Current Status of Accomplishment or Milestone: The rotational assignment has been completed and the resulting report is in the third version, currently receiving review from outside scientists and from the three west coast Regions.
Background: The factors influencing survival of salmonids during the freshwater phase are relatively well known and have received a great deal of attention and research. Survival during estuarine and seawater periods of the life history, however, remain less well known. Evidence points to important variability in ocean survival on internannual and decadal scales, requiring improved understanding and research. Current research on salmonids is divided among the three different west coast centers as well as others (state government, academia, other federal agencies, international). NMFS research in estuarine and ocean survival is only now developing fully, and we thus need a coordinated research plan which will address the key issues in salmonid biology and fisheries on the west coast while minimizing duplication of effort within NMFS and complementing research undertaken by others. Richard Brodeur, a fisheries scientist from the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, undertook a rotational assignment program at PFEL to work among the three Centers to take the lead in developing such a plan.
Purpose of Activity/Goal of Project: The purpose is to develop a coordinated plan among the three west coast centers that minimizes duplication, improves cooperation and communication, and identifies the key issues of importance to NMFS.
Description of Accomplishment and Significant Results: The report, entitled "A NMFS Strategic Plan for Estuarine and Ocean Research on Pacific Salmon", authored jointly by three authors from each center, reviews past and existing NMFS and extramural research programs on salmon in the ocean, establishes research priorities for addressing data gaps, and suggests new research programs and approaches to close these gaps.
Significance of Accomplishment (e.g., to the Center, to Management, and to NMFS Strategic plan Goals): Identifying the important features of estuarine and ocean life is critical to managing salmonid populations and to address recovery. This plan will serve as a basis for high priority research needs and the resources necessary to address them.
Problems: None.
Key Contact: George Boehlert (831-648-8515); Richard Brodeur (AFSC, 206-526-4318)