shortfall, was shifted to
MCIF and they collect the remaining eggs for us. Currently in incubation we have a
total green egg number of 1,179,500. Regular screening revealed a lower than
normal instance of BKD positive broodstock used during eggtake (6%).
Coho
Rearing and Release
Currently 3.96 million Coho are being reared in both fresh and salt waters. The Fresh
Water Over Winter (FWOW) Coho are well ahead of the size goal heading into
winter. The SWOW were transferred in mid-October to netpens with their initial
mortality very low and are exhibiting a strong feed response. Staff are hopeful that
with favorable rearing conditions growth will continue for the first month in salt water
and the fish will be in good condition to survive the stressful overwinter period.
A new release for Hidden Falls was conducted this spring after the success seen with
Cliff Lake stocking. On July 3rd just over 135,000 2.0 gram Coho fry were transported
from Hidden Falls to Parry Lake (S. end of Baranof). This year’s great survival to fry
provided the surplus for this stocking. Additional stocking locations exist if surplus fry
are available in the future.
56
At just over 4 million, this spring’s release of Coho smolt was very successful. The
FWOW Coho, which comprised 80% of the release, were 24 grams and had the
lowest saltwater mortality during the 10 day holding period. The SWOW Coho
comprised the last 20% of the release. This year BKD infection was not an issue and
the SWOW Coho had the lowest mortality and were the second largest (23.4 g) in the
history of the program.
BY15 Eggtake
A total of 7.7 million Coho eggs will be taken this year in late October to early
November. Despite a potentially record low ocean survival (<1%) there is adequate
broodstock available to meet this goal.
Site Projects
Construction activity was conducted by Keystone Inc. this past summer to address a
number of projects. The biggest undertaking this year was the installation of a
secondary PRV to feed the front ponds and supply cold lake water in the summer as
well as warm water in the winter. A new supply line to the rear raceways from the
tailrace of the hydro was also installed to better utilize second use of water recovered
from power generation. Both of these improvements gives staff at Hidden Falls more
options with combinations of; water temperatures, maximizing rearing conditions, and
water conservation efforts. Additionally, a 6” saltwater line was installed replacing the
1” line that supplied the shockbox in the spawn room. This improvement will increase
options for disease treatment in the future in the round ponds and incubation. The
start of the foundation for a secondary hydro building was started and will conclude
spring of 2016 with the installation of an 80KW turbine.
With the continued expansion of the Southeast Cove project, a lot of work became
necessary to complete the incubation room to accommodate the additional increase
in eggs before the summer eggtake. The staff quickly fabricated and installed the
necessary components to make it possible to plumb in additional eggtake and hatch
out incubators. The extra NOPAD style incubators needed were purchased from
Gunnuk Creek Hatchery and transferred from Kake to Hidden Falls in April.
Fabrication of NOPAD stands, the repair of hatch screens and fry gates, and the
overhaul of plumbing took a lot of effort to be finished in time for spawning. Main
Chum incubation capacity increased almost 30% this year to meet the demands of
the expansion.
CBC Construction, out of Sitka, finished a new 50’x50’ steel storage building located
on the hydro hill this spring. The building was outfitted on three sides with pallet racks
by staff allowing for the maximization of space to store the extra NOPAD incubators
and R-48 incubators necessary for the Southeast Cove Project. With limited space in
the main incubation room, the eye up R-48 incubators have to be removed and
stacks of Nopads built in their place for seeding and hatch. In addition to the storage
capacity of the building it will be an excellent rearing net mending space and winter
storage for larger rolling equipment.
57
Storage of incubators on new racks in the warehouse built using SE Cove expansion funds.
The Maintenance Department finished the construction of an elevated storage
mezzanine and more efficient shelving system in the main shop. Other improvements
have been made to facilitate organization and safe working conditions.
I would like to thank my staff for their support over the last few months and their
dedication to improving all of the programs here at Hidden Falls. Our staff at Hidden
Falls has had some recent additions: Assistant Manager Cain DePriest (former HF
seasonal and culturist), Fish Culturist Sam Kanak (former MCIF Seasonal); and a
new Maintenance Supervisor, Rick Morehouse.
58
HF REARING INVENTORY- October 2015
GROUP
NUMBER
WEIGHT (gm)
CHINOOK
755,615
20.72
COHO(FWOW)
COHO (SWOW)
COHO Total
2,644,855
1,313,365
3,958,220
13.92
13.38
TOTAL
4,713,835
HF EGG INVENTORY – BY 2015
CHINOOK
COHO – HF
COHO – DEER LK
COHO Total
CHUM - HF
CHUM -TAKATZ
CHUM - SOUTHEAST COVE
CHUM - MCIF (transferred to MCIF)
CHUM Total
1,179,500 (Green)
TBD
TBD
GOAL 7,700,000
55,500,000
45,500,000
55,000,000
24,000,000
180,001,800
TOTAL
187,701,800
HF RELEASES – 2015
GROUP
CHUM (HF)
CHUM (HF 4.0)
CHUM (TAKATZ)
CHUM (TAKATZ 4.0)
CHUM Total
CHINOOK
COHO (Early Entry)
COHO (Middle Entry)
COHO (Late Entry)
COHO (SW Overwinter)
COHO Total
TOTAL
NUMBER
WEIGHT (gm)
DATE
23,868,519
6,513,515
31,396,973
11,826,533
74,511,716
2.09
4.26
2.22
3.88
5/12-18
5/25-28
5/17-21
5/27-28
647,548
66.01
4/16-17,5/14
833,546
806,438
781,699
813,915
3,235,598
78,394,862
22.52
24.68
27.46
21.32
5/4
5/14
5/28
5/19
59
60
Coho Lake Rearing Fall Project Report 2015
Woody Cyr, Project Leader
Deer Lake/Mist Cove
Coho
Deer Lake 150,000
Banner Lake 5,000
Personnel 2015
Assistant Project Leader: Coray Harvey
Temporary Fish Techs: Torin Lehmann,
Jess Coltharp, Blake Vandenberg
61
Overview
After a mild winter camp was opened again in early March this past season. The
nonexistent snowpack allowed staff to have operations set up and prepared for
the spring outmigration with time to spare. Both the Net Pen Overwinter (NPOW)
and January Lake Release (JLR) fish did well overwinter, resulting in a recordbreaking outmigration in the spring. Warm water this summer allowed the Birth
Year 2014 (BY14) coho to easily reach the 20 g overwinter mass goal but also
resulted in significant effort being necessary to keep the net pens clean. Other
major projects included were reinforcing weir concrete abutments, building a roof
over a small container van (for winter fish food storage), building a roofed fuel
shed at Deer Lake (DL), building a set of boat skids for the modified Pacific Skiff
(aka Silver Slammer), stabilizing the DL dock, and coded wire tagging.
Over-Winter & Spring Set-Up
Over the past winter, camp was opened for one week/month in order to maintain
fish body mass. The fish lost weight more quickly than during past winters due to
their increased metabolism at higher temperatures. Upon returning to camp in
February for a monitoring trip, staff discovered that an otter had torn a hole in
one of the overwinter nets. Almost all the fish escaped from this net.
Mild temperatures throughout the winter prevented DL from freezing. Snow pack
was minimal throughout winter. This past winter a remote monitoring camera
was set up at camp. The camera emails a picture of the lake daily, while the
internet was turned on with a timed switch. Several bugs were worked out of the
system by the time camp opened for the season.
Camp was opened for the season in early March. Snow did not fall and stick
around for any significant amount of time after opening. The 7 overwinter net
pens were raised and the BY 13 coho fed with the aim of reaching 25 g by mid
May. The fish responded to feed very well and were easily brought up to the
desired mass.
The weir and outmigration pipeline were installed and small numbers of coho
were making their way to Mist Cove (MC) by the beginning of April. The April
emigrants (only a few hundred) had difficulty with salt water entry. Mortality for
April was around 75%. A week before significant numbers of fish began leaving
the lake saltwater entry mortality had decreased to next to nothing.
TEMSCO Air, based in Juneau conducted helicopter operations at the end of
April. Once again, the weather cooperated and operations proceeded quickly and
smoothly, easily finishing that day. Items that were lifted include fish food, an
8’x8’ container van, lumber, concrete, and fuel.
62
2015 Smolt Outmigration
Smolts began making their way to MC at the beginning of April in small numbers.
Volitional outmigration increased slowly leading into May. Emigration followed a
pattern of building towards a peak day, followed by one or two slower days.
Peak occurred on the 20th of May. This is about a half-week earlier than the
historic peak. The early peak can probably be attributed to mild conditions.
Following the early peak, daily outmigration slowly decreased through the
beginning of June. Total natural outmigration was 1,377,500 smolts. Of these
1,375,000 were age I coho averaging 24g and 2,500 were age II coho averaging
63g. Age I volitional outmigration represents 90% of the January 2015 lake
release and winter otter release smolts.
The NPOW coho were pumped to MC in 2 groups (3 pens per group), a pre and
a post peak volitional emigration. The two groups are tagged with separate tag
codes. The pre-peak group of 555,000 fish averaging 24 g was pumped May 810. The post peak group of 578,000 fish averaging 26 g was pumped May 22-26.
Each group was released about a week after they were pumped. Overwinter
mortality was 2.5%. This marks another successful season of net pen
overwintering.
Total smolt production for DL was 2,498,253. This is the largest release in
project history. Throughout the outmigration, a moderate number of whales were
observed in the vicinity. It was not typical to have any of the whales hanging
around for several days at a time this spring. All smolts were released in MC,
none were towed out into Chatham. Releases were postponed only a handful of
times to allow a whale to vacate the area. This spring we tried to conduct smaller
releases more often (attempting to emulate a natural trickle) whereas in the past
releases were larger and less frequent. During other emigrations saltwater net
space has been limiting in MC.
Turning the nets over more quickly kept more space available for new emigrants.
This summer a third large net for saltwater emigrants was purchased to provide
more holding space. Another reason the net was an important buy is this spring
herring spawned on nets full of fish in MC – a first for this location. Herring spawn
can occlude the net, causing DO to plummet and kill significant numbers of fish.
Having more room available to hold the Coho at lower densities, or a fresh net
available to change out, to adds another level of protection against mass die
off (right before release no less). Luckily the problem was discovered early
this season. Staff were able to work through the sticky issue. The spawn did
make it necessary to suspend forced emigration while nets were cleaned.
Prior to emigration this past spring, staff worked out alarm systems for the
emigration pipeline and bioscanner. One set of high and low float switches
connected to a wireless driveway alarm was located at the dewatering (ant
siphon) box above the gorge. When either switch was tripped (indicating a
clog),
63
an alarm would sound at the lake cabin. High-low switches with fine
adjustments in the Bioscanner (electronic fish counter) were wired to a fire
alarm in MC. A change in water level due to fish numbers, a clog or a broken
water line would set off this alarm. While there is no substitute for diligence
these alarms added a significant degree of monitoring ability and safety to the
emigration process.
Survival of Planted Fry to Smolt
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
0%
Total Annual Smolt Production
2,500,000
2,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
0
2015 Fry Transports
The Ward Air Turbine Otter transported fry from Hidden Falls (HF) to DL on June
16th and 17th. Scheduling was challenging due to the water line projects at HF
but plans fell into place well for the mid June flights. The 2.8 million fry were
flown to DL in 16 trips. All flights went smoothly with very limited mortality. Fry
64
entered DL at just over a gram. They took to feed quickly with the lake
temperature at 13oC.
Summer and Fall Rearing
Rearing conditions were good but time consuming this season with elevated
lake temperatures and mild weather. The BY 14 coho took to feed very well,
almost immediately. A backpack feed blower was constructed from a leaf blower
prior to the BY 14 transfers. This feed blower allowed staff to distribute small
fish food as evenly as possible across the pens. Feeding in this manner
minimized the amount of food drifting or sinking out (or to the bottom) of the
pens before the fry have a chance to eat the food that was thrown or blown.
While using the blower required more total time to be spent feeding, the quality
of feeding was a worthwhile trade off.
Minimizing the amount of food that settles on the starter nets helps prevent
excess growth on the nets. Growth on the nets restricts flow and can result in fish
health issues. Elevated lake temperatures still resulted in growth on the nets. For
the two weeks prior to switching out to larger mesh nets almost all of staff’s time
at camp was devoted to feeding or cleaning nets using brushes, pumps, and
suckers. A small, easily manipulated sucker was constructed to better clean
difficult areas in the net. Through significant diligent effort, staff was able to get
the fish up to size and switch out to larger mesh nets by mid July.
Growth through the summer and fall has followed closely with that of past years
when the overwinter mass goal has been reach successfully. As of October 13,
the 2.8 million fingerlings were 20 g. Having reached the overwinter mass goal
of 20 g, the BY 14 coho have been put on a maintenance diet in order to
maintain conditions similar to those of past seasons with successful
overwintering. In anticipation of another mild winter feed rates were kept
conservative as the mass goal was approached, in order to keep as much food
on hand for winter/spring mass maintenance as possible. Rearing mortality is
low at 0.77%.
65
Historical Growth (g)
25
BY 04
BY 05
20
BY 06
BY 07
15
BY 08
BY 09
10
BY 10
5
BY 11
BY 12
-
BY 13
BY 14
Over-winter Plans
Overwintering will occur in a similar manner as past successful seasons. About
1.4 million fry will be distributed among eight net pens to be held overwinter at
low density. The remaining 1.4 million coho will be released into the west basin of
DL when freeze-up is imminent. Camp will be shut down after the lake release is
completed. Winter monitoring trips will occur at a similar interval to the pervious
winter until reopening in March.
Site Projects
Emigration slowed to a crawl in the beginning of June. With outlet stream levels
extremely low, the weir was pulled a month early in order to take advantage of
favorable conditions for concrete repair. Staff constructed multiple stages of
coffer dams and excavated drain channels in order to dry out concrete pilings
for repairs. With the addition of pumps to the system during patch application,
quality repairs were made on the difficult locations. Given the resources
available the process could not have gone better. Shortly after repairs were
completed on the selected areas, the outlet level rose past the point where it is
possible to attempt repairs on the final piling. A similar dry spell in 2016 should
allow for repairs on the final piling.
In April a small container van was placed on a platform at Deer Lake for winter
fish food storage. Storing food in the container van should prevent animals from
destroying the food while camp is closed during the winter. This past summer
and fall a steep and sturdy roof and sheathed walls were constructed around the
66
container van. Taking into consideration the potential wind and snow load at DL,
the structure needed to be stout. Space not taken up by the fish food will be used
as storage for other tools and supplies. Dry, secure storage space is limited at
camp.
One of the most common engine maintenance problems at DL has been water in
the gas. To try and combat the problem a roof was constructed over the lake fuel
platform. Hopefully the roof helps keep the fuel clean, reduces wear and tear on
the motors at camp, frees up more staff time for other projects, and keeps
projects on schedule.
The Silver Slammer was driven down to camp this past spring and has been
working out well for handling saltwater boat tasks. The set of boat skids for the
old whaler are not large enough for the new boat. A new set of much longer,
stronger skids were constructed in MC. The skiff will be stored on these skids
while camp is closed during the winter. These skids are also used for regular
engine maintenance. The old whaler skids will be used for the second saltwater
boat (16’ Lund).
The DL docks were floated and destabilized by the high water last January after
heavy rains and an already very full lake. This past spring the docks were
restabilized using concrete and on site materials. All anchoring systems are
overbuilt to prevent future issues.
Tagging was conducted in mid October once staff had more time available and
the lake temperature had dropped below 10oC. Ritch and Brian came out to
camp, lending their experienced hands to expedite the process. Previous years
only a single tag machine was used with a portable V Detector and fish were
transferred with dip nets between all steps. This year the process was
streamlined to run two tagging machines simultaneously as well as QCDs and
slides returning fish to holding nets in order to decrease stress on the fish.
Personnel
Staff at Deer Lake did a superb job this season. Often the work hours were
long and in poor weather conditions. Staff completed the tasks at hand without
complaint. A special thanks to the Assistant Project Leader Coray Harvey and
the following employees who continue to make this project a success: Torin
Lehmann, Jess Coltharp, Blake Vandenberg, Brian LeBlanc, and Ritch Phillips.
67
68
Haines Fall Project Report 2015
David Campbell, Project Leader
Chum
31,000
Personnel 2015
Fish Tech: Dylan Burbank
69
HAINES PROJECTS
Overview
The Haines chum projects had another successful year of incubation and this
marked the first year since 1986 that no egg takes were performed. The only
chum production occurring this year was from fish that naturally spawned in the
spawning channels. NSRAA was successful in extending both the original and
newer Herman Creek spawning this past August utilizing existing grant funds.
There were upwards of 3,000 fish observed utilizing the extended section of the
original Herman Creek spawning channel this past September. These channel
extensions should provide years of increased spawning opportunity for Herman
Creek chums.
Chum Incubation Box Projects
Brood year ‘14 overwinter survival & fry production
The Incubation boxes located at the West Herman Ck channel, 31-mile, and 17mile sites were cleaned and emptied of substrate in June 2015. Remaining dead
eggs in the incubators were collected and weighed to determine incubation
survival. Survival was excellent at all three sites, with 91% at Herman Creek,
93% at 31 mile, and 97% at 17 mile. The 17-mile incubation site is monitored
weekly overwinter to ensure the intake is kept clear.
Location
Eggs Seeded
Survival
Fry Produced
Herman Creek
31-mile
17-mile
Total
1,601,425
806,614
1,204,976
3,613,015
91.2%
92.7%
96.7%
93.4%
1,460,015
747,922
1,165,309
3,373,246
70
The following graph depicts the potential adult production from these three
incubation sites. In total, these projects could produce upwards of 33,000 adult
chums assuming a 1% marine survival.
40,000
Estimated Production of Adult Chum Salmon Originating in
Incubation Boxes by Broodyear(assumes 1% fry to adult
survival)
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
Herman Incubation
31-mile Incubation
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
0
1990
5,000
1989
Adult Chum Production
35,000
17-mile Incubation
Spawning Channels
The spawning channels on the Klehini River were not monitored by NSRAA this
year. ADFG made an observation of approximately 3,000 fish in the new
extension of the Herman Creek channel
71
72
2015 Adult Returns - Overview
2015 Salmon Return Overview
This season’s Southeast Alaska commercial salmon harvest was worth an estimated $97.3
million. Chinook and coho harvests were down from a year ago; chum catches were higher,
especially in southern districts. About 58% of the catch – by value – was landed in northern
districts, led by strong pink and good chum harvests. Chinook and pink catches were much
stronger in northern districts. Chum harvests were fairly even in northern and southern areas.
(Values exclude the value of hatchery cost recovery, Yakutat area and Annette Island fishery
value.)
NSRAA’s returns fell short of expectations for most projects, but there were notable exceptions.
Chum harvests at Deep Inlet were the highest since 2000, with 2,323,000 fish caught, and a
total return of 2,443,167. Hidden Falls saw very weak 4- and 5-year-old chum returns, resulting
in the lowest catch on record with a harvest of only 49,417 and a total return of 292,000. This
marks the third return in five years of under 500,000 fish. Chinook returned at forecast at
Medvejie, with a total return of 27,200 fish. Medvejie regained the top spot in Chinook troll
contribution among Alaskan hatcheries. Hidden Falls saw only 2,581 kings return, about 48% of
the 5,400 forecast. Coho returns totaled about 203,500 fish, led by Deer Lake with 143,000
(5.9% marine survival (m.s)). Hidden Falls added 45,000 fish (1.5% m.s.), and Medvejie/ Deep
Inlet returns added 14,350 (3.9% m.s.) fish from much smaller releases. Our first new lake
stocking project in years at Cliff Lake had a contribution of 496 fish to the troll fishery.
Value estimates for NSRAA production are preliminary, but currently calculate to $10.25 million,
or about 10.5% of the $97.3 million estimated Southeast Alaska value.
73
74
Chinook
2015 Chinook Return Overview
The Chinook Abundance Index was 1.45 for 2015, a sharp (77%) decrease from 2.57 a year
ago. The Index calculation was disputed by the Alaskan delegation, and no resolution was
reached by the summer troll opening. In the end, the department was bound to manage the
summer troll fishery around the disputed index. Fishing was good in the first summer troll
opening (July 1-8) with 164,611 fish caught. There was no second summer opening. Winter
Troll (50,668 fish) and Spring Troll (54,429 fish) fisheries added another 105,000 fish to the troll
harvest.
Overall, the SEAK Chinook troll harvest was about 270,000 fish, about 86,000 less than in 2014.
NSRAA Chinook notes:





NSRAA’s Chinook returns came in at forecast at Medvejie but below forecast at Hidden
Falls.
Medvejie was #1 among Alaska Hatcheries in production this season.
NSRAA Chinook production accounted for 3.8% of the 2015 Chinook troll harvest.
Deep Inlet‘s net fishery catch was 6,550, which is a bit above the long term average.
Cost recovery at Medvejie saw a harvest worth $100,000 (down slightly from $106,000
in 2014).
On the following pages are summaries of this season’s NSRAA Chinook returns.
75
P‐Post NSRAA AGENCY 2015 CHIN.xlsm
76
SE AK Chinook Troll Contrib 2014‐15.xlsx Medvejie was the largest Alaskan hatchery contributor to troll fisheries in 2015. NSRAA’s 9,634
Chinook contribution accounted for 3.8% of the season’s 269,708 total catch for all troll
fisheries.
77
Winter Troll Fishery (October 11, 2014 – March 25, 2015)
Winter Troll Summary 2015.xlsx NSRAA contributed 293 Chinook to the Winter Troll fishery, or about 0.6% of the total harvest.
This is a lower contribution than most years. Most of the fish were caught during the first two
weeks of the fishery in October 2014.
Value of the fishery is estimated at $5,892,000, with NSRAA’s portion worth about $41,000.
78
Spring Troll 2015 TEST FORMAT.xlsx 79
Spring Troll Fishery (April 16 – June 30, 2015)
NSRAA contributed 8,232 Chinook to the Spring Troll fisheries (8,124 in Spring fisheries plus
108 in Terminal fisheries).
This represents 15.1% of the total harvest. Value of the fishery is estimated at $3.6 million, with
NSRAA’s contribution worth about $567,000.
80
81
Troll timing for the Spring Troll fishery is shown in the charts above.
Most of NSRAA’s troll-caught Chinook are harvested in June.
Summer Troll Fishery (July 1-8, 2015) Summer Troll 2015.xlsx NSRAA contributed about 1,900 Chinook (1.2% of catch) to the Summer Troll fishery.
Value of the fishery was nearly $5.35 million; value of the NSRAA contribution was about
$62 thousand 82
Deep Inlet Chinook Harvest 2004‐15.xlsx The Deep Inlet Chinook catch was up from 2014, at about 90% of the 5-year average. Value is
estimated at $433,000.
83
Hidden Falls seine harvest.xlsx With smaller Chinook and chum returns both catch and effort in the seine fishery was down the
past two years.
This year’s Hidden Falls seine fishery landed only 678 Chinook.
This is a significant drop from the previous five year’s harvest (2009-13) which ranged from
2,400 to 4,000 kings and averaged 3,100 fish.
Value of the 2015 catch is estimated at $56,000.
84
Coho
2015 Coho Return Overview
After two years of extremely high coho returns, Southeast experienced a drop in coho numbers,
with troll and all-gear harvests coming in at about 55% of 2014 levels.
The SEAK Coho troll harvest was about 1.18 million fish. The all-gear harvest was about 1.72
million fish.
NSRAA Coho high-lights:



NSRAA’s coho returns were average for to Deer Lake, and Medvejie and below average
at Deep Inlet & Hidden Falls.
The Salmon Lake stock return continues to be encouraging. Harvest rates remain very
high - so high in fact that we experienced difficulty in getting enough broodstock back to
Medvejie.
Cost Recovery netted about $571,000 combined for Hidden Falls and Mist Cove.
On the following pages are summaries of this season’s NSRAA coho returns.
85
2015 NSRAA Coho.xlsx Coho forecasts have been based on 6% marine survival in recent years. Deer Lake (5.9%) and
Medvejie (5.5%) came in just under forecast. Deep Inlet (3.5%) and Hidden Falls (1.5%) were
well below forecast. Rack and terminal area estimates have not been finalized; these numbers
may increase. Cliff Lake is NSRAA’s first attempt at stocking lakes with excess fry from Hidden
Falls. Fry plants occur in June; rear and emigrate volitionally the following spring. CWT
estimates show a contribution of 496 coho to the troll fishery.
86
NSRAA contributed an estimated 94,711 coho to the troll fishery this season. 87
With a weaker than expected pink year in the north end, Deer Lake and Hidden Falls saw little
to no seine effort near / in the terminal areas. The seine and gillnet catch were very low for
these projects. Sitka area fishing saw about 5,028 coho landed in the Deep Inlet net fisheries:
3,769 seine and 1,259 gillnet. Trollers caught 104 coho in the THA. CWT sampling was limited
this season. We estimate an NSRAA’s terminal contributions at: seine 2,118, gillnet 681 and
troll 43.
88
Salmon Lake stock fish from Medvejie and Deep Inlet again made good contributions to the
local sport fishing, especially considering the number of smolt released. Estimates above are
from ADF&G port sampling.
Terminal sport estimates shown in the lower table are NSRAA estimates from observations,
creel census and information from charter outfits. Bear Cove was closed to sport fishing to allow
for brood stock needs.
Data: 2015 NSRAA Coho.xlsx 89
NSRAA contributed 94,400 coho to this year’s troll fishery. Deer Lake was the 3rd largest
contributor; Hidden Falls was 6th. Data: SE COHO 2015.xlsx 90
Chum
2015 Chum Return Overview
NSRAA’s chum returns in 2015: a major disappointment, an unexpected surprise, and the first
adult return to a new program. Hidden Falls’ return of 292,000 came in at only 28% of forecast.
Four- and 5 year-old age classes were much weaker than expected. The same age fish at Deep
Inlet came in at nearly double forecast, with both stocks performing well. Deep Inlet’s Hidden
Falls stock came 160% of forecast and the Medvejie stock returned at 190% of expected
numbers. Combined, the Deep Inlet return came in at about 183% of forecast.
Chum highlights:





Hidden Falls made broodstock goals with a record egg-take of 180 million eggs. All
broodstock collection was volitional for the first time in many years. The small return
meant limited seine opportunity, with only three openings
Broodstock returned in fairly good numbers to Bear Cove. We were able to manage
without a Deep Inlet closure this year. Record egg take goals (92 million) were met and
included the second year of Crawfish Inlet eggs.
All gear groups did well at Deep Inlet, with a total commercial catch of over 2.3 million
fish. Overall 95% of the return went to commercial fisheries.
DIPAC funding reduced NSRAA’s cost recovery needs by $2 million, translating into
about 556,000 additional fish to fishermen this year.
An estimated 13,428 3-year-old chum returned to Southeast Cove. A joint Cost recovery
with the state netted about $35,000 in cost recovery.
91
Hidden Falls Chum Return
The Hidden Falls return came in at 28% of the 1,031,000 forecast, with a return of 292,355
chum. The commercial harvest was about 49,400, or 17% of the return. Gross value is currently
estimated at $188,000, based on a $0.49 price.
92
The 2015 return was noticeably weak from the first openings, as was the case in 2014. This
marks the third year in five with total returns of under 500,000 chum.
93
Tax Assessment Program – A modification to legislation was made which now allows the
assessment tax to be levied either on a percentage basis or using a flat rate, a price per pound.
This year a rate of $0.10 was set. Because of the DIPAC monies, the cost recovery requirement
for the season was $0.00. The assessment for the season was seen as an opportunity to build
up a reserve in the HFCACA account. In pre-season planning it was estimated that about
$650,000 would be raised if the run came in at forecast, using a chum price of $0.60. The
combination of the extremely poor return and lower prices resulted in assessment revenues
being a fraction of this forecast – in the neighborhood of $39,000. Entering the season the
account had $513,333. The current post-season estimate is $552,258.
Monitoring the fishery was straight forward. Staff covered the THA from north to south
documenting boats by photo, name, ADF&G number, and lat/long. At the end of the boat survey
the seine boat count would be compared to ADF&G’s boat number (if they did an aerial survey
that day). The completed files were sent to ADF&G after each fishery. At the end of the season
ADF&G matches fish tickets with our records to check for discrepancies.
Chum Broodstock – The 2015 broodstock goal of 180,000 eggs was the largest ever at
Hidden Falls, in fact, it was the largest ever in the state. This was driven by an additional
increase for the SE Cove program, bringing it up to full production at 55 million eggs. After the
June 28 seine opening the fishery was closed and it took several weeks to corral broodstock. All
broodstock were collected volitionally this season. For a time it looked like we had only a slim
chance of meeting broodstock goals. There was a late showing of fish to the south; these fish
eventually worked their way up to Kasnyku. In the end we met the hatchery’s needs with a small
surplus.
Common Property Openings – There were only 3 openings at Hidden Falls prior to the
closure on June 28. The initial opening saw 52 boats fishing, with a catch of 20,200 fish. The
following two opening saw catches of 11,400 chum (49 boats) and 11,200 chum (29 boats).
Total seine catch was 49,417 fish.
Marine Survival – Survival has been dismal in recent years, with 4 of the last 6 brood years
either below or projected to be below 1.0%. We believe this is a function of increased predation
on fry in the days/ weeks after release. The largest number of 3-year-olds in 10 years returned
in 2015 (BY12). This may indicate a break in the recent trends and includes a strong 4.0
component.
94
Deep Inlet Return
Deep Inlet had a huge chum return – the largest since 2000. The total return of 2.44 million fish
was double the 5-year average and 182% of the 1.34 million forecast. Over 16.9 million pounds
were harvested by all gear groups. Value estimates show a current ex-vessel value of $8.27
million (prices $0.48-$0.50). The project accounts for 81% of NSRAA’s total value for the 2015
season and 15% of the total northern SE AK all species value.
Trollers harvested 231,100 fish (9% of the return), rebounding from a harvest of only 16,700
Sitka Sound chum in 2014. Seiners caught just under 1.4 million chum, which was 57% of the
return. The fishery provided good opportunity in a year where pink numbers didn’t meet
expectations. The gillnet fleet had a good fishery as well, with steady July and strong August
fishing. The gillnet catch was 694,000 fish, or 28% of the return.
95
The early Hidden Falls stock return was strong – 60% over forecast with a catch of about
560,000 fish. This was the 3rd straight year of a strong early run – averaging 520,000 fish per
year compared to the previous 5-year average of 180,000 fish.
The second run (Medvejie stock) was even stronger coming in at 90% over forecast, with a
return of about 1,882,000 fish – compared to 989,000 forecast.
Sitka Sound chum troll fishery 2015.
Chum trollers had a good year in the Sitka area, harvesting 231,000 chum. The catch was
nearly double the 5-year average and was the 7th largest on record. The peak of the harvest
occurred over a 10-day around week 33 (August 7-17) when about 150,000 fish were
harvested. Effort averaged 52 boats per day during this period with a peak of 66 boats per day.
Of the total catch, 7,558 were harvested in the THA. 96
Deep Inlet schedule
The early season THA schedule was the same as 2014. From May31-June 20 the THA is under
Chinook management with a 4:2 Gillnet: Seine schedule, with a single Troll day. Chum fishing
was on a 3:3 schedule (Gillnet: Seine) with 1 Troll day from June 21 –July 21. Beginning on July
27 and continuing through the end of the season, the schedule was changed from last year, with
a 4:2 Gillnet: Seine rotation and 1 Troll Day.
Dates May 31‐June 20 June 21‐July 25 July 26‐Oct 3 Ratio 2:1 Ratio (4:2:1 GN:SN:TR Days) 1:1 Ratio (3:3:1 GN:SN:TR Days) 2:1 Ratio (4:2:1 GN:SN:TR Days) SUN MON TUE WED Seine Gillnet Gillnet Seine THU FRI SAT Gillnet Gillnet Troll
Seine Gillnet Gillnet Gillnet Seine Seine Troll
Seine Gillnet Gillnet Seine Gillnet Gillnet Troll
97
Southeast Cove Return
NSRAA began rearing chum fry in Southeast Cove in the spring of 2013. This year marks the
initial year of adult returns. An estimated 13,428 BY 2012 3-year-olds were harvested in a joint
cost recovery effort with the State of Alaska Division of Economic Development (DED). Returns
to the Gunnuk Creek and Southeast Cove sites were a mixture of Gunnuk Creek Hatchery and
NSRAA fish. The harvest was split between DED and NSRAA based on otolith sampling. An
otolith sample was taken from 6 of 7 Southeast Cove and 2 of 2 Gunnuk Creek harvests.
Results of each sample were applied to the corresponding harvest site/date.
NSRAA fish accounted for 21% of the return and totaled 99,422 pounds with a net value of
$34,815.53. Incidental species added $296.48 in value, bringing the total cost recovery to
$35,112.01.
98
2016 Forecast
99
100
NSRAA Value – 2015 Summary Total ex-vessel value of NSRAA production is shown above. Values are for all projects prior to
any adjustments for Hidden Falls tax assessment, Sitka Sound Science Center (SJ Hatchery),
or DIPAC (NSE Fund).
101
2015 Gear Splits
Troll, $2,067,371 , 20%
Gillnet, $2,741,090 , 27%
Troll
Seine
Gillnet
Seine, $5,438,384 , 53%
Gear value splits 2015 – NSRAA production (includes cooperative projects)
Total Value = $10,246,846 (current pricing)
Chinook, $1,152,317 , 11%
Coho, $592,806 , 6%
2015 Species Splits
Chum
Coho
Chinook
Chum, $8,501,722 , 83%
Species value splits 2015 – NSRAA production (includes cooperative projects)
Total Value = $10,246,846 (current pricing)
2015 est salmon Harvest by area 10.13.15.xlsx 102
2015 est salmon Harvest by area 10.13.15.xlsx Table 1 shows current value estimates for NSRAA production at current pricing from ADF&G
fish ticket data. Values include SJ chum production at Deep Inlet. No adjustment has been
made here for the NSE Fund monies applied to Deep Inlet chum cost recovery or for the Hidden
Falls assessment tax.
Graphs above are from Table 1.
103
2015 est salmon Harvest by area 10.13.15.xlsx The above tables show gross value and pounds harvested for all projects. Note that this is prior
to the Hidden Falls chum tax assessment adjustment. Deep Inlet chum is split out for Sheldon
Jackson. These values are preliminary pending final pricing.
Below are tables showing value and percent of value by gear, and splits by Agency which splits
out the portion of Deep Inlet chum on the SJH permit. 104
2015 est salmon Harvest by area 10.13.15.xlsx 105
NSRAA Commercial Value – Hidden Falls Assessment Tax
HFCACA Transactions Register.xlsx Hidden Falls Chum Assessment Contingency Account
(HFCACA)
Going into the season the HCACA had a balance of $ 513,333. Revenues from this summer’s
fishery are expected to be in the neighborhood of $ 38,925. Adding in these revenues will bring
the account to about $ 552,258. After paying out the cost recovery amount of $ 0.00 for FY15,
the balance will be about $ 552,258. The 2015 revenue estimate is based on the current pound
estimate of 389,252 x $0.10 per pound. This is the first year of using a per pound assemment.
Below are the harvest statistics and calculations used to come up with the 2015 revenue
estimate. 106
2015 Assess Tax Est 10.16.15.xlsx Shown above are pounds harvested in the assessment area (Hidden Falls THA is 112-22), also
included are adjacent sub-districts 112-11 and 112-21. The shaded weeks include the
assessment period (June 15 – July 31). The assessment estimate is $0.10 x 389,252 pounds
harvested = $38,925.
107
NSRAA FY15 Budget & DIPAC Monies (NSE FUND)
At the Spring Board of Directors meeting the amount of NSE Fund monies from DIPAC was not finalized,
but was expected to be about $2.0 million. The 2014 SET (3% tax) revenue was estimated at $1.856
million; this ended up being the actual amount. At the meeting the Haines budget was dropped, resulting
in the total budget reduction shown. A late 2014 cost recovery settlement changed cost recovery revenue
a small amount. Changes after the spring meeting are shown in yellow.
2015 Revenue Summary.xlsx 108
Shown below are planning and actual amounts for 3% enhancement tax and NSE Fund (DIPAC) Monies for FY16.
NSRAA Chum Cost Recovery – NSE Fund and HF
Assessment
Hidden Falls Chum 2015 Allocation Calculation
2015 Hidden Falls Chum Allocation Estimate.xlsx NSRAA 2015 Cost Recovery Summary
2015 Cost Recovery Revenue Summary.xlsx 111
112
CONTENTS
Mission Statement
Page
Conflict of Interest Policy
Page 116-117
NSRAA Reserve Policy 2002-1
Page 118-119
New Facilities & Production Policy 2012 - 2
Page
Broodstock Policy 2015 -1
Page 121-125
Audit & Budget Committee Charters
Page 127-131
Cost Recovery Policies
Page
Hidden Falls Tax Assessment Policy
Page 133-134
Board Per Diem Rate
Page 135-136
113
115
120
132
114
Mission Statement For
The Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association
The Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) is a
private non-profit corporation created to assist in the restoration and
rehabilitation of Alaska’s salmon stocks, and to supplement the fisheries of
Alaska by utilizing artificial propagation to enhance the availability of
salmon to all common property users, without adversely affecting wild
salmon stocks. NSRAA is committed to promoting the wise use of Alaska’s
salmon resources through education, sustainable harvest management, the
maintenance, protection and promotion of high quality fish habitat, and the
utilization of the highest scientific standards, in carrying out its mission.
115
Policy A: Conflict-of-Interest Policy
Statement of Policy
No board member of NSRAA shall use his or her position, or the knowledge gained
there from, in such a manner that a conflict between the interest of the organization or
any of its affiliates and his or her personal interests arises.
Each board member has a duty to place the interest of the organization foremost
in any dealings with the organization and has a continuing responsibility to comply with
the requirements of this policy.
The conduct of personal business between any board or committee member and
the organization shall be disclosed.
Board or committee members may not obtain for themselves, their relatives, or
their friends a material interest of any kind from their association with the organization
(except under the NSRAA scholarship program).
If a board member has an interest in a proposed transaction with the organization
in the form of a significant personal financial interest in the transaction or in any
organization involved in the transaction, or holds a position as trustee, director, or officer
in any such organization, he or she must make full disclosure of such interest before
any discussion or negotiation of such transaction.
Any board or committee member who is aware of a potential conflict of interest
with respect to any matter coming before the board or committee shall not participate in
any discussion of or vote in connection with the matter.
Conflict-of-Interest Statement
I have read the statement of policy regarding conflicts of interest.
To the best of my knowledge and belief, except as disclosed herewith, neither I
nor any person with whom I have or have had a personal or business relationship is
engaged in any transaction or activity or has any relationship that may represent a
potential competing or conflicting interest, as defined in the statement of policy.
Further, to the best of my knowledge and belief, except as disclosed herewith,
neither I nor any person with whom I have or have had a personal, business, or
compensated professional relationship intends to engage in any transaction, to acquire
any interest in any organization or entity, or to become the recipient of any substantial
gifts or favors that might be covered by the statement of policy regarding conflicts of
interest.
116
(A) Without exception 
(B) Except as described in the attached statement 
Date:
Signature:
Print Name:__________________________________
117
NSRAA Reserve Policy 2002- #1
(Amended November 2012)
Goals and Objectives
The goals and objectives of Reserve Policy 2002-1 are:
I.
To provide a long term funding mechanism to supplement the yearly
operational budget income requirements and thereby make more fish
available for the common property fisheries,
II. To fully fund the following Board established accounts (Accounts):
1. Operational Reserve Fund
2. Capital Improvement Fund
Implementation Strategy
I. Initially, all of the investment earnings from the Accounts shall be redeposited to the Accounts and in the order shown below. Other excess
funds may be deposited to the Accounts as the board determines
appropriate. This shall continue until the Accounts are fully funded.
Fully funded shall mean maintaining the Accounts at the following levels.
1. Operational Reserve Fund $5,500,000.00 dollars
2. Capital Improvement Fund $2,000,000 dollars
II. When the Accounts are fully funded the entire investment earnings of
the Accounts and other excess funds shall be used to reduce the next
year’s operational budget income requirements.
III. If the Accounts values fall below the fully funded target levels, the
Accounts shall be restored to their target levels in accordance with
Section I.
Reserve Fund Policy Amended November 2012
118
IV. The Board shall periodically adjust the target values as it deems
necessary to inflation proof the Accounts.
V. Changes to this policy shall only be made in a manner consistent with
the By-Laws of the Association.
Reserve Fund Policy Amended November 2012
119
NSRAA New Facilities & Production Policy
2012 - #2
The goals and objectives of New Facilities & Production Policy are:
I.
To provide a funding mechanism to create new facilities and/or
increase production at existing facilities and thereby make more fish
available for the common property fisheries,
II. To fund the following Board established account (Account):
1.
New Facilities and/or New Production Fund
I. Subsequent to fully funding the Operational and Capital Reserve Funds
(as per policy 2002-1) other monies/funds may be deposited to the New
Facilities & Production Fund as the Board determines appropriate. The
New Facilities & Production Fund is established at $1.85 million but may
fluctuate up or down.
II. The fund is to be used to develop new facilities or programs that
increase the contribution of salmon to common property fisheries.
Significant expansion of existing programs may utilize this fund as
Board determines appropriate.
III. If the Account value falls below the 2012 established value the Board
shall determine whether to allocate additional funds. The intent of this
policy is to expend the account funds toward new production, not
maintain the funds at the established fund level of $1.85 million.
IV. Changes to this policy shall only be made in a manner consistent with
120
Broodstock Policy 2015 -1
The goals and objectives of Broodstock Policy are:
I.
To define salmon eggs allocation priorities for NSRAA hatchery
programs in cases when eggtake numbers are below the goal(s)
set by the NSRAA board of directors as delineated in hatchery
annual management plans.
II. To establish a clear roadmap for egg distribution priorities in
core and satellite programs.
III. To codify that releases to perpetuate broodstock receive the
highest priority and are foundational to NSRAA programs.
Core Program Structure
I. Hidden Falls, Medvejie, and Sawmill Creek Hatcheries are core
programs.
II. Deep Inlet and Takatz are essential components and primary
release sites for Medvejie and Hidden Falls Hatchery’s chum
programs, respectively.
III. Crawfish Inlet and Southeast Cove chum release sites are
second tier satellite programs for Hidden Falls and Medvejie,
respectively
IV. Sawmill Creek Hatchery is a coho satellite facility for Medvejie
coho broodstock and the chum incubation facility for Crawfish
Inlet chum salmon.
V. Deer Lake is a satellite program of Hidden Falls coho production
with equal importance; Hidden Fall is broodstock source for
both coho programs.
VI. Medvejie is NSRAA’s core Chinook program. Medvejie and
Hidden Falls share Andrews Creek Chinook broodstock.
121
I.
Hidden Falls Program Implementation (listed in priority from
highest to lowest)
a. Chum Salmon
i. Kasnyku Bay receives full complement of eggs
defined in annual management plan (AMP) goal
ii. Takatz receives full complement of eggs as defined
in AMP after Kasnyku is fully met
iii. Deep Inlet receives full complement of eggs as
defined in the AMP, after Kasnyku, and Takatz.
iv. Southeast Cove receives eggs after Kasnyku,
Takatz, and Deep Inlet chum egg goals (24 million)
are fully met.
b. Coho Salmon
i. Kasnyku Bay has first priority for the first two
million eggs as Deer Lake and Hidden Falls depend
on Kasnyku Bay releases for broodstock and
perpetuation of programs.
ii. Deer Lake is allocated the next two million eggs.
iii. The program with the highest five-year average
marine survival is allocated the balance of eggs
available up to the goal as specified in the AMP.
iv. Eggs shall be allocated in the above manner
subsequent to bacterial kidney disease culling of
eggs.
v. Saltwater overwinter reared coho eggs are the
lowest priority; eggs shall be allocated to this
program after satisfying the above criteria.
c. Chinook Salmon
i. Chinook broodstock is collected at Kasnyku Bay for
Hidden Falls and Medvejie programs. It is also a
backup brood source for Macaulay and Crystal
Lake programs.
ii. Kasnyu Chinook releases, about 600,000 smolt, are
second priority to the Medvejie programs. In times
of Chinook egg shortage Medvejie is given priority
122
while continuing to insure sufficient smolt are
released at Hidden to maintain it as a broodstock
collection site.
iii. Hierarchy priorities are Medvejie programs, Hidden
Falls broodstock, Hidden Falls production,
Macaulay Hatchery, and Crystal Lake Hatchery.
II.
Medvejie Program Implementation (listed in priority from
highest to lowest)
a. Chum Salmon
i.
Bear Cove receives full complement of eggs as
defined in the annual management plan (AMP)
goal
ii. Deep Inlet receives full complement of eggs as
defined in AMP after Bear Cove goal is fully met
iii. Crawfish Inlet receives eggs after Bear Cove
(Medvejie) and Deep Inlet chum egg goals are fully
met.
b.
Coho Salmon
i. Medvejie Hatchery is the broodstock release site for
the Sawmill Creek Hatchery program. Broodstock
are collected at Medvejie, spawned there, and the
75 thousand brood eggs are incubated at Medvejie.
Therefore the Medvejie coho broodstock egg goal is
first priority. As the maximum permitted
broodstock egg number increases, the new
maximum permitted number becomes the priority
as described herein (II.b.i.).
ii. Deep Inlet receives full complement of eggs after
Medvejie brood is fully met.
c. Chinook Salmon
i. Chinook broodstock is collected at Medvejie/Bear
Cove for Medvejie and Hidden Falls programs. It is
123
also a backup brood source for Macaulay and
Crystal Lake programs.
ii. Medvejie rears Chinook at Green Lake, Medvejie
raceways, Bear Cove, and Halibut Point Marine and
comprise the Medvejie program. Medvejie is a
complex program that employees numerous rearing
strategies to maximize production and marine
survival. In times of Chinook egg shortage Medvejie
core programs receive the highest priority in the
distribution of Medvejie and Hidden Falls Chinook
eggs.
iii. Hierarchy priorities are Medvejie releases at Bear
Cove for broodstock purposes, Bear Cove for
production, and Halibut Point Marine. Surplus
Chinook egg priority is Hidden Falls broodstock &
production, Macaulay Hatchery, and Crystal Lake
Hatchery.
III.
Hidden Falls and Deep Inlet Chum Egg Contingency
a. Twenty-four million HF eggs are taken for Deep Inlet
program and transported to Medvejie in October each
year.
b. Instances when HF is short of eggs (<24 million) for Deep
Inlet, Medvejie is permitted to take up to ten million eggs
to substitute for the deficit, allowing AMP egg goals to be
met.
c. If Hidden Falls chum goals are not met and additional
Medvejie fall run stock eggs are substituted for a portion
of the Deep Inlet chum, rules I. & II. Implementation
Strategy above continues to apply.
124
Annual Management Plan Goals
(Goals in 2014)
I.
Hidden Falls
a. Chum
i. Kasnyku - 51 million eggs
ii. Takatz - 50 million eggs
iii. Deep Inlet - 24 million eggs
iv. SE Cove -55 million eggs
b. Coho
i. Kasnyku - 3.0 million fry
ii. Deer Lake – 2.8 million fry
iii. Kasnyku saltwater overwinter - 1 million fry
c. Chinook
i. Kasnyku – 600,000 smolt
II.
Medvejie
a. Chum
i. Bear Cove/Medvejie broodstock - 20 million eggs
ii. Deep Inlet/Hidden Falls stock – 24 million eggs
iii. Deep Inlet/Medvejie stock – 42 million eggs
iv. Crawfish Inlet/Medvejie stock – 30 million eggs
b. Coho
i. Bear Cove/Medvejie broodstock – 75,000 fry
ii. Deep Inlet 1.9 million fry (housed at SMC Hatchery)
c. Chinook
i. Green Lake reared Chinook age I released at Bear
Cove – 2 million smolt
ii. Medvejie freshwater reared Chinook released at
Bear Cove – 200,000 smolt
iii. Medvejie freshwater reared Chinook released at
Halibut Point Marine – 400,000 smolt
125
126
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
OBJECTIVE
The objective for the Audit Committee is to assist the full Board of Directors in
fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities. Members of the Audit Committee should
evaluate NSRAA’s compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures,
and determine that NSRAA has adequate administrative, and operating and
internal accounting controls. In addition, the Audit Committee should seek to
give reasonable assurance regarding the integrity of financial and other data
based on NSRAA activities, used by the Board of Directors, Association
members, NSRAA staff, and the State of Alaska.
RESPONSIBILITES
The Audit Committee is responsible for:
•
Choosing a firm to do the audit, discussing with the auditor any pre audit
issues, and will review the financial statement and letter to the
management making sure the items are addressed by the staff then
presenting it in summary form to the board at the fall meeting.
•
Receiving and reviewing the annual report from NSRAA’s external
auditors for accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate financial statement
disclosures.
•
Reporting to the full Board at the first meeting following Audit completion.
•
Reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of key accounting and financial
policies and any significant changes thereof.
•
Determining that no restrictions are imposed upon audit scope.
•
Evaluating management’s timely written response to audit findings and
reports ensuring they have included a written plan to correct all
deficiencies noted in the audit report.
•
Following up on implementation by management of audit
recommendations.
•
Serving as a communication channel between the Board of Directors and
NSRAA’s auditors.
•
Reporting all significant items to the full Board on a timely basis.
127
The above responsibilities of the Audit Committee will be discharged though
review of the audit reports and discussions with the auditors and NSRAA
management.
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
The Audit Committee shall consist of six directors. The President of the
Board shall select the Chairman of the Committee. In determining the
membership of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors should provide for
continuity of service.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The Audit Committee shall meet at least once annually with the Auditor. This
meeting may be in person or via Teleconference. Written minutes shall be
prepared for each meeting. The minutes shall include acknowledgement of
receipt of audit reports, a discussion of the audit report findings, and
ratification of recommendations. The Audit Committee shall make reports to
the full Board on a no less than annual basis.
OTHER
The Charter of the Audit Committee shall be reviewed and approved at least
once every two years by the Audit Committee and Board of Directors,
respectively.
128
NSRAA Budget Committee Charter
1. Purpose
The Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (Association) Budget
Committee (Committee) will assist the Board of Directors in its oversight responsibilities
relating to fiscal management. In furtherance thereof, the Committee will work with the
General Manager to:
1. Annually perform a detailed review of expense items and income projections;
2. Recommend approval of an annual operating budget;
3. Ensure the maintenance of an appropriate capital structure;
4. Review budgeted to actual figures; and,
In addition, in order to assist the organization in the proper and prudent management of its
financial resources, the Committee will ensure that management employs personnel and
systems capable of providing timely and accurate financial information to key
decision-makers.
2. Committee Membership
The Committee will be composed of the General Manager, the Board President, the
Secretary/Treasurer (chair) and appointed members of the Board and public. Gear groups
will be equally represented on the Committee. It is anticipated that the Committee will
always include some members who possess skills in the disciplines of accounting,
investment management, and capital structure/finance. It is also anticipated that based on
those skills, Committee members will be assigned areas of focus to ensure that important
financial topics are reviewed in sufficient depth by Board members. Ad-hoc
subcommittees may also be appointed to inform the Committee.
3. Key Responsibilities
To fulfill its purposes, the Committee shall:
1. Review and Approval of an Annual Operating Budget:
Annually, the Committee will review the proposed annual operating budget for the
ensuing fiscal year as presented by Association management. After review and
amendment, if necessary, the Committee will recommend a final operating budget
to the full Board of Directors for approval. The approved operating budget formally
confers spending authority for operating costs to management, subject to the
policies and procedures adopted by the Association. The approved operating
budget may be amended, as appropriate, as long as funding for the amendment is
also dedicated at the time.
2. Review of the Financial Results:
Annually, members of the Committee will receive and review financial statements
consisting of the then current year-to-date: 1) statement of financial position, 2)
income statement, 3) operating statement; and 4) key financial performance
129
benchmarks that the Committee deems relevant from time-to-time. These financial
statements will be accompanied by a narrative from management highlighting any
financial issues and, where necessary, management actions related thereto. The
investment committee will report to the budget committee. The Investment
committee oversees the management of organization-wide financial assets.
In addition, at its regularly scheduled fall meeting, the Committee will also
perform an in-season review the status of the budgeted to actual income and
expense projections, and will discuss issues that emerge from the review.
3. Maintenance of an Appropriate Capital Structure:
From time-to-time, the Committee will direct management to undertake longer term
financial planning to evaluate future financial needs. The Committee will review the
underlying analyses and as sumptions, as well as the methodology utilized. The
Committee will then recommend a capital expense budget to the Board.
4. Timely/Accurate Financial Information:
The Committee will continually review and advise management regarding the form,
content and frequency of financial information necessary for it to fulfill its
responsibilities described herein. Further, to the extent necessary to inform
decision-makers, the Committee may advise management regarding key financial
information and performance indicators necessary to evaluate the various internal
business units throughout the organization.
130
What’s The Difference?
Audit Committee vs. Budget Committee
SHARED
AUDIT COMMITTEE
RESPONSIBILITIES
BUDGET COMMITTEE
The audit committee is
The finance committee ensures
The finance committee shall
authorized to consider matters
that budgets and financial
oversee the preparation of the
related to (a) the financial
statements are prepared; the
annual budget and financial
statements of the organization
audit committee has oversight
statements.
and other official financial
for ensuring that reports are
information provided to the
public;
received, monitored, and
disseminated appropriately.
(b) the systems of internal
The finance committee monitors The finance committee shall
controls, including overseeing
financial transactions; the audit
compliance by management
committee makes sure things are collection, and disbursement of
with applicable policies and
done according to policy and
procedures and risk management with adequate controls.
oversee the administration,
the financial resources of the
organization.
(e.g., for organizations that are
part of a national network,
annually reviewing whether the
organization meets the re
chartering requirements of its
national organization);
and (c) the annual independent
The finance committee provides The finance committee shall
audit process, including the
guidance about what can be
advise the board with respect to
recommended engagement of
done; the audit committee
making significant financial
ensures that independent
decisions.
and receiving of all reports from
the independent certified public
oversight occurs.
accountants. The audit
committee shall have such other
authority and perform such other
duties as may be delegated to it
by the board.
131
COST RECOVERY POLICIES
March 2011
(Amended From November 2005)
NSRAA Policy #11-18-05C. NSRAA Board of Directors
establishes this policy to deal with cost recovery income in
excess of budgeted income goals. 50% of excess cost recovery
income will go to reducing the following year’s cost recovery
goal and 50% will go to reserve funds. Motion carried. 13 yes, 4
no. The intention with respect to reducing cost recovery is to use the
formula percentage that split the cost recovery goal between HF & DI.
Funds can go into either the operational or capital reserve.
Rescinded Spring 2011, NSRAA Board Policy #11-18-05A. The
NSRAA Board creates a Hidden Falls chum cost recovery reserve policy.
The purpose of the policy is to allow the NSRAA staff more flexibility in
achieving cost recovery goals while balancing the need to generate
revenues with the desire to provide for fishing opportunity. The budget
committee will determine the schedule of repayment for any funds used
from the cost recovery reserve. The motion carried. 15 yes, 3 no
Rescinded Spring 2011, NSRAA Board Policy #11-18-05B. The
NSRAA Board creates a Deep Inlet chum cost recovery reserve policy.
The purpose of the policy is to allow the NSRAA staff more flexibility in
achieving cost recovery goals while balancing the need to generate
revenues with the desire to provide for fishing opportunity. The budget
committee will determine the schedule of repayment for any funds used
from the cost recovery reserve. The motion carried. 15 yes, 3 no.
132
Hidden Falls Assessment Reserve Policy 2013- 1
The goals and objectives of Hidden Falls Assessment Reserve Policy
2013-1 are:
I.
To provide a contingency funding mechanism that covers income
shortfalls required to balance cost recovery revenues, established by
the NSRAA board of directors. The NSRAA Board sets the annual
budget at the spring meeting which is required to be balanced by cost
recovery income (sale of chum + tax assessment revenue). The
budget and expected income precedes actual tax collection by five
months. Revenue shortfalls occur for several reasons: the chum
forecast is greater than the actual return (historically, return can be
less than half of forecast), the weight of chum is less than expected,
and the price of fish is less than predicted or other unforeseen events.
II. To fully fund the following Board established reserve:
a. Hidden Falls Assessment Reserve Fund
I.
Set the assessment tax rate to fully fund the required annual cost
recovery income designated by the board of directors and build the
Assessment Reserve to within the fund range established herein.
Implementation shall continue until the Assessment Reserve is
funded within the range. Funds in excess to the upper range of the
Assessment Reserve shall be used in subsequent years to reduce
Hidden Falls cost recovery. Fully funded shall mean maintaining the
Assessment Reserve at or between the following levels:
a. Hidden Falls Assessment Reserve Fund
$500,000.00 to $1,500,000 dollars
II.
The purpose of the fund is to protect NSRAA reserves, protect against
risk, and allow for flexibility in budgeting, cash flow, and salmon return
volatility. The fund amount was established in consideration of these
133
uncertainties and adherence to the board of directors’ fiduciary
responsibilities. The fund represents 30% to 70% of the Hidden Falls’
annual operational and capital budget.
III. When the Assessment Reserve is fully funded, any investment
earnings shall be used to reduce the following year’s operational
income requirements as per NSRAA Reserve Policy 2002-#1.
IV. If the Assessment Reserve values fall below the fully funded target
levels, the Assessment Reserve shall be restored to within target
levels in accordance with Section I of Implementation Strategy.
V. The Board shall periodically adjust the reserve range as it deems
necessary and prudent to protect the organization’s financial position.
VI. Changes to this policy shall only be made in a manner consistent with
134
Travel Reimbursements
Per diems: better know the rules. A new IRS ruling holds a reimbursement program to
be "abusive" when it routinely pays allowances above the per diem ceiling, does not have a
process to track excess reimbursements, and does not include excess payments in the
employee's income. If a reimbursement arrangement is abusive, all payments made under it,
including valid ones, are subject to income and employment taxes.
Used properly, per diems for travel and related expenses let an employer treat
expense reimbursements as properly substantiated without requiring added information from
employees. The employer can deduct the payments as a business expense and exclude
them from employees' compensation for both income and employment taxes. To qualify for
the per diem rule, the reimbursements must not exceed the federal government's per diem
reimbursement rates.
When reimbursements exceed per diem rates, an employer has several options:
1. Include the excess in the employee 's gross income or,
2. Require the employee to either return the excess; or,
3. Provide full substantiation of the expense.
The following reimbursement program illustrates failure to comply.
Example: FreightCo employs long-haul truck drivers. Their wages and reimbursements for
meals and incidental expenses are both paid on a cents-per- mile basis for each day a driver
is away from home on business. The company had projected that, based on average daily
miles driven, reimbursements should not exceed the federal per diem rate.
The allowances actually paid drivers, however, routinely exceeded per diem rates.
FreightCo did not require drivers to return excess reimbursements, did not have a process
for tracking reimbursements or for knowing whether reimbursements exceeded per diem
rates, and did not treat excess reimbursements as wages.
Held: All payments made under the reimbursement arrangement-including
payments not in excess of per diems rates-are treated as made under a no accountable
plan and included in gross income for both income and employment taxes.
The ruling is effective immediately.
Employers have time to set up proper procedures: IRS employees have been
instructed not to enforce the ruling for periods ending on or before Dec. 2006, unless there
is intentional noncompliance. [Rev. Rul.2006-56; 2006-46 IRB874]
135
MAXIMUM PER DIEM RATES OUTSIDE THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES
TRAVEL PER DIEM ALLOWANCES
COUNTRY/STATE: A L A S K A
PUBLICATION DATE (MM DD YY): 1 0 0 1 1 5
NOTES
1.
Use the OTHER rate if neither the LOCATION nor MILITARY INSTALLATION is
listed.
2.
For other allowances that are based on per diem rates (e.g., TLE, TLA, TQSE, TQSA),
see the appropriate rules
for those allowances regarding what per diem rate to use.
3.
The standard ONBASE INCIDENTAL RATE is $3.50 OCONUS wide.
4.
When Government meals are directed, the appropriate Government meal rate, as
prescribed in Appendix A, is applicable.
5.
Per Diem Rate = Max Lodging + Meals (Local Meals, Proportional, or Government) +
Incidental Rate (Local or OnBase)
* All rates are in US Dollars
Locality
Seaso Maxim
ns
um
(Beg- Lodgin
End)
g
Loc
al
Mea
ls
Proporti
onal
Meals
Local
Incide
ntal
Footn
ote
Footn
ote
Rate
Maxim
um
Per
Diem
Effecti
ve
Date
SITKAMT.
EDGECU
MBE
05/1509/15
200
80
47
19
299
03/01/2
015
SITKAMT.
EDGECU
MBE
09/1605/14
139
74
44
19
232
03/01/2
015
*Use the OTHER rate if neither the CITY nor MILITARY INSTALLATION is listed.
Request a Review of a Per Diem Rate
Find out more about the Proportional Meal Rate (Prop. Meals)
136

Board Book – Fall 2015

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