Atlantic Salmon ESA Listing Workshop

Transcription

1 Atlantic Salmon ESA Listing Workshop MARCH 26, 2010

2 Declining numbers of adults

3 ESA Listing Overview When and why was the listing? 2000 Downeast rivers listing Other rivers added in June 2009 Prompted by conservation group lawsuit Based on finding of a common genetic link to previously-listed listed salmon (Distinct( Population Segment) Other rivers (e.g. St. Croix, Saco, Presumpscot) ) not included

4 Critical Habitat segments of watersheds containing habitats deemed necessary for population recovery A A subset of the historic range within each watershed

5

6

7 Salmon Habitat Recovery Units

8 De-listing Criteria all three SHRUs must meet or exceed the criteria: 500 or greater adult returns per SHRU. less than 50 % probability of falling below 500 adults per SHRU in the next 15 years based on population projections. The entire DPS must demonstrate consistent positive population growth for at least 2 generations (10 years). adult returns must not be dependent on hatchery stocking. Threats identified at the time of the listing must be addressed through regulatory or other means.

9 Listed threats to recovery 1. HABITAT DESTRUCTION/ALTERATION Dams, Water quality, Habitat complexity, Habitat Connectivity, Water quantity 2. OVERHARVEST 3. DISEASE AND PREDATION 4. INADEQUATE REGULATORY STRUCTURE 5. OTHER NATURAL OR MANMADE FACTORS hatcheries, aquaculture, marine survival, other depleted species, etc.

10 Salmon and forestry Demonstrated and potential impacts to Atlantic salmon habitat within the DPS watersheds result from the following causes Water extraction Sedimentation Passage obstructions (dams, poor road crossings) Input of nutrients Insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides Elevated water temperatures Removal of stream bank vegetation

11 Salmon Biology 101

12 Habitat Requirements eggs clean gravel riffles fry shallow gravel runs parr cobble riffles, runs and glides Adults pools open channels, no obstructions Water quality: Well-oxygenated Cold (less( than 22 o C<71 o F>) Little or no turbidity

13 Habitat Use Timetable Egg - November through April Fry emergence - April June Parr lives in stream for 2 years Smolt migrate to the ocean in spring Adult enters native river after 2 years at sea, May-September spawning in Oct-Nov. may leave for the sea after spawning or reside in stream until following spring

14 Take to harass, harm,, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct Examples: Harm may include significant habitat modification where it actually kills k or injures a listed species Unauthorized destruction or alteration of habitat. structures that block migration routes; instream dredging, rock removal, operation of heavy equipment, or channelization; discharge of fill material; manipulation of river flow; Discharge of toxic chemicals, silt, or other pollutants (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, heavy metals, oil, organic wastes).

15 Incidental Take Some take may be authorized during the conduct of lawful activities ies after review by federal agencies under sections 7 or 10 of the Endangered Species Act. In the absence of an Incidental Take determination, you may be vulnerable to federal penalties or citizen lawsuits should an unexpected impact occur as a result of your activity.

16 Tools to minimize exposure and risk Develop a Habitat Conservation Plan Develop and use BMP s for specific impacts Inventory Monitor and document Have a communication protocol Determine if you should obtain an Incidental Take Permit

17 Tools (continued( continued) Section 10 Incidental Take Permit Applicant-initiated Shields applicant from legal liability Define impacts of operation Propose steps to minimize impacts Consider alternatives Identify mitigation (if applicable)

18 Opportunities Sustainable Forestry Branding Mitigation Trading

19 Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standards Applicable to Salmon

20 Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard (SFI) Objective 3 - Protect water quality in streams, lakes and other water bodies. Objective 4 -Conserve biodiversity, protect threatened and endangered species. Objective 6 - Manage lands that are ecologically, geologically, historically, or culturally important.

21 Restoration of Maine Atlantic Salmon Populations Require that objectives 3,4 and 6 be fully evaluated, planned, implemented, and monitored. Opportunities exist in the forest industry to provide restoration areas to offset commercial, municipal, and industrial impacts to migrating salmon.

22 Sewall/Kleinschmidt Fish Passage Barrier Inventory Project for the Maine Forest Service

23

24 Surveys under way for the other drainages

25 Summary The salmon ESA listing will likely be with us for some time Forestry activities in headwater areas may affect salmon habitat Habitat Conservation Plans and Incidental Take Permits may be advisable in some cases An internal salmon audit may be advisable There are both challenges and opportunities for the forest industry