U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Pacific Region:

Fisheries Program Strategic Plan

2004-2008
911 NE 11th Avenue

Portland, Oregon 97232-4181

A MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR

For the past year, the Fisheries Program, within the Pacific Region, has dedicated its staff to carrying

forward the Fisheries Program “Vision for the Future” (Fisheries Vision) that started with the

leadership from the Sportfishing and Boating Partnership Council and its Fisheries Steering

Committee. This effort has culminated in the development of our “Pacific Region: Fisheries

Program Strategic Plan”. 

I want to share my appreciation to all who contributed to the development of this Strategic Plan. It

contains a vast array of objectives and tasks, all of which are critical to the Service’s effectiveness in

helping fisheries populations achieve and maintain self-sustainable levels and contribute to public

enjoyment. Our Strategic Plan challenges us all to do more, be more effective, and document our

successes at protecting and conserving fisheries resources. 

 

The Fisheries Vision was built on a partnership with the Sportfishing and Boating Partnership

Council and its Fisheries Steering Committee. Similarly, our Strategic Plan was built in partnership

with employees within the Region, and people and organizations, across the Pacific Region, who

contributed their valuable time, expertise, and perspectives. Continued communication,

cooperation, and collaborative partnerships are critical to the successful implementation of our

Regional Plan and fulfillment of the Fisheries Program resource responsibilities and obligations. 

I look forward to the Fisheries Program building on the partnerships that are inherent in our 

Regional Plan and envisioned in the Fisheries Vision. On our own, the Service does not have the

funds and staffing to meet the complex management problems we face with the declining abundance

of fish populations and quality of habitats they depend upon. But, through more and stronger

partnerships, the Service will be successful in meeting these challenges. 

Dave Allen

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary........................................................................................................ 3

Introduction.................................................................................................................... 5

Vision.............................................................................................................................. 5

Status of Regional Fisheries Resources............................................................................. 6

The Pacific Region’s Fisheries Program........................................................................... 6

How to Use this Plan........................................................................................................ 10

Focus Area: Partnerships and Accountability.................................................................... 11

Partnerships................................................................................................................. 11

Accountability.............................................................................................................. 15

Focus Area: Aquatic Species Conservation and Management.......................................... 17

Native Species..............................................................................................................17

Aquatic Nuisance Species............................................................................................ 20

Interjurisdictional Fisheries.......................................................................................... 23

Focus Area: Public Use..................................................................................................... 27

Recreational Fishing..................................................................................................... 27

Mitigation Fisheries......................................................................................................30

Focus Area: Cooperation with Native American Tribes................................................... 33

Focus Area: Leadership in Science and Technology......................................................... 36

Focus Area: Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management.......................................... 39

Focus Area: Workforce Management................................................................................ 43

Implementation.................................................................................................................. 46

Evaluation and Reporting...................................................................................................46

Inventory and Revision...................................................................................................... 46

Regional Contact Information............................................................................................ 47

Figure 1. A map of the Pacific Region showing locations of Fisheries Program offices.... 7

Glossary of Terms and Definitions......................................................................................48

Appendix A. Program Performance Summary, Fish and Wildlife Management................. 60

Appendix B. Program Performance Summary, Hatchery Operations and Maintenance.. 65

Appendix C. Performance Measure Linkage to Pacific Region Tasks ............................ 69

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Executive Summary

In 2002, the Service and the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council’s Fisheries Steering

Committee worked together to develop a plan for the Fisheries Program titled, Conserving

America’s Fisheries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program Vision for the Future

(Fisheries Vision). The Fisheries Vision provided national level goals, objectives, and action items

and identified the need for the seven regions of the Service to develop regional step-down plans. In

January, the Pacific Region initiated its regional step-down planning effort which resulted in this

document, the Fisheries Program Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). This Strategic Plan was

developed with the help of Tribes, states, partners (internal and external ), and other stakeholders. 

The Strategic Plan describes how the Pacific Region will address problems and needs in the seven

focus areas described in the Fisheries Vision. Three of the Fisheries Vision focus areas have two or

three sub-focus areas so this Strategic Plan addresses a total of eleven priority areas. Each priority

area is introduced with a background statement followed by national goals and objectives and the

regional goals, objectives, and tasks which will direct the efforts of the Fisheries Program beginning

in 2004 through 2008. 

Focus Area: Partnership and Accountability

• Our regional PARTNERSHIP goal is to maintain communication with stakeholders and

establish meaningful partnerships for the purpose of accomplishing all of our goals.

• We hope to improve ACCOUNTABILITY by establishing and implementing a better system

for measuring and reporting progress.

Focus Area: Aquatic Species Conservation and Management

• NATIVE SPECIES will be protected and enhanced while maximizing species diversity and

recreational opportunities, and meeting tribal needs. 

• We plan to minimize introductions of AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES while attempting to

contain, reduce and eliminate them.

 • We will support, facilitate or lead collaborative approaches managing

INTERJURISDICTIONAL FISHERIES while conserving and restoring fish populations. 

Focus Area: Public Use

• Our RECREATIONAL FISHING goal is to promote quality fishing.

• The MITIGATION FISHERIES goal is to identify, meet, and obtain full funding for

mitigation. 

Focus Area: Cooperation with Native American Tribes

• We will assist NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES in their endeavors to manage, protect, and

conserve their trust resources. 

Focus Area: Leadership in Science and Technology

• LEADERSHIP IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY will be provided by using state-of-theart and scientifically sound research studies and management techniques. 

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Focus Area: Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management

• Protection, conservation, and restoration of AQUATIC HABITAT will be accomplished by

collaborating with internal and external partners with land management or regulatory

authority. 

Focus Area: Workforce Management

• Our WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT goal is to develop a diverse, effective, and motivated

workforce.

The Strategic Plan will be implemented at regional and field office levels. Many objectives and tasks

can be addressed with existing resources and authority; others cannot be accomplished without

additional funding, staff, training, authority, or cooperation with partners. Individual Fisheries

Program offices will assess their expertise, priorities, and resources to determine which of the

objectives and tasks they can accomplish and implement. Each office will emphasize the overall

direction and spirit of the Fisheries Program while seeking additional resources and cooperation with

partners to expand their capabilities. 

Compliance with Strategic Plan objectives will be evaluated in cooperation with Tribes, states,

partners, and other stakeholders in 2005 and 2007. This process will assist the Fisheries Program in

meeting goals and objectives and identifying necessary revisions to the Strategic Plan.

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Introduction

The Fisheries Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has played a vital role in

conserving and managing fish and other aquatic resources since 1871. Today, the Fisheries Program

is an important partner with states, Native American Tribes (Tribes), other governments, other

Service programs, private organizations, public institutions, and interested citizens in a larger effort

to conserve these important resources. In 2002, the Service, working with its many partners in

aquatic conservation through the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council’s Fisheries Steering

Committee, completed its document: “Conserving America’s Fisheries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service Fisheries Program Vision for the Future” (Fisheries Vision). The Fisheries Vision included

goals, objectives, and action items on a national programmatic scale. 

The Fisheries Vision identified the need for the seven regions of the Service to develop five-year

step-down plans with specific activities which will contribute to the Fisheries Vision. The Pacific

Region of the Service therefore developed this five year Fisheries Program Strategic Plan (Strategic

Plan). This document is the Pacific Region’s step-down plan; that is, it describes how the region will

implement the goals and objectives identified in the Fisheries Vision and provides guidance for what

the Service and our stakeholders feel are important roles for the Pacific Region Fisheries Program for

the next five years. 

The Fisheries Program recognizes that many responsibilities for managing and conserving fish and

other aquatic resources are shared, and success is often contingent upon the combined knowledge,

resources and commitment of each party. As a result, the Pacific Region views this Strategic Plan as

an understanding between the Fisheries Program and its stakeholders of the priority direction of the

Fisheries Program for the years 2004 through 2008.

Vision

The vision of the Service and its Fisheries Program is to work with Tribes, states, partners, and other

stakeholders to restore and maintain fish and other aquatic resources at self-sustaining levels and

support federal mitigation programs for the benefit of all the American public. To achieve that

vision, the Fisheries Program is committed to working with our partners to:

• Protect the health of aquatic habitats.

• Recover and restore fish and other aquatic resources.

• Provide opportunities to enjoy the many benefits of healthy aquatic resources.

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Status of the Pacific Region’s Fisheries Resources 

The West Coast of the United States possesses rich and diverse natural resources. Unique among

these are the Pacific salmon and steelhead. Salmon and steelhead are more than an icon of the

Pacific Region, they are a national treasure and are in serious decline. Western rivers were once

among the most productive fish producers in the world. The Columbia River alone had runs of five

species of Pacific salmon, steelhead and other anadromous fish totaling as many as 10 to 16 million

fish that supported both tribal and large commercial fisheries. 

Unfortunately, human pressures on our valuable fishery resources are becoming extreme. The

genetic diversity and geographic distribution of these fish are shrinking markedly. The Pacific

Region has reached a point where many migratory fish species (e.g., Chinook, coho, chum,

steelhead, sturgeon, sea-run coastal cutthroat, lamprey) as well as resident fish stocks (e,g., Lahontan

cutthroat, bull trout, westslope cutthroat, white sturgeon, lamprey, burbot, chub, pupfish, suckers,

dace) are either listed or being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. These

listings are increasingly straining the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the Pacific Region. The

impact of some of these declining fish species are national and international in scope and complexity

with legal implications to federal responsibilities under both international and tribal treaties. The

causes of these declines are often complex and reflect the health of the Pacific Ocean, inland waters,

and watersheds. 

The Pacific Region Fisheries Program

Federal responsibilities for conservation of the nation's diverse and valuable fishery resources date

from 1871 when Congress established the position of Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries in response

to concern about the decline in natural food fish supplies. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

(Service) has a proud history of leading federal fishery conservation efforts along the West Coast for

over 100 years - since the first federal salmon hatcheries were established. Throughout this centuryplus, the Service has taken a holistic approach to fishery conservation, focusing on a broad array of

scientific fishery management and conservation efforts. 

Regional Fisheries Program offices are administered by the Assistant Regional Director (ARD)

Fisheries in Portland, Oregon and California and Nevada Office (CNO) in Sacramento, California. 

The Fisheries Program provides a network of 34 field stations and scientific expertise that is unique

to federal fishery restoration capabilities. Field stations are located in the States of Washington,

Oregon, Idaho, California, and Nevada (see Figure 1). The roles and responsibilities of each are

discussed below. 

National Fish Hatcheries: Nineteen National Fish Hatcheries (NFH) produce more than 60

million fish annually. These NFHs, along with other Fishery Program offices, are important

components of an integrated approach to the management and restoration of aquatic species and

their environments. Most NFHs are operated to mitigate for adverse impacts from 

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FIGURE 1. A map showing the location of Fisheries Program offices in the Pacific Region of the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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federal water development projects, and as such have an important role in supporting

recreational, commercial, and international fisheries, and meeting tribal trust responsibilities. 

However, with the decline and endangerment of many native species, Pacific Region NFHs now

play an increasing role in supporting the recovery of species listed under the Endangered Species

Act. Salmon and steelhead remain the focus of most NFH efforts in the Pacific Region, though

we also work with other anadromous and resident species as well. Comprehensive hatchery

management planning will, with the help of with Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders,

ensure that the operations of our NFHs and the fish they produce will help, not harm, our native

species and the environments they depend upon and thus continue a legacy of fish and fishing for

all to enjoy.

Fish Health Centers: Four Fish Health Centers (FHC) provide long term pathogen surveys and

monitoring of fish at NFHs and selected wild fish populations as well as diverse disease

diagnostics and investigational studies. The FHCs are the lead offices in fish pathogen

containment, emergency disease diagnostic control, and epidemiological assistance to fishery

managers. They provide training, policy, and biological guidance for fish disease and fish health

management. They assist a wide range of cooperators including Tribes, states, partners, and

other stakeholders with fish health technical and training services. Their expertise includes

aquatic animal health, veterinary medicine, physiology, pathology, and microbiology.

Fishery Resource Offices: Three Fishery Resource Offices (FRO) assist in the collection,

evaluation, coordination, and dissemination of fisheries information to help restore declining fish

species, recover species listed under the Endangered Species Act, preclude the need for future

listings of new species, and provide science-based management of aquatic resources. They

provide long-term monitoring, evaluation and technical support to assess the status of wild fish

and aquatic species populations. Evaluation of stocks released from the Service’s NFHs is a

major function of the FROs. They provide technical assistance to agencies that have authority to

set fish management regulations and to many land owners (e.g., federal, state, tribal, and private)

to prevent the loss of, damage to, and best management practices for the long-term benefit of fish

and their habitats. FROs further promote interagency coordination by serving on technical and

policy level workgroups (committees, councils, commissions, etc.) in the areas of hydro systems,

harvest, hatchery, and habitat management. 

Fish and Wildlife Offices: Six Fish and Wildlife Offices (FWO) include Fisheries Program

operations. These are distinct in that they include a combination of the FRO functions of the

Fisheries Program as well as functions of the Pacific Region Ecological Services (ES) Program. 

The fisheries functions include the same responsibilities as those carried out by FROs. The ES

functions of these offices include implementation of the Pacific Northwest Forest Plan, the

Central Valley Project Improvement Act restoration programs, and carrying out consultation,

listing, and permitting activities under the Endangered Species Act. 

Fish Technology Center: The Abernathy Fish Technology Center (FTC) provides leadership in

scientifically-based management of national fishery resources through development of new

concepts and techniques to solve specific resource problems in aquatic restoration and recovery

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activities. The FTC conducts applied research programs and provides technical assistance in

behavioral physiology, nutrition, pathology, genetics, and fish culture. Technical assistance is

provided in those program areas to Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders. The major

emphases of the FTC are to: (1) assist in the repositioning of the Pacific Region’s Fisheries

Program in the conservation of natural populations; (2) examine the use of natural brood stocks

by federal hatcheries to meet management objectives; and (3) promote and support captive

propagation and management methods that result in healthy Pacific salmon, steelhead, rainbow,

cutthroat, and bull trout, and white sturgeon populations.

Lower Snake River Compensation Program Office: The Lower Snake River Fish and

Wildlife Compensation Plan (LSRCP) is a nationally unique program authorized by the Water

Resources Development Act of 1976 to compensate for fish and wildlife resource losses in

Oregon, Washington, and Idaho caused by the construction and operation of four lower Snake

River hydroelectric dams and navigation lock projects. The LSRCP Office is located in Boise,

Idaho and administers the LSRCP’s hatchery program with the goal of rearing and releasing

sufficient salmon, steelhead, and resident trout to compensate for reduced adult fish returns to

the Snake River basin and lost fishing opportunities. The LSRCP Office funds three states, three

Tribes, and three Service offices to operate 26 hatchery and fish health facilities in Oregon,

Washington, and Idaho and carry out extensive fish production and related monitoring and

evaluation programs. 

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This Strategic Plan describes how the Pacific Region will address problems and needs in the

seven focus areas developed in the Fisheries Vision: Partnerships and Accountability, Aquatic

Species Conservation and Management, Public Use, Cooperation with Native American Tribes,

Leadership in Science and Technology, Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management, and

Workforce Management. Three of the Fisheries Vision focus areas have two or three sub-focus

areas so this Strategic Plan addresses a total of eleven priority areas.

Each priority area is introduced with a background statement followed by the Fisheries Vision’s

goals and objectives. These are followed by Pacific Region goals, objectives, and tasks which will

direct the efforts of the Fisheries Program for the years 2004 through 2008. 

Many objectives and tasks within the focus areas can be addressed with existing resources and

authority; others cannot be accomplished without additional funding, staff, training, authority,

or cooperation with partners. Each Fisheries Program office will assess its expertise, priorities,

and resources to determine which of the objectives and tasks can be accomplished and

implemented. Each office will emphasize the overall direction and spirit of the Fisheries

Program while seeking additional resources and cooperation with partners to expand their

capabilities.

This Strategic Plan is consistent with the Department of Interior’s (DOI) Strategic Plan. 

Appendices A and B contain the DOI performance output measures and the Fisheries Program’s

projected accomplishment targets. Appendix C links Strategic Plan tasks to the DOI

performance output measures. 

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Partnerships

A number of federal agencies, states, Native American Tribes (Tribes) many non-government

organizations, private individuals are interested or directly involved in the successful conservation

and management of fisheries resources in the Pacific Region. Forming strong partnerships with

states, other federal agencies, and non-government organizations (NGO) and improving federal-tribal

relationships is essential to achieving our mutual goals of healthy, reproducing, abundant, and

widespread fish populations with quality habitat to support them and significant opportunities for

harvest. The Pacific Region Fisheries Program intends to improve ongoing partnerships and

relationships with Tribes, states, existing partners, and other stakeholders and will enthusiastically

seek to create new partnerships and relationships with the goal of resolving fisheries conservation

challenges efficiently and effectively. Partnerships will be emphasized, and will be necessary, to

accomplish many of the objectives and tasks described in other focus areas of this plan. The success

of all Fisheries Program partnerships and federal-tribal and state relations will depend on

commitment, effective communication, and mutual trust. (See Cooperation with Native American

Tribes section for discussion of tribal objectives and tasks.)

National Goal: Open, interactive communication between the Fisheries Program and its

partners.

National Objective: 

1.1 Develop and improve long-term partnerships with States, Tribes, other federal

agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other Service Programs to

develop collaborative conservation strategies for aquatic resources.

Regional Goal: Develop and maintain open and interactive communications between the

Fisheries Program and its traditional and non-traditional stakeholders to establish

meaningful partnerships and improved tribal relationships for the conservation of aquatic

resources.

 

Regional Objective 1.1. The Fisheries Program will develop and implement a plan for

improving and establishing government, tribal and non-government relationships in the

Pacific Region.

Task 1.1.1. ARD and CNO Fisheries will establish a Regional Partnership Team who will

develop a Regional Fisheries Program Partnership Guide for improving and establishing

government, tribal and non-government relationships . (2004)

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Task 1.1.2. The ARD Fisheries and CNO Fisheries will define and provide training of

Fisheries Program personnel as recommended in the Regional Fisheries Program Partnership

Guide. (March 2005) 

Regional Objective 1.2. The Fisheries Program will establish partnerships with a variety of

NGOs to create and implement collaborative conservation plans that address Strategic Plan

focus area objectives and tasks.

Task 1.2.1. Fisheries Program offices will maintain a list of NGO’s to provide a reference for

communications and outreach on programs, issues and decisions that affect conservation

interests of the NGO’s. (Between 2004 through 2008)

Task 1.2.2. Fisheries Program offices will seek to expand their working partnerships with 

local NGO’s. A working partnership may include an annual coordination meeting for sharing

information on programs and progress, development of formal MOUs or MOAs on joint

strategies, research, or outreach efforts that address high priority focus areas in the Strategic

Plan. These agreements will contain goals, tasks, timetables, and deliverables and might

include seeking additional partners and identifying funding sources and strategies for obtaining

funding. (Between 2004 and 2008)

Task 1.2.3. If additional Service funding is needed to implement partnership agreements,

Fisheries Program offices will submit the project and additional funding needs into the

Fisheries Information System (FIS) database as a Fisheries Operations and Needs System

(FONS) proposal. (Between 2004 and 2008)

Regional Objective 1.3. The Fisheries Program will improve partnerships with state fishery

agencies to promote collaborative strategies that address Strategic Plan focus area objectives

and tasks.

Task 1.3.1. Fisheries Program offices will enhance existing or develop new working

partnerships with state fisheries agency partners that address high priority focus areas in this

Strategic Plan. (Between 2004 and 2008)

Task 1.3.2. For partnerships in Task 1.3.1, Fisheries Program offices will compile and

prioritize draft plans, select plans for implementation, and develop agreements where

necessary. The agreements will contain roles and responsibilities, goals, tasks, timetables, and

deliverables and might include seeking additional partners and identifying funding sources and

strategies for obtaining funding. (Between 2004 and 2008)

Task 1.3.3. If additional Service funding is needed to implement the agreements (Task 1.3.2),

Fisheries Program offices will submit the project and additional funding needs into the FIS

database as a FONS proposal. (Between 2004 and 2008)

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Regional Objective 1.4. The Fisheries Program will improve partnerships with federal

natural resource agencies to promote collaborative strategies that address Strategic Plan focus

area objectives and tasks.

Task 1.4.1. Fisheries Program offices will enhance existing or develop new working

partnerships with federal natural resource agencies (e.g. Forest Service) that addresses high

priority focus areas in this Strategic Plan. (Between 2004 and 2008)

Task 1.4.2. For partnerships in Task 1.4.1, Fisheries Program offices will compile and

prioritize draft plans, select plans for implementation, and develop agreements where

necessary. The agreements will contain roles and responsibilities, goals, tasks, timetables, and

deliverables and might include seeking additional partners and identifying funding sources and

strategies for obtaining funding. (Between 2004 and 2008)

Task 1.4.3. If additional Service funding is needed to implement the agreements (Task 1.3.2),

Fisheries Program offices will submit the project and additional funding needs into the FIS

database as a FONS proposal. (Between 2004 and 2008)

Regional Objective 1.5. The Fisheries Program will increase the number of working

partnerships with other Service programs to promote collaborative strategies that address

Strategic Plan focus area objectives and tasks.

Task 1.5.1. Fisheries Program offices will enhance existing or develop new working

partnerships with other Service program offices (e.g. Ecological Services, National Wildlife

Refuge) that addresses high priority focus areas in this Strategic Plan. (Between 2004 and

2008)

Task 1.5.2. For partnerships in Task 1.5.1, Fisheries Program offices will compile and

prioritize draft plans, select plans for implementation, and develop agreements where

necessary. The agreements will contain roles and responsibilities, goals, tasks, timetables, and

deliverables and might include seeking additional partners and identifying funding sources and

strategies for obtaining funding. (Between 2004 and 2008)

Task 1.5.3. If additional Service funding is needed to implement the agreements (Task 1.3.2),

Fisheries Program offices will submit the project and additional funding needs into the FIS

database as a FONS proposal. (Between 2004 and 2008)

Regional Objective 1.6. The Fisheries Program will develop and implement a means of

measuring and ensuring the long term success of partnerships.

Task 1.6.1. The Regional Partnership Team will work with National and Regional Fisheries

Programs to develop a means to assess partnership satisfaction. (2005)

Task 1.6.2. Using the tool developed with Task 1.6.1, the Fisheries Program will assess

current and new partners to monitor partnership satisfaction and form the basis for modifying

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the Regional Fisheries Program Partnership Guide. (2006, 2007, and 2008) 

Task 1.6.3. The Regional Partnership Team will work with the ARD Fisheries and CNO

Fisheries to plan and implement a forum/meeting/workshop to share partnership experiences

and successes. (2006)

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Accountability

Accountability is a critical element of ensuring the successful implementation of this Strategic

Plan. This is accomplished by: implementing principles of sound science in accordance with

Service policies and guidelines that stand up to peer review; making data and reports easily

accessible; using financial and staff resources efficiently and wisely; reporting activities and

accomplishments in a timely and accurate manner; involving partners; and fulfilling commitments.

In order to maintain an appropriate level of communication and commitment, employees of the

Fisheries Program must engage Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders by: 

1. Telling them what we are doing.

2. Asking them what they think of our activities (Modify activities as appropriate).

3. Telling them what we are planning to do.

4. Asking them what they think we should be doing (Modify plans as appropriate).

5. Telling them what we did.

6. Asking them how we did.

The goals, objectives and tasks in this section will be applied as an integral part of each of the

focus areas. 

National Goal: Effective measuring and reporting of the Fisheries Program’s progress

toward meeting short-term and long-term fish and other aquatic resource conservation

goals and objectives.

National Objective:

1.2 Develop and implement performance measures to determine the efficiency and

effectiveness of Fisheries Program resource activities and financial accountability.

Regional Goal: Establish and implement effective measuring and reporting of the Fisheries

Program’s progress toward meeting short-term and long-term fish and other aquatic

resource conservation goals and objectives. 

Regional Objective 2.1. Improve communication with, and accountability to Tribes, states,

partners, and other stakeholders regarding plans, accomplishments and commitments.

Task 2.1.1. Fisheries Program offices will meet with Tribes, states, partners, and other

stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of field office activities relative to the

Fisheries Vision and Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) using feedback to

measure the Pacific Region’s progress and accomplishments. Tribes, states, partners, and

other stakeholders will be asked to evaluate the interactions, actions, and effectiveness of the

Fisheries Program. (Annually) 

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Task 2.1.2. Where appropriate, Fisheries Program offices will develop a management

oversight group composed of Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders to oversee

projects for which there is Tribal and/or partner participation or interest. (Ongoing)

Task 2.1.3. The ARD Fisheries and CNO Fisheries will include resource and partnership

objectives, guidance and direction in regional and field station Work Activity Guidance

(WAGs). (Annually)

Task 2.1.4. The Fisheries Program will develop and implement outreach strategies to inform

and educate the public on our programs. (Annually) 

Regional Objective 2.2. Manage Fisheries Program activities and funding to maximize

performance and expend program funds to ensure accomplishment of focus area tasks. 

Task 2.2.1. The Fisheries Program will conduct a review of activities and programs to

evaluate their alignment with this document’s goals and objectives. (2005 and 2007)

Task 2.2.2. The Fisheries Program will examine its budget allocation, fiscal distribution, and

spending to effectively address focus area funding needs. (Annually)

Regional Objective 2.3. Improve the transfer of information developed by the Fisheries

Program to Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders.

Task 2.3.1. The Fisheries Program will use Internet sites to disseminate reports, highlight

accomplishments, and share other information with the public. (2005)

Task 2.3.2. Technical reports and relevant data developed by the Fisheries Program will be

made available to Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders. (Annually)

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Native Species

The Pacific Region Fisheries Program is committed to the conservation and management of

native aquatic species through strengthening and building partnerships. Activities conducted by

the Fisheries Program include: assessing populations and habitats; developing management and

recovery plans; providing technical assistance to Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders;

planning, monitoring and evaluating habitat restoration projects; and implementing various

aspects of recovery plans. Successful conservation and management requires working with

existing partners and developing new partnerships to collaboratively identify, prioritize and

address the complex issues facing native aquatic species. In this region, the primary focus of the

Fisheries Program is addressing the problems affecting native aquatic species listed under the

Endangered Species Act. 

National Goal: Self-sustaining populations of native fish and other aquatic resources

that maintain species diversity, provide recreational opportunities for the American

public, and meet the needs of tribal communities. 

National Objectives:

2.1 Recover fish and other aquatic resource populations protected under the

Endangered Species Act 

2.2 Restore declining fish and other aquatic resource populations before they require

listing under the Endangered Species Act

2.3 Maintain diverse, self-sustaining fish and other aquatic resource populations.

Regional Goal: Protect and enhance self-sustaining populations of native fish and other

aquatic resources while maximizing species diversity, recreational opportunities, and tribal

needs.

Regional Objective 3.1. The Fisheries Program, in collaboration with Ecological Services 

(ES) Program, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA

Fisheries), states and Tribes, will seek to recover fish and other aquatic resource populations

protected under the ESA.

Task 3.1.1. The Fisheries Program will coordinate with the ES Program to define priorities for

aquatic species recovery programs and allocate Fisheries and ES programs’ recovery funding.

We will promote and seek input from the states and Tribes as we seek to define specific

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recovery priorities (Annually)

Task 3.1.2. The Fisheries Program will provide expertise to the endangered species programs

within ES and NOAA Fisheries for conducting, developing, and implementing status reviews

and recovery plans for fish and other aquatic resource populations. (Annually)

Task 3.1.3. The Fisheries Program will work with endangered species programs to review

and identify the listed fish and other aquatic species that do not currently have recovery plans

and update the list. (Annually)

Task 3.1.4. The Fisheries Program will take a leadership role, through established

partnerships and fisheries management forums, to prioritize listed species recovery assessment

needs and associated monitoring and evaluation programs. (Annually) 

Task 3.1.5. The Fisheries Program will prioritize existing efforts and develop resources to

implement new programs targeted at aquatic species recovery including: development of

prioritized recovery projects for inclusion in the FONS database; development of joint

recovery projects with Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders; and prioritization of

fish passage program projects affecting endangered species. (Annually)

Task 3.1.6. The Fisheries Program will work with endangered species programs to support

streamlining the regulatory compliance process for recovery projects (Annually) 

Task 3.1.7. To improve public awareness of the ESA and individual recovery program

activities, the Fisheries Program will work with Tribes, states, partners, other stakeholders,

and outreach specialists to develop a public outreach strategy that highlights the collaborative

efforts undertaken to achieve recovery. (Annually) 

Regional Objective 3.2. Maintain healthy, diverse, self-sustaining populations of fish and

other aquatic resources and assist in preventing listings under ESA.

Task 3.2.1. The Fisheries Program, in collaboration with endangered species programs, will

provide technical assistance to Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders to promote and

participate in the development of aquatic conservation strategies, watershed plans, or

restoration projects in an effort to achieve common goals for the long-term viability of native

fish and other aquatic populations. (Annually)

Task 3.2.2. The Fisheries Program will act as liaison between its partners and the endangered

species programs in the development of Candidate Conservation Agreements, Private Land

Grants, Private Stewardship Grant Program, Landowner Incentive Program, Tribal Wildlife

Grants. (Ongoing)

Task 3.2.3. The Fisheries Program will include in its FONS data base priority habitat

protection and restoration tasks as prescribed in approved watershed or other fishery

management plans. We will implement projects for which we have federal authority and

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funding (e.g., fish passage, fish production, and habitat enhancement). (Annually) 

Task 3.2.4. The Fisheries Program will work closely with Tribes, states, partners, and other

stakeholders to monitor and evaluate hatchery programs and develop strategies to minimize

impacts of fish releases upon endemic species and their habitats. (Annually)

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Aquatic Nuisance Species

Invasive species, including aquatic nuisance species (ANS), are defined as nonnative species that

have caused or have the potential to cause significant economic or environmental harm or present

a threat to human health. Introductions of invasive species have caused significant economic and

ecological problems throughout North America. After habitat loss, invasive species are

considered the second most significant threat to native species, contributing to Endangered

Species Act listings and even the extinction of certain species. 

Catalyzed by the introduction of zebra mussels in the Great Lakes, the Nonindigenous Aquatic

Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 was the first federal law directly addressing nonagricultural invasive species. This statute was later re-authorized as the National Invasive Species

Act of 1996 (NISA). NISA specifically focuses on ANS and the brown tree snake. It addresses

the following: 1) prevention, monitoring, and control of ANS; 2) research, technical assistance,

and education on the ANS issue; 3) ballast water regulation; 4) the establishment of the Aquatic

Nuisance Species Task Force to act as a national coordinating body; 5) the establishment of

regional coordinating bodies (such as the Western Regional Panel) which answer to the ANS

Task Force; 6) the funding of state or interstate invasive species management plans; 7) the

establishment of a brown tree snake control program.

In addition to the ANS Task Force, an additional invasive species coordinating body was created

by Presidential Executive Order 13112 - Invasive Species which was signed in 1999 by President

Clinton. Executive Order 13112 requires the establishment of a national coordinating body, the

Invasive Species Council, which provides national leadership regarding invasive species (both

terrestrial and aquatic plants and animals). The Executive Order specifically directs the Council to

work with the ANS Task Force.

Although ANS populations have been surveyed in some locations (e.g., San Francisco Bay), data

are generally weak regarding the distribution and impacts of ANS in the Pacific Region. ANS

management efforts will emphasize prevention, early detection, and rapid elimination of new

introductions (particularly high- risk invaders such as the zebra mussel) and the control of existing

plant and animal ANS in freshwater and marine habitats. 

National Goal: Risks of aquatic nuisance species invasions are substantially reduced,

and their economic, ecological, and human health impacts are minimized. 

National Objectives:

2.4 Prevent new introductions of aquatic nuisance species. The Fisheries Program will

increase its leadership role in collaborative efforts to implement activities and programs

that prevent the establishment of aquatic nuisance species.

2.5 Minimize range expansion and population growth of established aquatic nuisance

species.

Regional Goal: Minimize introductions of ANS, identify existing ANS populations in the

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Pacific Region, and, when feasible, contain, reduce or eliminate ANS.

Regional Objective 4.1. The Fisheries Program will work with other programs within the

Service, states, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders to reduce the risk of ANS

introductions.

Task 4.1.1. The Regional and Field ANS coordinators will expand existing partnerships,

outreach, and cooperation with the ANS Task Force, Invasive Species Council, Western

Regional Panel, 100th Meridian Initiative, and other organizations to educate the public and

specific interest groups about the threat of ANS and measures to detect and prevent their

introduction into regional waters. (Annually)

Task 4.1.2. The Regional and Field ANS coordinators will coordinate with the Fisheries

Program and states, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders to plan and deliver ANS Hazard

Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) training. Fisheries Program offices will

develop, implement, and periodically review ANS HACCP plans. (Ongoing) 

Task 4.1.3. The Regional and Field ANS coordinators will collaborate with the Western

Regional Panel, states, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders to research, develop, and

implement new strategies for reducing ANS introductions from shipping, aquaculture,

boating, and other pathways. (Annually)

Task 4.1.4. The Regional and Field ANS coordinators will collaborate with states, Tribes,

partners, and other stakeholders to produce and implement Memorandum of

Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding (MOA/MOU), plans, and other strategies that

enhance ANS early detection and rapid response capabilities in the Pacific Region. (Annually)

Task 4.1.5. The Regional ANS Coordinator, ARD Fisheries, and CNO Fisheries will collate 

information on ANS introductions, detection, and rapid response. This will be reported to

OMB and DOI with links to DOI performance measures, GPRA goals, and the President’s

Management Objectives. (2008)

Regional Objective 4.2. The Fisheries Program will work with other programs within the

Service, states, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders, to measure and track the existing

range and impacts of ANS and develop programs designed to limit expansion of those

populations. 

Task 4.2.1. The Regional and Field ANS coordinators will work with other programs within

the Service, states, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders to establish and maintain a

database and Geographic Information System (GIS) capable of tracking ANS populations

and impacts within the Pacific Region. (2005)

Task 4.2.2. The Regional and Field ANS coordinators will work with other programs within

the Service, states, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders to establish baseline measurement

of ANS populations in the Pacific Region, monitor existing ANS populations at least

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annually, document ecological and economic impacts, and track the resulting information

through a database and GIS as identified in Task 4.2.1. (Annually)

Task 4.2.3. The Regional and Field ANS coordinators will work with other programs within

the Service, states, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders to research new control and

eradication methods that will enhance management of ANS in the Pacific Region. (Annually)

Task 4.2.4. The Regional and Field ANS coordinators will work with other programs within

the Service, states, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders to produce and implement

MOA/MOUs, plans, and other strategies that enhance ANS control and eradication efforts in

the Pacific Region. (2007) 

Task 4.2.5. The Regional ANS Coordinator, ARD Fisheries, and CNO Fisheries will collate

information on monitoring, control, and eradication of ANS populations in the Pacific

Region. This will be reported to OMB and DOI with links to DOI performance measures,

GPRA goals, and the President’s Management Objectives. (2008)

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Interjurisdictional Fisheries

Responsibility for managing interjurisdictional fisheries in the United States is determined by many

laws, treaties, and court orders but follows no single implementation model across the Nation.

Interjurisdictional fisheries management is a collaborative process involving two or more states,

nations, or tribal governments with direct management authority. Except for some resident

species fisheries which may be the sole responsibility of the individual states, most Pacific Region

fisheries are interjurisdictional in nature. 

There is a broad array of federal, state, tribal, and in some cases, international governmental

agencies and entities that engage in interjurisdictional fishery management processes. The number

and identities of the management entities are dependent on the particular fishery. Some marine

fisheries involve numerous domestic and international jurisdictions while other more terminal

fisheries may involve only two or three local Tribes, state agencies or federal agencies. 

Most Pacific Region fisheries also have direct or indirect ties to federally recognized Tribes with

treaty fishing rights. The management of all interjurisdictional fisheries in the Pacific Region have

become greatly influenced by the requirement for adequate protection and rebuilding of species

listed under the Endangered Species Act. To meet the Service’s federal tribal trust, resource

protection, hatchery mitigation, and public benefit responsibilities, the Fisheries Program plays an

integral role in the development of fishery management plans, development of new fishery

management strategies and evaluation tools, conduct of applied research, and monitoring of

harvest allocation and fishery impact limitation compliance. This is in direct support of the states,

Tribes, and NOAA Fisheries who have primary regulatory authority in harvest management. 

Management of fishery impacts in interjurisdictional fisheries is only one component in the overall

management framework that affects the ability of naturally spawning fish populations to be

maintained at self-sustaining levels. Other management actions such as habitat, hydrosystem, and

hatchery production, often can have a greater impact on whether individual fish populations

persist at self-sustaining levels. It is therefore necessary to engage management of

interjurisdictional fishery resources holistically and craft management strategies that address all

phases of the life cycle of the population. This should be done in a way that fairly distributes the

conservation burden across the various mortality factors while providing the greatest level of

continuing benefit to the American public, consistent with all applicable laws, treaties, and court

orders. Given the understanding of the need for an ecosystem management approach, which is

partially addressed under the “Aquatic Habitat”, “Native Species”, and “Leadership in Science and

Technology” sections of this document, the discussion on interjurisdictional fisheries in this

section is limited to harvest and production management issues which are inextricably linked. 

While the needs and opportunities for engagement in interjurisdictional fisheries management are

broad based, the Fisheries Program in the Pacific Region has a long history of providing hatchery

fish production for harvest, monitoring and evaluation of hatchery production programs, and

technical assistance to our state, tribal, and federal agencies in stock assessment and fishery

impact analysis. The Fisheries Program is well positioned to continue these efforts. 

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National Goal: Interjurisdictional fish populations are managed at self-sustaining levels.

National Objectives:

2.7 Co-manage interjurisdictional fisheries.

2.8 Support, facilitate, and/or lead collaborative approaches to manage

interjurisdictional fisheries.

Regional Goal: Support, facilitate, and/or lead collaborative approaches to conserve, and

where appropriate, restore sustainable interjurisdictional fish populations. Actively

promote co-management of interjurisdictional fish populations towards mutually defined

harvest, production, and escapement goals that recognize mitigation, natural production,

and ESA conservation and recovery goals. 

Regional Objective 5.1. When by statute, court order, or other legal or interagency

agreement there is a clear federal role and associated Service responsibility, the Fisheries

Program will work jointly with states, Tribes, and NOAA Fisheries to assist in the

management of interjurisdictional fisheries. 

Task 5.1.1. The Fisheries Program will clearly identify its existing policy and technical

assistance roles in interjurisdictional fisheries management forums and review and affirm

these roles with state, tribal, and federal partners. The forums to be included are: The

Pacific Salmon Commission, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, U.S. vs. Oregon

and U.S. vs. Washington treaty fishing rights case areas, Klamath Fishery Management

Council, Trinity Management Council, Columbia River Compact, and North of Cape

Falcon forums. (2004)

Task 5.1.2. The Fisheries Program will support and contribute to the national effort to

develop an MOU that clarifies and delineates the roles and responsibilities of the Service

and NOAA Fisheries in managing interjurisdictional fisheries. (2004)

Task 5.1.3. Based upon outcomes of the reviews of roles and responsibilities in Task

5.1.1. and 5.1.2., the Fisheries Program will define and develop its staffing, training, and

equipment needs to meet our policy and technical responsibilities in interjurisdictional

fisheries management. (2005)

Task 5.1.4. Where engaged with states, Tribes and NOAA Fisheries in joint

interjurisdictional fishery management forums, the Fisheries Program will assist and

promote development of scientifically-based plans with specific five-year targets and goals

for harvest, escapement, and population growth. The Fisheries Program will work to

ensure the consistency of these management programs with our related responsibilities in

treaty tribal trust, hatchery management, mitigation, ESA conservation and recovery, and

goals for natural stock sustainability. (Ongoing)

Task 5.1.5. The Fisheries Program will share expertise and data, promote sound science,

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and conduct applied and basic research with our partners that is designed to assist

implementation of scientifically-based fish marking, stock assessment, and harvest

management programs. Specifically, we will continue to participate in such technical

forums as the Pacific Salmon Commission technical committees, Pacific Fishery

Management Council Salmon Technical Team, U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory

Committee, Comprehensive Marking Strategy Oversight Committee, Regional PIT Tag

Steering Committee, Streamnet Steering Committee, and Regional Mark Center

Committee. (Ongoing)

Regional Objective 5.2. The Fisheries Program will conduct scientifically-based hatchery

programs to meet mutually agreed upon interjurisdictional fishery management objectives for

harvest, native stock conservation, ESA compliance, and tribal trust, with full assessment of

the benefits and risks of production. 

Task 5.2.1. The Fisheries Program will ensure every NFH program has been scientifically

and independently reviewed for consistency with scientific principles of fish production

and general fisheries conservation. (Ongoing) 

Task 5.2.2. The Fisheries Program will design and conduct marking and tagging programs

for each NFH program at a level sufficient to conduct scientifically sound harvest and

production management and, where beneficial and appropriate, to facilitate the selective

harvest of hatchery fish. (See “Leadership in Science and Technology” section.) 

(Ongoing)

Task 5.2.3. The Fisheries Program will design and conduct sampling, monitoring, and

evaluation programs for each NFH program at a level sufficient to complete scientifically

sound assessments of the benefits and risks of the NFH programs, including the potential

impacts on native stocks. (See “Leadership in Science and Technology” section.) 

(Ongoing)

Task 5.2.4. The Fisheries Program will complete Hatchery and Genetic Management

Plans in compliance with ESA Section 7 regulations and implement recommended

actions. (Ongoing) 

Task 5.2.5. The Fisheries Program will complete development of Comprehensive

Hatchery Management Plans that describe the history, purpose, functions, management

programs, and protocols of NFHs. (2005) 

Task 5.2.6. To facilitate recreational, commercial, and tribal harvest management,

selective fishery development, and endangered species conservation efforts, the Fisheries

Program, in cooperation with our state, tribal, and federal partners, will identify stocks of

hatchery fish appropriate for mass marking with visible external marks and seek

appropriate funding to complete the marking programs. (Ongoing) 

Task 5.2.7. The Fisheries Program will continue to conduct comprehensive fish health

management and control programs through its Fish Health Centers using the latest

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technologies in disease diagnostics and control. On-site hatchery fish health management

efforts will be complemented with an expanded effort to catalog and monitor the

occurrence of fish disease in fish populations in the natural environment in support of the

National Wild Fish Health Database effort. (Ongoing)

Task 5.2.8. The Fisheries Program, in cooperation with our state, tribal, and federal

partners, will review current production programs including production capacity

limitations, fish health, brood stock selection, and other factors to develop joint

production plans that protect and, where possible, enhance natural fish populations. 

(2004)

Task 5.2.9. The Fisheries Program will hold coordination meetings with our state, tribal,

and federal partners to review and adjust our NFH production programs as necessary to

achieve mutual objectives consistent with our mitigation commitments and ESA

conservation and recovery objectives that are within our funding, rearing capacity, fish

health constraints. The Fisheries Program will work cooperatively to develop and support

funding packages and shared support roles that meet mutual needs for production,

monitoring, and evaluation programs. (Annually)

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Recreational Fishing

Recreational, commercial and tribal fishing is deeply woven into the lifestyle and culture of the

West Coast. State agencies, and in some case the Tribes, have the regulatory authority for the

management of these fisheries, even on federal lands. The Fisheries Program has a long history of

supporting state efforts by providing scientific information and services that benefit recreational

fisheries on Service lands, on tribal and military lands, and on other waters where the Service has

a federal role. This involvement includes sharing biological information and expertise, producing

fish, conducting applied research, developing technologies, promoting public education,

conducting professional training, and implementing coordination and professional review of

programs and publications.

Within its federal role, the Service has a direct responsibility to promote programs on federal

lands which provide and enhance recreational opportunities. The Sikes Act, Fish and Wildlife Act

of 1956, and the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 contain authorizations for the entire range of

Service fishery management activities of federal lands. The Fisheries Program promotion of

recreational fishing opportunities on federal lands has focused on federal lands operated by

National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) and military installations. The extent of these efforts has been

limited by the availability of staff and funding. Regional policies direct the Fisheries Program to

focus limited resources on the restoration of inter-jurisdictional fisheries, mitigation for fisheries

lost by the construction of federal water development projects, the conservation and recovery of

listed species, taking steps to avoid listing other aquatic species in the future, and restoring

aquatic habitats important to all of these species. As a result, the Fisheries Program has

historically not carried out management programs or promoted recreational opportunities for

resident species (e.g., trout, bass, perch, crappie, catfish, etc) on these federal lands.

National Goal: Quality opportunities/or responsible fishing and other related recreational

enjoyment of aquatic resources on Service lands, on tribal and military lands, and on other

waters where the Service has a role.

National Objectives:

3.1 Enhance recreational fishing opportunities on Service and Department of Defense lands.

3.2 Provide support to states, Tribes, and other partners to identify and meet shared or

complementary recreational fishing and aquatic education and outreach objectives.

3.3 Recognize and promote the value and importance of recreational fishery objectives in

implementation of other Service responsibilities.

Regional Goal: Promote quality fishing and other related recreational enjoyment of

aquatic resources on Service lands, on tribal and military lands, and on other waters where

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the Service has a role. 

Regional Objective 6.1. The Fisheries Program will work with other programs of the

Service, Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders to enhance recreational fishing

opportunities for priority fish species on Service and Department of Defense lands.

Task 6.1.1. The Fisheries Program will support and work with state agencies and Tribes to

promote recreational fishing opportunities, on harvestable adult returns to NFHs. (Annually) 

Task 6.1.2. FROs and FWOs will work with NWRs and military installations to develop a

listing of opportunities for increasing recreational fishing for priority native fish species on

these lands. (2004) 

Task 6.1.3. The Fisheries Program will use this listing to identify the order and time frames in

which they will assist NWRs and military installations to enhance recreational fishing on these

lands. (2004) 

Task 6.1.4. Based on the priorities established in Task 6.1.2, FROs and FWOs will assist

NWRs and military installations to develop and/or update comprehensive conservation plans

and fishery management plans to include enhancing recreational fishing opportunities on these

lands. (Annually)

 

Task 6.1.5. The Fisheries Program will work with state agencies and Tribes to develop and

implement monitoring programs to document recreational fishing success on hatchery stocks

distributed by NFHs. (Annually)

Task 6.1.6. The Fisheries Program will develop FONS projects that, when appropriated

funds are provided, will contribute to the Pacific Region's ability to enhance efforts for

providing technical assistance to NWRs and military installations and promoting recreational

opportunities on those lands. (Annually)

Regional Objective 6.2. Provide support to Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders to

identify and meet shared or complementary recreational fishing and aquatic education and

outreach objectives.

Task 6.2.1. The Fisheries Program will work with the Tribes, states, partners, and other

stakeholders to provide technical assistance and, under certain conditions, provide fish to meet

recreational fishing objectives (i.e., mitigation, restoration and recovery of recreationally

valuable native species, treaty-reserved or statutorily defined tribal trust natural resources,

using conservation exchanges and cost-recovery to optimize fish production, and aquatic

outreach and education activities). (Annually)

Task 6.2.2. The Fisheries Program will continue to conduct and/or support National Fishing

and Boating Week events, scouting jamborees, and similar events with technical assistance,

excess hatchery fish and assistance with implementation. (Annually)

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Task 6.2.3. The Fisheries Program will develop FONS projects that, when appropriated

funds are provided, will contribute to the Pacific Region's ability to enhance efforts for

providing technical assistance to the states, Tribes and other partners and promoting

recreational fishing opportunities on their lands. (Annually)

Regional Objective 6.3. The Fisheries Program will promote the value and importance of

recreational fishery objectives as one of their priority responsibilities while implementing all

National and Regional activities. 

Task. 6.3.1. The Fisheries Program will work with other programs within the Service to

encourage their actions, decisions, and policies to be consistent with recreational fisheries

objectives of the Service. (Annually)

Task 6.3.2. The Fisheries Program will work with the Tribes, states, partners, and other

stakeholders to identify and implement outreach and education activities, including

informational materials that describe the value and importance of recreational fishing to the

American public. (Annually)

Task 6.3.3. The Fisheries Program will promote the value and importance of recreational

fishery objectives in their plans, policies, guidelines, decisions, and various outreach materials.

(Annually) 

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Mitigation Fisheries

When federal water development projects (locks and dams) were constructed, Congress and the

federal government committed to mitigating for impacts on recreational, commercial, and tribal

fisheries. Mitigation activities included habitat improvement, native species restoration and

stocking native and non-native fish.

Fisheries mitigation programs in the Pacific Region generally involve stocking Pacific salmon,

steelhead trout, and trout species native to altered watersheds. The majority of the salmon caught

by recreational, commercial, and Tribal fishers are propagated species. Considerable

reimbursement is provided to the Service for its fisheries mitigation programs in the Pacific

Region by the Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, NOAA Fisheries, and the Bonneville

Power Administration. However, there are existing facilities and programs that are insufficiently

funded to operate and meet Service fisheries goals. In addition, many fishery mitigation plans and

goals are not established or clearly defined. Of the facilities the Service operates in the Pacific

Region, approximately half are fully funded through reimbursable agreements. The remaining

facilities are partially funded with reimbursable dollars. While regional efforts to develop full

reimbursement will initially focus on clarifying goals and funding issues, involvement of the DOI,

Congress, and the Administration will be required to affect administrative and legislative changes

allowing for full cost recovery.

National Goal: The federal government meets its responsibilities to mitigate for the

impacts of federal water projects, including restoring habitat and/or providing fish and

associated technical support to compensate for lost fishing opportunities.

National Objectives: 

3.4 Identify the mitigation responsibilities of federal agencies for federal water projects.

3.5 Meet the Service’s responsibilities for mitigating fisheries at federally funded water

projects.

3.6 Recover 100 percent of costs for mitigation activities associated with hatchery

production and stocking from water project sponsor.

Regional Goal: The Fisheries Program will work with other federal agencies, states, and

Tribes to meet mitigation responsibilities, identify mitigation goals and pursue full cost

reimbursable funding for the Service’s operation and management of mitigation facilities.

Regional Objective 7.1. The Fisheries Program will work with federal agencies, Tribes, state

agencies, and others to identify the appropriate hatchery mitigation goals for water

development projects and funding responsibilities of the respective federal agencies.

Task 7.1.1. The ARD Fisheries and CNO Fisheries will establish a regional mitigation team of

representatives from the Fisheries Program to prepare a report that: 1) identifies federal water

projects which do not have clearly identified mitigation goals; 2) provides recommendations

and strategies for working with federal agencies, states, Tribes and other stakeholders to

address development of mitigation goals; and 3) develops mitigation goals. (2005)

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Task 7.1.2. The Regional Director/CNO Manager will review the final report and determine

the necessary actions for establishing mitigation goals for water development projects. (2006) 

Task 7.1.3. Implement all actions defined in 7.1.2. (Between 2006 and 2008) 

Regional Objective 7.2. The Pacific Region mitigation programs will be guided by and in

compliance with approved Fishery Mitigation Plans. 

Task 7.2.1. The Fisheries Program will ensure that all Service mitigation programs under

their jurisdiction are conducted in accordance with a Fishery Mitigation Plan. (Annually)

Task 7.2.2. The Fisheries Program will ensure that Service mitigation programs have

established roles and responsibilities in the Fishery Mitigation Plans that clearly state species

mitigation goals and objectives to mitigate the unavoidable and permanent damages to fishery

resources. (Annually)

Task 7.2.3. In the absence of a Fishery Mitigation Plan for federally funded water

development projects, the Fisheries Program will work with the states, Tribes, and federal

agencies to utilize an interim mitigation plan (Fishery Management Plan) with appropriate

species goals and objectives. (Annually)

Regional Objective 7.3. The Fisheries Program will meet the Service’s responsibilities for

mitigating fisheries at federally funded water development projects.

Task 7.3.1. The Fisheries Program will provide fish to meet the Service’s mitigation

responsibilities as described in Fisheries Mitigation plans. (Annually)

Task 7.3.2. The Fisheries Program will monitor and evaluate its mitigation programs to

determine if goals and objectives are achieved. (Annually)

Regional Objective 7.4. The Fisheries Program will pursue recovery of all direct and indirect

costs for mitigation activities associated with hatchery production and stocking from the

federal agency on whose behalf the mitigation program is conducted.

Task 7.4.1. The Regional Director/CNO Manager will develop a process and strategy for

working with federal agencies, state agencies, Tribes and other parties at the local and

regional level to pursue full reimbursement of all Service mitigation programs. (2004)

Task 7.4.2. Based on the Regional Director/CNO Manager decision, the Service will work

with federal and state agencies, Tribes and other parties at the local and regional level to

pursue full reimbursement of all Service hatchery mitigation programs. Where appropriate, the

Service will seek national level support from DOI, Congress, and the Administration in cost

recovery efforts. (2004)

Task 7.4.3. The Fisheries Program will notify Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders

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of upcoming budget shortfalls which may affect the Service’s ability to provide fish for

recreational, commercial, and tribal fisheries. (Annually)

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Conserving our Nation’s fish and aquatic resources cannot be successful without forming strong

bonds with Tribes because they manage or influence some of the most important aquatic habitats

both on and off tribal lands. In addition, the federal government and the Service have a distinct

and unique obligation to Native Americans based on trust responsibility, treaty provisions, and

statutory mandates. The Fisheries Program plays an important role in providing help and support

to Tribes as they exercise their sovereignty in the management of their fish and wildlife resources

on more than 55 million acres of federal Indian trust land and in treaty reserved areas.

The Fisheries Program has a long history of cooperation with Tribes and support tribal natural

resource management. The Service understands that it is the key federal agency charged with

protecting the fish and wildlife resources which form the food and cultural base of many Tribes of

the Pacific Region. In keeping with the trust relationship of the federal government which

evolved from treaties, statutes, court decisions, and the United States Constitution, the Service is

pledged to respect, promote and protect tribal self-government, self-determination and

sovereignty of federally recognized Tribes. The Service also honors tribal treaty and other rights,

interacts with Tribes on a government to government basis, and strives to conduct their programs

and actions in a manner which protects tribal trust resources, including fish and wildlife resources

and their associated habitat.

The Fisheries Program accepts this responsibility and works closely with Tribes to further mutual

goals and protect and conserve the long-term health of our shared fishery resources. Surplus

returning adult fish from NFHs are provided to Tribes for subsistence and ceremonial use as well

as maintaining tribally managed fisheries. FHCs provide advice and technical assistance to the

Tribes, and FROs work closely with the Tribes to assure fair and equitable sharing of the harvest

and on many other important habitat restoration efforts.

National Goal: Assistance is provided to Tribes that results in the management,

protection, and conservation of their treaty-reserved or statutorily defined trust natural

resources which helps Tribes develop their own capabilities.

National Objectives: 

4.1 Provide technical assistance to Tribes 

4.2 Identify sources of funds to enhance tribal resource management

4.3 Provide fish for tribal resources management

4.4 Recognize and promote the Service’s distinct obligation toward Tribes within the

Fisheries Program 

Regional Goal: Assist Tribes in the management, protection, and conservation of their

treaty-reserved or statutorily defined trust natural resources.

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Regional Objective 8.1. Provide technical assistance to Tribes as requested and to the extent

possible, in tribal natural resource management activities.

Task 8.1.1. Upon request, the Fisheries Program will provide technical assistance to Tribes in

support of the management, monitoring and evaluation of fishery resources on lands under

their jurisdiction. (Annually)

Task 8.1.2. The Fisheries Program will provide technical assistance to Tribes in support of

their efforts to develop new tribal fish culture programs, promote state-of-the art fish culture

and fish health practices at existing tribal fish culture programs. (Annually)

Task 8.1.3. The Fisheries Program will cooperate with the Tribes to monitor and evaluate fish

releases from tribal fish culture programs. (Annually)

Task 8.1.4. The Fisheries Program will cooperate with the Tribes to monitor and evaluate the

interaction of wild fish and hatchery fish released from tribal fish culture programs. (Annually)

Task 8.1.5. Fish Health Centers (FHCs) will develop agreements with Tribes and tribal

associations to assist in developing fish health monitoring for wild and hatchery fish on lands

under tribal jurisdiction. (Annually)

Task 8.1.6. The Fisheries Program will inform the Tribes of training programs conducted by

the Service and invite them to participate in these programs. (Annually)

Regional Objective 8.2. Provide fish from the Service’s NFHs, where appropriate, to support

tribal fish culture programs, subsistence programs, ceremonies, and resource management

activities.

Task 8.2.1. The ARD Fisheries and CNO Fisheries, in cooperation with the Regional Native

American Affairs Liaison Office, will establish agreements, in writing, with the Bureau of

Indian Affairs, where appropriate, to document, promote commitment and understanding, and

guide the Service’s actions in providing excess adult carcasses for tribal subsistence programs

and ceremonial purposes. These agreements will operate in accordance with tribal, state and

federal fish managers and within fish health guidelines. (Annually)

Task 8.2.2. The Fisheries Program will work with the Tribes and states in support of tribal

fisheries on excess adult fish returns to NFHs. (Annually)

Task 8.2.3. FROs and FWOs, will collaborate with Tribes to develop management plans to

document any transfers of fish from NFHs, and track how the fish will be used to benefit

Tribal fish culture programs, subsistence programs and resource management programs.

These programs will be developed or continue in cooperation with state and federal fish

managers. (Annually or as requested)

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Regional Objective 8.3. Recognize and promote the Service’s distinct obligations toward

Tribes. 

Task 8.3.1. The Fisheries Program will meet with local Tribes at least once per year to discuss

programs, revisit issues, and identify cooperative opportunities. (Annually)

Task 8.3.2. Fisheries Program offices and local Tribes will develop one or more management

or research plans that address priorities identified in Task 8.3.1. The plans will contain goals,

tasks, timetables, and deliverables. Implementing the plan might require seeking additional

partners and identifying funding sources and strategies for obtaining funding. (Between 2004

and 2008)

Task 8.3.3. If additional Service funding is needed to implement the plans (Task 8.3.2),

Fisheries Program offices will enter the project as a FONS proposal. (Between 2004 and

2008)

Task 8.3.4. The ARD Fisheries and CNO Fisheries, in cooperation with the Regional Native

American Liaison Office, will enter into an Intergovernmental Personnel Act agreement with

at least one Tribe for purposes of training, intergovernmental understanding and facilitation.

(Annually )

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Science and technology form the foundation of successful fish and aquatic resource conservation

and management and must be used to structure and implement monitoring and evaluation

programs that are critical to determining the success of management actions. The Service is

committed to following established principles of sound science. Sound science requires extensive

peer review by scientists and managers who are qualified to evaluate the activities, results, and

conclusions of the Fisheries Program and to provide constructive feedback to make positive and

defendable changes to Fisheries Program activities, when appropriate. Policies and protocols that

provide guidance to ensure the application of sound science are also essential for establishing

science standards and meeting the increasingly sophisticated needs and expectations of the Service

and Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders. The Fisheries Program will coordinate with

U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Research Division, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research

Units, and other research partners to improve connections between science delivery and fishery

management needs.

National Goal: Science developed and used by Service employees for aquatic resource

restoration and management is state-of-the-art, scientifically sound and legally

defensible, and technological advances in fisheries science developed by Service

employees are available to partners.

National Objectives: 

5.1 Utilize appropriate scientific and technologic tools in formulating and executing

fishery management plans and policies.

5.2 Develop and share applied aquatic scientific and technologic tools with partners.

Regional Goal: Science developed and used by the Fisheries Program for aquatic resource

conservation, restoration, and management is state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, and

legally defensible; scientific and technological advances in fisheries science developed by the

Fisheries Program are available to other Service programs, Tribes, states, partners, and

other stakeholders.

Regional Objective 9.1. Utilize state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, legally defensible

scientific and technological tools in formulating and executing fishery related plans and

policies.

Task 9.1.1. Because of the diverse expertise available through its applied research programs, 

Abernathy Fish Technology Center, in cooperation with Pacific Region managers (Research

Coordinator, Data and Information Manager, etc.), will provide leadership and assistance in

regards to appropriate scientific review and the identification and development of priority

state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, and legally defensible scientific information and

technologies. (Ongoing)

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Task 9.1.2. The Fisheries Program will identify scientific information and technologies to be

developed and/or updated by the Service to meet priority resource needs and to ensure that

the technologies are state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, and legally defensible. (Ongoing)

Task 9.1.3. The Fisheries Program will cooperatively develop or update quality

assurance/quality control guidelines (including methodologies and peer review practices for

proposals, study plans, reports, databases etc.) for applied research to ensure it is

state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, legally defensible. This information will be shared with

other Service programs, Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders. (2006)

Task 9.1.4. The Fisheries Program will encourage publication of applied research in

peer-reviewed scientific journals in order to disseminate information and help ensure that it is

state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, and legally defensible. (Ongoing)

Task 9.1.5. The Fisheries Program will encourage applied research staff to develop strong

relationships with their scientific peers in academia by participating in scientific organizations,

serving on thesis or academic committees, and/or sponsoring graduate student applied

research projects that fill Service needs. (Ongoing)

Task 9.1.6. The Fisheries Program will encourage and assist applied research staff to upgrade

or acquire skills required for developing and using state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, legally

defensible science by taking course work in fisheries related topics and training related to

experimental design, scientific methods, peer review, and scientific ethics. (Ongoing)

Task 9.1.7. The Fisheries Program will develop and manage a regional scientific review team

that will assist with timely reviews of proposals, study plans, statistical designs and analyses,

and reports. (2006)

Task 9.1.8. The Fisheries Program will develop a regional scientific evaluation team for each

station. The team will meet annually to discuss whether each station: 1) followed appropriate

protocols for developing and sharing state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, legally defensible

scientific information and technologies and 2) met its goals for developing and sharing

scientific information and technologies. (2005)

Regional Objective 9.2. Develop and share state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, legally

defensible scientific and technological tools with other Service programs, Tribes, states, and

partners, and other stakeholders.

Task 9.2.1. The Fisheries program will work with Tribes, states, partners, and other

stakeholders to promote and develop interagency technical and management forums. The

forums will lead to improved understanding of currently available scientific information and

technologies, shortcomings and data gaps in existing scientific information and technologies,

and priority needs for new scientific information and technology. This effort will include

collaboration to: 1) share existing available funds, 2) seek new funds, and 3) distribute the

workload. (2005) 

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Task 9.2.2. The Fisheries Program will initiate meetings with other Service programs in order

to leverage available funding and expertise, maximize the attainment of aquatic resource

conservation goals, and share state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, legally defensible scientific

and technological tools and expertise. (Annually)

Task 9.2.3. The Fisheries Program will continue to participate in the Pacific Region’s 

hatchery and fisheries management workshop and invite other Service programs, Tribes,

states, partners, and other stakeholders; workshops will be designed to help identify and

resolve aquatic resource management problems, explore new management opportunities,

maintain productive working relationships, and share state-of-the-art, scientifically sound,

legally defensible scientific and technological tools. (Annually)

Task 9.2.4. The Fisheries Program will supervise development of a website to provide

relevant science and technology updates, published reports, technical information briefs, and

overviews of ongoing research projects to Tribes, states, partners, and other stakeholders. 

(2005)

Regional Objective 9.3. Develop and update databases to store biological and management

information for monitoring and evaluation.

Task 9.3.1. The ARD Fisheries will fill the vacant Data and Information Management position

in the Regional Office. The Data and Information Manager will develop strategies and

protocols for regional data, database, and information management. (2004)

Task 9.3.2. The Fisheries Program will develop, manage, and update user-friendly and readily

available databases of information about Service hatchery and natural origin stocks (origin,

phenotypic characteristics, genetics, straying, tagging and marking, health, habitat etc.) and

will share the information with other Service programs, Tribes, states, partners, and other

stakeholders. (2008)

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Current Pacific Region Fisheries Program involvement in aquatic habitat issues varies among its

field offices. However, they all recognize the value and importance of being engaged in

addressing the need for better quality habitats for fish, especially those listed under the

Endangered Species Act. In the past, FROs and FWOs have been directly engaged in a number of

independent and partnership projects with other agencies to conserve and restore watershed and

riparian habitat. For example, the Western Washington FWO has responsibility for administration

and implementation of the Congressionally mandated Chehalis Fisheries Restoration Program. 

The Red Bluff, Stockton, and Arcata FWOs conduct extensive habitat investigative and

restoration activities in the Central Valley, San Francisco Bay, and Klamath and Trinity river

ecosystems. In addition, the Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife program provides a vehicle

for FROs and FWOs to assist efforts on private lands. FROs and FWOs have also provided

technical assistance in performing habitat evaluations for land acquisitions. Additionally, since the

Fisheries Program has a minimal land-base, most efforts are done in cooperation with other

federal agencies, states, Tribes, and private entities. 

More scientific information on anadromous and resident fish habitat requirements is needed. 

Sound scientific information, best available management practices, and more emphasis on habitat

protection and restoration are important to the conservation and rebuilding of declining fish

populations and the recovery of listed fish species. Developing needed expertise, such as fluvial

geomorphology for stream habitat restoration, requires extensive training and continuous

experience. Most FRO and FWO habitat restoration projects are small and of short duration

(e.g., passage projects, local Salmon Enhancement Groups) which are not conducive to keeping

experienced and trained staff engaged. 

While the needs for aquatic habitat protection and restoration are many, there is a major void in

the monitoring and evaluation of completed habitat improvement projects. In order to take a full

watershed approach to ecosystem restoration, monitoring and evaluations are needed to

determine the effectiveness of habitat restoration efforts and the impacts of such activities on all

aquatic species. FROs and FWOs are positioned to fill this void since they have extensive

experience with monitoring and evaluation of hatchery programs and the accountability of

ensuring that improvement projects are increasing populations. 

National Goal: America’s streams, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands are functional

ecosystems that support self-sustaining communities of fish and other aquatic resources. 

National Objectives: 

6.1 Facilitate management of aquatic habitats on national and regional scales. 

6.2 Expand the use of Fisheries Program expertise to avoid, minimize or mitigate

impacts of habitat alteration on fish and other aquatic species.

6.3 Increase the quantity and improve the quality of aquatic and riparian habitat on

Service lands.

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Regional Goal: Expand collaboration between the Fisheries Program and its partners to

protect, conserve, and restore aquatic habitats that support self-sustaining communities of

fish and other aquatic resources.

Regional Objective 10.1. The Fisheries Program will facilitate management of aquatic

habitats on national and regional scales by working with Tribes, states, partners and other

stakeholders.

Task 10.1.1. The Fisheries Program will participate in water management forums and

subbasin planning efforts to ensure that habitat requirements for fish and other aquatic species

are included. (Ongoing)

Task 10.1.2. FROs and FWOs will work with Tribes, states, partners and other stakeholders

to identify opportunities and roles for the Fisheries Program in the implementation of habitat

restoration projects. They will develop FONS projects to include monitoring and evaluation

as an integral component of joint management actions. (2008)

Task 10.1.3. The Fisheries Program will work with other Regions, Tribes, states, partners

and other stakeholders to explore the benefits of a National Aquatic Habitat Plan and the

appropriate role for the Fisheries Program in its development and implementation. (2008)

Task 10.1.4. FROs and FWOs, in collaboration with the ES Program, will be engaged in the

planning and implementation of projects to assess current habitat quality and quantity in

watersheds supporting Service listed species. (2008)

Task 10.1.5. The Fisheries Program will participate in local watershed groups in priority

areas, to ensure that habitat requirements for fish and other aquatic species are addressed. 

Participation will help identify funding opportunities and provide technical assistance with

project design and monitoring and evaluation planning. (2007)

Regional Objective 10.2. The Fisheries Program will enhance and focus the use of its

expertise to assist in avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating impacts of habitat alteration on

aquatic species and the monitoring and evaluation of completed projects. 

Task 10.2.1. FROs and FWOs, in collaboration with the ES Program, will assess what habitat

protection and restoration programs they are currently conducting, utilize a database to track

restoration projects, identify priority habitats that need greater habitat protection and

restoration, and develop steps to improve their capabilities and involve partners. (2005)

Task 10.2.2. The Fisheries Program will work with Tribes, states, partners and other

stakeholders on instream flow studies and water management assessments to provide

information in regulatory and legal processes that protect Service trust species. (Ongoing)

Task 10.2.3. The Fisheries Program will develop its expertise and participate in regional

forums for assessing, modeling, and discussing opportunities for improving mainstem river

habitat, fish passage, and emigration survival. (Ongoing)

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Task 10.2.4. FROs and FWOs will develop FONS projects that, when appropriated funds are

provided, will contribute towards expanding the ability of the Fisheries Program to engage in

the monitoring and evaluation of habitat restoration and conservation projects in watersheds

supporting listed species. (Annually)

Task 10.2.5. The Fisheries Program will work with the ES Program to: 1) discuss regional

Fisheries Program policy, goals and objectives concerning aquatic habitat conservation; 2)

share accomplishments in the conservation of aquatic habitats; and 3) identify opportunities

for a collaborative role with the ES Program in restoring key habitats. (Annually)

Task 10.2.6. FROs and FWOs will disseminate scientific information and share their results

from evaluation projects on habitat conservation and restoration measures with the ES

Program, Tribes, states, and other partners. (Annually)

Task 10.2.7. FROs and FWOs will expand its efforts (e.g. Fisheries Restoration Irrigation

Mitigation Act, Fish Passage culverts, Fish Passage Database) to work with Tribes, states,

partners and other stakeholders to identify, provide access above, or remove barriers to fish

migration. (2007)

Task 10.2.8. FROs and FWOs will work with the ES Program to increase monitoring and

evaluation capabilities to assess and track the success of the Pacific Region’s habitat

restoration efforts. (2008)

Task 10.2.9. FROs and FWOs will work with the ES Program to increase monitoring and

evaluation projects to assess and track the success of implemented Recovery Plan measures.

(2008)

Task 10.2.10. FROs and FWOs will coordinate with the ES Program, to identify, develop,

and maintain expertise (e.g., fluvial geomorphology) for recommending and conducting

aquatic habitat restoration projects to restore declining fish population and prevent future

listings. (2008)

Regional Objective 10.3. FROs and FWOs will coordinate with NWRs having priority species

or key habitats to identify and implement opportunities for increasing the quantity and

improving the quality of aquatic and riparian habitat.

Task 10.3.1. FROs and FWOs will work with NWRs to develop and implement strategies for

increasing or developing aquatic habitat conservation programs on Service lands that contain

Service priority species. (2008)

Task 10.3.2. FROs and FWOs will continue to work with NWRs to evaluate the Fisheries

and Aquatic Resource components of the Land Acquisition Priority System. (2008)

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Task 10.3.3. FROs and FWOs will work with NWRs, to identify opportunities for land

protection proposals that benefit priority species of fish and other key aquatic resources.

(2008)

Task 10.3.4. FROs and FWOs will assist NWRs in the planning and implementation of

projects to assess aquatic and riparian habitat condition. (2008)

Regional Objective 10.4. The Fisheries Program will upgrade its facilities to ensure we meet

environmental requirements for water quality as defined by federal, state, and tribal laws.

Task 10.4.1. The Fisheries Program will take appropriate measures to upgrade its facilities to

ensure we meet National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirements. (2008)

Task 10.4.2. The Fisheries Program will take appropriate measures to upgrade its facilities to

ensure we meet new Environmental Protection Agency Effluent Limitations Guidelines and

New Source Performance Standards for the Concentrated Aquatic Animal Production Point

Source Category standards after they are issued in June, 2004. (2008)

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The Fisheries Program relies on a broad range of professionals to accomplish its mission:

managers, administrators, scientists, program assistants, animal caretakers, and maintenance

workers. Without their skills and dedication, the Fisheries Program cannot succeed. Employees

must be trained and equipped in order to perform their jobs safely, often under demanding

environmental conditions, and must keep abreast of the constantly expanding science of fish and

aquatic resource management and conservation. Currently the Program has a number of

identified vacant positions for which there is insufficient funding. Besides salaries and benefits,

additional funding would be needed to cover moving expenses (if applicable), start-up equipment

(uniforms, computer, furniture, additional utilities, etc.), and training expenses. Also needed is

the recruitment of expertise currently lacking in the Pacific Region. Thus the initial step in

addressing workforce management is to identify the current unfilled vacancies and develop a list

of additional positions based on expertise needs and regional priorities. Most of the Service’s

hiring guidelines are defined by the Office of Personnel Management. However, the Service’s

hiring process can still be time consuming due to the Division of Human Resources priorities and

workloads, and the need for oversight by the ARD Fisheries and CNO Fisheries. The second step

will be for the ARD Fisheries, CNO Fisheries, and the Division of Human Resources to review the

Service’s the hiring process to identify Fisheries Program priorities and process efficiencies.

National Goal: Maintain and support an adequately-sized, strategically positioned

workforce with state-of-the-art training, equipment, and technologies in their career

fields.

National Objectives:

7.1. Staff Fisheries Program field stations at levels adequate to effectively meet the

Service’s goals and objectives in fish and other aquatic resource conservation.

7.2. Provide employees with opportunities to maintain competencies in the expanding

knowledge and technologies needed to improve opportunities for professional

achievement, advancement, and recognition.

7.3. Provide employees with access to facilities and equipment needed to effectively,

efficiently and safely perform their jobs.

Regional Goal: Actively recruit, support, and position a diverse, effective and motivated

workforce capable of meeting employee and partner expectations of activities associated

with fish and other aquatic resource conservation and management.

Regional Objective 11.1. Identify the critical staff and functions needed to support various

types and sizes of Pacific Region’s Fisheries Program offices and to be able to fill critical

vacancies and gaps in the current workforce with well-qualified individuals.

Task 11.1.1. The Fisheries Program will establish a Regional Management Team to begin the

triennial review and prioritization of Regional expertise needs to mission critical goals. (2004)

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Task 11.1.2. The Fisheries Program will review and prioritize staffing levels needed to meet

mission critical goals for the next fiscal year. (Annually)

Task 11.1.3. The Fisheries Program will identify additional base and/or targeted funding

sources for hiring new staff. (Annually)

Task 11.1.4. The Fisheries Program will work with the Division of Human Resources to

review and update all Standard Position Descriptions. (2004)

Task 11.1.5. In an attempt to improve upon the current process, the ARD Fisheries and CNO

Fisheries will work with Chief of the Division of Human Resources to promote priorities and

efficiencies in the hiring process. (2004)

Task 11.1.6. The Fisheries Program will recruit well qualified individuals to address focus

areas in this Strategic Plan. (2005)

Regional Objective 11.2. The Fisheries Program will train and develop employees for the

most effective utilization of their skills and positions.

Task 11.2.1. Training, mentoring, and employee development will become a critical element 

 for evaluating all supervisors. (Ongoing)

Task 11.2.2. Fisheries Program supervisors will review all employee position descriptions for

accuracy and revise/amend as needed. (Annually)

Task 11.2.3. The Fisheries Program will identify the training needs and associated costs for

current staff. (Annually)

Task 11.2.4. Using information developed in Tasks 11.2.1 and 11.2.2, ARD Fisheries and

CNO Fisheries will work with the National Conservation and Training Center and other

training sources to biennially review and develop training opportunities to meet competencies

levels. (2005)

Task 11.2.5. The Fisheries Program will identify the annual cost of attaining the goal of

providing at least 40 hours of training for each employee and demonstrate an annual

improvement of 10 percent until full training needs are met. (Annually)

Task 11.2.6. The Fisheries Program will recognize employee accomplishments with

performance awards. (Annually) 

Task 11.2.7. The Fisheries Program will identify additional funding for awards which can be

used by Fisheries Program offices. (Annually)

Regional Objective 11.3. Ensure Fisheries Program employees are equipped with the

technology, tools, and equipment to effectively and efficiently conduct their jobs. 

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Task 11.3.1. The Fisheries Program will use the Real Property Inventory, Condition

Assessment, and Service Asset Maintenance Management System databases to track

maintenance and inventory, catalog equipment condition and effective operational life span,

and prioritize maintenance and replacement needs. (Annually)

Task 11.3.2. The Fisheries Program will update and implement a five year equipment

purchase replacement plan in order to identify emerging needs for station and personnel

computer, software, biotechnology, and equipment. (Annually)

Task 11.3.3. The Fisheries Program will explore with the Washington Office adding FRO and

FWO equipment needs into the national maintenance database. (Annually)

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Implementation

This Strategic Plan will be implemented through activities guided by Work Activity Guidelines

(WAG) that contain programmatic and station specific direction. These WAGs will be based on

national and regional criteria in deciding what activities can be addressed. The criteria are based

on the identification of a federal role and a determination of whether the Service is the most

appropriate federal agency and the Fisheries Program as the most appropriate program within the

Service to take the lead role or participate. The Service will weigh proposed and potential

activities by:

• The strength of federal authority and responsibility;

• The extent to which our efforts will complement others in the fisheries and aquatic

resource conservation community;

• The likelihood that our efforts will produce measurable resource results;

• The likelihood that our efforts will produce significant economic or social benefits;

• The extent of partner support; and

• The availability of funds to fully accomplish the task.

Evaluation and Reporting

Determining the success of implementing the Strategic Plan will be based on annually monitoring

and evaluating accomplishments. The evaluation feedback will supply information needed to

“fine tune” regional Fisheries Program priorities, annual operational plans, and budgets. 

Equally important is communicating successes and failures to Tribes, states, partners, other

stakeholders, Congress, and the Administration. The Fisheries Program will annually report on its

progress towards achieving strategic plan objectives through meetings with the Tribes, states, 

partners and other stakeholders and with each budget submission to Congress. More

comprehensive reports to our partners and Congress may be written biennially, as appropriate.

Inventory and Revision

This Strategic Plan will guide the Fisheries Program for the next five years, through the 2008

fiscal year. As identified in the “Accountability Focus Area” (Tasks 2.1.1 and 2.2.1), during the

2005 and 2007, the Fisheries program, with input from Tribes, states, partners and other

stakeholders will assess: 1) the status of the Pacific Region’s aquatic resources in order to

determine where and how much progress has been made in conserving the region’s fisheries over

the previous five years; and 2) the structure, role, and effectiveness of the Fisheries Program. 

Conclusions drawn from these assessments will serve to guide revisions of the Strategic Plan. 

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Regional Contact Information

This Strategic Plan was prepared through the efforts and contributions of a vast number of

individuals within the Pacific Region, as well as Tribes, states, partners and other stakeholders. 

Our thanks go out to all who contributed their valuable time and shared their insightful

perspectives to aide the Fisheries Program in developing this document. For more information

concerning the development, refinement, and/or implementation of the information presented in

this document, please feel free to contact or write to the following individuals/offices.

Daniel Diggs 

Assistant Regional Director - Fishery Resources 

911 NE 11th Avenue

Portland,Oregon 97232-4181

(503) 872-2763

MaryEllen Mueller

Fisheries Supervisor - California/Nevada Operations Office

2800 Cottage Way, Room 2606

Sacramento, California 95825

(916) 414-6464

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Glossary of Terms and Definitions

The following are the standard Fisheries Program definitions, nationwide, for terms used in the 

the Pacific Region Strategic Plan. 

Agreement

Any document approved by two or more parties that identifies their roles and responsibilities in

achieving mutual objectives (e.g. Memorandum of Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding,

Cooperative Agreement, Grant, Contract) (FWS Native American Policy).

Applied Science

Science used in actual practice or used to work out actual problems.

Approved

Agreed upon and sanctioned by the parties involved.

Aquatic Nuisance Species

Introduced, exotic, or transplanted species, including viruses, bacteria, protozoans, and parasites,

that threaten the diversity or abundance of native species or the ecological stability of infested

waters, or commercial, agricultural, aquacultural or recreational activities dependent on those

waters.

Asset

An individual item or group of similar items of real property valued at $5,000 or more that is/are

documented in the Real Property Inventory, or individual item of equipment that is documented in

the Personal Property Inventory.

Baseline

Any historic or collected data that is used as a control or “benchmark” to make comparisons with

expected or actual conditions.

Broodstock Maintenance

An activity that provides direct or indirect contribution to maintaining spawning population of 

aquatic species to produce eggs or milt for hatchery propagation programs and conservation

efforts. This includes the stocking of retired, excess, or culled broodstock.

Candidate Species

Any species being considered by the Secretary for listing as an endangered or a threatened

species, but not yet the subject of a proposed rule. 

Challenges/Opportunities

Pertaining to Regional Fisheries Program strategic plans, refers to explicit obstacles (challenges)

that stand in the path of accomplishing objectives, and favorable circumstances (opportunities) for

progress or advancement.

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Community

An assemblage of multiple species populations occupying a given area.

Condition Assessment 

Periodic inspection by qualified personnel to fully determine and document the existence and

condition of an asset or item of equipment and identify maintenance needs and associated repair

costs, if any.

Conservation

Management, restoration, and protection of self-sustaining and imperiled species populations.

Conservation Exchange

An activity the Service performs for a non-Federal entity in return for that entity fulfilling an

activity that meets a Service need.

Cooperative Agreements

See Grant.

Delisting

A process for removing a species from the lists of threatened and endangered species, pursuant to

50 C.F.R. 424.11.

Depleted Population

A population whose abundance or other appropriate measure is below its management goals, or,

in the absence of management goals, a population considered to be below historical levels. Does

not include populations listed as candidate, threatened, or endangered under the Endangered

Species Act.

Distribution

The act of releasing aquatic species from one station to a body of water or to another station.

DOI Authority or Influence 

Owned or regulated by the Department of the Interior, or where the Department has a partnership

role, or where DOI has jurisdiction because of listed species, i.e. critical habitat.

Ecosystem

A geographic area including all the living organisms (people, plants, animals, and

microorganisms), their physical surroundings (such as soil, water, and air), and the natural cycles

that sustain them (http://ecosystems.fws.gov/). For purposes of the Fisheries Program,

ecosystems are delineated along the 53 FWS ecosystem units.

Ecosystem Plan

A planning document for the restoration and/or management of any of the 53 standard FWS

ecosystem units or other appropriate scale. Generally describes the historic and current

characteristics of the ecosystem and outlines goals, objectives, and/or recommendations to

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maintain or re-establish its function to a state of being at, or somewhere between, its historic state

and current functional state. 

Effluent

Water and associated suspended and dissolved materials included within the discharge stream

(point-source or otherwise) from a facility using water (e.g., aquaculture facility/NFHS cultural

station).

Endangered Species

A species listed under the Endangered Species Act as being in danger of extinction throughout all

or a significant portion of its range.

Enhancement (Population)

Stocking fish or other aquatic species to augment existing native populations with additional

individuals in order to reach self-sustaining population levels, appropriate genetic diversity, or

improve a fishery. Population-specific criteria for achievement of enhancement are defined in a

plan or agreement.

Enhancement (Habitat)

The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a habitat site

(undisturbed or degraded) to heighten, intensify, or improve specific function(s) or to change the

growth stage or composition of the vegetation present. Enhancement is undertaken for a purpose

such as water quality improvement, flood water retention or wildlife habitat. Enhancement

results in a change in habitat function(s), but does not result in a gain in habitat size (e.g., length,

area, or volume). This term includes activities commonly associated with the terms,

improvement, enhancement, management, manipulation, or directed alteration. Site-specific

criteria for achievement of enhancement are defined in a plan or agreement.

EPA Approved Water Quality Standards

The Water Quality Standards Regulation (40 CFR 131) describes State requirements and

procedures for developing, reviewing, revising, and adopting water quality standards (WAS), and

EPA requirements and procedure for reviewing, approving, disapproving, and promulgating water

quality standards as authorized by section 303 (c) of the Clean Water Act.

Facility

An individual item or group of related items of real property valued at $5,000 or more and

documented in the Real Property Inventory, and is not used to refer to a field station, which is an

aggregate of “facilities”.

Facility Condition Index (FCI)

The FCI is the ratio of accumulated deferred maintenance to the current replacement value of a

property item. A ratio of less than 5% indicates a “good” condition, a ratio from 5% to 10%

indicates “fair” condition, and a ratio greater than 10% indicates “poor” condition. FCI is an

indicator of the depleted value of a bureau’s constructed assets. In other words, the FCI

illustrates the percentage of its assets value that a bureau would have to spend to eliminate the

deferred maintenance backlog.

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Fish Passage

Unobstructed pathway allowing movement in and out of habitats previously unavailable or limited

due to a barrier, for use in completing life history requirements.

Fish Passage Barrier

A manmade device or influence that prevents or inhibits fish or other aquatic species from

reaching historic habitats. Barrier includes, but is not restricted to, dams, culverts, inefficient

fishways, water diversions, ineffective screens, and inadequate flows.

Fishery Management Plan

A planning document for the conservation of one or more fisheries. See also ‘Management Plan.’

FWMA (Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance)

A programmatic organizational branch in the Washington Office that administers funds from 1331

(Anadromous Fish Management) and most of 1332 (Fish and Wildlife Assistance) of the Fish and

Wildlife Service annual budget. These funds support activities at 64 Fish and Wildlife

Management Assistance offices (also sometimes known as Fishery Resources Offices, Fish and

Wildlife Resource Offices, etc.) throughout the nation. Most of these activities are part of the

Fisheries program, though FWMA also includes wildlife management assistance on tribal lands.

Friends Group

Any formal organization whose mission is to support the goals and purposes of its associated

Fishery and/or Refuge programs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Goal

A general description of what the group seeks to accomplish and for whom.

GPRA

The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, which requires Federal agencies to

establish standards measuring their performance and effectiveness; and to develop strategic plans

describing overall goals and objectives, annual performance plans with quantifiable measures of

their progress, and reports describing their success in meeting standards and measures.

Grants

An award of financial assistance, including cooperative agreements, in the form of money, or

property in lieu of money, by the Federal Government to an eligible grantee. The term does not

include technical assistance which provides services instead of money, or other assistance in the

form of revenue sharing, loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies, insurance, or direct

appropriations. Also, the term does not include assistance, such as a fellowship or other lump sum

award, which the grantee is not required to account for. Grantee means the government (or other

recipient) to which a grant is awarded and which is accountable for the use of the funds provided.

The grantee is the entire legal entity even if only a particular component of the entity is designated

in the grant award document. A grant or cooperative agreement shall be used only when the

principal purpose of a transaction is to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation

authorized by Federal statute. The statutory criterion for choosing between grants and

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cooperative agreements is that for the latter (cooperative agreements), “substantial involvement is

expected between the executive agency and the State, local government, or other recipient when

carrying out the activity contemplated in the agreement.” 

Habitat Assessment

Any one of many standard surveys to evaluate the chemical, physical, and/or biological

characteristics of a specified area of land and/or water as habitat for a population, species, or

community. Examples include baseline inventories, evaluations of management actions, and

monitoring of changes over time.

Hatchery Propagation

Includes natural or artificial matings, fertilization of sex cells, transfer of embryos, development of

offspring, and grow out of individuals of a species in a controlled environment.

Imperiled Species

Any species listed as threatened or endangered under the authority of the Endangered Species

Act, considered a candidate for listing, or its population is in a steep decline.

Indirect Infrastructure

NFHS Real Property Inventory assets, other than mission critical assets, that support carrying out

the mission of the field station (e.g., office buildings, storage buildings, residences, roads, fences,

kiosks, signs, above-ground fuel tanks).

Information Transfers Supported

Activities conducted to provide technical information, expertise and programmatic information to

partners and stakeholders to facilitate the prevention, early detection, rapid response, control and

management, and education and outreach of aquatic invasive species. Includes technical

assistance to other Service programs, Refuges, other Federal agencies and their lands, States,

local governments, Tribes, private landowners, industries, non-governmental institutions,

academic institutions and international partners. It does not include specific public awareness

campaigns and State ANS management plans, or formal partnership opportunities such as the

Regional Panels of the ANSTF.

In-stream or Instream

The area within the confined width and depth of a flowing watercourse at or below bank-full

stage.

Intergovernmental Personnel Act 

Permits the temporary assignment of personnel between Federal agencies, State and local

governments, federally recognized tribes, and other eligible organizations, in order to facilitate

Federal-State-local government cooperation or to develop programs of mutual concern through

the short-term, temporary assignment of skilled personnel.

Interjurisdictional Fisheries

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Freshwater, coastal, or marine fish populations managed by two or more states, nations, or tribal

governments because of their geographic distribution or migratory patterns.

International Water

Waters of international interest, including waters that border or flow through two or more nations

(e.g., Great Lakes, Yukon River, etc.).

Introduction

The intentional or unintentional escape, release, dissemination, or placement of a species into an

ecosystem as a result of human activity.

Invasive

Any non-native species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental

harm or harm to human health .

Legal Mandate

An action required by law or Federal court order.

Leverage

To increase means of accomplishing a purpose by providing additional resources. Can include,

but is not limited to, providing funds, equipment, or personnel from an outside source.

Listed Species

Any species of fish, wildlife, or plant which has been determined to be endangered or threatened

under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (50 C.F.R. 402.02).

Local Water

Waters owned by a local (e.g. county or city) government.

Management Plan

A broadly-used term to describe a planning document for the manipulation of natural resources in

order to achieve societal goals. Can be specific to a species, population, community, watershed,

ecosystem, or other location, or for activities including recovery, restoration, control, or use. 

Generally describes the historic and current resource characteristics or functions and outlines

goals and objectives to establish or maintain those characteristics or functions at a desired

condition. It further describes specific actions and timetables by the participants to achieve those

goals and a format to report progress towards this accomplishment.

Mission Critical Asset

Any asset that is critical to completing the mission of the NFHS station. Currently, this is limited

to mission critical water management assets at each station (wells, pumps, raceways, electrical

and alarm systems, etc.).

Mission Critical Water Management Asset

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Those water related real property inventory items located on a NFHS field station essential to the

mission of that facility directly impacting the production, holding, rearing, or distribution of

aquatic species.

Mitigation

Activities contributing to preserving aquatic resources and offsetting aquatic and habitat resource

loss due to water projects developed by the Federal government. Mitigation includes propagation

of native species to preserve them from potential extinction as well as propagation of non-native

species to fill vacant niches in severely altered habitat (e.g., reservoirs and tail waters) where

native species can no longer survive or reestablish self-sustaining populations.

Mitigation Plan

A written document describing activities compensating for the impact (usually reductions in

natural fish production caused by Federal water resource development projects) by replacing or

providing substitute resources or environments.

Mitigation Production Target

A production target as identified in a mitigation plan. The planned number/pounds of fish to be

distributed from hatchery.

Native Species

Any species within historic range, the area occupied at the time of European colonization of

North America.

New Animal Drug Application (NADAs)

The formal application and accompanying technical data sections submitted to the Food and

Drug Administration (FDA) to demonstrate that a drug (not yet approved) is safe and effective

for use on animal(s) and disease(s) indicated on the label. To be approved by FDA, the technical

sections must demonstrate that the drug is safe to the animal(s) indicated on the label, safe to

humans who may eat the animal(s) treated with the drug (in the case of food animals), safe to

the environment as a result of its being manufactured and used, and that the drug is effective in 

treating or preventing the conditions indicated on the label.

NFHS Stations

National Fish Hatchery System stations. Includes fish hatcheries, fish technology centers, fish

health centers and historic fish hatcheries that are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Nonindigenous Species

Any species or other viable biological material that enters an ecosystem beyond its historic range,

including any such organism transferred from one country into another (16 U.S.C. 4702). 

Synonyms: non-native, introduced, exotic, transplanted, alien.

Objective

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A specific statement of what the group intends to accomplish, stated in ways that can be measured

and monitored. Several objectives may be written to address each goal.

Outreach and Education Events

A time-specific gathering of Fisheries Program staff and an audience of selected individuals,

organizations, or the general public for the purpose of providing the audience with information on

aquatic resource conservation, recreational fishing, and/or the functions of the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service.

Partner

Any individual, organization, or agency working with the other to meet common objectives by

contributing capital towards shared activities. 

Planning

An integrated system that includes all activities leading to the development and implementation of

goals, objectives, operational strategies, and progress evaluation.

Population

A discrete group of individuals of a single species or lesser taxon that is defined by its

reproductive isolation and/or geographical distribution (e.g., management unit). Captive fish and

their progeny held in captivity do not constitute a discrete population.

Population Assessment

A broad category of biological surveys conducted to determine population characteristics of a

species. Examples include baseline inventories, evaluations of management actions, and

monitoring of changes over time of population parameters (e.g., abundance, distribution, genetics,

sex ratios, recruitment, and growth rate).

Private Water

Waters owned by private citizens.

Project

A particular activity (e.g., a population assessment) or interrelated group of activities to

implement a tactic and contribute towards meeting a planned objective. 

Recovery

Improvement in the status of listed species to the point at which listing is no longer appropriate

under the criteria set out in section 4(a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act. 

Recovery Plan

A planning document pursuant to the Endangered Species Act for the conservation and survival

of Federally listed species.

Recreational

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An activity which provides or enhances public opportunities such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife

watching.

Refugia

Isolated areas or facilities in which imperiled wild or captive produced organisms can be held in

protection, preferably for short periods of time but possibly long-term.

Rehabilitation (Habitat)

The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a site with the goal of

repairing natural/historic functions of degraded habitats. Rehabilitation results in a gain in habitat

function but does not result in a gain in habitat size (e.g., length, area, or volume). Site-specific

criteria for achievement of rehabilitation are defined in a plan or agreement.

Replacement Value

The costs to substitute or exchange an existing asset, asset component, or item of equipment for

another having the capacity to perform the same function. Also known as “Replacement Costs.”

Research

An activity that directly or indirectly supports gathering, analyzing, and disseminating scientific

information.

Restoration (Habitat)

The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a site with the goal of

returning natural/historic functions to a former or degraded habitat. Site-specific criteria for

achievement of restoration are defined in a plan or agreement. Habitat restoration is divided into

re-establishment and rehabilitation.

Restoration (Population)

The process of returning the quantity and/or quality of one or more depleted or extirpated

populations to some previous condition, often a baseline established to meet goals and objectives

in a plan or agreement.

Riparian

A landscape position - lands contiguous to perennial or intermittent streams, channels and rivers. 

Riparian areas may include upland, wetland, and riparian plant communities.

Self-sustaining

Capable of maintaining itself independently.

Sound Science

Science that is conducted with adherence to previously established and widely accepted scientific

methods and protocols. 

Species of Management Concern

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Any species subject to management by the Department due to statutory or programmatic

responsibility.

Stabilized

Species in the wild whose numbers have remained relatively constant and whose threats are

relatively constant. Stable does not mean secure.

Stakeholder

Any agency, group, or individual that can place a claim on the agency's attention, resources or

outputs, or who sees themselves as affected by agency actions or who can affect the agency's

future.

Status Review

A process pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 1533(b) as a basis for determination of endangered and

threatened species.

Subsistence

The practice of taking fish, wildlife or other wild resources for one's sustenance - for food, shelter

or other personal or family needs.

Sustainable

A population whose abundance or other appropriate measure is at or above its management goals,

or, in the absence of management goals, a population indicated to be healthy by the best available

scientific or anecdotal evidence.

Tactic

An operational approach chosen to overcome a stated problem, also sometimes referred to as

"strategy".

Task

An assigned piece of work often to be finished within a certain time.

Technical Assistance

Expertise, information, or other help provided by the Service upon request by a partner or

stakeholder to facilitate the development, enhancement, and management of fish and wildlife

resources (e.g. direct on-site support, information transfer, and baseline inventories) (adapted

from FWS FY 2003 Annual Performance Plan and FWS Native American Policy). Record all

activities (including communications) related to one issue or project as one request for technical

assistance fulfilled. Technical assistance is not consultation. In the most general terms,

consultation is initiated by the Service and technical assistance is initiated by a partner or

stakeholder.

Technical Section

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Part of the New Animal Drug Application package that includes corroborative and pivotal data

from studies conducted at both Service, and other Federal State, Tribal, and private facilities using

drugs under Service INAD's.

(New) Techniques and Culture Technology Tools 

Tasks and activities associated with new (i.e. never before developed) techniques and advances in

applied fisheries science and fish culture.

Threatened Species

Any species listed under the Endangered Species Act that is likely to become endangered within

the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Tribal Consultation

A request by the Service for information or feedback from Native American governments

regarding the management of fish and wildlife resources for which trust responsibilities and other

fiduciary obligations are attached to the United States. Occurs when the Service initiates

discussions with tribal officials regarding a pending federal action (e.g. designation of critical

habitat, rule making, or listing species). Consultation could be legally mandated or could be a

voluntary effort by the Service to gain tribal perspective to an issue or action. All consultations

must comply with current Federal Native American policies, including Secretarial Order Nos.

3206, 3175, and Executive Order 13175. Record all communications related to one issue or

action as one consultation. Consultation is not technical assistance. In the most general terms,

consultation is initiated by the Service and technical assistance is initiated by a partner or

stakeholder.

Tribal Trust Responsibility

The fiduciary obligations that attach to the U.S. as trustee of the assets and resources that the

U.S. holds in trust for Native American governments and their members, the treaty and statutory

obligations of the U.S. toward Native American governments and their members, and other legal

obligations that attach to the U.S. by virtue of the special relationship between the Federal

Government and Native American governments. The identification and quantification of trust

assets is recognized as an ongoing and evolving process.

Tribe

Federally recognized tribes as regarded by Federal law and formally identified by the Department

of the Interior.

Upland

Land or an area of land lying above the level where water flows or where flooding occurs.

Watershed

A standard eight digit USGS cataloging unit representing part or all of a surface drainage basin, a

combination of drainage basins, or a distinct hydrologic feature. The USGS divides the United

States into 2150 cataloging units, which are the fourth level of classification in the USGS

Hydrologic Unit system.

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Watershed Plan

A planning document for the restoration and/or management of any of the USGS cataloging units

or other appropriate scale. Generally describes the historic and current characteristics of the

watershed and outlines goals, objectives, and partner roles to maintain or re-establish its function

to a state of being at, or somewhere between, its historic state and current functional state.

Wetland

Lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or

near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. For purposes of this classification,

wetlands must have one or more of the following three attributes: (1) at least periodically the land

supports predominantly hydrophytes; (2) the substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soils;

and (3) the substrate is nonsoil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some

time during the growing season of each year. By definition wetlands include areas meeting

specific criteria included in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, as well as

in the USDA-NRCS’s National Food Security Act Manual.

Wild Fish Health Survey

A formalized national partnership of Service, State and Tribal resource agencies to document the

national distribution of fish pathogens, including viruses, in free-ranging fish. Its use allows for

management decisions based on greater levels of science-based information and is publicly

available on the web.

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Appendix A: Program Performance Summary

Fish and Wildlife Management

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Program Performance Summary - Fish and Wildlife Management

(Report percentages as numerator and denominator. Report units separately, e.g., wetland acres and upland acres.

Each measure is more clearly defined in the Regional Strategic Plan Guidelines.)

DOI Strategic Goal: Resource Protection

DOI End Outcome Goal: PEO.2. Sustain biological communities on DOI managed and influenced lands and waters in a manner

consistent with obligations regarding the allotment and use of water

DOI End Outcome Measure 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PEM.2.01. % of species of management concern

that are managed to self-sustaining levels, in

cooperation with affected States and others, as

defined in approved management plans

18/42 18/42 18/42 18/42 19/42

PEM.2.02. % of threatened or endangered

species listed a decade or more that are

stabilized or improved

13/18 13/18 13/18 13/18 13/18

PEM.2.03. % of candidate species where listing

is unnecessary as a result of conservation

actions or agreements

3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5

PEM.2.04. % change from baseline in the

number of acres infested with invasive plant

species

PEM.2.05. % change from baseline in the

number of invasive species populations

DOI Intermediate Strategy: PIO.2.1. Create habitat conditions for biological communities to flourish

DOI Intermediate Measure / 

FWM Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PIM.2.1.03. Habitat Restoration: Acres restored

or enhanced to achieve habitat conditions

consistent with management plans, program

objectives, and consistent with applicable

substantive and procedural requirements of State

and Federal water law.

Wetland acres restored.....................................

Wetland acres enhanced..................................

Upland acres restored.......................................

Upland acres enhanced....................................

729

 1 

 527.50

 8

 1

 500

8

1

 500

8

1

 500

8

1

 500

PIM.2.1.04. Habitat Restoration: Stream /

shoreline miles restored or enhanced to achieve

habitat conditions consistent with management

plans, program objectives, and consistent with

applicable substantive and procedural

requirements of State and Federal water law.

Instream miles restored....................................

Instream miles enhanced..................................

Riparian miles restored.....................................

Riparian miles enhanced..................................

 3

 25

 1

 10

 7

 25

 2

 10

 2

 25

 2

 10

 2

 25

 2

 10

 2

 25

 2

 10

Habitat Restoration: # of acres/miles re-opened

to fish passage

Acres................................................................

Miles.................................................................

1,015

 53

70

32

80

32

80

30

80

30

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DOI Intermediate Measure / 

FWM Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PIM.2.1.05. Invasive Species: Prevention:

Number of new invasive species detected and

invasions prevented through monitoring and

regulation of known invasion pathways and

vectors

PIM.2.1.06. Invasive Species: Early Detection:

Number of new localized infestations of known or

suspected invasive species that are detected and

assessed

PIM.2.1.07. Invasive Species: Rapid Response:

Percent of new invasive species infestations for

which assessments are completed and response

actions are initiated before infestation escapes

original infestation area

PIM.2.1.08. Invasive Species:

Control/Management: Percent of infested acres

and percent of populations of invasive organisms

that are managed for containment or eradication

6/500

pops.

6/500

pops.

6/500

pops.

6/500

pops.

6/500

pops.

Supporting Workload/Activities/Outputs 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Habitat Restoration: # of fish passage barriers

removed or bypassed

20 19

Invasive Species: Prevention: # ballast water

technologies evaluated

Invasive Species: Prevention: # risk

assessments conducted

1 1

Invasive Species: Prevention: #

outreach/education activities for prevention

5 5

Invasive Species: Early Detection: # surveys

conducted for early detection

3 3

Invasive Species: Rapid Response: # of

populations (plant or animal) rapidly responded to 4 4

Invasive Species: Control/Management: #

aquatic invasive species managed/controlled

3 3

Invasive Species: Control/Management: #

Outreach/education activities supporting

Control/Management

9 9

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DOI Intermediate Strategy: PIO.2.2. Manage populations to self-sustaining levels for specific species

DOI Intermediate Measure / 

FWM Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PIM.2.2.02. Manage Harvests: % of harvested

populations managed to desired population

condition as defined in approved management

plans

16/35 16/35 16/35 15/35 16/35

PIM.2.2.04. Meet species-specific international

obligations: Percent of species under

international treaty, over which DOI has

significant management authority, which are in

desired population condition, as defined in

approved management plans

6/21 6/21 6/21 6/21 7/21

PIM.2.2.05. Meet species-specific international

obligations: Number of such species which

benefit from improved conservation efforts

21 21 21 21 21

Supporting Workload/Activities/Outputs 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

# of populations managed for subsistence fishery

harvest

0 0

DOI Intermediate Strategy: PIO.2.3. Improve information and assessments used for decision-making

DOI Intermediate Measure / 

FWM Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PIM.2.3.01. Status and Trends: % of populations

managed or influenced by DOI for which current

condition (e.g., quantity and quality) and trend is

known

46/159 46/159 46/159 44/159 45/159

Management Planning: % of watersheds

supporting listed or depleted populations under

DOI authority or influence with approved

watershed plans

35/106 42/106 49/106 47/106 52/106

Management Planning: % of populations under

DOI authority or influence with approved

management plans

47/52 47/52 47/52 40/52 40/52

Habitat Assessment: % of watersheds

supporting listed or depleted populations under

DOI authority or influence with current habitat

assessments, as called for in approved plans

31/103 35/103 41/103 46/103 51/103

Technical Assistance: % of technical assistance

requests fulfilled on DOI managed and influence

lands and waters

451/574 505/626 515/631 521/632 530/639

Supporting Workload/Activities/Outputs 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Management Planning: # of management plans

in development, completed, or revised

23 23

Biological Opinions: % of Reasonable and

Prudent Alternatives implemented.

14/27 14/27

Status and Trends: # of population assessments

completed

172 145

Status and Trends: # surveys conducted for

baseline/trend information (invasive species)

6 4

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Supporting Workload/Activities/Outputs 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Status and Trends: # information transfers

supported (invasive species)

20 20

Habitat Assessment: # of habitat assessments

completed

32 26

Habitat Assessment: # miles of in-stream and

riparian habitat assessed

234 198

Habitat Assessment: # acres of wetland and

upland habitat assessed

112 72

Technical Assistance: # of aquatic outreach and

education events

89 92

Forge Effective Partnerships: # National public

awareness campaigns conducted (invasive

species)

Forge Effective Partnerships: # state/interstate

ANS plans supported

4 5

Forge Effective Partnerships: # partnerships

(invasive species)

19 19

DOI Strategic Goal: Serving Communities

DOI End Outcome Goal: SEO.3. Fulfill Indian trust responsibilities

DOI Intermediate Strategy: SIO.3.3. Improve management of land and natural resource assets

DOI Intermediate Measure / 

FWM Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Technical Assistance: # of training sessions 15 16 16 16 16

Technical Assistance: % of technical assistance

requests fulfilled on Tribal lands and waters 321/352 322/352 324/354 324/354 330/361

# of new or modified cooperative agreements or

Intergovernmental Personnel Act Agreements

25 25 26 11 11

# of Tribal consultations 28 44 44 44 44

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Appendix B: Program Performance Summary

Hatchery Operations and Maintenance

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Program Performance Summary - Hatchery Operations and Maintenance

(Report percentages as numerator and denominator. 

Each measure is more clearly defined in the Regional Strategic Plan Guidelines.)

DOI Strategic Goal: Resource Protection

DOI End Outcome Goal: PEO.1. Improve the health of watersheds, landscapes, and marine resources that are DOI managed or

influenced in a manner consistent with obligations regarding the allotment and use of water

DOI End Outcome Measure 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PEM.1.08. Water quality: Surface waters - % of surface waters managed by DOI that meet EPA approved water quality standards

PEM.1.09. Water quality: Surface waters - % of surface waters influenced by DOI that meet EPA approved water quality standards

DOI Intermediate Strategy: PIO.1.1. Restore and maintain proper function to watersheds and landscapes

DOI Intermediate Measure / 

NFHS Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PIM.1.1.14. Water pollution: % DOI facilities in compliance with NPDES permits

% of NFHS stations that meet environmental

requirements for effluent as defined by Federal,

Tribal, and State law

22/22 21/22 21/22 21/22 21/22

% DOI watershed units with current wild fish

health surveys

156/5,469 174/5,469 190/5,469 208/5,469 224/5,469

DOI End Outcome Goal: PEO.2. Sustain biological communities on DOI managed and influenced lands and waters in a manner

consistent with obligations regarding the allotment and use of water

DOI End Outcome Measure 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PEM.2.01. % of species of management concern that are managed to self-sustaining levels, in cooperation with affected States and

others, as defined in approved management plans

PEM.2.02. % of threatened or endangered species listed a decade or more that are stabilized or improved

PEM.2.03. % of candidate species where listing is unnecessary as a result of conservation actions or agreements

Intermediate Strategy: PIO.2.2. Manage populations to self-sustaining levels for specific species

DOI Intermediate Measure / 

NFHS Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PIM.2.2.01. Population enhancement or reintroduction: % of planned enhancement / reintroduction objectives completed

% of Recovery Plan production tasks

implemented

8/8 7/8 7/8 7/8 7/8

% of applied science and technology tasks

implemented as prescribed by Recovery Plans

21/44 20/44 20/44 16/44 5/44

% of post-stocking survival targets met, as

prescribed by Recovery Plans, for hatchery

propagated listed species

1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1

% of Fishery Management Plan production tasks

implemented

86/86 80/80 81/81 81/81 81/81

% of applied science and technology tasks

implemented as prescribed by Fishery

Management Plans

6/13 8/15 8/15 8/15 9/17

% of post-stocking survival targets met, as

prescribed by Fishery Management Plans, for

hatchery propagated depleted species

18/18 18/18 18/18 18/18 18/18

% of marking and tagging targets met, as

prescribed by approved management plans

63/63 58/60 58/60 58/60 58/60

# of fish and aquatic animal populations that are

held in refugia

11111

% of Biological Opinion’s Reasonable and

Prudent Alternatives implemented

39/55 39/55 40/55 40/55 40/55

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Intermediate Strategy: PIO.2.3. Improve information and assessments used for decision-making

DOI Intermediate Measure / 

NFHS Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PIM.2.3.01. Status and Trends: % of populations managed or influenced by DOI for which current condition (e.g., quantity and

quality) and trend is known

PIM.2.3.03. Shared data: % of DOI databases with species information that is available throughout DOI and our partners

PIM.2.3.05. Quality: % of biological research studies validated through appropriate peer review

PIM.2.3.06. Facilities condition: Conservation and biological research facilities are in fair or better condition as measured by the

Facilities Condition Index

Share # of new applied aquatic scientific and

technologic tools with partners

29 25 22 13 13

# of technical sections of new animal drug

applications submitted for fish and aquatic

populations

# of new techniques and culture technology tools

developed 24 23 20 10 10

Facilities Condition: % of equipment and indirect

infrastructure supporting assets (maintenance

and administrative buildings; safety and effluent

properties) maintained in fair or better condition

as measured by the DOI FCI, using total repair

and replacement values.

45,367,009/

437,597,805

46,445,832/

558,391,321

49,694,134/

609,824,521

54,881,674/

674,930,353

61,289,375/

696,285,702

Facilities Condition: % of NFHS stations with

completed Condition Assessments

13/28 17/28 21/28 25/28 28/28

DOI End Outcome Goal: PEO.3. Protect cultural and natural heritage resources

DOI End Outcome Measure 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PEM.3.01. Cultural resources: % of cultural properties and collections on DOI inventory in good or stable condition

DOI Intermediate Strategy: PIO.3.1. Increase knowledge base of cultural and natural heritage resources managed or influenced by

DOI

DOI Intermediate Measure / 

NFHS Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PIM.3.1.01. DOI cultural and natural heritage resources: % of historic and prehistoric properties inventoried

PIM.3.1.02. DOI cultural and natural heritage resources: % museum and paleontological collections cataloged in DOI museum

facilities

% historic and prehistoric properties inventoried 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1

% museum and paleo collections catalogued in

DOI museum facilities.

DOI Intermediate Strategy: PIO.3.3. Reduce degradation and protect cultural and natural heritage resources

DOI Intermediate Measure 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PIM.3.3.02. Stabilize/curate: % of museum and paleontological collections in DOI museum and facilities stabilized/curated

DOI Intermediate Strategy: PIO.3.4. Increase partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and stakeholder satisfaction

DOI Intermediate Measure / 

NFHS Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

PIM.3.4.01. Customer satisfaction: Customer / stakeholder satisfaction with stewardship of DOI managed or influenced cultural and

natural heritage resources (# avg. score)

PIM.3.4.03. Volunteers: # of volunteer hours per year supporting cultural and natural heritage resources

Number of volunteer hours per year supporting

cultural and natural heritage resources

3,512 4,100 4,204 4,260 4,260

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DOI Strategic Goal: Recreation

DOI End Outcome Goal: REO.2. Ensure a quality experience and enjoyment of natural and cultural resources on DOI managed or

partnered lands and waters

DOI End Outcome Measure 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

REM.2.01. Satisfaction with the quality of sporting / physical experiences

REM.2.03. Satisfaction with the quality of educational experiences

REM.2.04. Satisfaction with the quality of information experiences

REM.2.05. Satisfaction with the quality of facilities experiences

DOI Intermediate Strategy: RIO.2.1. Enhance the quality of recreation opportunities

DOI Intermediate Measure / 

NFHS Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

RIM.2.1.01. Facilities condition: Facilities are in fair or better condition as measured by the Facilities Condition Index

% of mitigation production targets met

NOTE: no DOI intermediate outcome measure

associated with performance measure

22/26 24/26 24/26 24/26 24/26

Index of productivity for rainbow trout production

cost/lb, adjusted for inflation and quality, as an

efficiency measure for recreation

# of recreational angler days provided as a result

of NFHS production

1,699,318 1,703,043 1,703,768 1,704,493 1,705,218

DOI Intermediate Strategy: RIO.2.2. Provide effective interpretation and education programs

DOI Intermediate Measure / 

NFHS Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

RIM.2.2.01. Facilitated programs: # of visitors served by facilitated programs

# of visitors to NFHS facilities 290,948 293,338 301,113 312,907 321,483

DOI Strategic Goal: Serving Communities

DOI End Outcome Goal: SEO.3. Fulfill Indian trust responsibilities

DOI End Outcome Measure 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

SEM.3.05. Indian self-governance and self-determination: % of Indian assets managed by Tribes that seek to do so

DOI Intermediate Strategy: SIO.3.1. Improve Indian trust beneficiary services

DOI Intermediate Measure / 

NFHS Performance Measure

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

SIM.3.1.02. Responsiveness: Responsiveness of DOI to Tribal and individual trust concerns and needs (avg. score)

% of agreements fulfilled for Tribal Trust

responsibilities

22/22 22/22 22/22 22/22 22/22

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Appendix C: 

Performance Measure Linkage to Pacific Region Tasks

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Appendix C: DOI Performance Measures Linkage to Pacific Region Tasks

National Vision Plan

Objectives

DOI Performance Measures Region 1

SDP

Tasks

Native Species

2.1. Recover fish and

other aquatic resource

populations protected

under the Endangered

Species Act.

Fish and Wildlife Management

a. By September 30, 2008, stabilize or improve 13/18 of

threatened and endangered species listed a decade or

more. 

b. By September 30, 2008, complete Recovery Plans for

X% of listed fish and other aquatic resource populations.

c. By September 30, 2008, assess current condition (e.g.

quantity and quality) and trends for X% of listed fish and

other aquatic resource populations.

d. By September 30, 2008, fulfill X% of requests for

endangered species technical assistance on DOI managed

and influenced lands and waters. 

National Fish Hatchery System

e. By September 30, 2008, implement 7/8 of NFHS

recovery production tasks as prescribed in approved

Recovery Plans.

f. By September 30, 2008, meet 1/1 of post-stocking

survival targets, prescribed by approved Recovery Plans,

for hatchery propagated listed species.

g. By September 30, 2008, meet X% of marking and

tagging targets, as prescribed by approved Recovery

Plans.

3.1.4

3.1.2,

3.1.3

3.1.4

3.1.4,

3.1.5

5.2.4,

7.2.3,

7.3.1

5.2.2,

7.3.2

5.1.4,

5.2.2,

5.2.3,

7.3.2

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National Vision Plan

Objectives

DOI Performance Measures Region 1

SDP

Tasks

71

2.2. Restore declining

fish and other aquatic

resource populations

before they require

listing under the

Endangered Species

Act.

Fish and Wildlife Management

a. By September 30, 2008, implement conservation

actions or agreements to prevent the listing of 3/5 of

candidate species.

b. By September 30, 2008, complete restoration plans

for X% of declining fish and other aquatic resource

populations.

c. By September 30, 2008, assess current condition (e.g.

quantity and quality) and trends for 44/159 of declining

fish and other aquatic resource populations.

National Fish Hatchery System

d. By September 30, 2008, implement 81/81of

production tasks as prescribed in approved Fishery

Management Plans.

e. By September 30, 2008, meet 18/18 of post-stocking

survival targets, prescribed by approved Fishery

Management Plans, for hatchery propagated depleted

species.

f. By September 30, 2008, manage 1fish and other

aquatic populations in refugia.

g. By September 30, 2008, meet 58/60 of marking and

tagging targets, as prescribed by approved Fishery

Management Plans.

3.2.1,

3.2.2,

3.2.3

3.2.1,

3.2.2

3.2.2

5.2.4,

5.2.5,

7.3.2 

5.2.2,

5.2.3,

7.3.2

7.2.3

3.2.4

2.3 Maintain diverse,

self-sustaining fish and

other aquatic resource

populations.

Fish and Wildlife Management

a. By September 30, 2008 manage 19/42 of species of

management concern to sustainable levels, in cooperation

with affected States and others, as defined in approved

management plans.

b. By September 30, 2008, complete 23 management

plans of self-sustaining fish and other aquatic resource

populations.

c. By September 30, 2008 assess current condition (e.g.

quantity and quality) and trends for 145 sustainable fish

and other aquatic resource populations.

3.2.1,

3.2.2

3.2.1,

3.2.2

3.1.4

Aquatic Nuisance Species

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National Vision Plan

Objectives

DOI Performance Measures Region 1

SDP

Tasks

72

2.4 Prevent new

introductions of

aquatic nuisance

species.

a. By September 30, 2008,take actions to limit the

number of new aquatic nuisance species populations to

X% above baseline.

4.2.2,

4.2.4

2.5 Minimize range

expansion and

population growth of

established aquatic

nuisance species.

a. By September 30, 2008, limit the number of acres

infested with aquatic nuisance species to X% above

baseline.

b. By September 30, 2008, complete X% of new

invasive species infestation assessments and initiate Y%

of response actions before infestation escapes original

infestation area.

c. By September 30, 2008, manage for containment or

eradication 6/500 of populations of aquatic nuisance

species.

4.1.3,

4.2.2

4.1.5,

4.2.1,

4.2.2,

4.2.4

4.2.1,

4.2.2,

4.2.3,

4.2.4

Interjurisdictional Fisheries

2.7 Co-manage

interjurisdictional

fisheries.

Fish and Wildlife Management

a. By September 30, 2008, manage 16/35% of harvested

populations to desired population conditions as defined in

approved management plans.

b. By September 30, 2008, fulfill 530/639% of requests

for interjurisdictional fisheries technical assistance on

DOI managed and influenced lands and waters.

5.1.4,

5.1.5

5.1.4,

5.1.5

2.8 Support,

facilitate, and/or lead

collaborative

approaches to manage

interjurisdictional

fisheries.

Fish and Wildlife Management

a. By September 30, 2008, complete management plans

for X% of interjurisdictional fish populations.

b. By September 30, 2008, assess current condition (e.g.

quantity and quality) and trends for X% of

interjurisdictional fish populations.

5.1.4,

5.1.5

5.1.4,

5.1.5

Recreational Fishing

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National Vision Plan

Objectives

DOI Performance Measures Region 1

SDP

Tasks

73

3.1 Enhance

recreational fishing

opportunities on

Service and

Department of

Defense lands.

Fish and Wildlife Management

a. By September 30, 2008, fulfill X% of requests for

technical assistance on Service and Department of

Defense lands. 

National Fish Hatchery System

b. By September 30, 2008, provide 1,705,218 of

recreational angler days.

6.1.1,

6.1.2,

6.1.4

6.1.5 

3.2 Provide support

to States, Tribes, and

other partners to

identify and meet

shared or

complementary

recreational fishing

and aquatic education

and outreach

objectives. 

Fish and Wildlife Management

a. By September 30, 2008, fulfill X% of requests for

technical assistance to States, Tribes, and other partners.

6.2.1,

6.2.2

3.3 Recognize and

promote the value and

importance of

recreational fishery

objectives in

implementation of

other Service

responsibilities. 

National Fish Hatchery System

a. By September 30, 2008, serve 321,483 visitors at

NFHS facilities.

b. By September 30, 2008, achieve X index of

productivity for rainbow trout production cost/lb,

adjusted for inflation and quality, as an efficiency measure

for recreation.

6.3.2,

6.3.3

Mitigation Fisheries

3.5 Meet the

Service’s

responsibilities for

mitigating fisheries at

federally-funded water

projects.

National Fish Hatchery System

a. By September 30, 2008, meet 24/26 of mitigation plan

fish production targets.

7.3.1

Cooperation with Native Americans

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National Vision Plan

Objectives

DOI Performance Measures Region 1

SDP

Tasks

74

4.1 Provide technical

assistance to Tribes.

Fish and Wildlife Management

a. By September 30, 2008, fulfill 330/361of requests for

technical assistance on tribal lands.

b. By September 30, 2008, complete 16 training

sessions.

c. By September 30, 2008, develop or modify 11

cooperative or Intergovernmental Personnel Act

agreements.

8.1.1,

8.1.2,

8.1.3,

8.1.4

8.1.5,

8.1.6

8.3.4

4.3 Provide fish for

Tribal resource

management.

National Fish Hatchery System

a. By September 30, 2008, fulfill 22/22 of Tribal Trust

agreements.

8.2.1,

8.2.3

4.4 Recognize and

promote the Service’s

distinct obligations

toward Tribes within

the Fisheries Program. 

Fish and Wildlife Management

a. By September 30, 2008, complete 44 Tribal

consultations.

8.3.2,

8.3.3

Leadership in Science and Technology

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National Vision Plan

Objectives

DOI Performance Measures Region 1

SDP

Tasks

75

5.2 Develop and

share applied aquatic

scientific and

technologic tools with

partners.

National Fish Hatchery System

a. By September 30, 2008, implement 9/17 of applied

science and technology tasks as prescribed by Recovery

Plans.

b. By September 30, 2008, implement 9/47 of applied

science and technology tasks as prescribed by Fishery

Management Plans.

c. By September 30, 2008, 224/5,469 of DOI watershed

units will have current wild fish health surveys.

d. By September 30, 2008, develop 10 new techniques

and culture technology tools.

e. By September 30, 2008, share 13 new applied aquatic

scientific and technologic tools with partners

f. By September 30, 2008, submit 0% of technical

sections of new animal drug applications for fish and

aquatic populations.

9.1.1,

9.1.2,

9.1.6,

9.1.7, 

9.3.2

9.1.1,

9.1.2,

9.1.6,

9.1.7,

9.3.2

9.1.2,

9.1.8,

9.3.1,

9.3.2

9.1.1,

9.1.2,

9.1.5,

9.1.6,

9.1.7,

9.1.8

9.1.3,

9.1.4,

9.1.8,

9.2.1,

9.2.2,

9.2.3,

9.2.4,

9.3.2

9.1.2

Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management

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National Vision Plan

Objectives

DOI Performance Measures Region 1

SDP

Tasks

76

6.1 Facilitate

management of

aquatic habitats on

national and regional

scales.

Fish and Wildlife Management

a. By September 30, 2008, enhance or restore 500

upland acres, 8 wetland acres, 12 riparian miles, and 27

stream miles of habitat to achieve habitat conditions

consistent with management plans.

b. By September 30, 2008, complete management plans

for 40/52 of watersheds supporting listed or depleted

populations under DOI authority or influence.

c. By September 30, 2008, complete current habitat

assessments for 51/103 of watersheds supporting listed or

depleted populations under DOI authority or influence.

10.1.2,

10.1.5

10.1.1,

10.1.3

10.1.4

6.2 Expand the use of

Fisheries Program

expertise to avoid,

minimize or mitigate

impacts of habitat

alteration on fish and

other aquatic species.

Fish and Wildlife Management

a. By September 30, 2008, open 80 acres and 30 miles of

aquatic habitat to fish passage.

10.2.3,

10.2.7

6.3 Increase the

quantity and improve

the quality of aquatic

and riparian habitat on

Service lands.

Fish and Wildlife Management

a. By September 30, 2008, enhance or restore W upland

acres, X wetland acres, Y riparian miles, and Z stream

miles of habitat on Service lands to achieve habitat

conditions consistent with Comprehensive Conservation

Plans.

National Fish Hatchery System

b. By September 30, 2008, 21/22 of NFHS stations will

meet environmental requirements for effluent as defined

by Federal, State, and Tribal law.

10.3.1,

10.3.3,

10.3.4

10.4.1,

10.4.2

Workforce Management

7.3 Provide

employees with access

to facilities and

equipment needed to

effectively, efficiently

and safely perform

their jobs.

National Fish Hatchery System

a. By September 30, 2008, 23/29 of field stations will

have a calculated Facility Condition Index (based on

completed Condition Assessments).

11.3.1

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