U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Pacific Region:

Fisheries Program Strategic Plan

-
A MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR 

In 2002, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (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, Us. Fish and Wildlifo 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 geographic 

regions ofthe Service to develop regional step-down plans. This effort culminated in the 

development of a Strategic Plan for the Pacific Region Fisheries Program in 2004. For the past 

year, the Fisheries Program has dedicated its staff to reviewing and updating that plan to guide 

its program for the next five years. 

I want to share my appreciation to all who contributed to the development of our Regional 

Plan for 2009 through 2013. It contains a vast array of objectives, all ofwhich are critical to 

the Service's effectiveness in helping fish populations to achieve and maintain self-sustainable 

levels and contribute to public enjoyment. We will constantly evaluate our progress to 

document our success in meeting the challenges ofprotecting and conserving fisheries 

resources in the Pacific Region. 

Our Regional Plan was built in partnership with employees, individuals, and organizations, 

across the Pacific Region. Continued communication, cooperation, and collaborative 

partnerships will be critical to the successful implementation ofour Regional Plan, and 

fulfillment ofthe Fisheries Program resource responsibilities and obligations. 

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

Regional Plan. The Service does not have the funds and staffing to solely meet the challenges 

we face with the declining abundance offish populations and quality ofhabitats on which they 

depend. Through more and stronger partnerships, the Service can be more successful in 

meeting these challenges. 

Robyn Thorson 
ii 

Table of Contents 

Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................... 1 

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3 

Vision ............................................................................................................................................. 3 

Challenges and Opportunities Summary .......................................................................................... 4 

Status of Regional Fisheries Resources ............................................................................................ 5 

Pacific Region’s Fisheries Program ................................................................................................. 5 

Map of Fishery Program Field Offices and Facilities ...................................................................... 6 

Focus Areas: 

 Partnerships and Accountability ................................................................................................ 8 

 Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management ....................................................................... 9 

 Aquatic Species Conservation and Management ..................................................................... 12 

 Native Species .................................................................................................................... 12 

 Aquatic Invasive Species ....................................................................................................13 

 Interjurisdictional Fisheries .............................................................................................. 16 

 Public Use ................................................................................................................................ 17

 Mitigation Fisheries ........................................................................................................... 17 

 Recreational Fishing .......................................................................................................... 20 

 Cooperation with Native American Tribes .............................................................................. 21 

 Leadership in Science and Technology ................................................................................... 23 

 Workforce Management .......................................................................................................... 24 

Implementation ............................................................................................................................... 27 

Evaluation and Reporting ............................................................................................................... 27 

Regional Contact Information ........................................................................................................ 26 

Appendix A .................................................................................................................................... 27 

Appendix B ..................................................................................................................................... 31 
1 

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 geographic regions of the Service to develop 

regional step-down plans. This effort culminated in the development of a Strategic Plan for 

the Pacific Region Fisheries Program for 2004 through 2008. 

This Strategic Plan for 2009 through 2013 builds on our last plan but differs in two ways. 

First, the new Plan does not identify specific tasks for each Regional Objective, as was done in 

the earlier plan. Details on task level of activities can be obtained by contacting the Regional 

Office or a field station in your area (Appendix A). Second, for each of the Focus Areas we 

have added a narrative that describes the challenges and opportunities we have identified for 

achieving our Regional Objectives, which directly support goals articulated in the national 

Fisheries Strategic Plan. Regional Objectives have also been renumbered to reflect their 

sequence of occurrence in this Plan. Those Focus Areas and Regional Objectives are 

summarized as follows: 

Partnership and Accountability 

 Develop working relationships with additional stakeholders. 

 Enhance relationships with our working partners in the Pacific Region. 

 Implement a means of providing feedback to support the long-term success of 

partnerships. 

Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management 

 Work with Tribes, States, partners, and other stakeholders to facilitate management of 

aquatic habitats on national and regional scales. 

 Develop and expand our expertise to help avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts of habitat 

alteration on aquatic species and monitor implemented projects. 

 Work with other Service programs in the Pacific Region and adjacent Service regions to 

expand opportunities to increase the quantity and improve the quality of aquatic and 

riparian habitats. 

 Expand opportunities to connect people with nature and engage citizen scientists and 

volunteers, and employ America’s youth within aquatic habitat conservation programs. 

Aquatic Species Conservation and Management 

 Collaborate with the Service’s Division of Ecological Services, NOAA Fisheries and 

others to recover fish and other aquatic resource populations protected under the 

Endangered Species Act (ESA). 

 Collaborate with others to maintain healthy, diverse, self-sustaining populations of fish 

and other aquatic resources. 

 Use Service facilities such as National Fish Hatcheries to support the research and 

aquaculture needed to prevent listing or recover and minimize impacts to native species listed 

or proposed for listing under the ESA. 
2 

 Coordinate with other Service programs, other Federal agencies, States, Tribes, and other 

partners to reduce the risk of aquatic invasive species (AIS) introductions, measure and 

track the existing range and impacts of AIS, and develop programs designed to control and 

manage existing populations. 

Public Use 

 Work jointly with States, Tribes, and NOAA Fisheries to assist in the management of 

inter-jurisdictional fisheries and conduct scientifically based hatchery programs to meet 

mutually agreed-upon fishery management objectives. 

 Guide our mitigation programs by and maintain compliance with approved Fishery 

Mitigation Plans, Fishery Management Plans, and associated Biological Opinions. 

 Work with others to identify appropriate mitigation hatchery production goals and Federal 

agency funding responsibilities, and meet our own responsibilities for mitigating fisheries 

affected by federally funded water development projects. 

 Work with others to enhance recreational fishing opportunities for priority fish species, 

promote the value of recreational fishing, use our facilities to connect people with nature, 

and identify and implement shared or complementary aquatic education objectives. 

Cooperation with Native American Tribes 

 Provide technical assistance to Tribes as requested and to the extent possible, in tribal 

natural resource management activities. 

 Provide fish from the Service’s National Fish Hatcheries, where appropriate, to support 

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

activities. 

 Recognize and promote the Service’s responsibilities toward Tribes. 

Leadership in Science and Technology 

 Develop and share state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, and legally defensible tools with 

other Service programs and in conjunction with our partners. 

 Use state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, and legally defensible tools in formulating and 

executing fishery related plans and policies. 

Workforce Management 

 Identify the critical staff and functions needed to support various types and sizes of Pacific 

Region’s Fisheries Program offices. 

 Train and develop employees for the most effective use of their skills and positions. 

 Ensure our employees are equipped with the technology, tools, and equipment to 

effectively, efficiently, and safely conduct their jobs. 

Many objectives identified in this plan can be addressed with existing resources and authority; 

others cannot. The individual Fisheries Program offices will continue to 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. 
3 

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

partners, and other stakeholders by maintaining an ongoing dialog to identify any necessary 

revisions to the Strategic Plan. 

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

Appendix B contains the DOI performance output measures and the Fisheries Program’s 

projected accomplishment targets. 

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, when Congress 

established the position of Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries in response to concern 

regarding the decline in natural food fish supplies. The Service has a proud history of leading 

Federal fishery conservation efforts along the West Coast since the first Federal salmon 

hatcheries were established more than 100 years ago. Throughout this century-plus, the 

Service has taken a holistic approach to fishery conservation, focusing on a broad array of 

scientific fishery management and conservation efforts. Today, the Fisheries Program is an 

important partner with States, Native American Tribes (Tribes), other governments, other 

Service programs, private organizations, public institutions, and stakeholders 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, 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 Service to develop five-year step-down plans 

with specific activities that will contribute to the Fisheries Vision. The Pacific Region 

developed its first five-year Fisheries Program Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan) to cover the 

period between 2004 through 2008. This document provides the Pacific Region’s step-down 

plan for the period 2009 through 2013 and describes how we will implement the goals 

identified in the Fisheries Vision. 

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 partners and 

stakeholders. 

Vision

The Fisheries Program vision is to protect, restore, and enhance fish and other aquatic 

resources to self-sustaining levels and to support Federal mitigation programs in cooperation 

with States, Tribes, and other partners for the continuing benefit of 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. 
4 

Challenges and Opportunities Summary 

Hatchery Reform: 

To assist in the recovery of ESA-listed fish and to compensate for lost fishery resources from 

Federal water resource development, the Fisheries Program will be working with our partners 

to reform and improve all National Fish Hatchery programs in the Pacific Region. 

Implementation of “hatchery reform” may include clarifying specific biological goals and 

objectives, improving our ability to adaptively manage our facilities though improved science, 

improving rearing and release protocols, changing broodstock, and adjusting production levels 

where appropriate. We will work closely with our partners to prioritize and coordinate 

implementation activities to ensure our fish hatchery programs help recover ESA-listed species 

while also meeting our Federal mitigation and treaty trust obligations. 

Adaptive Management and Strategic Habitat Conservation Framework: 

The Service has developed an adaptive management framework for all our conservation 

activities. We call this framework “Strategic Habitat Conservation”. We have been 

developing Strategic Habitat Conservation as a guide for setting and achieving fish and 

wildlife conservation at multiple scales (landscape to site-specific). Over the next several 

years, we will be emphasizing cooperative conservation at the landscape scale. This will 

involve developing spatially explicit biological objectives, designing effective conservation 

programs that achieve our biological objectives, implementing on-the-ground conservation 

actions, and monitoring our activities to shape future planning and project development. Each 

of these steps will be done in cooperation with our partners. 

Global Climate Change: 

The Service recognizes the significant challenges that fish and wildlife resources are facing as 

a result of global climate change. We are actively developing a strategic plan and a 5-year 

action plan to help us begin to address the effects of climate change on fish, wildlife, plants, 

and their habitats. We are already working with partners and available resources to address 

climate change effects on fish and wildlife across our country. Accelerating climate change 

will amplify many of the conservation challenges we are dealing with today. 

However, we cannot meet these challenges alone. Over the next 5 years, we will seek to 

acquire additional resources and build our agency’s capacity to address the impacts of climate 

change on ecosystems and fish and wildlife resources. We will also be forming new 

partnerships and developing new scientific information that will help us predict and respond to 

the effects of future climate change. 

Connecting People with Nature: 

With the increasing movement of people to urban areas and towards indoor recreational 

pursuits, many of America’s youth are losing their connection to the outdoors and are 

experiencing a gap in their knowledge of fish, wildlife, and their habitats, and the need for 

natural resource conservation. In addition, demographic changes will also necessitate greater 

emphasis on engaging non-traditional groups and under-represented groups (urban 

populations, minorities, and women) to experience nature. 
5 

Fortunately, research also shows that it is never too late to develop a connection with nature 

that will lead to caring and positive behaviors toward fish, wildlife, and their habitats. 

Recognizing this opportunity, the Service has adopted a program to “Connect People with 

Nature” to help ensure the future of conservation. Our Connecting People with Nature 

program is one of our highest priorities. While our other priorities emphasize our scientific 

and natural resource management work, we recognize that if we do not find ways to connect 

the American people with nature, thereby creating tomorrow’s conservationists, much of our 

work could be in vain. We believe this program can result in all individuals and communities 

gaining a greater connection with nature, sense of place, respect for their environment, and a 

lifelong interest in and participation in the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, 

wildlife, plants, and their habitats. 

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

the Pacific Region; they are a national treasure and are seriously depleted. Western rivers 

were once among the most productive in the world. The Columbia River 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 commercial fisheries. The Pacific Region has 

reached a point where many other migratory fish species (e.g., sturgeon, coastal cutthroat, bull 

trout, and Pacific lamprey) and resident fish stocks (e.g., bull trout, westslope cutthroat, white 

sturgeon, river lamprey, burbot, chub, and those of the Pacific Islands) are either listed or 

being considered for listing under the ESA. 

In short, genetic diversity and geographic distribution of these fish are shrinking markedly. 

The causes of these declines not only reflect the health of the Pacific Ocean, inland waters, and 

watersheds, but the immense human demand for water, energy, and land. Many demands are 

national and international in scope and complex, with legal implications to Federal 

responsibilities under both international and tribal treaties. 

The Pacific Region Fisheries Program

The Fisheries Program is a network of 25 Field Stations and a Regional Office under the 

direction of the Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Fisheries in Portland. Field stations are 

located in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Hawaii (Figure 1). 

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

million fish annually in the Pacific Region. 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 Federal water development projects and have an important role in 

supporting recreational, commercial, and international fisheries, and meeting tribal trust 

responsibilities. However, with the decline of many native species, Pacific Region NFHs 
6 

Figure 1.―Map of U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Region Fisheries Program, field office
7 

now play an increasing role in supporting the recovery of species listed under the ESA. 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 Tribes, States, partners, and other stakeholders, ensure 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. 

Lower Snake River Compensation Plan Office: The Lower Snake River Fish and Wildlife 

Compensation Plan (LSRCP) is a nationally unique program that compensates for lost fish and 

wildlife resources in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho caused by the construction and operation of 

four lower Snake River dams. 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 provides funding to three States, three Tribes, and three 

Service offices to operate 26 fish hatchery facilities, fish health facilities and research labs in 

Oregon, Washington, and Idaho and to carry out programs to evaluate the success of the 

program. 

Fish Health Centers: Three Fish Health Centers (FHC) provide long-term pathogen surveys 

and monitoring of fish at NFHs and selected wild fish populations as well as 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 ESA, reduce 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 with the authority to set fish management 

regulations. They also provide technical assistance to many landowners (e.g., Federal, State, 

tribal, and private) to prevent the loss of fish habitat and implement best management practices 

for the long-term benefit of fish and their habitats. FROs further promote interagency 

coordination by serving on technical and policy workgroups (committees, councils, 

commissions, etc.) in the areas of hydropower operations, harvest, hatchery, and habitat 

management. 

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

operations (Western Washington and Pacific Islands). These offices are distinct in that they 

include both Fisheries and Habitat Conservation and Ecological Services functions of the 

Service. The fisheries functions include the same responsibilities as those carried out by FROs. 
8 

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

in the scientifically based management of national fishery resources through development of new 

concepts and techniques to solve specific problems in aquatic restoration and recovery activities. 

The Center is the Pacific Region Fisheries Program's applied research facility and one of only 

eight such USFWS facilities nationwide. Staff research activities are concentrated in 

Washington, Oregon, and Idaho working on Pacific salmon, steelhead/rainbow trout, cutthroat 

trout, bull trout, Pacific lamprey, white sturgeon, Arctic grayling, and other species native to 

North America. The Center maintains Applied Research Programs in the fields of Nutrition, 

Conservation Genetics, Ecological Physiology, and Hatchery Reform. Applied research 

activities and information are shared with other Service offices (National Fish Hatcheries, Fish 

Health Centers, Fishery Resource Offices, Fish and Wildlife Offices, Ecological Services Field 

Offices, National Wildlife Refuges), Federal, State, and Tribal agencies, industry, and 

recreational groups. The information provided is critical to the restoration and recovery of 

declining, threatened, and endangered fish populations. 

Focus Areas: 

Partnerships and Accountability 

Forming and maintaining strong partnerships with Federal agencies, States, Tribes, nongovernment organizations and individuals who are interested in the conservation and 

management of fisheries resources is essential to achieving mutual goals of healthy and abundant 

fish populations that have access to quality habitat and provide significant opportunities for 

harvest in the Pacific Region. 

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. 

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

partners. 

Regional Objective 1.1. Develop and maintain relationships with partners throughout the 

Pacific Region. 

Regional Objective 1.2. Implement a means of providing feedback to ensure the long-term 

success of partnerships. 

Regional Objective 1.3. Improve data collection and management and internal and 

external reporting to reduce redundancy and improve access and usefulness for ourselves 

and our partners. 
9 

Challenges and Opportunities: 

Partnerships 

The partners the Pacific Region Fisheries Program works with have a broad array of interests, 

differing levels of resources, and varying tactics for addressing the wide scope of Service 

mandates and aquatic resource conservation issues we address. To effectively communicate 

information of interest to such a diverse constituency of partners, the Fisheries Program will: 

 Engage our working partners to learn which Service activities or programs are most 

important to them or their constituents, and focus communications and information exchange 

on those topics. 

 Keep personnel informed as to current operations and issues that may impact partners. 

 Implement the Department of the Interior’s 21st Century Youth Conservation Corps initiative 

and the Service’s Connecting People with Nature. 

 Network with partners to leverage limited resources. 

 Use emerging technology to improve and diversify outreach efforts. 

Measuring Success 

There are many ways to measure success when working with partners, but most important is 

clarifying mutual obligations and expectations. To better address accountability, the Fisheries 

Program will: 

 Maintain and develop Memorandums of Understanding and Memorandums of Agreement to 

better define expectations and enhance accountability. 

 Improve opportunities for our partners to meet with regional and field staff to provide direct 

feedback on our progress in meeting plan objectives. 

 Improve data management and reporting. 

 

Because fish and wildlife resources inhabit landscapes that cross geographic boundaries, our 

efforts to conserve and restore aquatic habitat are done in cooperation with other Federal 

agencies, States, Tribes, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and private parties. Many of 

our aquatic habitat conservation and management efforts to date have been opportunistic, or 

based on actions called for within species-specific management or recovery plans. A growing 

consensus for habitat conservation at a landscape level has been building in the face of resource 

challenges such as global climate change. This has led to the beginning of a national 

collaborative framework to identify and conserve key watersheds and aquatic “strongholds,” and 

address the root causes of declines in aquatic habitat quality and quantity. 

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. To take a landscape 

approach to ecosystem restoration, research and monitoring are needed to determine the 

Focus Area: 

Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management 
10 

effectiveness of habitat restoration efforts. The Fisheries Program is positioned to fill this void 

since our employees have extensive experience with monitoring and evaluating hatchery 

programs, fish populations, and their habitats. 

National Goal: America’s streams, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands are functional ecosystems 

that support self-sustaining communities of fish and other aquatic resources. 

Regional Objective 2.1. Facilitate management of aquatic habitats on national and 

regional scales by working with Tribes, States, partners, and other stakeholders. 

Regional Objective 2.2. Develop and expand the use of its expertise to help avoid, 

minimize or mitigate impacts of habitat alteration on aquatic species and monitor and 

evaluate completed projects. 

Regional Objective 2.3. Coordinate with Service NWRs and NFHs to identify and 

implement opportunities for increasing the quantity and improving the quality of aquatic 

and riparian habitat. 

Regional Objective 2.4. Expand opportunities to connect people with nature, engage 

citizen scientists and volunteers, and temporarily employ youth in the aquatic habitat 

conservation and monitoring programs and activities we lead or support. 

Challenges and Opportunities: 

Strategic Habitat Conservation Framework 

Strategic Habitat Conservation (SHC) allows for prioritizing the delivery of conservation actions. 

When using a strategic approach the Fisheries Program will: 

 Use biological planning, conservation design, conservation delivery, and outcome-based 

monitoring to ensure that habitat requirements for aquatic trust species are included for 

projects undertaken with partners. 

 Work with the Service’s Divisions of Ecological Services and Refuges to align policies, 

goals, and objectives to conserve and restore aquatic habitats identified in Regional Focal 

Areas. 

 Collaboratively develop the best scientific data and analysis for decision makers. 

 Provide expertise to our partners, when possible, to assess, model, and develop opportunities 

to improve mainstem river habitat, fish passage, and emigration survival for aquatic trust 

species. 

 Prioritize Service analysis and modeling capabilities toward measuring responses of wideranging Service trust species (e.g., bull trout, cutthroat trout, Pacific lamprey) to 

climatological effects on habitat, such as changes to temperature regimes. 
11 

National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) 

The National Fish Habitat Action Plan has increased the influence of its national network of 

partners to implement science-based, non-regulatory restoration, enhancement, and protection of 

fish habitat in key watersheds. Expectations and opportunities for the Service to further develop 

the NFHAP will further increase over the next 5 years. To address the challenges and 

opportunities the Fisheries Program will: 

 Participate, support, and help develop NFHAP Partnerships.

 Work with our partners to ensure that habitat requirements and data needs for Service trust 

aquatic species are addressed in the Science and Data Management framework adopted by 

the National Fish Habitat Action Plan Board. 

 Work with NFHAP Partnerships to develop funding proposals in the Fisheries Operating 

Needs System to support trust species. 

Climate Change 

Global climate change is expected to alter the quantity, seasonal availability, and quality (e.g., 

temperature regime) of water needed to support aquatic organisms in ways that are not fully 

understood or predictable. This unpredictability leads to debate and uncertainty regarding 

priorities for the best use of limited resources to study and implement broad scale management 

of aquatic habitats. However, the recent national and international attention that climate change 

is receiving provides the Service with the opportunity to focus our technical expertise in a 

collaborative environment to seek solutions. To address the challenge of global climate change, 

the Pacific Region Fisheries Program will support the Service’s new strategic plan for addressing 

climate change “Rising to the Challenge,” by focusing on our Program strength in population 

analysis, habitat conservation, and monitoring and evaluation. 

 Partner with the USGS and others to conduct the basic research needed to predict impacts of 

changing water quality, quantity, and seasonal availability on the viability of trust species. 

 Apply our expertise where needed in Region 1 Landscape Conservation Cooperatives 

(LCC)1

. 

 Develop educational materials for Service staff to foster a better understanding of the 

technical and policy issues we face. 

Effective Partnering 

Aquatic resource conservation issues that involve multiple partners and their interests are 

challenging to resolve. To more effectively address resource challenges, the Pacific Region 

Fisheries Program will: 

 

1

 Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCC) are a Service concept for building a core scientific capacity under 

cooperative partner oversight that assists resource managers direct science toward conservation priorities areas 

defined landscape units. LCC’s are part of Secretary Salazar’s September 14, 2009, Secretarial Order No. 3289 

“Addressing the Impact of Climate Change on America’s Water, Land, and other Natural and Cultural Resources.” 
12 

 Support and participate in collaborative workshops (utilizing cross-program expertise) to 

inform partners and discuss the merits of the scientific approaches, tools, and results that 

address complex aquatic resource management issues. 

 Train staff in conflict resolution, partnership building, decision making, etc. 

 Increase internal communications by holding cross-program meetings. 

Focus Areas: 

Aquatic Species Conservation and Management 

Native Species 

In the Pacific Region, the primary focus of the Fisheries Program is addressing the problems 

affecting native aquatic species listed under the ESA and other aquatic species of concern. 

Activities conducted by the Fisheries Program to promote native species conservation include 

assessing populations and habitats; developing conservation, 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. We will continue to work with our partners to collaboratively identify, prioritize 

and address the complex issues facing native aquatic species. 

 

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. 

Regional Objective 3.1. Collaborate with Ecological Services (ES) Program, National 

Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries) and others, 

to recover fish and other aquatic resource populations protected under the ESA. 

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

other aquatic resources. 

Regional Objective 3.3. Support the research and fish culture needed to prevent listing or 

to recover native species listed or proposed for listing under ESA. 

Challenges and Opportunities: 

Climate Change 

To address the uncertain impacts of climate change on aquatic resources and their habitats in a 

strategic way, the Fisheries program will: 

 Work with partners to learn from each other on projected global climate impacts. 

 Collaborate to identify potentially resilient watersheds with a goal of preserving and restoring 

habitat connectivity to assist species ability to adapt to future climate conditions. 

 Consider the use of artificial propagation to help offset impacts of climate change. 
13 

 Investigate opportunities to create research programs and assessment tools for “sentinel 

species” (e.g., bull trout, Oregon chub) that highlight the effects of climate change. 

Hatchery Reform: 

The Service has conducted or participated in various hatchery reform processes in the region 

including our own Hatchery Review Team (HRT) and NOAA Fisheries’ Hatchery and Scientific 

Review Group (HSRG). These reviews provide scientific recommendations to Federal, Tribal, 

and State co-managers regarding how hatchery operations can be enhanced and modified to 

better protect wild and native species and meet defined fish production and harvest management 

objectives. In general, hatchery reform seeks to minimize harmful genetic, biological, or 

demographic effects on native and wild fish stocks and support recovery of ESA listed species, 

while pursuing pre-defined fishery management objectives. Important fishery management 

objectives include support of treaty trust and mitigation obligations. It is likely that hatchery 

reform recommendations will play a significant role in any modifications to existing fish 

production programs. In some cases, these changes could affect ongoing production and harvest 

activities of State and Tribal cooperators. Therefore, hatchery reform recommendations and 

associated changes will require collaborative co-manager input, review, and decision-making. 

As the Region 1 Fisheries Program pursues hatchery reform objectives, the Region 1 Fisheries 

Program will seek to: 

 Recommend modifications of hatchery operations utilizing the best available scientific 

information from regional hatchery reform reviews such as the HRT and HSRG processes, 

scientific information available from the literature, and other Tribal, State, and Federal 

hatchery evaluation studies. 

 Coordinate any proposed changes in fish production programs through appropriate policy 

review and decision processes, such as U.S. v. Oregon and ESA consultations. 

 Prioritize hatchery implementation and funding of hatchery reform projects to meet mutual 

State, Tribal, and Federal fishery management objectives and ESA recovery priorities. 

 Secure funding from appropriate sources to make the necessary hatchery facility 

modifications. 

Aquatic Invasive Species

Introductions of aquatic invasive species (AIS) 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. The National Invasive Species Act of 1996 

established the following initiatives: 1) prevention, monitoring, and control of AIS; 2) research, 

technical assistance, and education on the AIS issue; 3) ballast water regulation; 4) the 

establishment of the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force to act as a national 

coordinating body; 5) the establishment of regional coordinating bodies that support 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. 
14 

Although AIS populations have been surveyed in some locations, data are generally incomplete 

regarding distribution and impacts in the Pacific Region. There are many examples of existing 

problems, ranging from infestations of New Zealand mudsnails in Idaho hatcheries and native trout 

streams to nonnative marine algae overgrowing coral reefs in Hawaii. In addition, damaging 

invaders like quagga and zebra mussels continue to pose a high risk of invading the Pacific Region, 

bringing with them a history of environmental and economic impacts. AIS efforts by the Fisheries 

Program will emphasize prevention, early detection, and rapid elimination of new introductions and 

support efforts to control existing plant and animal AIS in freshwater and marine habitats. 

National Goal: Risks of aquatic invasive species invasions are substantially reduced, and their 

economic, ecological, and human health impacts are minimized. 

 

Regional Objective 4.1. Coordinate work with other programs within the Service, other 

Federal agencies, States, Tribes, Interstate Commissions, and other partners to reduce 

the risk of AIS introductions, including early detection and rapid response. 

Regional Objective 4.2. Coordinate work with other programs within the Service, other 

Federal agencies, States, Tribes, Interstate Commissions, and other partners to 

measure and track the existing range and impacts of AIS. 

Regional Objective 4.3. Coordinate work with other programs within the Service, other 

Federal agencies, States, Tribes, Interstate Commissions, and other partners to develop 

programs designed to control and manage existing populations. 

Challenges and Opportunities: 

Limiting Introductions of AIS 

The Pacific Region faces several challenges to limit introductions of AIS including the growing 

potential for an invasion by zebra and quagga mussels, insufficient early detection capabilities, 

and major gaps in a regional rapid response infrastructure. To address these challenges, the 

Fisheries Program will: 

 Continue collaborating with 100th Meridian Initiative program partners to enhance 

prevention, early detection, and rapid response preparedness for zebra and quagga mussels 

and other AIS. 

 Expand our use of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) planning. 

 Continue to support implementation of State AIS management plans.

 Coordinate with State, regional, and national AIS organizations, including the ANS Task 

Force and its Western Regional Panel.

 Collaborate to better understand the pathways for spreading AIS. 

Incomplete Information Regarding Current Distribution and Abundance 

We have insufficient understanding of the current distribution and abundance of AIS, limited 

integration of AIS monitoring into other aquatic ecosystem monitoring and research programs, and 

fragmented management of AIS data. To address these challenges, the Fisheries Program will: 
15 

 Continue to work with USGS, the Pacific Northwest Aquatic Monitoring Partnership, States, 

Tribes, universities and other partners to enhance the monitoring of AIS populations and 

better manage the data. 

 Support ongoing surveys of biological communities in aquatic systems in the region to 

enhance understanding of the biological characteristics and ecological conditions so that AIS 

invasions can be prevented or managed. 

Controlling and Managing Existing AIS Populations 

There are insufficient decision-support and population-control tools available to ensure effective 

long-term mitigation of AIS impacts, and inconsistent management strategies at the regional and 

national scale. To address these challenges, the Fisheries Program will: 

 Continue implementing national AIS control plans (e.g., New Zealand mudsnails) and assist 

in developing new plans for species like nutria. 

 Work with USGS and other partners to develop and enhance management decision tools. 

Climate Change and Population Growth 

 

Global climate change and further habitat degradation associated with population growth will 

likely change the potential range of AIS and risk of new introductions. To address these 

challenges, the Fisheries Program will: 

 Support collaborative research, monitoring, and evaluation to better understand the factors 

contributing to the establishment and expansion of AIS related to climate change, and ensure 

that AIS concerns are adequately reflected in regional climate change initiatives. 

 Promote other aquatic habitat conservation tactics within this plan, and ensure that AIS 

prevention, control, monitoring, and education are incorporated into Service activities under 

Strategic Habitat Conservation, the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, and other related 

efforts. 

 

Better Integration of AIS into Service Programs 

There is a need to better integrate AIS into all Service programs, including related efforts 

targeted at terrestrial invasive species. To address this challenge the Fisheries Program will: 

 Explore creation of a Region 1 cross-program invasive species team to identify collaboration 

opportunities, mutual policy issues, and other areas of overlap. 

 Expand integration of AIS activities into relevant Service field offices, including local 

implementation of outreach programs, on-site capacity for HACCP technical assistance, early 

detection monitoring, and development of local partnerships. 

 Coordinate with other partners, including executive level discussions, to develop integrated 

proposals to expand funding for AIS management at the regional level, including special 

focus on the Pacific Islands, and to prioritize AIS concerns and activities relative to currently 

available resources.
16 

Awareness and Understanding 

There is a need to educate the Service and external audiences about scope, severity, and 

relevance of the AIS problem. To address this challenge the Fisheries Program will: 

 Implement outreach and education programs, such as use of national campaigns like Stop 

Aquatic Hitchhikers and 100th Meridian Initiative. 

 Integrate AIS into the Connecting People with Nature program. 

 

Interjurisdictional Fisheries

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

nations, or tribal governments with direct management authority. Responsibility for managing 

interjurisdictional fisheries is determined by many laws, treaties, and court orders and as such, 

follows no single implementation model. Many Pacific Region fisheries are interjurisdictional in 

nature. Management of interjurisdictional fisheries in the Pacific Region has become greatly 

influenced by the requirement for adequate protection and recovery of species listed under the 

ESA. 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. 

While the challenges 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 co-manager partners in stock assessment 

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

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

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

interagency agreement, the Fisheries Program will work jointly with States, Tribes, 

and NOAA Fisheries to assist in the management of interjurisdictional fisheries. 

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. 

Challenges and Opportunities: 

Maintaining Commitments 

To maintain the Service’s commitment to interjurisdictional fisheries management, the Fisheries 

Program will: 
17 

 Provide leadership in scientific analysis and ensure that the best scientific data is available 

for decision makers. 

 Represent the Service on the Pacific Salmon Commission, Pacific Fisheries Management 

Council, and U.S. vs. Oregon fisheries forums, assisting them with implementation of 

scientifically based fish marking, stock assessment, and coast-wide harvest management 

programs. 

 Work with our partners and co-managers to revise Hatchery Genetic Management Plans 

(HGMPs) for Service funded or operated programs. 

Developing Consensuses on Hatchery Programs 

Implementation of Hatchery Scientific Review Group (HSRG) and Hatchery Review Team 

(HRT) recommendations for Fisheries programs to assist in management of interjurisdictional 

fisheries will be complicated due to the multiple perspectives of stakeholders and co-managers. 

To address this challenge the Fisheries Program will: 

 Continue to provide policy and technical support and guidance to co-managers and other 

stakeholders to seek consensus resolution of conflicting objectives and priorities while 

addressing recommendations of the HRT. 

Climate Change 

Anticipated changes in freshwater and ocean conditions may lead to shifts in anadromous salmon 

life-history timing, survival, and oceanic distribution. Such changes may require Pacific Salmon 

Treaty parties to renegotiate conservation and harvest sharing agreements. To address this 

challenge the Fisheries Program will: 

 Work collaboratively with our partners to document and evaluate changes if they occur to 

provide the data needed to develop sustainable fisheries objectives. 

Focus Areas: 

Public Use 

Mitigation Fisheries

When Federal water development projects (e.g., locks and dams) were constructed, Congress and 

the Federal government committed to mitigating for impacts on recreational, commercial, and 

tribal fisheries. Fisheries mitigation programs in the Pacific Region have generally involved 

stocking Pacific salmon, steelhead, and trout. Approximately half of the Pacific Region’s 

hatchery programs are funded by the Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, NOAA 

Fisheries, and the Bonneville Power Administration. 

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. 
18 

Regional Objective 6.1. Work with Federal agencies, Tribes, State agencies, and others 

to identify the appropriate adult production hatchery mitigation goals for water 

development projects and funding responsibilities of the respective Federal agencies.

Regional Objective 6.2. Ensure the Pacific Region’s mitigation programs are guided 

by and in compliance with approved Fishery Mitigation Plans, Fishery Management 

Plans and associated Biological Opinions. 

Regional Objective 6.3. Meet the Service’s responsibilities to implement mitigation 

programs for Federal action agencies responsible for mitigating fisheries affected by 

federally funded water development projects. 

Regional Objective 6.4. Pursue recovery of all direct and indirect costs for mitigation 

activities associated with hatchery production and stocking, marking and tagging, and 

monitoring and evaluation from the Federal agency on whose behalf the mitigation 

program is conducted.

Challenges and Opportunities: 

Obtaining Full Cost Reimbursement 

Securing full funding for hatchery operations, maintenance, evaluation, and environmental 

compliance is an ongoing challenge for some of the mitigation programs operated by the 

Fisheries Program. To address this challenge the Fisheries Program will: 

 Work collaboratively with the States, Tribes, and Federal partners to craft appropriate 

budgets to ensure full cost of the program, including hatchery operations and maintenance, 

capital improvement, marking and monitoring, evaluation, and environmental compliance. 

 

Quantifying Mitigation Goals 

Some hatchery mitigation programs in the Columbia Basin do not have defined adult production 

goals. Lack of clear goals makes evaluation of program success difficult. To address this 

challenge the Fisheries Program will: 

 Work with our State, Tribal, and Federal partners to define appropriate mitigation goals for 

hatchery programs that do not have adult production goals or whose goals are under review 

(e.g., Mitchell Act, Grand Coulee, and John Day mitigation goals). 

Implementation of Scientifically Sound Hatchery Evaluation and Adaptive Management 

Practices 

 

Sound hatchery programs require scientific evaluation of the cost and benefits of those activities 

and feedback loops into management decision-making. Hatchery Review Team (HRT) 

recommendations identify infrastructure, operational, and management alternatives to improve 

hatchery operations. To address this challenge, the Fisheries Program will: 
19 

 Work with our staff and partners to fill as many gaps in program adequacy as can be done 

within existing budgets. 

 Work with NOAA Fisheries and our partners to identify Best Management Practices (BMPs) 

for hatchery evaluation and to include the BMPs in new Hatchery and Genetic Management 

Plans (HGMPs) and seek funding to fill identified needs. 

Facility Management and Technology 

Aging facilities and evolving propagation programs require new infrastructure and technology to 

protect hatchery fish while on-station and to conserve native fish and habitat in the local 

watershed. Improved effluent treatment facilities are also needed to meet more stringent 

environmental compliance. To address these facility needs, the Fisheries Program will: 

 Conduct annual assessments of the condition of all Service-owned hatchery facilities and 

develop a prioritized list of needed infrastructure repairs and improvements. 

 Work with our funding partners to explain our methods for assessing needs and our priorities 

and the importance of those priorities. 

 Prioritize facility improvements to meet Clean Water Act compliance through infrastructure 

improvement and fish culture operational changes.

 Provide recurring water quality and regulatory training for employees. 

 Improve fish culture practices, water quality, station security, and energy efficiency through 

use of new or improved technologies and facilities. 

 Work with NOAA Fisheries and within the Service as part of the section 7 consultation 

process under the ESA to identify and prioritize infrastructure needs necessary for protection 

and recovery of listed species. 

Mitigation and ESA Recovery 

The Fisheries program is committed to carrying out its mitigation programs in a way that 

supports ESA recovery criteria and actions. Meeting ESA compliance may require program 

adjustments such as choice of broodstock, production levels, release strategies, or other changes 

to achieve fishery mitigation goals and objectives. To address this challenge the Fisheries 

Program will: 

 Work with our partners and co-managers to develop revised Hatchery and Genetic 

Management Plans (HGMPs) for Service operated mitigation programs. 

 Provide technical assistance and guidance to regional hatchery planning activities to 

implement HRT and HSRG recommendations at Service funded hatcheries. 

Healthy Fish 

To maximize the survival of propagated fish and to minimize the impact of hatchery fish as a 

disease vector affecting native fish populations, the Fisheries Program will: 

 Provide fish health advice and technical assistance to Service facilities and to our partners 

and customers on a reimbursable basis. 
20 

Recreational Fishing

The Fisheries Program has a long history of providing funding, hatchery fish, and scientific 

information in support of recreational fisheries on Service lands, tribal lands, military lands, and 

other waters where there is a Service nexus. In the Pacific Region, recreational harvest occurs on 

fish produced at Service hatcheries mitigating for impacts and loss of habitat due to the 

development of Federal water projects. The Fisheries Program also supports recreational fishing 

by connecting people with nature at fishing events held at our facilities. 

National Goal: Provide 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. 

Regional Objective 7.1. Work cooperatively to enhance recreational fishing opportunities 

for priority fish species and promote the value of recreational fishing as one of their 

priority responsibilities while implementing all national and regional activities. 

Regional Objective 7.2. Identify and meet shared or complementary aquatic education 

or other outreach objectives at local and regional levels. 

Challenges and Opportunities: 

Providing Opportunities to Fish 

Our challenge will be to continue providing quality recreational fishing opportunities for current 

and future generations. To address these challenges the Fisheries Program will: 

 Work with Partners to monitor and evaluate the implementation of recreational fishing and 

help document successful recreational opportunities through websites and other media.

 Implement mass marking programs at federally funded facilities to facilitate selective 

recreational fisheries while minimizing impacts to wild populations, and maintaining 

consistency of the programs with tribal treaty rights. 

 Continue to provide technical and policy support for the implementation of fish mitigation 

responsibilities and associated programs.

 Continue to meet our obligations for mitigating for the impacts of water development 

projects in the region.

 Develop sound data for assessing the economic value of recreational fishing in order to guide 

policy decisions on resource allocation.

Reconnecting People with Fishing 

Urbanization of the Pacific Region has lessened opportunities for many of the region’s residents 

to experience the region’s rich natural heritage. To address this issue the Fisheries Program will: 

 Help develop and sponsor events promoting recreational fishing with special focus on youth, 

the disabled, and urban fishing opportunities.
21 

 Increase the number and quality of outreach and environmental education programs with an 

emphasis on our Connecting People with Nature Program. 

 Maintain and provide opportunities for people to view fish in the wild.

 

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

resource management. We understand that we play an important role in protecting the fish and 

wildlife resources that form the subsistence and cultural base of many Tribes of the Pacific 

Region. The trust relationship of the Federal government has evolved from treaties, statutes, 

court decisions, and the United States Constitution. The Service recognizes tribal treaty and 

other rights, interacts with Tribes on a government to government basis, and strives to conduct 

its programs and actions in a manner that protects tribal trust resources, including fish and 

wildlife resources and their associated habitat. 

 

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 

help Tribes develop their own capabilities.

Regional Objective 8.1. Recognize and promote the Service’s distinct obligations toward 

Tribes.

Regional Objective 8.2. Provide technical assistance to Tribes in tribal natural resource 

management activities as requested and as funding is available.

Regional Objective 8.3. Ensure Service fish production and harvest management activities 

are consistent with legally mandated (e.g., U.S. v. OR) or other cooperatively developed 

fish management plans. 

Challenges and Opportunities: 

Recognizing Tribal Co-Manager Authorities and Responsibilities 

Over the last decade many tribal resource management agencies have developed new capabilities 

and capacity to participate in collaborative management. Tribes throughout the Pacific 

Northwest are active and legally recognized co-managers of many lands, waters, and aquatic 

resources within their ceded areas and marine environments. In recognition of tribal natural 

resource management authorities and capabilities, the Fisheries Program will: 

 Formally consult with Tribes on Service programs affecting tribal interests. 

 Work cooperatively to leverage resources towards programs of shared resource management 

concern. 

 Coordinate Fishery Program activities within and between Tribes in concert with our trust 

responsibilities. 

Focus Area: 

Cooperation with Native American Tribes 
22 

Managing Surplus Fish and Eggs from National Fish Hatcheries 

In many years, adult salmon and steelhead return to Service-funded or operated hatcheries that 

are surplus to broodstock needs. Likewise, in some years more eggs are taken than can be reared 

in facilities because survival is higher than expected. Determining what is best to do with excess 

fish can be controversial because of logistical issues, differences in scientific views, or cultural 

beliefs. To address this issue the Fisheries Program will: 

 As a matter of policy, and consistent with best fishery management practices, give high 

priority for the use of surplus fish and eggs from National Fish Hatcheries to tribal fish 

culture, subsistence, ceremonial, and resource management programs. 

 Ensure timely communication coordination with tribal natural resources staffs to avoid 

creating “crisis management” decision environments for our respective policy makers. 

 Engage with the Tribes to better understand tribal culture, history, and governmental 

structure. 

 Actively communicate with tribal organizations and membership to explain and discuss fish 

production abilities and limitations. 

 Develop MOUs and MOAs to enhance tribal relationships and accountability. 

 Communicate with Tribes through the tools they prefer. 

 Make available and promote emerging technologies as requested and to the extent possible to 

improve communication. 

Implementing Federal Trust Responsibilities 

To effectively carry out trust responsibilities, staff throughout the Fisheries program need to 

understand the special relationship we have with Tribes and our responsibilities for conserving 

trust resources. To address this opportunity the Fisheries Program will: 

 Continue to implement the Secretary of the Interior and Service policies regarding trust 

responsibilities to Tribes (e.g., The Native American Policy of the Service, June 28, 1994; 

Secretarial Order # 3206, American Indian Tribal Rights, Federal-Tribal Trust 

Responsibilities, and the ESA, June 5, 1997). 

 Provide Treaty Trust Responsibility training for staff. 

 Engage Regional Tribal Liaison to advise staff when complex issues arise. 

Rangewide Conservation of Pacific Lamprey 

The Region 1 Fisheries Program is working with Columbia Basin and other Northwest Tribes on 

the conservation of Pacific Lamprey. This effort is in recognition of the cultural significance of 

this species to Tribes and its biological importance to the aquatic ecosystems of the Northwest. 

We commit to continue this effort with the mutual goal of restoring healthy populations of 

Pacific lamprey to the regions aquatic ecosystems. We commit to work with Tribes in bringing 

the attention to and coordinating efforts of other Federal, State, and private organizations in this 

effort. 
23 

‘ 

Science and Technology form the foundation of successful fish and aquatic resource 

conservation and management and is a strength of the R1 Fisheries program. To that end, the 

Fisheries Program is committed to: 

 Working with our partners to improve the connections between science and fishery 

conservation and management. 

 Using sound science to evaluate effectiveness of our programs so they can be adaptively 

managed. 

 Ensuring our policies and protocols result in science products that meet the highest standards 

of excellence for our partners and stakeholders. 

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. 

Regional Objective 9.1. Develop and share state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, legally 

defensible scientific and technological tools, including databases, with other Service 

programs and in conjunction with our partners. 

Regional Objective 9.2. Use state-of-the-art, scientifically sound, legally defensible 

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

policies.

Challenges and Opportunities: 

Science Support in Recovery of Listed Aquatic Species 

There remain many challenges to protecting and recovering aquatic species listed under the ESA. 

Many stocks of anadromous fish, resident salmonids, and other species remain far below 

recovery objectives. We must focus our science and technical resources across a broad array of 

species and landscapes for optimum effect in supporting recovery efforts. We must work to 

strengthen our science and technical capabilities in order to support Service and regional efforts 

in conservation planning and delivery. In defining our priorities we will ask ourselves: 

 Are we appropriately coordinated with governmental and external partners? 

 Are we targeting species and issues of highest priority to the Service mission? 

 Are we addressing the needs and priorities of our partners and customers? 

As a result of asking these questions over the term of our last strategic plan, we made significant 

shifts in science support efforts of the Fisheries Program into the areas listed below. The 

Fisheries Program will continue to strengthen these efforts: 

Focus Area: 

Leadership in Science and Technology 
24 

 Technical support to Service ESA listing and recovery processes. 

 Conservation efforts directed at non-salmon species such as lamprey and Oregon chub, 

native Hawaiian fish, and white sturgeon. 

 Leading hatchery reform efforts in the Columbia Basin. 

 Expansion of Abernathy Fish Technology Center functions that support aquatic species 

conservation including genetic analysis, ecological physiology, fish nutrition, and hatchery 

reform. 

Recovery of anadromous fish remains a high priority. New regional recovery plans and 

processes are in place for partners to collaboratively work together (e.g., Regional 

Implementation Oversight Group (RIOG), the Tribal Fish Accords, Puget Sound Federal 

Caucus). Science, whether it is applied research or monitoring and evaluation of efforts in 

hydropower, habitat, hatchery, or harvest, will continue to support informed policy decisions. To 

address the continuing efforts at anadromous fish recovery, the Fisheries Program will: 

 Support NOAA Fisheries and State, Federal, and Tribal agencies in anadromous fish 

recovery efforts. 

 Annually, develop a cooperative work plan with USGS Biological Research Division for 

anadromous fish research and monitoring and evaluation based on strategic goals and 

priorities that defines lead offices, funding sources, and cooperative research efforts. 

 Support regional efforts to coordinate, share, and develop common data systems such as the 

Pacific Northwest Aquatic Monitoring Partnership (PNAMP) and Collaborative System-wide 

Monitoring and Evaluation Project (CSMEP) in the Columbia Basin. 

 Work within existing and newly defined processes to bring the scientific expertise of the 

Service to bear on critically important anadromous fish issues to avoid duplication of effort 

and coordinate related science support and research efforts. 

Emerging Issues and Priorities 

Complex issues often emerge more rapidly than programs can be developed to provide 

management options. This is made especially challenging by new sets of issues such as Climate 

Change and new invasive species. To better focus our efforts on emerging issues and address the 

imbalance between what we would like to do and what we can accomplish, the Fisheries 

Program will: 

 Provide training on how to interpret information generated by modeling tools and incorporate 

the uncertainty that comes with the model predictions when making management decisions. 

 Seek to develop new technology, expertise, and partnerships through participation in 

landscape level conservation initiatives. 

 Promote the establishment of a regional cross programmatic scientific meeting about climate 

change in the Pacific Region that would be held regularly to promote collaborative research 

and information sharing. 

 Seek to develop research projects with an adaptive management framework that use staff 

expertise to better address how the combined effect of changes to hatchery practices and 

habitat restoration is helping to conserve and restore aquatic resources in Pacific Region. 

 Promote new research regarding climate change using an adaptive management framework. 
25 

Scientific Outreach 

The Service’s Fisheries Program is one of many natural resource management agencies in the 

region. We have significant scientific expertise that can help address the region’s conservation 

and management problems. To increase the level and quality of communication with partners in 

regards to the technical expertise we can provided, the Fisheries Program will: 

 Increase staff involvement in professional scientific organizations by encouraging activities 

such as presenting scientific results at professional conferences and sponsoring a Service 

booth at scientific conferences leading to outreach opportunities. 

 Ensure staff is afforded time to write and review articles for professional publications. 

 Provide training opportunities for staff and partners to facilitate understanding of how to use 

newly developed scientific and technological tools. 

 Coordinate a regional cross-programmatic scientific meeting to be held regularly with the 

intention of promoting collaborative research between Service programs. 

 Work with agencies, state, tribal, outside researchers, and partners to develop new research 

opportunities. 

 Participate in cooperative landscape conservation to facilitate sharing of expertise. 

Hatchery Data Management 

The Fisheries Program has not yet developed modern databases for sharing hatchery information 

with our partners and the public. To address this shortcoming the Fisheries Program will: 

 Develop and implement systems and methodology to demonstrate how hatchery 

improvement technology is minimizing impacts on wild fish and ESA-listed species. 

 Develop and implement processes to develop timely reports on hatchery effectiveness that 

includes annual updates on hatchery fish production, adult return rates, harvest rates, brood 

year survival, and ecological effects of hatchery operations. 

 Develop and implement systems to track implementation of hatchery reform 

recommendations including related fiscal expenditures, schedules, and accomplishments. 

The Fisheries Program relies on a broad range of professionals to accomplish its mission: 

managers, administrators, scientists, program assistants, fish culturists, maintenance workers, 

and administrative and clerical staff. Without their skills and dedication, the Fisheries Program 

cannot succeed. Employees must be trained and equipped 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. Also needed is the 

recruitment of new expertise to address hatchery reform actions, climate change, and habitat 

based activities. 

Focus Area: 

Workforce Management 
26 

National Goal: Maintain and support an adequately-sized, strategically positioned workforce 

with state-of-the-art training, equipment, and technologies in their career fields.

Regional Objective 10.1. 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.

Regional Objective 10.2. Train and develop employees for the most effective utilization of 

their skills and positions.

Regional Objective 10.3. Ensure Fisheries Program employees are equipped with the 

technology, tools, and equipment to effectively and efficiently conduct their jobs. 

Challenges and Opportunities: 

Our initial challenge is to carefully and fully identify the complete skill sets needed by our future 

employees. For current employees, we will need to both update position descriptions and ensure 

staff is provided the training they need to meet the new challenges. To address these challenges 

the Fisheries Program will: 

 Consider new skill sets needed to address emerging priorities. 

 Identify additional base and/or targeted funding sources to address new staffing needs. 

 Seek opportunities to develop new positions that possess skills related to habitat and native 

species restoration. To do this field offices will review their organizational structure and 

station priorities to strategize how they will further develop this expertise. 

 Take full advantage of the National Conservation Training Center to ensure employees 

maintain professional currency. 

 Encourage active participation in professional organizations to ensure employees maintain 

technical proficiency. 

 When applicable, use existing youth employment projects such as Youth Conservation 

Corps, AmeriCorps, Student Conservation Association, and the Service’s SCEP and STEP 

programs to temporarily employ the next generation of conservation professionals, seeking 

where possible to recruit from underserved communities and/or convert recruits into term or 

permanent positions. 

 Work with the Region’s Connecting People with Nature Team and Division of Diversity and 

Civil Rights to identify new or existing programs or facilities positioned to initiate or expand 

hiring of youth for temporary positions and conservation projects. 

Implementation

This Strategic Plan will be implemented through step-down plans developed by each field station 

in consultation with the Regional Office. Programmatic and station-specific activities will be 

prioritized using the following criteria: 

 Strength of Federal authority and responsibility or existing legal and administrative 

directives. 

 Measurable and meaningful resource results. 
27 

 Economic or social benefits. 

 Partner support. 

 Funds available to fully accomplish the task. 

 Relation to other fisheries and aquatic resource conservation efforts. 

 

Evaluation, Reporting and Revision

This Strategic Plan will guide the Fisheries Program through the 2013 fiscal year. Determining 

the success of implementing the Strategic Plan and the need for revision will be based on 

annually monitoring and evaluating accomplishments. The evaluation feedback will supply 

information needed to “fine tune” regional Fisheries Program priorities, station specific stepdown plans, and budgets. 

 

Equally important is communicating successes and failures to Tribes, States, partners, 

stakeholders, Congress, and the Administration. The Fisheries Program will report on its 

progress towards achieving strategic plan objectives through meetings with the Tribes, States, 

partners, stakeholders and through accomplishment reporting. 

 

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, refinements, and/or implementation of the information presented in 

this document, please feel free to contact: 

Daniel Diggs 

Assistant Regional Director - Fishery Resources 

911 NE 11th Avenue 

Portland, Oregon 97232-4181 

(503) 872-2763 
28 

Appendix A.―Station contact information. 

Office Project Leader/Deputy Office Phone # Email Address 

Abernathy Fish Technology 

Center 

1440 Abernathy Creek Rd 

Longview, WA 98642 

Judith Gordon 

Center Director 

Patty Crandell 

Deputy Center Director 

360 425-6072 

Judith_Gordon@fws.gov 

Patricia_Crandell@fws.gov 

Carson NFH2

14041 Wind River Hwy 

Carson, WA 98610 

John W. Hitron 

Project Leader 

Tom Hogan 

Assistant Project Leader 

509 427-5905 John_Hitron@fws.gov 

Thomas_Hogan@fws.gov 

Columbia River Fisheries 

Program Office 

1211 SE Cardinal Crt, Suite 100 

Vancouver, WA 98683 

Howard Schaller 

Project Leader 

Tim Roth 

Deputy Project Leader 

360 604-2500 Howard_Schaller@fws.gov 

Timothy_Roth@fws.gov 

Dworshak Fisheries Complex 

P.O. Box 18 

4147 Ahsahka Rd. 

Ahsahka, ID 83520 

Larry Peltz 

Complex Manager 208 476-4591 Larry_Peltz@fws.gov 

Dworshak NFH 

P.O. Box 18 

4147 Ahsahka Rd. 

Ahsahka, ID 83520 

Mark Drobish 

Project Leader 208 476-4591 Mark_Drobish@fws.gov 

Eagle Creek NFH 

34288 SE Rainbow Rd 

Estacada, OR 97023 

Larry Telles 

Project Leader 

Mark Galloway 

Assistant Project 

Manager 

503 630-6270 

Larry_Telles@fws.gov 

Mark_Galloway@fws.gov 

Entiat NFH 

6970 Fish Hatchery Drive 

Entiat, WA 98822 

Craig Eaton 

Project Leader 

509 784-1131 

Craig_Eaton@fws.gov 

Hagerman NFH 

3059-D National Fish Hatchery 

Road 

Hagerman, ID 83332 

Bryan Kenworthy 

Project Leader 

Natan Wiese 

Assistant Project Leader 

208 837-4896 

Bryan_Kenworthy@fws.gov 

Nathan_Wiese@fws.gov 

Idaho Fish Health Center 

P.O. Box 272 

Orofino, ID 83544

Kathy Clemens 

Project Leader 

Marilyn Blair 

Assistant Project Leader 

208 476-9500 Kathy_Clemens@fws.gov 

Marilyn_Blair@fws.gov 

 

2

 National Fish Hatchery 
29 

Office Project Leader/Deputy Office Phone # Email Address 

Idaho FRO3

P.O. Box 18 

4147 Ahsahka Road 

Ahsahka, ID 83520 

Howard Burge 

Project Leader 

Mike Faler 

Assist Project Leader 

208 475-7242 Howard_Burge@fws.gov 

Micheal_Faler@fws.gov 

Kooskia NFH

Rt. 1 Box 98A 

Kooskia, ID 83539

Adam Izbicki 

Assistant Hatchery Mgr 208 926-4272 Adam_Izbicki@fws.gov 

Leavenworth NFH Complex 

12790 Fish Hatchery Rd 

Leavenworth, WA 98826

Julie Collins 

Complex Mgr 

Steve Croci 

Deputy Complex Mgr 

509 548-7641 

or 6085 

Julie_Collins@fws.gov 

Steve_Croci@fws.gov 

Leavenworth NFH 

12790 Fish Hatchery Rd 

Leavenworth, WA 98826

Al Jensen 

Hatchery Manager 509-548-7641 

Al_Jensen@fws.gov 

Little White Salmon NFH 

56961 SR 14 

Cook, WA 98605

Speros Doulos 

Complex Manager 

James Rockowski 

Deputy Complex 

Manager 

509 538-2755 

Speros_Doulos@fws.gov 

James_Rockowski@fws.gov 

Lower Columbia River Fish 

Health Center 

201 Oklahoma Road 

Willard, WA 98605

Susan Gutenberger 

Project Leader 

Eric Pelton 

Assistant Project Leader 

509 538-2400 

Susan_Gutenberger@fws.gov 

Eric_Pelton@fws.gov 

Lower Snake River Comp 

Plan 1387 S. Vinnell Way, 

Suite 343 

Boise, ID 83709 

Scott Marshall 

Project Leader 208 378-5298 Scott_Marshall@fws.gov 

Makah NFH 

P.O. Box 739 

Neah Bay, WA 98357 

897 Hatchery Rd 

Caroline Peterschmidt 

Hatchery Manager 360 645-2521 

or 2499 Caroline_Peterschmidt@fws.gov 

Mid Columbia River Fisheries 

Resource Office 

7501 Icicle Road 

Leavenworth, WA 98826 

Jim Craig 

Project Leader 

William Gale 

Deputy Project Leader 

509 548-7573 Jim_L_Craig@fws.gov 

William_Gale@fws.gov 

Olympia Fish Health Center 

3859 Martin Way E, Suite 101 

Olympia, WA 98506 

Ray Brunson 

Project Leader 

Joy Evered 

360 753-9046 Ray_Brunson@fws.gov 

 

3

 Fishery Resource Office 
30 

Office Project Leader/Deputy Office Phone # Email Address 

Deputy Project Leader Joy_Evered@fws.gov 

Quilcene NFH 

281 Fish Hatchery Road 

Quilcene, WA 98376

Ron Wong 

Project Leader 

Dan Magneson 

Assistant Project Leader 

360 765-3334 

or 3330 

Ron_Wong@fws.gov 

Dan_Magneson@fws.gov 

Quinault NFH 

3 Sockeye Road 

Humptulips, WA 98552 

Bill Edwards 

Project Leader 

360 288-2508 

Bill_Edwards@fws.gov 

Spring Creek NFH 

61552 SR 14 

Underwood, WA 98651

Larry Marchant 

Project Leader 

Mark Ahrens 

Deputy Project Leader 

509 493-1730 Larry_Marchant@fws.gov 

Mark_Ahrens@fws.gov 

Warm Springs NFH 

#1 Hatchery Road 

Warm Springs, OR 97761

Roger Sorensen 

Acting Project Leader 

541 553-1692 

Roger_Sorensen@fws.gov 

Western Washington FRO 

510 Desmond Dr. 

Lacey, WA 98503 

Brad Thompson 

Division Manager 

360 753-9509 

Brad_Thompson@fws.gov 

Willard NFH 

5501B Cook-Underwood Rd 

Cook, WA 98605

Steve Wingert 

Assistant Hatchery 

Manager 

509 538-2305 Steve_Wingert@fws.gov 

Winthrop NFH 

P.O. Box 429 

Winthrop, WA 98862

Chris Pasley 

Hatchery Manager 

509 996-2424 

Chris_Pasley@fws.gov 
APPENDIX B: Summary Table, Program Performance and Strategic Plan Links

PARTNERSHIPS AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOCUS AREA

DOI STRATEGIC GOAL

DOI Mission Goal: 

DOI End Outcome Goal: 

Fisheries Strategic Plan Goal: 

Partnerships

Fisheries Strategic Plan Goal: 

Accountability

2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

52.1.2 # of volunteer participation hours aresupporting Fisheries objectives 

for Hatcheries (GPRA) 400 410 420 430 440

52.1.3 # of volunteer participation hours aresupporting Fisheries objectives 

for FWMA (GPRA) 19,020 19,100 19,200 19,300 19,400

52.1.7 Percent of NFHS with Friends Groups 53.3% (8/15) 53.3% (8/15) 60% (9/15) 60% (9/15) 60% (9/15)

AQUATIC HABITAT CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT FOCUS AREA

DOI STRATEGIC GOAL

DOI Mission Goal: 

DOI End Outcome Goal: 

Fisheries Strategic Plan Goal: 

Habitat Conservation

2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

5.1.12 Number of miles re-opened to fish passage 115.5 120 125 125 130

5.1.13 Number of acres re-opened to fish passage 35 35 40 45 50

2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

5.1.3 Number of habitat assessments completed (not acres) 130 130 130 130 130

5.1.4 Total number of miles of in-stream/shoreline habitat assessed 161 150 150 150 150

5.1.10 Total number of in-stream/shoreline miles restored 6.7 7 7 7 7

5.1.11 Total number of fish passage barriers removed or bypassed 38 40 45 45 50

AQUATIC SPECIES CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT: NATIVE SPECIES FOCUS AREA

DOI STRATEGIC GOAL

DOI Mission Goal: 

DOI End Outcome Goal: 2

DOI End Outcome Performance 

Measure: 32 2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

Performance Measure 5.1.1 6.2% (1/16) 6.2% (1/16) 6.2% (1/16) 6.2% (1/16) 6.2% (1/16)

Fisheries Strategic Plan Goal: 

Native Species

2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

5.1.2

Percent of populations of native aquatic non T&E species that are 

self-sustaining in the wild, as prescribed in management plans - 

Fisheries (PART)

18% (14/78) 18% (14/78) 18% (14/78) 18% (14/78) 19% (15/78)

P-5.2.1 Percentage of populations of native aquatic non-T&E species for 

which current status and trend is known (PART) 49% (38/78) 49% (38/78) 50% (39/78) 50% (39/78) 51% (40/78)

P-5.2.2.3 Percentage of populations of native aquatic non-T&E species with 

approved management plans (PART) 68% (53/78) 68% (53/78) 68% (54/78) 68% (54/78) 71% (55/78)

5.2.4 Total number of population assessments completed 787 780 780 780 780

5.2.7 Total number of management plans completed or revised during the 

fiscal year for non-T&E populations 755 55

Performance Measures: P-5.3.1 % of all tasks implemented, as prescribed in Fishery Management 

Plans 

43% 

(451/1,044)

43% 

(451/1,044)

44% 

(459/1,044)

44% 

(459/1,044)

45% 

(470/1,044)

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

By September 30, 2013, achieve 19,400 (annual) volunteer participation hours supporting Fisheries objectives for Hatcheries

By September 30, 2013, achieve 440 (annual) volunteer participation hours supporting Fisheries objectives for FWCO.

Fisheries Program Long-Term 

Performance Goals:

By September 30, 2013 manage 45% of tasks implemented, as prescribed in management plans - Fisheries (PART)

Percent of fish species of management concern that are managed to 

self-sustaining levels, in cooperation with affected States and others, 

as defined in approved management documents (GPRA)

RESOURCE PROTECTION

Protect the Nation's natural, cultural, and heritage resources

Sustain Biological Communities on DOI-Managed and Influenced Lands and Waters Consistent with Obligations and State Law 

Regarding the Allocation and Use of Water

RESOURCE PROTECTION

Protect the Nation's natural, cultural, and heritage resources

By September 30, 2013, 19 % of populations of native aquatic non-T&E species that are self-sustaining in the wild, as prescribed in management plans 

- Fisheries (PART)

By September 30, 2013, 51% of populations of native aquatic non-T&E species managed or influenced by the Fisheries Program for which current 

status (e.g., quantity and quality) and trend is known - Fisheries (PART)

By September 30, 2013, 71% of populations of native aquatic non-T&E species with approved management plans - Fisheries (PART)

MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE

Manage the Department to be highly-skilled, accountable, modern, functionally-integrated, citizen-centered, and result-oriented

DOI 52 Advance Modernization/Integration - 

By September 30, 2013, 616 (additional) miles reopened to fish passage

By September 30, 2013, X # of conservation projects that actively involve the use of knowledge and skills of people in the area, and local resources in 

priority setting, planning, and implementation processes – AIS 

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.

Open, interactive communication between the Fisheries Program and its partners.

By September 30, 2013, X # of conservation projects that actively involve the use of knowledge and skills of people in the area, and local resources in 

priority setting, planning, and implementation processes – FWCO

By September 30, 2013, X # of conservation projects that actively involve the use of knowledge and skills of people in the area, and local resources in 

priority setting, planning, and implementation processes – NFHS

Fisheries Long-Term By September 30, 2013, 205 (additional) of acres will be reopened to fish passage

Performance Goals:

Performance Measures: 

Supporting Workload 

Measures: 

Performance Measures: 

1. Improve the health of watersheds, landscapes, and marine natural resources that are DOI-managed or influenced in a manner consistent 

with obligations regarding the allocation and use of water. Sustain biological communities on DOI-managed or influence

America’s streams, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands are functional ecosystems that support self-sustaining communities of fish and other aquatic 

resources.

Supporting Workload Measures: 

Performance Measures: 

Fisheries Long-Term 

Performance Goals:

Page 1
APPENDIX B: Summary Table, Program Performance and Strategic Plan Links

DOI End Outcome Performance 

Measure: 33

2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

P-7.12.1 Percentage of aquatic T and E populations, as prescribed in 

Recovery Plans, that are self-sustaining, in the wild (PART) 0% (0/235) 0% (0/235) 0% (0/235) 0% (0/235) 0% (0/235)

P-7.12.2

Percentage of aquatic T and E populations, with known biological 

status, that are self-sustaining in the wild (PART) 0% (0/235) 0% (0/235) 0% (0/235) 0% (0/235) 0% (0/235)

P-7.12.3

Percentage of aquatic T and E populations for which current 

condition status and trend is known (PART)

45% 

(106/235)

45% 

(106/235)

46% 

(108/235)

46% 

(108/235)

47% 

(110/235)

P-7.12.4

Percentage of aquatic T and E populations with approved Recovery 

Plans (PART)

72% 

(169/235)

72% 

(169/235)

72% 

(169/235)

72% 

(169/235)

72% 

(171/235)

P-7.12.5

% of all tasks implemented, as prescribed in Recovery Plans - 

Fisheries (PART)

46% 

(243/525)

46% 

(243/525)

46% 

(243/525)

46% 

(243/525)

50% 

(263/525)

AQUATIC SPECIES CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT: AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES FOCUS AREA

DOI STRATEGIC GOAL

DOI Mission Goal: 

DOI End Outcome Goal: 2

Fisheries Strategic Plan Goal: 

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

12.2.3 Number of aquatic invasive species populations controlled/managed reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

P-12.2.4 Number of activities conducted to support the management and 

control of aquatic invasive species (PART) 22 22 23 24 25

12.2.7 Number of public awareness campaigns conducted and supported reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

12.2.9 Number of risk assessments conducted 2 1 1 1 1

12.2.11 Number of surveys conducted for aquatic invasive species 

baseline/trend information 888 88

12.2.12 Number of surveys conducted for early detection and rapid response 10 11 12 13 14

12.2.13 Number of state/interstate ANS plans supported 4 4 4 4 4

12.2.14 Number of AIS partnerships 26 27 28 29 30

AQUATIC SPECIES CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT: INTERJURSIDICTIONAL FISHERIES FOCUS AREA

DOI STRATEGIC GOAL

DOI Mission Goal: 

DOI End Outcome Goal: 2

Fisheries Strategic Plan Goal: 

Interjurisdictional Fisheries

2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

5.1.2

Percent of populations of native aquatic non T&E species that are 

self-sustaining in the wild, as prescribed in management plans - 

Fisheries (PART)

18% (14/78) 18% (14/78) 18% (14/78) 18% (14/78) 19% (15/78)

P-5.2.1 Percentage of populations of native aquatic non-T&E species for 

which current status and trend is known (PART) 49% (38/78) 49% (38/78) 50% (39/78) 50% (39/78) 51% (40/78)

P-5.2.2.3 Percentage of populations of native aquatic non-T&E species with 

approved management plans (PART) 68% (53/78) 68% (53/78) 68% (54/78) 68% (54/78) 71% (55/78)

5.2.4 Total number of population assessments completed 787 780 780 780 780

5.2.7 Total number of management plans completed or revised during the 

fiscal year for non-T&E populations 755 55

By September 30, 2013, 50% of tasks implemented as prescribed in Recovery Plans - Fisheries (PART).

Performance Measures: 

Supporting Workload Measures: 

Interjurisdictional fish populations are managed at self-sustaining levels.

Fisheries Long-Term 

Performance GoalS:

THE FOLLOWING PERFORMANCE VALUES ARE ALSO REPORTED UNDER THE NATIVE SPECIES FOCUS AREA

By September 30, 2013, 47% of aquatic T&E populations managed or influenced by the Fisheries Program for which current status (e.g., quantity and 

quality) and trend is known - Fisheries (PART).

By September 30, 2013, X % of populations of aquatic threatened and endangered species (T&E) with known biological status that are self-sustaining 

in the wild - Fisheries (PART).

By September 30, 2013, X % of populations of aquatic threatened and endangered species (T&E) that are self-sustaining in the wild - Fisheries 

(PART). 

Percent of threatened or endangered species that are stabilized or improved

By September 30, 2013, 72% of aquatic T&E populations managed or influenced by the Fisheries Program with approved Recovery plans - Fisheries 

September 30, 2013, 19% of fish species of management concern that are managed to self-sustaining levels, in cooperation with affected States and 

others, as defined in approved management documents (GPRA).

By September 30, 2013, four state/interstate management plans supported to prevent and control aquatic invasive species (annually).

By September 30, 2013, X 60 surveys conducted for early detection and rapid response for aquatic invasive species (over the past 5 years)

By September 30, 2013, 116 activities conducted to support the management/control of aquatic invasive species - Fisheries (PART)

RESOURCE PROTECTION

Fisheries Long-Term 

Performance Goals:

Performance Measures: 

Risks of aquatic nuisance species invasions are substantially reduced, and their economic, ecological, and human health impacts are minimized.

Fisheries Long-Term 

Performance GoalS:

By September 30, 2013, 780 assessments completed

By September 30, 2013, 27 (additional) management plans completed or revised during the fiscal year

Protect the Nation's natural, cultural, and heritage resources

Sustain Biological Communities on DOI-Managed and Influenced Lands and Waters Consistent with Obligations and State Law 

Regarding the Allocation and Use of Water

Performance Measures: 

RESOURCE PROTECTION

Protect the Nation's natural, cultural, and heritage resources

Sustain Biological Communities on DOI-Managed and Influenced Lands and Waters Consistent with Obligations and State Law 

Regarding the Allocation and Use of Water

Page 2
APPENDIX B: Summary Table, Program Performance and Strategic Plan Links

PUBLIC USE: MITIGATION FISHERIES FOCUS AREA

DOI STRATEGIC GOAL

DOI Mission Goal: 

DOI End Outcome Goal: 

Fisheries Strategic Plan Goal: 

Interjurisdictional Fisheries

Fisheries Long-Term 

Performance Goal:

2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

15.4.1 % of mitigation tasks implemented as prescribed in approved 

management plans - Fisheries (PART) 77% 92% 100% 100% 100%

PUBLIC USE: RECREATIONAL FISHERIES FOCUS AREA

DOI STRATEGIC GOAL

DOI Mission Goal: 

DOI End Outcome Goal: 

DOI End Outcome Goal: 

Fisheries Strategic Plan Goal: 

Recreational Fishing

2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

15.4.6 % of fish populations at levels sufficient to provide quality 

recreational fishing opportunities - Fisheries/FWMA (PART) 58% 58% 59% 59% 61%

15.4.6.1

# of fish populations for which the Fisheries Program has a defined 

statutory or programmatic responsibility, that currently provide 

recreational fishing opportunities - Fisheries/FWMA (PART)

38 38 39 39 40

15.4.6.2

Total # fish populations, representing recreational fish species for 

which the Fisheries Program has a defined

statutory or programmatic responsibility, that potentially provide 

recreational fishing opportunities - Fisheries/FWMA (PART)

66 66 66 66 66

15.4.8 # of aquatic outreach and education activities and/or events - NFHS 622 625 625 630 630

15.4.9 # of aquatic outreach and education activities and/or events - FWMA 141 145 145 150 150

15.4.10 Pounds per dollar (lbs./$) of healthy rainbow trout produced for 

recreation -FisheriesNFHS (PART)

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

15.4.12 Total # of visitors to NFHS facilities 261,500 262,000 262,225 262,500 262,500

15.5.4

NFHS Recreation-related Facilities Improvement: Overall condition 

of NFHS buildings and structures (as measured by the FCI) that are 

mission critical and mission dependent (as measured by the API) 

with emphasis on improving the condition of assets 

0.155 0.155 0.14 0.12 0.1

15.5.4.1 Value ($) of deferred maintenance backlog for NFHS public use 

assets (GPRA) 867,576 841,549 816,302 791,813 768,059

15.5.4.2 Replacement value ($) of NFHS public use assets (GPRA) 5,580,056 5,803,258 6,035,389 6,276,804 6,527,876

15.8.10 # of waters where recreational fishing opportunities are provided - 

NFHS (GPRA)(PART)

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

By September 30, 2013, achieve X index of productivity of pounds per dollar (lbs/$) for healthy rainbow trout produced for recreation – Fisheries 

(PART).

By September 30, 2013, 40 fish populations representing recreational fish species for which the Fisheries Program has a defined statutory or 

programmatic responsibility, that potentially provides recreational fishing opportunities

By September 30, 2013, 61% of fish populations at levels sufficient to provide quality recreational fishing opportunities - Fisheries (PART).

By September 30, 2013, X # of waters where recreational fishing opportunities are provided – Fisheries (PART) (GPRA)

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.

RECREATION

Improving recreation opportunities for America

Performance Measures: 

Fisheries Long-Term 

Performance Goals:

Performance Measures: 

1. Improve the Quality and Diversity of Recreation Experiences and Visitor Enjoyment on DOI Lands.

Quality opportunities for 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. 

RECREATION

Improving recreation opportunities for America

By September 30, 2013, 100% of mitigation tasks implemented as prescribed in approved management plans - Fisheries (PART)

2. Expand Seamless Recreation Opportunities With Partners

1. Improve the Quality and Diversity of Recreation Experiences and Visitor Enjoyment on DOI Lands.

Page 3
APPENDIX B: Summary Table, Program Performance and Strategic Plan Links

COOPERATION WITH NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES FOCUS AREA

DOI STRATEGIC GOAL

DOI Mission Goal: 

DOI End Outcome Goal: 

Fisheries Strategic Plan Goal: 

Leadership in Science and 

Technology

2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

18.1.2

% of planned tasks for Tribal fish and wildlife conservation as 

prescribed by Tribal plans or agreements (Fisheries)

84% 

(86/102)

85% 

(87/102) 86% (88/102) 86% (88/102) 

88% 

(90/102)

18.1.2

% of planned tasks for Tribal fish and wildlife conservation as 

prescribed by Tribal plans or agreements (NFHS) 53% (54/102) 54% (55/102) 54% (54/102) 54% (54/102) 55% (56/102)

18.1.3

% of planned tasks for Tribal fish and wildlife conservation as 

prescribed by Tribal plans or agreements (FWMA) 41% (42/102) 41% (42/102) 42% (43/102) 42% (43/102) 43% (44/102)

18.1.6

Number of training session to support Tribal fish & wildlife 

conservation 13 14 14 15 15

18.1.9

Number of new or modified cooperative agreements or IPA 

Agreements that support Tribal fish & wildlife conservation 445 44

18.1.12

Number of consultations conducted to support Tribal fish & wildlife 

conservation 8 8 8 10 10

LEADERSHIP IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOCUS AREA

DOI STRATEGIC GOAL

DOI Mission Goal: 

DOI End Outcome Goal: 

Fisheries Strategic Plan Goal: 

Leadership in Science and 

Technology

Fisheries Long-Term 

Performance Goal:

2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

Number of applied aquatic scientific and technologic tools developed 

and shared with partners through publications 78 80 80 80 80

Fisheries Strategic Plan 

Objectives: Native Americans

Fisheries Long-Term 

Performance Goals:

SERVING COMMUNITIES

Improve protection of lives, property and assets, advance the use of scientific knowledge, and improve the quality of life for communities we 

serve

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. 

Performance Measures :

RESOURCE PROTECTION

Protect the Nation's natural, cultural, and heritage resources

1. Improve the health of watersheds, landscapes, and marine natural resources that are DOI-managed or influenced in a manner consistent 

with obligations regarding the allocation and use of water. Sustain biological communities on DOI-managed or influence

4.1 Provide technical assistance to Tribes.

Supporting Workload Measure: 

By September 30, 2013, 4 new or modified cooperative agreements with Tribes or IPA Agreements that support Tribal fish and wildlife conservation

By September 30, 2013, 15 (annual) training sessions to support Tribal fish and wildlife conservation

4.3 Provide fish for Tribal resource management.

a. By September 30, 2013, 408 (additional) applied aquatic science and technologic tools developed through publications.

5.3.7

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 

3. Fulfill Indian Fiduciary Trust Responsibilities; Indian Natural Resource Trust Assets

4.2 Identify sources of funds to enhance Tribal resource management.

4.4 Recognize and promote the Service’s distinct obligations toward Tribes within the Fisheries Program. 

By September 30, 2013, 88% of planned tasks implemented for Tribal fish and wildlife conservation as prescribed by Tribal plans or agreements

Page 4
APPENDIX B: Summary Table, Program Performance and Strategic Plan Links

WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT FOCUS AREA

DOI STRATEGIC GOALS: 

DOI Mission Goal: 

DOI Mission Goal: 

DOI End Outcome Goal: 

DOI End Outcome Goal: 

Fisheries Strategic Plan Goal: 

Workforce Managemewnt

Fisheries Long-Term 

Performance Goal:

2009 

Planned

2010 

Planned

2011 

Planned

2012 

Planned

2013 

Planned

13.1.5 % of NFHS historic structures in FWS inventory that are in good 

condition (GPRA) 89% (29/36) 89% (29/36) 89% (29/36) 89% (29/36) 89% (29/36)

13.1.7 NFHS Cultural & Natural Heritage-related Facilities in Good 

Condition-FCI

4% (511,103/ 

13,373,009)

4% (511,103/ 

13,373,009)

4% (511,103/ 

13,373,009)

4% (511,103/ 

13,373,009)

4% (511,103/ 

13,373,009)

13.2.3 % of cultural collections in FWS inventory in good condition 

(combined NWRS and NFHS) (GPRA) 30% (669/2,205) 30% (669/2,205) 30% (669/2,205) 30% (669/2,205) 30% (669/2,205)

52.1.2 # of volunteer participation hours are supporting Fisheries objectives 

for Hatcheries (GPRA) 19,020 19,020 19,500 19,500 19,500

52.1.3 # of volunteer participation hours are supporting Fisheries objectives 

for FWMA (GPRA) 400 410 420 425 430

52.1.17.9

 # of conservation projects that actively involve the use of knowledge 

and skills of people in the area, and local resources in priority 

setting, planning, and implementation processes (NFHS/GPRA)

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

52.1.17.10 # of conservation projects (NFHS/GPRA) reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

52.1.17.11

 # of conservation projects that actively involve the use of knowledge 

and skills of people in the area, and local resources in priority 

setting, planning, and implementation processes (FWMA/GPRA)

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

52.1.17.12 # of conservation projects (FWMA/GPRA) reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

reported 

nationally

5.5.1 5.5.1 The condition of NFHS mission critical water management 

assets, as measured by the DOI FCI, is x. (GPRA)

0.119 

(129,476,777/ 

1,087,233,873)

0.100 

(129,476,777/ 

1,087,233,873)

0.100 

(129,476,777/ 

1,087,233,873)

0.100 

(129,476,777/ 

1,087,233,873)

0.100 

(129,476,777/ 

1,087,233,873)

54.1.6

NFHS Administrative Facilities Improvement: Overall condition of 

NFHS buildings and structures (e.g. storage, administrative, 

employee housing) (as measured by the FCI) that are mission 

critical and mission dependent (as measured by the API) with 

emphasis

7% 7% 7% 7% 7%

54.1.6.1 value ($) of deferred maintenance cost estimate for NFHS direct 

infrastructure support assets (GPRA) 867,576 841,549 816,302 791,813 768,059

54.1.6.2 total replacement value ($) of NFHS direct infrastructure support 

assets (GPRA) 5,580,056 5,803,258 6,035,389 6,276,804 6,527,876

Performance Measures :

RESOURCE PROTECTION; MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE

Protect the Nation's natural, cultural, and heritage resources

a. By September 30, 2013, the condition of NFHS mission critical water management assets, as measured by the DOI FCI, is .100

Protect Cultural and Natural Heritage Resources

DOI 52 Advance Modernization/Integration - 

Manage the Department to be highly-skilled, accountable, modern, functionally-integrated, citizen-centered, and result-oriented

Maintain and support an adequately-sized, strategically-positioned workforce with state-of-the-art training, equipment, and technologies in their career 

fields. 

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