New designation proposed for Deschutes hatchery steelhead

Published 11:25 am Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The government is hoping to restore steelhead on the upper Deschutes River in Oregon by using a special designation to protect a run of hatchery fish.

For the first time, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Adminstration has proposed an “experimental” designation for hatchery steelhead on the upper Deschutes that also protects landowners from liability if the run is harmed through otherwise lawful activities.

Generally, only native fish get such protection and hatchery fish must be caught and removed from the river to protect the gene pool.

But it has been more than 40 years since steelhead have been found in their historic habitat in the upper Deschutes River, and scientists want to introduce a run of juvenile steelhead there that would get special protection for 12 years to re-establish themselves..

The reintroduction is intended to help recover Middle Columbia steelhead salmon, which since 1999 have been listed as “threatened” throughout their 35,000-square-mile historical range.

“This special designation will allow ample time for local landowners and municipalities to work with NOAA, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and watershed councils to develop solid conservation measures for these fish that support recovery of the overall larger population of Middle Columbia steelhead,” Will Stelle, head of the NOAA Fisheries Service’s Northwest regional office in Seattle, said in a prepared statement.. “The great advantage is that well intended conservation efforts won’t risk running afoul of the normal ‘take’ restrictions of the Endangered Species Act.”

The experimental designation would remain in effect for 12 years after the first adult steelhead passed Round Butte Dam near Madras in Jefferson County while returning to spawn. After the period expires, the designation would end, and the regulations that apply to Middle Columbia steelhead would also extend to this population.

A public notice would be issued before the expiration date.

During the 12 years, the status of the population would be considered “proposed for listing” under the Endangered Species Act.

The juvenile steelhead, reared at the nearby Round Butte Hatchery, will be released in the upper Deschutes River above the Round Butte Dam in central Oregon, in parts of Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties

Steelhead from the Round Butte Hatchery have the best chance to adapt to conditions in the upper Deschutes River and its tributaries. During the 12 years, three generations of steelhead are expected to pass over the Round Butte Dam.

NOAA is seeking comments on its idea by July 18. They may be submitted:

Electronically by Clicking here
By fax to 503-231-2318
By mail to:
Assistant Regional Administrator, Hydropower Division
Northwest Region, National Marine Fisheries Service
1201 NE Lloyd Blvd, Suite 1100
Portland, OR 97232

For more information on the agency’s website Click here