HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 Salmon & Steelhead Stock Inventory1992 WASHINGTON STATE
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STOCK INVENTORY
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INTRODUCTION
This appendix volume is part of the Puget Sound regional supplement to the 1992
Washington State Salmon and Steelhead Stock Inventory (SASSI),' and provides more
detailed information on individual salmon and steelhead stocks identified in the
inventory. This information was assembled jointly by the Washington State
Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Western Washington Treaty Tribes. The
Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife merged to form the Washington Department of
Fish and Wildlife early in 1994. The general approach used to develop these
appendices is described in the above referenced document.
SASSI documents the results of an initial stock status inventcry that is the firs-K step in a
statewide effort to maintain and restore vild2 salmon and steelhead stocks anc
fisheries. The inventory's intent is to heip identify currently available information and to
guide future restoration planning and imp lame ntaticn.
T ne S A 3 3 1 ocess fa >ur', e S 3_: teal i i a; C],.i -%0 st,:CC T 3aImC^ ai;C t _=eiheala
regard fvv7 v> . :r . ln 'including .i kLi0.e,
ri1 ,C S'_'
StoCkS that s wn 'dyitilin'Jj1'aa; 'i" it i ,'�,.: ,a cur, i 'i Status �? �
stock was r;atcd DalSd;d ?rir;?�i i?t coin :s'�3_ a n zuL —/;Ivni rates cr pc i -Jadon Size, .;1_t .die
process did ;-40t itcus d;irectiv ;L:L;Sti-...i.: a ;:c1cr3 ..;Ke ihabltat ioss ' r overflS3 ;r y.
Stocks with escapement, r'. n -3iz° 2nd' ! :BVe'S 'v;Lr?in i';CrM_aI ranges
displaying a catter;i of chronically ;cA,le ab- undancm yiere and as '-;ealthy stccic.3. � lose
stocks that currently display cw production or sur /ivai values were assigned to one of
two separate rating categories: Depras gad stcc;'<s or Criticai stocks, depending on the
current condition of the stock. Stocks were also rated as Unknown stocks when data
limitations did not allow assessment of current status. A rating category for Extinct
stocks was also included. However, the only extinctions listed in this inventory are
those stocks that were thought to exist, based on recant data, but were subsequently
found to be extinct. Past extinctions have not been included because SASSI is a
current resource inventory and the historic information on lost stocks is incomplete and
often anecdotal.
SASSI — Washington Department of Fisheries et al. 1993.
The term wild stock as used in this report refers to how fish reproduce, i.e. by spawning and rearing
in the natural habitat, regardless of parentage, and does not refer to genetic heritage. The origin (e.g.
native, non - native or mixed) and parentage (wild, cultured or composite) of individual stocks are
specifically designated in this report where known. This terminology is not intended to diminish the
importance of native stocks but rather emphasizes the need to protect a wide range of genetic
resources maintained by natural reproduction. The terms natural and wild spawners are used
synonymously as are the terms stocks and spawning populations.
1
Of the 435 total salmon and steelhead stocks identified state -wide, 209 stocks were
found in the Puget Sound basin. Table 1 presents a summary of stock status for wild
Puget Sound salmon and steelhead.
For a more detailed discussion of the methods used to identify individual stocks and
rate current status, see the SASSI summary volume.
Two elements of the 1992 SASSI process are presented in this appendix:
(1) Species Overview Reports for each basin in the Puget Sound region, and
(2) Stock Reports for each individual stock. Any comments or questions regarding this
information should be directed to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
in Olympia, Washington.
In this volume of Appendix One, only Hood Canal and Strait of Juan de Fuca stocks are
presented. There are two other separate volumes in Appendix One which present
information for North Puget Sound and South Puget Sound stocks.
2
Table 1. Summary of stock status for wild salmon and steelhead stocks in the
Puget Sound Basin.
HEALTHY
DEPRESSED
CRITICAL
UNKNOWN
EXTINCT
NORTH PUGET SOUND
Chinook salmon
3
7
2
3
0
Chum salmon
8
0
0
4
0
Coho salmon
4
3
0
7
0
Pink salmon
5
0
0
2
0
Sockeye salmon
0
0
1
0
0
Steelhead
7
2
1
12
0
71 TOTAL STOCKS
27
12
4
28
0
PERCENT OF TOTAL
38%
17%
6%
39%
0%
SOUTH PUGET SOUND
Chinook salmon
5
0
1
4
0
Chum salmon
18
0
0
4
1
Coho salmon
8
3
0
0
0
Pink salmon
2
0
0
0
0
Sockeye salmon
0
3
0
0
0
Steelhead
7
1
0
5
0
62 TOTAL STOCKS
40
7
1
13
1
PERCENT OF TOTAL
65%
11%
1.5%
21%
1.5%
HOOD CANAL & STRAIT OF
JUAN DE FUCA
Chinook salmon
2
1
1
0
0
Chum salmon
12
1
2
5
0
Coho salmon
8
10
1
'2
0
Pink salmon
2
2
2
0
0
Sockeye salmon
—
—
—
—
—
Steelhead
2
11
0
12
0
76 TOTAL STOCKS
26
25
6
19
0
PERCENT OF TOTAL
34%
33%
8%
25%
0%
209 TOTAL STOCKS
93
44
11
60
1
PERCENT OF TOTAL
44%
21%
5%
29%
0%
3
W471VAII 0 i.
An overview report is presented for each species of salmon or steelhead within a river
basin or regional area. These overviews provide discussions of the definition and origin
of stocks and review any uncertainties relating to the decisions to list specific stocks.
The overviews also present information on trends in escapement and run size for the
combined stocks of each species within a river basin or region. The individual Stock
Reports follow each Overview Report.
Each stock of salmon and steelhead identified in SASSI is the subject of a report ,which
presents detailed written descriptions of the rationales for the stock definitions in a
Stock Definition and Origin section (which summarizes information on distribution,
timing, and biological characteristics) and highlights any related uncertainties or
caveats. Stock origin is also addressed with some discussion of the probable genetic
make -up of each stock, and possible ]Interactions with hatchery fish. The Stock Status
section of these reports assesses the trends in escapement, production, or suriival `or
each stock, and discusses the data used to measure current status. Stock ratings are
also presented.
This document is not intended to provide an assessment of factors that may be limiting
production of stocks classified as Healthy, nor does the Healthy category reflect the
concern held for some of the stocks classified as such. Additionally, it was not intended
to profile factors that could present future risks to stock status. State and tribal fishery
managers feel very strongly that habitat protection and restoration needs exist for many
stocks classified as Healthy in SASSI as well as for Critical and Depressed stocks.
Because of the limitations in the inventory regarding assessment for Healthy stocks,
SASSI should not be used as the singular approach for defining restoration needs and
priorities. SASSI also does not provide a basis for evaluating the feasibility or likelihood
of success of specific restoration targets.
Additional written material was prepared for all stocks whose status was Depressed or
Critical, and for some stocks in the Healthy and Unknown categories. The Factors
Affecting Production section provides a brief description of harvest management,
habitat status, and fish culture programs. The Habitat section reviews the general
condition of the habitat used by each stock, and identifies specific environmental
problems known to impact stock survivals. The Harvest Management section is a
general discussion of the fisheries that impact each stock. The Hatchery section
discusses salmon and steelhead culture programs in the areas utilized by each stock,
and outlines possible interactions between wild fish and hatchery fish. These
discussions on factors affecting production are only meant to provide a very
general overview of the type of problems faced by a stock. More detailed
examinations of these same topics will be developed for those stocks requiring priority
4
attention as part of the overall Wild Stock Restoration Initiative (see SASSI Part 3 --
Current and Future Actions).
STOCK PROFILES
It is an objective of SASSI to provide a general presentation of the available information
on each stock of salmon and steelhead included in the inventory. To accomplish this, a
two -page Stock Profile is included in each Stock Report to provide a quick review of the
definition and status of each salmon and steelhead stock. The first page is a Stock
Definition Profile, which summarizes the three criteria used in defining individual
stocks; including spawning distribution, timing, and biological characteristics.
Spawner distribution is shown on generalized basin maps, and distinct distribution is
noted if applicable. These maps are provided to demonstrate differences in
distributions among stocks and are not intended to show exact spawning locations. In
some cases, spawning distributions are unknown, and the basin maps are left blank.
This does not mean that such a stock cannot be distinct based on spawner distribution.
The fact that a self- sustaining population is known to be present in a stream or streams
can validate the stock, even if exact spawning locations are unknown. Distinct
spawning distribution is the most commonly used criterion for identifying individuai
stocks in the SASSI process because general information on the geographic location of
spawning and spawning habitat is the most readily available.
Timing of various life stages is presented in graphic form, and again any distinctions
(differences among stocks) are identified. Distinct temporal distribution identifies stock
differences based on variations in timing of critical life stages, e.g. spawning or return
timing.
Biological characteristics are summarized at the bottom of the stock definition page.
Distinct biological characteristics can include any observable distinctions between
stocks such as size, age structure, scale patterns, parasites, or genetic differences.
This criterion is applied in a number of different ways in this inventory. For some
stocks, the stock differentiation is based on observable physical attributes.
However, genetic distinctions are the most common biological characteristic used in this
document. There are indirect and direct approaches in SASSI for using genetic
characterizations to distinguish among stocks. The indirect approach makes
assumptions about the genetic makeup of a group of fish such as when it has been
substantially changed by past or continuing introductions of non - native stocks. The
direct approach is based on genetic stock identification (GSI), which is a method that
can be used to characterize populations of organisms based on the genetic profiles of
individuals. The GSI methodology relies on the combined use of biochemical, genetic,
and statistical procedures to discriminate among populations. A more detailed
discussion of the methods and applications of the use of GSI in SASSI is presented in
5
the following Genetic Stock Identification section. Where GSI information exists it is
graphically presented in the form of a dendrogram.
The second page is a Stock Status Profile, which presents current stock status
information. The data used to determine stock status are presented in tabular and
graphic form. Data quality is also noted. These data sets will vary by species and
stock, depending on the nature of available stock - specific information. The purpose of
the numerical data is to describe the stock production trends, and may include data
sets that are direct measures of abundance (e.g. escapement or run size), as well as
less direct statistics like fish /mile and fish days. Both direct and indirect data can be
used to express trends. For a discussion of the types of data used in SASSI to
evaluate stock status, see the following Stock Assessment Data section.
The distribution (percentage) of harvest and escapement are shown in the form of a pie
chart, where stock - specific data are available.
The final section of the Stock Profiles presents a summarized description of stock
status, including stock origin, type, and current status. The terms used in the Stock
Summary section of the profiles are defined below.
Stock Origin - The terms dealing with the origin of stocks identify the genetic history of
each stock.
Native -- An indigenous stock of fish that has not been substantially impacted
by genetic interactions with non - native stocks, or by other factors, and is still
present in all or part of its original range. In limited cases, a native stock may
also exist outside of its original habitat (e.g. captive brood stock programs).
Non- native -- A stock that has become established outside of its original
range.
Mixed — A stock whose individuals originated from commingled native and
non - native parents, and /or by mating between native and non - native fish
(hybridization); or a previously native stock that has undergone substantial
genetic alteration.
Unknown — This description is applied to stocks where there is insufficient
information to identify stock origin with confidence.
Production Type - The terms defining production type describe the method of
spawning and rearing that produced the fish that constitute each stock.
Wild -- A stock that is sustained by natural spawning and rearing in the natural
habitat, regardless of parentage (includes native).
M
Cultured -- A stock that depends upon spawning, incubation, hatching, or
rearing in a hatchery or other artificial production facility.
Composite -- A stock sustained by both wild and artificial production.
Stock Status - These terms describe the current condition of each stock of fish and
may be based on escapement, run size, survival, or fitness levels.
Healthy Stock -- A stock of fish experiencing production levels consistent with
its available habitat and within the natural variations in survival for the stock.
Depressed Stock -- A stock of fish whose production is below expected levels
based on available habitat and natural variations in survival rates, but above the
level where permanent damage to the stock is likely.
Critical Stock -- A stock of fish experiencing production levels that are so low
that permanent damage to the stock is 'likely or has already occurred.
Extinct Stock -- A stock of fish that is no longer present in its original range, or
as a distinct stock elsewhere. Individuals of the same species may be observed
in very low numbers, consistent with straying from other stocks.
Unknown Stock -- This description is applied to stocks where there is
insufficient information to identify stock status with confidence.
7
STOCK DEFINITION AND ORIGIN
This stock has been classified as distinct based upon geographic distribution. The
genetic composition of the Hood Canal (Hoodsport) Hatchery (1981, 1988) baseline is
only slightly different from that of the Skagit Hatchery (1987). No genetic data exist for
naturally spawning chinook in the Hood Canal region. Spawn timing peaks in mid -
October, similar to other Puget Sound fail chinook stocks.
The Hood Canal stock origin is native, from Finch Creek in Hood Canal. There may be
some genetic influence from other Puget Sound chinook stocks, especially the
Deschutes stock from south Puget Sound.
Non- native releases into the Skokomish and South Fork Skokomish rivers since 1980
were:
Year
1980
1981
1982
1984
1991
1983
1984
1985
STOCK STATUS
Number Reieased
642,330
203,419
404,475
111,059
245,100
506,338
208,877
455,826
The status of the Hood Canal chinook stock is Healthy.
Stock
Deschutes
Deschutes
Deschutes
Deschutes
Deschutes
Hood Canal & Deschutes
Hood Canal & Deschutes
Hood Canal & Deschutes
Stock status may be partially dependent upon hatchery production as strays are
thought to contribute greatly to the natural spawning population in the Skokomish and
southeast Hood Canal streams. The sources of hatchery strays include George Adams
Hatchery, Hood Canal (Hoodsport) Hatchery and Enetai Hatchery. Escapement levels
of both hatchery and natural spawners in the Hood Canal region have ranged from
2,000 to 17,700 with an average of 7,700 per year (1968 through 1991). There was a
decline in the escapement in the late 1970s, but escapements increased in the early
1980s and have remained stable.
27
STOCK DEFINITION PROFILE for Hood Canal Summer /Fall Chinook
SPAWNER DISTRIBUTION
DISTINCT? - YES
TIMING
TERMINAL RUN
RIVER ENTRY
SPAWNING
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
DISTINCT? - UNKNOWN
GENETICS - No genetic data
exist for the various natural
spawners in Hood Canal. However,
the genetic characteristics of
Hood Canal Hatchery Chinook
(samples from 1981 and 1988) share
some similarities with Skagit Hatchery
fall Chinook (1987 sample).
is M Jas
SPAWNER
DISTR2BUTION
SCALE
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec DISTINCT
i
UNK
UNK
UNK
N.F. Nooksack H. SP
_ Suiatue SP
L--N.F. Stilliguem. SU
Upper Skagit SU
Upper Sauk SP
Skagit H. SP
Lower Sauk SU
Deschutes H. FA
Sart DS H. FA
HOODSf?OFiT H. Flt
_ Green R. H. FA
r ` Skykomish H. FA
`1 � Skagit H. FA
j Skagit H. SU
Sultan FA
N.F. NookseCk H. FA
Bridal Veil
Skvkomish H + W SU
— ��— WNlaee FA
Snoquaimis FA
Lower Skagit FA
Elwha H. FA
...00 0.os33 :. ;.0303 0.0147 :..000
GW=ft 6a rnoOatl N000n aais V 19M up*mm
STOCK STATUS PROFILE for Hood Canal Summer /Fall Chinook
STOCK ASSESSMENT
DATA QUALITY ---- -> Good
Retum ESCAPE
Years Total
67
68 3827
69 2899
70 3752
71 4537
72 1881
73 2773
74 1189
75 2950
76 1763
77 2452
78 301
79 2202
80 843
81 292
82 437
83 1772
84 2453
85 5234
86 2772
87 2254
88 2853
89 1425
90 724
91 1823
AVERAGE RUNSIZE DISTRIBUTION
DATA NOT AVAILABLE.
3
0
r
ESCAPE
88 70 72 74 78 78 80 82 84 88 88 90
Fetum Years
STOCK SUMMARY
STOCK ORIGIN
Mixed
PRODUCTION TYPE
Composite
STOCK DISTINCTION
Distribution
STOCK STATUS
Healthy
SCREENING CRITERIA
30
._I
HOOD CANAL -- HOOD CANAL SUMMER CHUM
STOCK DEFINITION AND ORIGIN
Hood Canal summer chum salmon are a unique stock of fish, isolated from other Puget
Sound stocks by distinct spawning distribution and temporal separation and have
distinct genetic characteristics.
Hood Canal summer chum spawn primarily in the Big Quilcene, Dosewallips,
Duckabush and Hamma Hamma rivers, but a few spawners can still be found in some
east Hood Canal tributaries, including Tahuya and Dewatto rivers, on the Kitsap
Peninsula.
Hood Canal summer chum spawn a month earlier (mid- September to late October) and
are thus reproductively isolated from Hood Canal fall stocks through differences in
spawner seasons. Additionally, genetic stock identification (GSI) studies have shown
them to be distinguishable from Hood Canal fall chum stocks.
The Hood Canal summer chum are separated from Union River summer chum by a
one- to two -week difference in run timing. Electrophoretic studies conducted by WDFW
show that these two stocks are very closely related but distinguishable.
No hatchery plants of summer chum have been recorded in Hood Canal . If there were
introductions of outside stocks into the area, it is unlikely that they have had any effect
on the local stock. Hood Canal summer chum are believed to be a native stock unique
in their run timing and genetic makeup.
STOCK STATUS
The Hood Canal summer chum stock is classified as Critical.
Spawning ground survey data are available back to 1943. Surveys have been
conducted annually in most systems since 1958. The escapement estimation method
was modified in 1974. The spawning ground data are the best source of stock
assessment information currently available.
The Hood Canal summer chum numbered over 40,000 in 1968. The latest escapement
estimate for Hood Canal (1991) was 703. The spawning information shows that
escapement levels have been chronically low since 1980.
33
STOCK DEFINITION PROFILE for Hood Canal Summer Chum
SPAWNER DISTRIBUTION
DISTINCT? - YES
t
F Ku�4�
ush
�cmma N
o�
a
0
L �
0
s
`9
O
C
A5 ,P
G
,� FR
�
R
TIMING Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
TERMINAL RUN
RIVER ENTRY
SPAWNING
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
DISTINCT? - YES
GENETICS - Analysis of GSI
collections taken from numerous
streams in 1985 and 1986 indicated
Hood Canal summer chum are
significantly different from all
other chum stocks tested (21 -locus
G- tests:p <0.05). Samples collected
in 1992 will allow further testing
of genetic diversity within this group.
/A
fr
SPAWNER
DISTR1BUT7CN
SC-ALE
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec DISTINCT
YES
YES
YES
other chum stocks
Union River 86
HOOD CANAL SUMMER -RUN 86
`~ HOOD CANAL SUMMER -RUN 85
j Jimmycomelately Creek 86
Salmon Creek & Snow Creek 86
--------------- ------- - ------ --- ------ •-- - -- --- ------
O.1G a.0� a.0• a.0� C. o¢ a.00
Gr-oe 3� InVd#iod P QgM 00H $ CAVVV, 19M UPGMA1
STOCK STATUS PROFILE for Hood Canal Summer Chum
STOCK ASSESSMENT
DATA QUALITY - - - - -> Good
%tum ESCAPE
Years I Total
67
68 43451
a
69 13647
70 18094 F2 'o
71 22374
72 39316
73 20747
74 10450
75 16050
76 28209
77 12834
78 16890
79 5449
80 5105
81 2819
82 3276
83 1102
84 1766
85 705
86 772
87 360
88 2687
89 173
90 214
91 7C3
AVERAGE RUNSIZE DISTRIBUTION
DATA NOT AVAILABLE.
ESCAPE
88 70 72 74 78 78 80 82 84. 88 Be 80
Retum Years
STOCK SUMMARY
STOCK ORIGIN
Native
PRODUCTION TYPE
Wild
STOCK DISTINCTION
Distribution, Genetics, Timing
STOCK STATUS
Critical
SCREENING CRITERIA
Chronically Low
FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION
Habitat -- Although few major physical habitat problems have been identified in most
creeks used by summer chum salmon, the Quilcene River mouth has a serious gravel
aggradation problem, and channel shifting has occurred at least twice during the past
15 years. Gravel compaction is also a problem in the lower portion of the Quilcene
River. Diking in the town of Quilcene has channelized the lower river and contributes to
the aggradation problem. The Little Quilcene River has similar diking but has not
experienced as much gravel movement. Dredging in the Big Quilcene River has
damaged spawning areas. Logging in the upper Big Quilcene watershed may also
have contributed to gravel aggradation in the lower river. The Dosewailips River habitat
has not changed remarkably in the last 15 years. The lower Duckabush River remains
essentially as it was with the exception of minor additional bank protection projects.
The Hamma Hamma River has been impacted by moderate logging in the John Creek
watershed.
Other small tributaries on the west side of Hood Canal utilized by this stock are also
unchanged. Streams on the east side of the Canal are essentially unchanged
physically, however rural area development has increased as forest lands continue to
be converted to one- to five -acre residential lots. This has led to removal of riparian
vegetation and minor bank protection. A commercial horse breeding and training facility
on the lower Tahuya River has seriously affected that river reach. Union River habitat
is essentially unchanged, however, urbanization, large lot development, and water
withdrawal threaten habitat in that watershed.
Harvest Management -- As early - migrating chum stocks, Hood Canal summer chum
are commingled in Puget Sound and Canadian commercial and recreational fisheries
with other returning species, including sockeye, pink, chinook and coho salmon.
Incidental harvest of small numbers of summer chum in fisheries directed at more
abundant commingled species historically accounts for the majority of the harvest of
these fish. There are no fisheries directed at summer chum in preterminal areas or in
Hood Canal
Preterminal Areas - Hood Canal summer chum are harvested in several preterminai
fisheries directed at other species of salmon. The lack of stock migration and stock -
specific (e.g. coded -wire tag or GSI- derived) data prevents estimation of the relative
contribution to these harvests.
Canadian fisheries off the west coast of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait, Georgia
Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca intercept summer chum in sockeye -, pink- and
coho - directed fisheries, although the contribution of Hood Canal summer chum to these
fisheries is unknown. Canadian- origin summer chum probably predominate the
summer chum catch in the Canadian portion of the Strait of Juan de Fuca (Canadian
Area 20) and the Georgia Strait.
36
HOOD CANAL -- QUILCENE LATE FALL CHUM
STOCK DEFINITION AND ORIGIN
Quilcene late fall chum salmon were identified as a separate stock because they are
isolated from other Puget Sound stocks by a distinct spawning distribution and to some
degree run timing differences.
The spawning tributaries of the Quilcene late fall chum stock enter Quilcene Bay
located on the north end of Hood Canal. The location of Quilcene and Dabob Bays
creates a geographic separation from the fall chum stocks spawning on the east side of
Hood Canal. Furthermore, the Quilcene late fall stock spawns relatively late for fall
chum (mid- November through early January) providing some temporal separation from
the east side Hood Canal fall stocks (which spawn in November and December), as
well as from the earlier spawning West Hood Canal fall stock.
The majority of the spawning occurs in the Big Quilcene River. This run is supported by
the Quilcene National Fish Hatchery located up river (RIVI 2.3) on a tributary (Penny
Creek). The escapement is the result of a combination of natural spawning and
hatchery fish that spawn before reaching the hatchery. Spawning also takes place in
the Little Quilcene River and the independent drainages, Jackson and Spencer creeks.
In some years chum spawning in the Little Quilcene appear to have a slightly later run
timing but are probably not distinct from the rest of the Quilcene stock.
Genetic stock identification studies conducted on fall chum spawning in Big Quilcene
River and Walcott Slough show them to be significantly different from the other Hood
Canal fall chum stocks.
The Quilcene National Fish Hatchery initiated its chum program to rebuild the declining
Quilcene River late fall chum run. The brood stock came from Walcott Slough, a small
independent tributary adjacent to the Dosewallips River. It is highly probable that the
Walcott chum and the Dosewallips late fall chum are the same stock. Quilcene late fall
chum should be considered an introduced stock of fish from Walcott Slough.
STOCK STATUS
The status of the Quilcene late fall chum stock is Healthy.
Escapement data derived from spawning ground surveys are the only consistent
information available on the stock's status.
83
STOCK DEFINITION PROFILE for Quilcene Late Fall Chum
SPAWNER DISTRIBUTION
DISTINCT? - YES
1S Miles
SPAWNER
DSSTR —IBUT1' N
SCALE
TIMING Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec DISTINCT
TERMINAL RUN NO
RIVER ENTRY �- NO
SPAWNING i
NO
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
DISTINCT? - NO
GENETICS - Analysis of two 1985
GSI collections (N=100) from the
Quilcene and Walcott National Fish
Hatcheries indicated that these fish
add to the significant genetic
heterogeneity of the Hood Canal fall
chum stock. However, individual
pairwise tests with other Hood Canal
collections were not always significant
(21 -locus G- tests: p>0.1).
r--- McKernan & Geo. Adams Hat. 85
Tahuya & Dewatto rivers Dec. 85
Lilliwaup Creek Etc. 85
-- --Hood Canal Hat. 85
Hood Canal Hat. 86
j Hood Canal Hat. 87
1 Big & Little Mission creeks 85
Vance Creek 85
Tahuya & Dewatto rivers Jan. 86
—� WALCOTT HAT. 85
j Enetai Hat. 85
BIG QUILCENE HAT. 85
�•"� 0.03 0.02 0.00
Genetic diMMO (modified Rogers dmtan- (Wnght. 1978) UPGMA)
STOCK STATUS PROFILE for Quilcene Late Fall Chum
STOCK ASSESSMENT
DATA QUALITY- ---- -> Good
Retum ESCAPE
Yearn Total
67
68 614
69 419
70 356
71 81
72 585
73 928
74 1366
75 751
76 1580
77 827
78 5427
79 117
80 273
81 462
82 47
83 81
84 3569
85 3535
86 3358
87 628
88 2616
89 1781
90 8438
91 5250
AVERAGE RUNSIZE DISTRIBUTION
DATA NOT AVAILABLE.
ESCAPE
68 70 72 74 78 78 eo 82 84 8s se 8o
Return Years
STOCK SUMMARY
STOCK ORIGIN
Mixed
PRODUCTION TYPE
Composite
STOCK DISTINCTION
Distribution, Timing
STOCK STATUS
Healthy
SCREENING CRITERIA
Escapement estimates are available from 1968 to 1991 and range from 50 to 8,500. In
large part due to the hatchery chum program, escapement has rebounded from a
record low (47) in 1982 to an average of 3,700 over the last eight years.
*
HOOD CANAL -- QUILCENE / DABOB BAYS COHO
STOCK DEFINITION AND ORIGIN
The Quilcene /Dabob bays coho salmon stock does not exhibit a unique temporal
distribution, with spawning timing being quite variable between years. There are no
readily discernable distinct biological characteristics, however, this stock may have
experienced genetic input from hatchery releases to a greater degree than other coho
stocks in Hood Canal (see below). This stock likely experiences a significant degree of
spawning segregation from other Hood Canal natural populations.
There have been frequent introductions of hatchery- origin coho into this region.
Hatchery yearlings were released into this area in 1955 and 1956 (Quilcene stock),
1964 (Green River), 1965 and 1966 (Hood Canal), 1972, 1976 through 1982 and 1986
(all Dungeness stock). These releases were made primarily into Tarboo Creek and the
Little Quilcene River. There were sporadic fingerling /fry releases between 1954 and
1963 utilizing a broad variety of Puget Sound stocks. There has been a comprehensive
off - station fry/fingerling release program in Dabob Bay from 1978 to present using
Dungeness and Quilcene stocks. Additionally, there have been large numbers of coho
(300,000 to 600,000) released on- station annually at the USFWS Quilcene National
Fish Hatchery on Penny Creek, a tributary of the Big Quilcene River. Beginning in
1986, extended - reared hatchery- origin coho (100,000 to 300,000 per year) have been
released from net pens in Quilcene Bay. This stock is likely a hybrid of native stock and
introduced non - native stocks.
STOCK STATUS
The status of this stock is currently considered Depressed.
The escapement index data base is rather brief for this stock (1984 through 1991).
Index counts are variable over the short history of the data base, but they do indicate
chronically low escapement levels.
FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION
Habitat -- Streams supporting wild coho production in the Quilcene area include the Big
Quilcene River, Little Quilcene River, Spencer, Jackson, Donovan and Tarboo creeks.
Habitat characteristics vary widely. The Big Quilcene River is the only large stream,
followed in size by the Little Quilcene River and Spencer Creek and the other small
streams. The larger streams, along with Jackson Creek, attain steep gradients fairly
quickly where habitat is not accessible or not conducive to spawning or rearing for
coho. The lower ends contain fair to excellent habitat. The marine shoreline habitats
139
STOCK DEFINITION PROFILE for Quilcene /Dabob Bays Coho
SPAWNER DISTRIBUTION
DISTINCT? - YES
P
i
�� 15 M.IeS
SPA WNER
- I"S I T R1BU7 0 'J
SCAL—E
TIMING Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec DISTINCT
i
TERMINAL RUN UNK
RIVER ENTRY UNK
SPAWNING NO
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
DISTINCT? - NO
STOCK STATUS PROFILE for Quilcene /Dabob Bays Coho
STOCK ASSESSMENT
DATA QUALITY ---- -> Good
Return JESCAPE ESCAPE
Years Fish -days Peak ct.
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
704
33
366
341
80
291
82
140
22
3
19
24
10
26
5
13
AVERAGE RUNSIZE DISTRIBUTION
DATA NOT AVAILABLE.
W
7
s
N
LL
ESCAPE
TREND
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
loo
0,
69
71
73
75
77
79
81
83
85
87
B9
91
88 70 72 74 78 78 80 82 84 86 88 90
Return Years
STOCK SUMMARY
STOCK ORIGIN
Mixed
PRODUCTION TYPE
Composite
STOCK DISTINCTION
Distribution
STOCK STATUS
Depressed
SCREENING CRITERIA
Chronically low
are largely undeveloped, with the exception of a commercial shellfish operation. Most
residential lots have bulkheads of some sort.
In general, water quality in the fresh and salt waters is good, although summer low
flows may contribute to high summer water temperatures. The primary limiting factor
for coho production in these streams is probably summer low flows. Production may
also be limited by pool volume which is affected by stream gradient and available pool -
forming features such as instream large woody debris. Lack of overwinter habitat due
to diking and wetland filling may also limit production.
Harvest Management -- No stock - specific information is available. Harvest impacts in
the preterminal area are assumed to be similar to those for all other Hood Canal coho
stocks. In the Quilcene Bay /Dabob Bay terminal area, net fishery harvest rates are set
to harvest the full hatchery surplus so harvest rates on Quilcene /Dabob bays natural
coho are undoubtedly higher than those measured for the remainder of Hood Canal.
Hatchery -- There are coho rearing and release programs at three hatcheries on Hood
Canal tributaries and at several net pen complexes in or near Quilcene and Dabob
bays. The effect of these programs on the Quilcene /Dabob Bays coho stock is not
known.
Last ten years salmon releases into the Quilcene Basin
Release
Spring
Year
Chinook
Chum
Coho
1982
152,245
1,474,949
1,298,041
1983
206,979
995,738
620,812
1984
529,549
1,218,671
866,959
1985
457,019
2,358,907
598,328
1986
204,355
2,599,971
875,680
1987
221,463
2,549,091
1,405,131
1988
136,146
2,217,147
871,119
1989
120,924
2,044,704
1,394,313
1990
211,300
2,634,174
1,090,801
1991
304,791
1,664, 227
1,561,802
MEAN
254,477
1,975,758
1,058,299
142
HOOD CANAL -- QUILCENE / DABOB BAYS WINTER STEELHEAD
STOCK DEFINITION AND ORIGIN
Wild winter steelhead have been classified as a distinct stock based on the geographic
isolation of the spawning population in the Quilcene /Dabob Bay tributaries, including
Big Quilcene River, Little Quilcene River, and Tarboo Creek. Run timing (December
through May) and spawn timing (mid - February to early June) are similar to those of
some other wild winter steelhead stocks in Hood Canal
There is no information regarding the genetic composition of the stock.
STOCK STATUS
The status of the stock is Unknown. This stock is comprised of a historically small
number of winter steelhead, but there is insufficient information to classify its status as
either Healthy, Depressed, or Critical.
Spawning escapement is not monitored for this stock nor has an escapement goal been
identified.
Sport harvest information is available since the early 1960s, but wild winter steelhead
catches were not reported separately on steelhead permit cards until the 1986 -87
winter steelhead season. An estimated 11, 2, 4, 10, 2, and 0 wild winter steelhead
were harvested in the sport fishery during the 1986 -87, 1987 -88, 1988 -89, 1989 -90,
1990 -91, and 1991 -92 winter steelhead seasons, respectively. Sport harvest
information for wild winter steelhead has been available over the majority of the run
(because the sport steelhead season has been open through March 31), but sport
harvest is too low to be used to assess the status of the stock.
FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION
Habitat -- Water withdrawal limits the production of juvenile steelhead especially during
summer and fall low -flow periods. The Big Quilcene River also has very limited
anadromous fish rearing and spawning area (approximately 4 miles). The dam at the
mouth of Tunnel Creek, a Big Quilcene tributary, may also reduce the normal amount of
natural gravel recruitment from Tunnel Creek to the lower watershed. Marine mammal
predation on migrating wild steelhead smolts and returning wild adults may be partly
responsible for the recent decline in the stock. As noted in the Stock Report for Hood
Canal summer chum salmon, gravel aggradation and shifting of the stream channel are
problems near the mouth of the Quilcene River.
203
STOCK DEFINITION PROFILE for Quilcene /Dabob Bays Winter Steelhead
SPAWNER DISTRIBUTION
DISTINCT? - YES
TIMING
TERMINAL RUN
RIVER ENTRY
SPAWNING
SPAWNER
DISTRIBUTION
1S Miles
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec DISTINCT
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
DISTINCT? - UNKNOWN
NO
NO
STOCK STATUS PROFILE for Quilcene /Dabob Bays Winter Steelhead
STOCK ASSESSMENT
DATA QUALITY - - - - -> No Data
Brood NO DATA
Years
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
.92
AVERAGE RUNSIZE DISTRIBUTION STOCK SUMMARY
DATA NOT AVAILABLE.
STOCK ORIGIN
Unresolved
PRODUCTION TYPE
Unresolved
STOCK DISTINCTION
Spawning Distribution
STOCK STATUS
Unknown
SCREENING CRITERIA
Harvest Management -- Treaty commercial net fisheries directed at steelhead occur
from December through January in marine areas of north Hood Canal (Area 9A) and
occur occasionally in the river from December through February or the first week in
March. A limited tribal hook - and -line subsistence fishery occurs from early December
through early April. Incidental harvest of wild winter steelhead in these treaty fisheries
may occur in some years. The non - treaty sport fishery is directed at hatchery winter
steelhead from December through February, but some harvest of wild winter steelhead
may occur. The sport fishery has been open through the end of March. Beginning with
the 1994 -95 season, the sport fishery closes on February 28 and wild steelhead release
regulations are in effect.
Hatchery -- While hatchery winter steelhead smolts have been stocked in these and
nearby streams, the effect on the long -term productivity and production of the wild stock
by hatchery- reared steelhead spawning in the wild Is unknown.
206
STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA -- DISCOVERY BAY SUMMER CHUM
STOCK DEFINITION AND ORIGIN
The Discovery Bay summer chum salmon stock is separated from other Puget Sound
summer chum stocks by a distinct spawning distribution, temporal differences and
genetic characteristics. Natural spawning in Snow and Salmon creeks accounts for the
production of this stock. These streams enter Discovery Bay in the Strait of Juan de
Fuca. The distance between these spawning streams and other Puget Sound streams
creates geographic separation between Discovery Bay summer chum and the other
Puget Sound summer chum stocks.
The Discovery Bay summer chum spawning season is over a month earlier (early
September to mid - October) than that of the Strait of Juan de Fuca fall chum stocks,
providing a temporal separation. They have similar run timing to that of the Sequim Bay
summer chum stock, but are considered to be reproductively isolated through
geographic separation. Genetic studies show that the Discovery Bay Summer chum
salmon are distinguishable from other Puget Sound chum salmon stocks.
There is no record of non - native chum introductions, so Discovery Bay summer chum
are considered to be a native stock.
STOCK STATUS
The status of Discovery Bay summer chum is Critical.
Escapement data derived from spawning ground surveys are the only consistent
information available on the stocks status. Escapement estimates have been as large
as 3,000 as recently as 1980 and as low as 45 in 1985. Although long -term
escapement trends appear to be stable, there has been a severe short-term decline
over the last three years.
Discovery Bay watershed residents initiated and committed to a 10 -year recovery effort
for summer chum in Salmon Creek beginning in 1992. The recovery effort involves
collecting and spawning a portion (about 20 %) of the wild summer chum adults and
rearing the eggs and fry in streamside incubators and saltwater netpens prior to release
in Discovery Bay. Technical assistance will be provided by WDFW salmon assessment
and enhancement biologists and WDFW personnel from Hurd Creek Hatchery.
FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION
Habitat -- Snow and Salmon creeks are fairly small streams with gentle gradients near
their mouths and moderate to steep gradients for the remainder of the stream length.
Natural limiting factors in fresh water for this stock include high flows and very high
231
STOCK DEFINITION PROFILE for Discovery Bay Summer Chum
SPAWNER DISTRIBUTION
DISTINCT? - YES
i s m ileS
SPAWNER
DISTRIBUTICN
SCALE
TIMING Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec DISTINCT
TERMINAL RUN UNK
RIVER ENTRY YES
SPAWNING YES
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
DISTINCT? - YES
GENETICS - Analysis of a 1986
combined collection from Snow
Creek and Salmon Creek (N =100)
indicated that these fish
are significantly different from
all other chum collections tested
(21 -locus G- tests: p<0.05).
other chum stocks
_� Union River 86
Hood Caner summer -run 88
Hood Carta summer -run 85
Jimmyconeiat* Creek 86
N_ SALMON CREEK & SNOW CREEK 86
STOCK STATUS PROFILE for Discovery Bay Summer Chum
STOCK ASSESSMENT
DATA QUALITY- - --- -> Good
Retum ESCAPE
Years ITotal
67
68
1358
69
1358
70
1358
71
1316
72
1568
73
1241
74
1364
75
1391
76
1907
77
1300
78
1632
79
581
80
3784
81
780
82
1680
83
1215
84
1211
85
45
86
823
87
1540
88
1675
89
226
90
293
91
174
AVERAGE RUNSIZE DISTRIBUTION
DATA NOT AVAILABLE.
0
ESCAPE
88. 70 72 74 79 78 80 82 84 88 88 90
Return Years
STOCK SUMMARY
STOCK ORIGIN
Native
PRODUCTION TYPE
Wild
STOCK DISTINCTION
Distribution, Genetics, Timing
STOCK STATUS
Critical
SCREENING CRITERIA
Short -Term Severe Decline
sedimentation in the lower reaches, both of which have increased in recent years
primarily due to accelerated and extensive logging in each upper watershed. Habitat
composition, substrate composition and amount and distribution of large wood in the
stream has likely changed as a result of changes in flow patterns. The logging -
generated impacts should lessen as most of the logging has been completed and
regrowth is beginning. Streamside habitats in the lower sections of Snow and Salmon
creeks have been impacted by land -use activities. For example, Nelson et al. (1992)
reported that 50 percent to 75 percent of the streambanks were bare and eroding along
a section of Snow Creek even though an overstory canopy was present. Fencing of the
stream corridors to reduce livestock access and use would probably improve the
condition of both the stream banks and streamside vegetation and reduce a potential
source of bacterial contamination. The lower section of Salmon Creek was fenced in
1993 in a cooperative effort between a local landowner and the Soil Conservation
Service.
Harvest Management -- Discovery Bay summer chum are commingled in Puget Sound
and Canadian commercial harvest areas with other returning species, including
sockeye, pink, hincck and coho and other summer -h Incidental
fisheries directed at other more abundant, commingled species historically accontstfin
the majority of the commercial take of these is,h, 'cr
Pretermjnal fleas - It is assumed that Discovery Bay summer chum are harvested
incidentally in several preterminal commercial net and recreational fisheries directed at
other species. The lack of stock migration and specific (e.g. GSI- derived) fisheries
contribution data prevents estimation of the magnitude of these incidental hansests.
Net fisheries in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the San Juan islands harvest
Washington - and Canadian - origin summer chum incidentally in sockeye, pink and coho -
directed fisheries. Total Washington and Canadian - origin summer chum catches during
the summer chum catch accounting period in the Strait of Juan de Fuca have averaged
718 (range 28 -1725) per year from 1968 to 1991. Total summer chum catches in the
San Juan Islands sockeye and coho fisheries have ranged from 62 in 1984 to 43,000 in
1976 (1990 -1991 average 1,600). The contribution of Discovery Bay summer chum to
these fisheries is unknown.
Coho - directed gill net and purse seine fisheries in the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca
and Admiralty Inlet (Areas 6B and 9) harvest summer chum, although large -scale
fisheries have not been conducted since 1978 in those areas. Seattle -area (Area 10)
coho fisheries may also harvest some Strait - origin summer chum. Canadian net
fisheries on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Johnstone Strait and the Strait of
Georgia intercept summer chum in sockeye,
pink
contribution rates of Discovery Bay summer chum tothese fisheries are g n'kno e
wn.
Terminal Areas - By state /tribal agreement, no fishing has occurred in Discovery Bay or
234
its tributary streams since 1976.
Hatchery -- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has operated a weir on
Snow Creek since 1972. A weir on Salmon Creek has not been used since 1981. The
weirs were left open during chum migration periods.
Relatively small numbers (35,000 to 88,000 juveniles per year) of Dungeness Hatchery-
origin yearling and fingerling coho were released into Discovery Bay tributaries in 1965,
1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971. No releases have occurred since 1971. The impacts of
these juvenile coho on native summer chum production is unknown.
235
236
STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA -- SEQUIM BAY SUMMER CHUM
STOCK DEFINITION AND ORIGIN
Sequim Bay summer chum salmon are separated from other Puget Sound summer
chum salmon stocks by a distinct spawning distribution, temporal differences and
genetic characteristics. Wild spawning in Jimmycomelately Creek accounts for the
production of this stock. This stream enters Sequim Bay in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The distance between this spawning tributary and other chum streams is presumed to
create geographic separation between Sequim Bay summer chum and the other Puget
Sound summer chum stocks.
The Sequim Bay summer chum salmon spawning season is over a month earlier (early
September to mid - October) than that of the Strait of Juan de Fuca fall chum salmon
stocks. Sequim Bay summer chum have similar run timing to Discovery Bay summer
chum but are considered to be reproductively isolated through geographic separation.
Genetic studies have shown that the Sequim Bay summer chum are distinguishable
from other Puget Sound chum salmon stocks.
There is no evidence of non - native chum introductions in Sequim Bay, so this is
considered to be a native stock.
STOCK STATUS
Escapements have ranged from 63 to 1,127 spawners. There has been a severe short-
term decline in spawner escapement since 1990. Consequently, this stock is
considered Depressed.
FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION
Habitat -- Historically, natural production has been limited by flooding and
sedimentation. Today, forest practices have impacted freshwater and estuarine habitat,
but quantitative data are lacking. Access to spawning and rearing habitat in
Jimmycomelately Creek has been reduced by the improper placement of culverts
during road construction. A log- rafting dump in the southwest corner of Sequim Bay
has impacted the associated nearshore rearing area and deposited leachates on the
bay floor. An irrigation ditch outfall has caused extensive erosion and sedimentation in
Johnson Creek, degrading spawning and rearing habitat for coho salmon. A marina
was built along the west shoreline of Sequim Bay in the 1980s. What effect this
development has had on Sequim Bay coho salmon production is unknown. Agriculture
has impacted the western Sequim Bay tributaries through the removal of riparian
vegetation and grazing in and along stream banks.
237
STOCK DEFINITION PROFILE for Sequim Bay Summer Chum
SPAWNER DISTRIBUTION
DISTINCT? - YES
_ckt
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\
a%
dj 3\
i�
rT�
TIMING Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
TERMINAL RUN
RIVER ENTRY
SPAWNING
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
DISTINCT? - YES
GENETICS - Analysis of a collection
from Jimmycomelately Creek (N =100)
indicated that these fish are
significantly different from all other
chum collections tested (21 -locus
G- tests: p < 0.05).
5 M ;�
SpAw \i=.
SCALE
Aug Sep Cd, Nov Dec DISTINCT
i
® YES
i
YES
�o
YES
other chum stocks
Union River 86
pr-- Hood Canal summer-run 86
Hood Canal summer-run 85
JIMMYCOMELATELY CREEK 86
Salmon Creek & Snow Creek 86
Ones Gana InoAYC %W avie "to t2M UPGMA)
STOCK STATUS PROFILE for Sequim Bay Summer Chum
STOCK ASSESSMENT
DATA QUALITY- -- - - -> Good
Retum ESCAPE
Years Total
67
68
69
70
71 232
72 322
73 205
74 179
75 348
76 412
77 240
78 412
79 162
80 1102
81 172
82 323
83 366
84 343
85 64
86 299
87 423
88 1127
89 185
90 63
91 121
0
Mo
ESCAPE
68 70 72 74 79 78 80 82 84 88 88 90
Retum Years
AVERAGE RUNSIZE DISTRIBUTION STOCK SUMMARY
DATA NOT AVAILABLE.
STOCK ORIGIN
Native
PRODUCTION TYPE
Wild
STOCK DISTINCTION
Distribution, Genetics, Timing
STOCK STATUS
Depressed
SCREENING CRITERIA
Short -Term Severe Decline
Harvest Management -- Sequim Bay summer chum are commingled in Puget Sound
and Canadian commercial harvest areas with other returning species, including
sockeye, pink, chinook and coho and other summer chum stocks. In all harvest areas,
management periods for this stock overlap with two or more other species. Incidental
harvest in fisheries directed at other more abundant, commingled species historically
accounts for the majority of the harvest on this stock. Harvest rates on this stock are
believed to be low.
Preterminal Areas - Sequim Bay summer chum are likely harvested in several
preterminal commercial and recreational fisheries directed at other species. The lack of
stock migration and specific fisheries contribution data prevents estimation of the
magnitude of these harvests, however.
Net fisheries in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and San Juan Islands harvest Washington
and Canadian - origin summer chum incidentally in sockeye, pink and coho - directed
salmon fisheries. Total Washington- and Canadian - origin summer chum catches during
the early summer chum salmon catch accounting period in the Strait have averaged
718 (range 28 to 1725) from 1968 to 1991. Total summer chum catches in the San
Juan Islands sockeye and coho fisheries have ranged from 62 in 1984 to 43,000 in
1976 (1990 to 1991 average 1,600). The contribution of Sequim Bay summer chum to
these fisheries is unknown.
Coho - directed gill net and purse seine fisheries in the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca
and Admiralty Inlet (Areas 6B and 9) harvest summer chum, although large -scale
fisheries have not been conducted since 1978 in those areas. Seattle -area coho
fisheries may also harvest some Strait - origin summer chum salmon. Canadian net
fisheries on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Johnstone Strait and Strait of
Georgia intercept summer chum in sockeye, pink and coho fisheries. Again, the
contribution rates of Sequim Bay summer chum to these fisheries are unknown.
Terminal Areas - There have been no Sequim Bay chinook or coho fisheries in which
incidental catch of summer chum might occur in recent years.
Hatchery -- The Dungeness Hatchery has been releasing 850,000 yearling coho
salmon annually into the Dungeness River, located immediately west of Sequim Bay.
In addition, hatchery- origin coho fingerlings were released into Jimmycomelately Creek
in 1982 through 1985, and coho yearlings were released in 1967, 1969, 1970 and
1971. The potential effect of these releases on the Sequim Bay summer chum stock is
unknown.
240
STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA -- CHIMACUM CREEK COHO
STOCK DESCRIPTION AND ORIGIN
The Chimacum Creek coho salmon stock has been defined because of its distinct
spawning distribution. Other than the Chimacum Creek system, streams in this area
tend to be short with limited coho- rearing habitat. Chimacum Creek is quite isolated
from any of the surrounding streams. This stock periodically displays large spawning
peaks in January which may also support its designation as a separate stock.
Spawning is typically from early November to late January. This stock does not exhibit
any other documented unique biological characteristics.
There have been significant off - station coho releases into the Chimacum Creek system
since 1960. Dungeness yearlings were planted there in 1960, 1965, 1967, 1970
through 1972, 1979 and 1981. Green River stock yearlings were released in 1964 and
Minter Creek stock in 1976. Off - station fingerling /fry plants have been consistent since
1977. Quilcene stock was used in 1977 and 1985 through 1990, while Dungeness fish
have been planted in the remaining years. This stock is likely a mixture of the native
and introduced non - native stocks.
STOCK STATUS
The status of this stock is Healthy.
Escapement data are available for Admiralty Inlet, however, they include data for minor
tributaries on Whidbey Island and the northern Kitsap Peninsula as well as for this
stock. Good escapement index data are available for Chimacum Creek dating back to
1983, and cumulative redd count information is good back to 1984. Given that this
stock is the primary coho producer in Admiralty Inlet, the escapement data probably
best represent this stock's production trends.
FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION
Habitat -- Chimacum Creek is a watershed of low gradient that has been subjected to
extensive agricultural development. Riparian cover has been removed, and virtually the
entire middle section of the creek has been dredged or channelized to protect the
surrounding farmland from flooding. Cattle have been allowed to graze in and around
the stream. The lack of complex riparian vegetation, a low pool:riffle ratio in the creek,
lack of large woody debris and agricultural pollution have all contributed to the reduction
in coho salmon productivity in this creek. High stream temperatures during critical low
flow periods (summer and fall) are also of concern.
Harvest Management -- No distribution ,or harvest contribution rate information is
currently available for this stock. It is assumed that Chimacum coho salmon are
273
STOCK DEFINITION PROFILE for Chimacum Creek Coho
SPAWNER DISTRIBUTION
DISTINCT? - YES
Lake =
t1 1 i f s 9
� UCH
c
21-Z
H,y
�N
r
SPAWNER
D2S7RIBU7 iCN
SCALE
�s M;ies
TIMING Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec DISTINCT
TERMINAL RUN UNK
RIVER ENTRY UNK
SPAWNING NO
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
DISTINCT? - NO
STOCK STATUS PROFILE for Chimacum Creek Coho
STOCK ASSESSMENT
DATA QUALITY - - -> Good
Return I ESCAPE ESCAPE JESCAPE
Years jT0tw 11ndextotal Fish -days
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
so
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
•
-s•
20
36
92
32
70
105
78
30
330
79
257
691
547
358
511
597
75
AVERAGE RUNSIZE DISTRIBUTION
DATA NOT AVAILABLE.
0
ESCAPE
I
K
m
Be 70 72 74 78 78 80 82 84 88 88 90
Retum Years
ESCAPE
-T�
88 91
88 70 72 74 78 78 80 82 84 88 88 90
R.dm Year.
STOCK SUMMARY
STOCK ORIGIN
Mixed
PRODUCTION TYPE
Composite
STOCK DISTINCTION
Distribution
STOCK STATUS
Healthy
SCREENING CRITERIA
incidentally harvested in preterminal commercial and recreational fisheries directed at
mixed stocks or other species in both the U.S. and Canada. No terminal or freshwater
fisheries occur on this stock.
Hatchery -- Significant releases of hatchery coho salmon have occurred in this creek,
as noted above. In addition, a local high school has operated a small, educational
hatchery program in Chimacum Creek since the early 1970s. What impacts these
hatchery releases have had on the wild stock are unknown.
276
STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA -- DISCOVERY BAY COHO
STOCK DEFINITION AND ORIGIN
The Discovery Bay coho salmon stock does not demonstrate a distinct temporal
distribution, with most spawning occurring from late October to early January in Snow
and Salmon creeks. Distinct biological characterizations have not been documented for
this stock. We believe there is insignificant straying from surrounding drainages into
these tributaries, so the stock is defined by its distinct spawning distribution.
Relatively small numbers (35,000 to 88,000 juveniles per year) of Dungeness Hatchery-
origin coho were released into Discovery Bay tributaries in 1965, 1968, 1969, 1970 and
1971. This stock is likely a mixture of the native stock and non - native stocks introduced
into these drainages.
STOCK STATUS
The status of the Discovery Bay coho stock is Critical.
Snow Creek has been the subject of an intensive coho production study by the
Washington Department of Wildlife, and those results provide an indication of this
stock's production trend.
Snow Creek escapement counts in 1988 and 1991 are the lowest in the data base,
indicating a short-term severe decline. These two counts are brood - related (as is the
previous low, observed in 1985), however, since 1985, Snow Creek parent broods have
not produced replacement escapements.
FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION
Habitat -- Snow and Salmon creeks are fairly small streams with gentle gradients near
their mouths and moderate to steep gradients for the remainder of the stream length.
Natural limiting factors in fresh water for this stock include high flows and
sedimentation, both of which have increased in recent years primarily due to
accelerated and extensive logging in each upper watershed. Habitat composition,
substrate composition and amount and distribution of large wood in the stream has
likely changed as a result of changes in flow patterns. The logging - generated impacts
should lessen as most of the logging has been completed and regrowth is beginning.
Grazing impacts occur in the lower Snow and Salmon Creeks.
Streamside habitats in the lower sections of Snow and Salmon creeks have been
impacted by landuse activities. For example, Nelson et al. (1992) reported that 50
percent to 75 percent of the streambanks were bare. and eroding along a section of
Snow Creek even though an overstory canopy was present. Fencing of the stream
277
STOCK DEFINITION PROFILE for Discovery Bay Coho
SPAWNER DISTRIBUTION
DISTINCT? - YES
\\
,F �uC�
Ar w1�
Lake
lz
..............
o
SPAWNER
DSSTRSE?UTSCN
SCALE
15 M;les
TIMING Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec DISTINCT
TERMINAL RUN UNK
RIVER ENTRY UNK
SPAWNING i NO
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
DISTINCT? - NO
STOCK STATUS PROFILE for Discovery Bay Coho
STOCK ASSESSMENT
DATA QUALITY —> Very Good
Brood ESCAPE IJUVENILE
Years I Total I Smotts
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
488
5201
77
1357
9156
78
601
9090
79
367
8344
80
709
7048
81
7700
82
1871
83
432
66947
84
326
10113
85
36
641
86
432
6296
87
681
6915
88
17
448
89
73
4300
90
104
4787
91
4
117
AVERAGE RUNSIZE DISTRIBUTION
DATA NOT AVAILABLE.
0
ESCAPE
E
E o
� t
G
88 70 72 74 78. 78 80 82 84 88 88 8o
Brood Years
JUVENILE
- •—.- -
FL5 97
88 70 72 74 78 78 BO 82 84 88 9a 90
Brood Yaws
STOCK SUMMARY
STOCK ORIGIN
Mixed
PRODUCTION TYPE
Wild
STOCK DISTINCTION
Distribution
STOCK STATUS
Critical
SCREENING CRITERIA
Short-Term Severe Decline
corridors to reduce livestock access and use would probably improve the condition of
both the stream banks and streamside vegetation and reduce a potential source of
bacterial contamination. The lower section of Salmon Creek was fenced in 1993 in a
cooperative effort between a local landowner and the Soil Conservation Service.
Low summer flows, reduced pool volume, diminished overwinter habitat, loss of lake
habitat and migration blockages also affect coho spawning and survival in these
streams.
Harvest Management -- No stock - specific information is available. Impacts are
assumed to be similar to those observed for the Dungeness coho, except that this stock
is not subject to any directed commercial or recreational fisheries so it likely
experiences a lower harvest rate.
Hatchery -- There are no hatchery facilities in the general vicinity. Hatchery releases
into this stream are noted above, however their effect on the production of this stock is
unknown.
280
STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA -- SEQUIM BAY COHO
STOCK DEFINITION AND ORIGIN
The Sequim Bay coho salmon stock does not demonstrate a distinct temporal
distribution, with most spawning occurring from late October to early January. Distinct
biological characterizations have not been documented for this stock. We believe there
is insignificant straying from surrounding drainages into these tributaries, so the stock is
defined by its distinct spawning distribution.
This area received substantial off - station yearling releases between 1952 and 1971,
primarily of Dungeness stock (in all years but 1956, 1961, 1962 and 1968). The other
yearling plants utilized Green River (1956, and 1966) and Skagit (196 1) stocks. There
have been sporadic off - station fingerling releases between 1953 and 1985, almost all
using Dungeness fish. This stock is likely a mixture of the native stock and non - native
stocks introduced into these drainages.
STOCK STATUS
The status of the Sequim Say coho stock is Depressed.
There are good escapement index data available back to 1979 and sporadic cumulative
redd counts back to 1984.
Jimmycomelately Creek escapement index data in 1988 and 1991 are the lowest in the
data base, indicating a short -term severe decline. These two estimates are brood-
related.
FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION
Habitat -- Historically, natural production has been limited by flooding and
sedimentation. Today, forest practices have impacted freshwater and estuarine habitat,
but quantitative data are lacking. Access to spawning and rearing habitat in
Jimmycomelately Creek has been reduced by the improper placement of culverts
during road construction. A log- rafting dump in the southwest corner of Sequim Bay
has impacted the associated nearshore rearing area and deposited leachates on the
bay floor. An irrigation ditch outfall has caused extensive erosion and sedimentation in
Johnson Creek, degrading spawning and rearing habitat for coho salmon production. A
marina was built along the west shoreline of Sequim Bay in the 1980s. What effect this
development has had on Sequim Bay coho salmon production is unknown. Agriculture
has impacted the western Sequim Bay tributaries through the removal of riparian
vegetation and grazing in and along stream banks.
281
4STOCK DEFINITION PROFILE for Sequim Bay Coho
SPAWNER DISTRIBUTION
DISTINCT? - YES
L
I'
R4I? 0 �uAN nF
a >o
f r
O �
� a�l
1S Miles
\ \ \\.
SPAWNER
D=STR=UTiCN
SCALE
TIMING Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec DISTINCT
I I l I I I I I i i i I
TERMINAL RUN UNK
RIVER ENTRY UNK
SPAWNING ■ NO
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
DISTINCT? - UNKNOWN
STOCK STATUS PROFILE for Sequim Bay Coho
STOCK ASSESSMENT
DATA QUALITY —> Good
Retum ESCAPE ESCAPE
Years Fsh-days Index total
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
a3
84
a5
86
87
88
89
90
91
828
4088
539
2657
389
214
598
1478
223
10
796
261
29
36
61
23
12
119
37
26
AVERAGE RUNSIZE DISTRIBUTION
DATA NOT AVAILABLE.
T
L
N
LL
ESCAPE
2
88 70 72 74 7e 78 80 82 84 88 88 90
Retum Years
ESCAPE
87
88 70 72 74 78 78 80 82 84 88 ea 90
Ratum Years
STOCK SUMMARY
STOCK ORIGIN
Mixed
PRODUCTION TYPE
Wild
STOCK DISTINCTION
Distribution
STOCK STATUS
Depressed
SCREENING CRITERIA
Short -Term Severe Decline
Harvest Management -- No stock - specific information is available. Impacts are
assumed to be similar to those observed for the eastern Strait coho, except that this
stock is not subject to any directed commercial or recreational fishing, so it likely
experiences a lower harvest rate.
Hatchery -- There are no rearing facilities in the general vicinity. Hatchery releases into
Jimmycomelately Creek have been noted above. Additionally, the Dungeness
Hatchery, located immediately west of Sequim Bay, has been releasing an average of
about 600,000 salmon annually since 1985. The effect of those releases on the
Sequim Bay coho stock is unknown.
284
STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA -- DISCOVERY BAY
WINTER STEELHEAD
STOCK DEFINITION AND ORIGIN
Wild winter steelhead in Discovery Bay tributaries, including Snow Creek and Salmon
Creek, are native and have been designated a distinct stock on the basis of the
geographic isolation of the spawning population.
Little is known about the genetic composition of the stock. Run timing (December
through early May) and spawn timing (February through mid -May) are similar to those
of other wild winter steelhead stocks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Hood Canal
areas.
The Washington Department of Wildlife has operated fish traps located at RM 0.8 on
Snow Creek since 1977 and has monitored the wild winter steelhead adult and juvenile
populations in Snow Creek. Steelhead adults of hatchery origin which have strayed
into Snow Creek and been captured at the trap have not been released upstream.
Information on life history of wild winter steelhead in Snow Creek reported below is
taken from Johnson and Cooper (1992) and WDFW files.
Wild adult winter steelhead have entered Snow Creek as early as the first week in
December. Numbers of adults entering Snow Creek increase beginning the first week
in February with fifty percent of the run entering the creek by the second week in
March. Upstream migration of adult winter steelhead ends by the first week in May.
Wild female winter steelhead average 669 mm in length (range 410 mm to 855 mm),
3,323 g in weight (range 625g to 6,825 g), with an average fecundity of 3,275 eggs per
female. Of the total number of adult female winter steelhead in Snow Creek, 0.5
percent spent nearly one year in saltwater prior to returning to spawn (1- salts), 76
percent spent nearly two years in saltwater (2- salts), 9 percent spent nearly 3 years in
saltwater (3- salts) and 14.5 percent returned to spawn more than one time (repeat
spawners).
Wild male winter steelhead average 670 mm in length (range 373 mm to 882 mm) and
3,119 g in weight (range 525 g to 7,550 g). Of the total number of adult male winter
steelhead in Snow Creek, 9 percent spent nearly one year in saltwater prior to returning
to spawn (1- salts), 78 percent spent nearly two years in saltwater (2- salts), 4 percent
spent nearly 3 years in saltwater (3- salts) and 9 percent returned to spawn more than
one time (repeat spawners).
The sex ratio for winter steelhead in Snow Creek has averaged 1.07 females per male.
361
STOCK DEFINITION PROFILE for Discovery Bay Winter Steelhead
SPAWNER DISTRIBUTION
DISTINCT? - YES
� o
iM c
it 4 o
Lcka T o
M; I I �
o
G
y
F
rn �
s
15 Miles
N
SPAWNER
DISTRIBUT.ICN
SCALE
TIMING Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec DISTINCT
TERMINAL RUN
RIVER ENTRY NO
SPAWNING NO
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
DISTINCT? - UNKNOWN
STOCK STATUS PROFILE for Discovery Bay Winter Steelhead
STOCK ASSESSMENT Snow Cr
DATA QUALITY--> Excellent
(Brood
Years
IRUNSIZE
Total
Ismotts JUVENILE
SURVIVAL
I SmotVegg
ISURVIVAL
SmolVfem.
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
106
847
0.6
21.7
78
140
1357
1.4
42.4
79
78
1621
2.7
95.4
80
120
1644
1.3
45.7
81
128
1263
1.0
32.4
82
109
1021
1.1
36.5
83
52
2122
3.6
111.7
84
131
460
1.4
41.3
85
154
1372
1.2
40.4
86
61
1122
1.7
56.1
87
72
1669
1.9
59.6
88
71
1411
2.5
87.3
89
29
1198
3.2
98.1
90
12
91
34
92
51
AVERAGE RUNSIZE DISTRIBUTION
DATA NOT AVAILABLE.
NO SPORT OR TRIBAL FISHERY
100 % ESCAPEMENT
3
0
s
E
RUNSIZE
T
74
89 71 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91
Brood Years
JUVENILE
89 71 73 75 T7 79 81 83 85 87 89 91
Brood Years
STOCK SUMMARY
STOCK ORIGIN
Native
PRODUCTION TYPE
Wild
STOCK DISTINCTION
Spawning Distribution
STOCK STATUS
Depressed
SCREENING CRITERIA
Short -Term Severe Decline
Wild winter steelhead redds were first observed in Snow Creek during the first week in
February with fifty percent of the total number being constructed by the first week in
April. Redd construction is typically completed by the second week in May. The
number of redds per kilometer in Snow Creek has averaged 4.7 + 1.3. The number of
redds per female in Snow Creek has averaged 1.25. The average number of days from
first date of entry to date of downstream migration for winter steelhead adults was 60 +
6 days. Steelhead egg densities upstream of the Snow Creek weir have ranged from 29
to 279 eggs per 100 m2 since 1978.
The number of days from egg deposition to first emergence of winter steelhead fry from
the gravel in Snow Creek averaged 62 days with 50 percent of fry emergence occurring
by 71 days. Temperature units to first emergence ranged from 417 to 872 and
averaged 590. Emergent winter steelhead fry average 30 mm in length and 0.21 g in
weight.
During August, winter steelhead age 0+ average 58 mm in length and 2.5 g in weight
with an average density of 43 + 17 fish /100 m2. During October, winter steelhead age
0+ average 70 mm in length and 4.6 g in weight with an average density of 32 + 11 3
fish /100 m2. —
During August, winter steelhead age 1+ average 116 mm in length and 18 g in weight
with an average density of 13 + 1 fish /100 m2. During October, winter steelhead age 1 Y
average 121 mm in length and 20 g in weight with an average density of 11 + 0.05
fish /100 m2.
Winter steelhead smolt emigration from the stream to Discovery Bay generally begins
during the first week in April and ends by the second week in June. Fifty percent of the
total smolt migration has occurred by May 10, plus or minus four days. The total
number of smolts by brood year produced upstream of the Snow Creek weir has ranged
from 460 to 2,122 with an estimated additional 148 smolts produced downstream of the
weir. Average age composition of winter steelhead smolts for the 1978 to 1992
outmigration years was 9.8 percent age 1, 84.5 percent age 2, and 6.7 percent age 3.
Mean length and mean weight was 139 mm and 26 g for age 1 smolts, 164 mm and
41 g for age 2 smolts, and 195 mm and 66 g for age 3 smolts.
Average condition factor, K, a measure of relative fatness, has been 0.91 for winter
steelhead smolts. Winter steelhead smolt density has ranged from 1.08 to 3.93
smolts /100 m2 and averaged 2.66 smolts /100 m2. Biomass of winter steelhead smolts
has ranged from 42 to 146 g /100m2and averaged 107 g /100m2.
For the brood years 1977 through 1989, the range in survival rates between the various
juvenile life history stages of winter steelhead in Snow Creek have been (1) 0.67
percent to 3.64 percent survival from egg to smolt, (2) 21.5 percent to 69.9 percent
survival from fall fry to parr, (3) 4.6 percent to 14.3 percent survival from fall fry to smolt,
364
and (4) 12.5 percent to 49.5 percent survival from parr to smolt. Production in Snow
Creek has ranged from 22 to 112 steelhead smolts per female spawner. Wild winter
steelhead smolt -to -adult survival rate averaged 6.3 percent + 1.8 percent and ranged
from 2.2 percent to 10.7 percent, excluding repeat spawners.
STOCK STATUS
The status of the stock has been designated as Depressed because of a short -term
severe decline in- wild winter steelhead run size in Snow Creek. Total run size (which
includes the estimated number of winter steelhead spawning downstream of the trap)
has fluctuated from a low of 12 adults in 1989 -90 to a high of 154 adults in 1984 -85.
Two of the lowest run sizes occurred during the 1990 and 1991 brood years.
A short -term decline in abundance is often difficult to distinguish from the normal
fluctuation in abundance of all naturally produced stocks of fish. This stock has been
rated as Depressed since it is important to identify declining stocks as early as possible.
FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION
Habitat -- Snow Creek and Salmon Creek flow directly into Discovery Bay on the Strait
cf Juan de Fuca. Elevation ranges from sea level to 4,273 feet on Mt. Zion in Olympic
National Park. Average rainfall in this watershed is 41 inches and average annual flow
for the entire Snow Creek watershed is 22 cfs (WDFW data reported in Jones and
Stokes Assoc. 1991).
Freshwater habitat has been impacted by land use (forest management) activities, but
quantitative information is limited. Lower Salmon and Snow creeks have large deposits
of fine sediment which likely decreases the quality of available spawning habitat. Forest
road construction and the lack of road maintenance at a few locations and past clear -
cutting of large areas have lead to increased runoff, flood frequency, and downstream
erosion (Nelson et al. 1992).
Timber harvest levels increased during the 1980's in response to removal of blowdown
timber and high prices. A timber sale unit of approximately 800 acres on private land in
Snow Creek which was clear -cut during 1985 -1987 triggered several minor slumps and
one debris flow, and has increased downstream runoff and downstream erosion.
Logging and road construction under past forest regulations has impacted riparian and
wetland habitats in some locations. The stream corridor along most of the upper
mainstem of Salmon Creek is wooded and remains in a fairly natural, undisturbed
condition, with the exception of evidence of high peak flows. Clear- cutting of steep -
walled ravines of Snow Creek tributaries has created slope failures and at least one
debris slide injecting sediment into the mainstem of Snow Creek (Nelson et al. 1992).
In addition, habitat composition, substrate composition and amount and distribution of
large wood in the stream has likely changed as a result of changes in flow patterns.
365
Streamside habitats in the lower sections of Snow and Salmon creeks have been
impacted by landuse activities. For example, Nelson et al. (1992) reported that 50
percent to 75 percent of the streambanks were bare and eroding along a section of
Snow Creek even though an overstory canopy was present. Fencing of the stream
corridors to reduce livestock access and use would probably improve the condition of
both the stream banks and streamside vegetation and reduce a potential source of
bacterial contamination. The lower section of Salmon Creek was fenced in 1993 in a
cooperative effort between a local landowner and the Soil Conservation Service.
A short-term decline in abundance may additionally be due, in part, to recent changes
in ocean survival of steelhead which has occurred over widespread areas in
Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia (Cooper and Johnson 1992).
Harvest Management -- There are no recreational or commercial fisheries in the
terminal areas of Snow and Salmon creeks or Discovery Bay. Sport fishing has been
closed year -round in both the Snow and Salmon creek drainages, except Crocker Lake
in the Snow Creek drainage is open to fishing all year for all species.
Hatchery -- Prior to 1991, no winter steelhead smolts of hatchery origin have been
stocked in Snow Creek or Salmon Creek. In 1991, approximately 1,000 winter
steelhead smolts were stocked in Snow Creek to document the extent of residualism
and in- stream mortality of hatchery smolts. This experiment was repeated in 1992 and
1993. Steelhead adults returning from these hatchery smolts will be examined for tags
and then will not be released into the stream.
366
STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA -- SEQUIM BAY WINTER STEELHEAD
STOCK DEFINITION AND ORIGIN
Wild winter steelhead in Sequim Bay tributaries, including Jimmycomelately, Johnson,
and Gierin creeks, are native and have been classified as a distinct stock based on the
geographic isolation of the spawning population.
No information is available regarding the genetic composition of the stock.
Run timing (December through May) and spawn timing (mid - February to early June) are
similar to those of other wild winter steelhead stocks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca area.
STOCK STATUS
The status of the stock is Unknown. This stock is comprised of a historically small
number of winter steelhead, but there is insufficient information to classify its status as
either Healthy, Depressed or Critical.
Spawning escapement is not monitored for this stock nor has an escapement goal been
identified. The WDW observed five steeihead ^edds in Jimmycomelately Creek from
RM 1.7 to the mouth and estimated spawner escapement at eight winter steelhead in
1980. The WDW operated a trap near the mouth and estimated 330 steelhead smolts,
283 cutthroat smolts, and 1,884 coho smolts outmigrated from Jimmycomelately Creek
during spring, 1980.
Harvest information can not be used to assess stock status since there are no sport or
treaty fisheries for steelhead on these streams.
FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION
Habitat -- Natural production has been limited by flooding and sedimentation. Forest
practices have impacted the freshwater and estuarine habitat, but quantitative data are
unavailable. Access to spawning and rearing habitat in Jimmycomelately Creek has
been reduced by the improper placement of culverts during road construction. A log
rafting dump in the southwest corner of Sequim Bay has impacted the associated
nearshore rearing area and deposited leachates on the bay floor. An irrigation ditch
outfall has caused extensive erosion and sedimentation in Johnson Creek, degrading
spawning and rearing habitat. A marina was built along the west shoreline of Sequim
Bay in the 1980s. The effects this development has had on Sequim Bay winter
steelhead are unknown. Agriculture has impacted the western Sequim Bay tributaries
through the removal of riparian habitat and grazing in and along stream banks.
367
STOCK DEFINITION PROFILE for Sequim Bay Winter Steelhead
SPAWNER DISTRIBUTION
DISTINCT? - YES
TIMING
TERMINAL RUN
RIVER ENTRY
SPAWNING
z
3UT10N
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec DISTINCT
1
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
DISTINCT? - UNKNOWN
•
STOCK STATUS PROFILE for Sequim Bay Winter Steelhead
STOCK ASSESSMENT
DATA QUALITY - ---->
Poor
Retum I ESCAPE
JUVENILE
Years i Index total
I
Smotts
Jlmmycomailloy
JmmycomekdelY
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
330
79
80 8
81
82
33
34
85
86
37
38
89
90
91
92
AVERAGE RUNSIZE DISTRIBUTION STOCK SUMMARY
DATA NOT AVAILABLE. STOCK ORIGIN
Native
PRODUCTION TYPE
Wild
STOCK DISTINCTION
Spawning Distribution
STOCK STATUS
Unknown
SCREENING CRITERIA
Harvest Management -- There are no recreational or commercial fisheries in the
terminal areas on this stock.
Hatchery -- Hatchery steelhead smolts have not been stocked in these streams. A
private trout Hatchery is located in the upper watershed of Jimmycomelately Creek and
the impacts, if any, on the wild winter steelhead stock are unknown.
Two state hatcheries are located on the Dungeness River, immediately west of Sequim
Bay, The Dungeness Hatchery produces coho salmon yearlings for release into the
Dungeness River and supports other small cooperative enhancement projects in the
immediate area. The Hurd Creek Hatchery produces juvenile and yearling fall chinook
salmon for release into the Elwha River and supports a captive broodstock program for
a Dungeness chinook salmon rebuilding project. The impact these hatchery programs
have on wild winter steelhead in Sequim Bay tributaries is unknown.
370