OpportunityTitle: New Zealand Chinook Salmon Genetics Testing
Description: OVERVIEW In discussions for planning the pilot Chinook Salmon reintroduction project at Shasta Dam, the Winnemem Wintu and others pointed out the historical evidence that the Chinook Salmon in New Zealand were originally transplanted from salmon originating from the Baird Hatchery on McCloud River from the 1870&#8217;s to around 1907, and eggs were taken from the McCloud River and other northern California rivers. The sampling work would occur in rivers of the South Island of New Zealand and focus on obtaining genetic tissue samples from the rivers identified by New Zealand Fish and Game. The objectives are to: collect Chinook Salmon tissue samples from New Zealand rivers, compare their genetic makeup to Sacramento River Chinook Salmon, and report on the activities conducted. Follow-up work could include completing any processes needed to transport live eggs or fish into the US for release in the wild. RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT The project seeks to obtain tissue samples to encompass the range of phenotypic and genetic variation in New Zealand Chinook Salmon for comparison to stocks in the United States, particularly Sacramento River winter-run Chinook Salmon. a. Collaborate with New Zealand Fish and Game to collect Chinook Salmon tissue samples from New Zealand Rivers with a focus on the rivers and locations identified in the proposal from New Zealand Fish and Game. Communicate the sampling progress regularly with Reclamation via email or phone. b. Collect three tissue samples from each fish. Collect tissue samples from adult Chinook Salmon (i.e. &gt; 50 cm fork length). Samples shall consist of ~1/4 cm X 1/4 cm pieces of fin clip. Clips shall be dried on blotter or filter paper and then placed in separate labeled breathable paper coin envelopes stored at ambient temperature in a breathable container such as a large manila envelope or cardboard box. Each fish from which three samples are obtained counts as one sample. c. Identify the following data for each sample: &#8226; Sample ID (Example: NZCHRX0001) &#8226; Date &#8226; Watershed (Catchment) River &#8226; Tributary &#8226; Reach &#8226; Reach key &#8226; Collection location: common name and latitude, longitude in decimal degrees (e.g. -43.595056, 170.142139) &#8226; Lifestage &#8226; Hatchery origin or Wild &#8226; Hatchery tag # &#8226; Sex &#8226; Fork length &#8226; Total length &#8226; Weight (optional) &#8226; Spawning condition (egg development- ripe eggs or not) &#8226; Collection method (trap, electrofishing, seining, angling, etc.) &#8226; Collector&#8217;s name &#8226; Sample type (fin clip) &#8226; Any other pertinent comments (color, condition, flow conditions), Photograph of sampling site &#8226; Photograph of fish when practical a. Deliver of tissue samples to the United States with documented chain of custody. Chain of custody shall be documented by including, along with the data associated with each fish or group of fish, the date, time, and names of persons or shipping companies through which the samples are transferred. Include three tissue samples from each fish. Deliver samples to the California state tissue archive maintained by California DFW or other location as agreed to with the interagency coordination group. b. Conduct genetic analysis of the samples collected. Coordinate with the interagency coordination group to seek agreement on the testing methods to be used. c. Submit a written summary report detailing the tasks involved in obtaining the samples and conducting the genetic analyses. Include any permission and permits obtained, contacts made including contact information, access difficulties, maps, sampling accomplishments and difficulties. Include a detailed description of methods and results from the genetic analysis. This report is intended to provide sufficient detail for another entity to be able repeat the sampling and testing conducted under this agreement. The report will be important in the event that salmon need to be obtained from New Zealand in the future as a part of the project. Submit a draft report for review and then incorporate review comments into a final report. d. Provide an electronic copy of all data collected, inclusive of data on each individual fish, GPS locations, and photo documentation. Provide data in the format compatible with the software used (i.e. not solely pdf files). Include metadata. RECLAMATION INVOLVEMENT No substantial involvement on the part of Reclamation is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. It is anticipated that Reclamation&#8217;s involvement will consist of standard federal stewardship responsibilities such as monitoring project performance, technical assistance at the request of the recipient, etc. SINGLE-SOURCE JUSTIFICATION Reclamation did not solicit full and open competition for this award based the following criteria: (4) UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS Single Source Justification Description: Unique Qualifications &#8211; The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as location, property ownership, voluntary support capacity, cost-sharing ability if applicable, technical expertise, or other such unique qualifications; The Indian Cultural Organization is the non-profit organization operated by the Winnemem Wintu with a goal to bring back Chinook Salmon from New Zealand to the McCloud River. The Winnemem Wintu have traveled to New Zealand to see the salmon and made a movie that chronicles their quest to bring back salmon. They worked with New Zealand Fish and Game to identify the rivers and locations in the rivers for tissue sampling. Because of their extensive involvement in organizing the project the project they are uniquely qualified to take it on. STATUTORY AUTHORITY Public Law 102-575 Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) Section 3406(b)(1)3407(e) SECTION 3406 &#8211; FISH, WILDLIFE AND HABITAT RESTORATION. (b) Fish and Wildlife Restoration Activities - The Secretary, immediately upon the enactment of this title, shall operate the Central Valley Project to meet all obligations under State and Federal law, including but not limited to the Federal Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1531, et seq., and all decisions of the California State Water Resources Control Board establishing conditions on applicable licenses and permits for the project. The Secretary, in consultation with other State and Federal agencies, Indian tribes, and affected interests, is further authorized and directed to: (1) Develop within three years of enactment and implement a program which makes all reasonable efforts to ensure that, by the year 2002, natural production of anadromous fish in Central Valley rivers and streams will be sustainable, on a long-term basis, at levels not less than twice the average levels attained during the period of 1967-1991; Provided, That this goal shall not apply to the San Joaquin River between Friant Dam and the Mendota Pool, for which a separate program is authorized under subsection 3406(c) of this title; Provided further, That the programs and activities authorized by this section shall, when fully implemented, be deemed to meet the mitigation, protection, restoration, and enhancement purposes established by subsection 3406(a) of this title; And provided further, That in the course of developing and implementing this program the Secretary shall make all reasonable efforts consistent with the requirements of this section to address other identified adverse environmental impacts of the Central Valley Project not specifically enumerated in this section. AND 3407(e) FUNDING TO NON-FEDERAL ENTITIES- If the Secretary determines that the State of California or an agency or subdivision thereof, an Indian tribe, or a nonprofit entity concerned with restoration, protection, or enhancement of fish, wildlife, habitat, or environmental values is able to assist in implementing any action authorized by this title in an efficient, timely, and cost effective manner, the Secretary is authorized to provide funding to such entity on such terms and conditions as he deems necessary to assist in implementing the identified action.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: BBreen@usbr.gov
GrantorContactText: Beverly Breen &lt;br/&gt;Grants Officer &lt;br/&gt;