2015 Annual Report - Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association

Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association
2015 Annual Report
1 Executive Director’s Message
President’s Message
Several years ago we asked ourselves how we could
better meet the needs of the salmon resource and
the salmon fishing community during changing
conditions. The answers—we needed financial stability
and adaptable programs to meet the new challenges of
the salmon resource and its management. In 2010, we
embarked on an effort to do just that.
Desiderata is a poem copyrighted in 1927 by Indiana lawyer, Max Ehrmann. The title is Latin and means
“something desired as essential.” Les Crane, a San Francisco talk-show host, read the poem to music by Fred
Werner and it won a Grammy Award in 1971. Desiderata came over the rivers of air to my ears when I was in
high school. The following are some excerpts:
The first thing was to make sure Cook Inlet
Aquaculture Association (CIAA) had the financial
resources to respond to our future needs. We needed
a reliable revenue source that consistently covered
all the costs of the projects we were operating. Our
main revenue source was, and remains, the hatchery
cost recovery harvests. Our hatchery cost recovery
program was not reliable because it was dependent
on one species—sockeye salmon—and most of those
sockeye returned to Resurrection Bay.1
All the fish released by CIAA are wild fish—they are
subjected to ocean vagaries and returns are not always
predictable. In addition, sockeye salmon are more
difficult to raise and have a relatively long life cycle.
It takes four to six years to realize adjustments to a
sockeye stocking program and relying on sockeye
returns to generate cost recovery revenues in a
changing environment was risky.
Shortly after resuming
operations at Tutka
Bay Lagoon
Hatchery, we were
given the opportunity
to assume ownership
of the Port Graham
Hatchery. This
modern facility,
located on saltwater in the village of Port Graham,
allowed CIAA to increase its pink salmon program and
provided the opportunity to diversify further with the
potential to develop a future chum salmon program.
We assumed ownership of the facility in April 2014
and immediately began renovation efforts. Once
full production is reached, this facility will provide
additional cost recovery revenue—revenue that can be
used for salmon rehabilitation and enhancement efforts
throughout the Cook Inlet drainage.
Deciding to stabilize cost recovery revenues was not
the only decision we made to address the needs of
the resource and the industry. We also implemented
changes to our enhancement programs and expanded
our efforts to fully assess those programs. For example,
CIAA conducts three sockeye stocking projects in
Kachemak Bay at China Poot Lake, Hazel Lake, and
Tutka Bay Lagoon. We changed broodstock for the
To address the problems caused by the reliance on
China Poot (also called Leisure Lake) and Hazel lakes
sockeye salmon returning to Resurrection Bay, CIAA
projects, modified our stocking methods, and began
elected to reopen the Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery for
efforts in 2013 to assess the harvest of stocked fish by
pink salmon production. Not only are pink salmon
collecting otolith samples from the harvest. The results
easier to raise, but they have a shorter life cycle and
adjustments to pink salmon stocking programs can be have been positive. In 2013 less than 10% of salmon
in the Lower Cook Inlet setnet fishery assessed for a
realized in two years. In other words, we can readily
adjust pink salmon stocking programs during changing hatchery mark were from a stocking program and by
2015 that number had increased to about 20%.
conditions. Reopening Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery,
however, still required at least six years before reaching There have been successes and setbacks, but we are
full production because sufficient returns needed to be moving toward greater program stability by moving
established to develop a reliable broodstock population. away from relying on sockeye salmon returning to
1. CIAA began looking for a cost recovery harvest area in 1993.
After several proposed locations and lengthy discussions with
the ADF&G, CIAA decided to stock up to 1,536,000 additional
sockeye salmon smolt to Bear Lake and Resurrection Bay with the
objective that returning adults would be available for cost recovery
harvest.
2 Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
And remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender,
Be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others Even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.
…
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans,
Keep interested in your own career However humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
For the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is.
…
Sockeye salmon were counted ascending Hidden Creek beginning in 1947. Between then and 1979, the average
number of ascendants was 2,003.1 The Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) gamete collection at
Hidden Lake started in 1976 and the eggs were incubated at Crooked Creek Hatchery. Enhanced returns begin
reaching Hidden Lake in 1980. Between then and 2004 the sockeye escapement averaged 56,4842, for a nifty
2,720% increase. In 1988, CIAA began assisting ADF&G with the Hidden Lake project and took the endeavor
over in 1991. That year, 72,060 sockeye were harvested by personal use dipnetters in Hidden Creek. In 2004
fifty-eight sockeye, sporting lures, climbed Hidden Creek.2 Those lures are as beautiful as bone fide butterflies.
They stand as a silent testament to people who benefit from this stocking program. If 58 got away with a hook,
hundreds must have been caught. Sockeye typically reach Hidden Creek in late July after passing through
commercial, sport, personal use, educational, and subsistence fisheries.
And so it shows, everywhere CIAA goes with a project, blessings follow. Even the bears are fond of enhancement
and people go to Hidden Creek to view the mystic omnivores. In 2016 CIAA continues Hidden Lake
enhancement, while also celebrating 40 years of work, hope, dreams and goals. Desiderata…
1. Enhancement of Hidden Lake Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhyncnus nerka) Summary of Fisheries Production (1976–1989) by G. B.Kyle, D. S. Litchfield,
and G. L. Todd
2. Hidden Lake Sockeye Salmon Enhancement Progress Report 2004
Resurrection Bay to generate most of our cost recovery
revenues. We are also beginning to provide better
documentation on where our stocked fish are being
harvested. We haven’t completed everything we set out
to do yet, but we are well on our way.
3 Mission
Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association is a non-profit regional association which exists to:
1. protect self-perpetuating salmon stocks and the habitat upon which they depend;
2. rehabilitate self-perpetuating salmon stocks;
3. rehabilitate salmon habitat; and
3. maximize the value of the Cook Inlet (Area H) common property salmon resource by applying
science and enhancement technology where appropriate.
Goals
To accomplish this mission the Board of Directors of Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association will:
Seek protection of salmon habitat through active participation (testimony, committee work, data input, etc.)
in planning, permitting and enforcement processes.
Conduct salmon rehabilitation and enhancement projects which can be expected to significantly contribute
to common property fishery harvests. An average harvest rate of 50% in the common property fishery is the
acceptable standard for “significant contribution.” This standard does not apply during project development
or to projects designed solely for cost recovery harvest.
Conduct evaluation activities which increase the effectiveness of project implementation.
Engage in research which advances the state of enhancement/rehabilitation technology.
Be sensitive to the interests of those harvesting the Area H common property salmon resource.
Educate the public about the salmon resource and the mission, goals and projects of the Association.
Maintain the highest standards of financial responsibility and accountability for the funds entrusted to it.
Maintain facilities, administrative practices and personnel policies which require and encourage its staff to
perform in a safe, professional and cost-effective manner.
Comply with all statutes and regulations governing private nonprofit aquaculture association activities in the
State of Alaska.
Participate, within the limits for tax-exempt corporations, in the development of legislation and regulation
relevant to attainment of the mission.
Financial Summary
June 30, 2015
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$2 ,111,711
Grants receivable
$137,163
Other receivables
$56,569
Inventory
$93,078
Prepaids
$271,667
Total current assets
$2,670,188 Construction in progress
$213,198
Property and equipment and leasehold improvements,
net of accumulated depreciation and amorization
$9,389,800
$12,273,186
Liabilities and Net Assets
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$84,328
Accrued payroll liabilities
$128,217
Notes payable, current $155,377
Total current liabilities
$367,922
Notes payable, less portion classified as current
$10,078,060
Total liabilities
$10,455,982
Net assets:
Temporarily restricted
$352,282
Unrestricted
$1,474,922
Total net assets
$1,827,204
$12,273,186
4 The financial information presented is a summary. For a full report, please contact CIAA at 907-283-5761.
5 Cook Inlet Region
Hatcheries and headquarters building
Miles
English Bay Lakes
Chelatna Lake
Trail Lakes Hatchery
Municipality of Anchorage
Eklutna Salmon Hatchery
Whiskey & Hewitt Lakes
Daniels Lake
Hidden Lake
Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery
Leisure & Hazel Lakes
Bear Lake & Resurrection Bay
Headquarters Kenai
Packers Lake
Marten Lake
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Shell Lake
2015 Monitoring and habitat project sites
20
Paint River
Port Graham Hatchery
200
Alaska Map Company, LLC
Miles
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
In the map below, the lightened area depicts the watershed boundary. The dashed line depicts the boundaries of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, the
Municipality of Anchorage, and the Kenai Peninsula Borough. This political boundary is closely aligned with the watershed boundary.
As a private, non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Alaska, CIAA engages in salmon enhancement and habitat work
throughout the Cook Inlet region. This region includes waters of Alaska in Cook Inlet and Resurrection Bay north of Cape Douglas and west of Cape
Fairfield including the Barren Islands and all the region’s freshwater drainages. The drainage area feeding Cook Inlet is over 38,000 square miles and
reaches as far north as Denali and east almost as far as Glenallen.
7 6 Trail Lakes Hatchery
Located near Moose Pass, Trail Lakes Hatchery is a State-owned and CIAA-operated facility. This hatchery is
permitted to rear sockeye, coho, and Chinook salmon, although production has mainly focused on sockeye
salmon. A smaller amount of coho salmon rearing takes place, as shown in the table below.
Capital improvement projects continued in 2015 with grant funding provided by the Alaska State Legislature.
This funding has been spent for much needed maintenance and repair. In 2015, Trail Lakes completed a review
of options for improving the wastewater treatment system. In 2016, Trail Lakes will be selecting an option and
moving ahead with phase 1 of the construction. Overall, over $1,495,671 has been spent on upgrades to the
facility since 2010.
Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery
Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery, located in Kachemak Bay, is a State-owned and CIAA-operated facility. After
operations were suspended for several years, an increase in pink salmon demand and prices allowed for Tutka
Bay Lagoon Hatchery to reopen for pink salmon production in 2011. In 2015, Tutka successfully stocked over
1 million unfed pink salmon fry into Upper Paint Lake. Adult returns from this release will occur in 2016.
Additionally, 11,250,000 pink salmon (Tutka stock) were released into Tutka Bay.
Egg collection in 2015 proved to be a challenging task for most areas because warm water temperatures, low
oxygen levels, and plankton blooms impacted the survivability of the broodstock. Egg targets were met at Bear
Lake and Hidden Lake but fell significantly short with the English Bay Lakes stock. Due to this shortage, there
will be no stocking in 2016 at Hazel or Leisure lakes.
Hatcheries
8 Adult pink salmon returns to Tutka Bay were one of the best since CIAA took over operation of the facility in
terms of marine survival. Over 2.4 million adult pink salmon returned to Tutka Bay Lagoon. Unfortunately, due
to this large return, warm water temperatures, low dissolved oxygen levels, plankton blooms, and catcher/tender
boat availability, Tutka experienced a high mortality rate in the captured broodstock. Hence despite adequate
returns only 29,126,000 green pink salmon eggs were collected. No broodstock/gamete collection occurred with
the Bruin Bay stock.
Capital improvement projects that began in 2010 due to Alaska State Legislature grant funding continued into
2015 with the installation of new headbox for the settling tank. Over $2,040,152 has been spent on upgrades to
the facility since 2010.
9 Port Graham Hatchery
Eggtake at Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery
Photo courtesy of Kentaro Yusui
In 2015, Port Graham Hatchery saw the completion of a $2.8 million renovation project that was started in 2014.
Due to the construction, the incubation of 3,196,000 pink salmon (Port Graham stock) had taken place at Tutka
Bay Lagoon Hatchery. In the spring of 2015, the progeny from this gamete collection were transferred to Port
Graham Hatchery as unfed fry for short-term rearing before being released into Port Graham Bay.
With the completion of the renovation project, the next step in the hatchery program is to develop the
broodstock for the hatchery program. In order to do this, CIAA must first collect broodstock from the donor
stock of Port Graham River. Only fish excess to the Port Graham River escapement goal can be used for
broodstock. Excess adult pink salmon from the common property fishery was purchased by CIAA in order to
move the program forward. As with the other two hatcheries, Port Graham experienced higher than normal
broodstock mortalities due to warm water temperatures and plankton blooms, which impacted the number of
eggs collected.
Eklutna Salmon Hatchery
The Eklutna Salmon Hatchery, located on the Old Glenn Highway near Palmer, is owned by CIAA. Although
the hatchery has not been in operation since 1998, it served as a temporary rearing facility for sockeye and coho
smolts during the water shortages at the Trail Lakes Hatchery (2005–2008) and is currently serving as a base of
operations for the Susitna habitat and monitoring programs. The facility is also used by ADF&G to imprint and
release Chinook and coho salmon smolt prior to their release to the Eklutna Tailrace.
At the end of 2014, the Eklutna Salmon Hatchery was broken into and vandalized. In 2015, CIAA worked closely
with law enforcement, the court system, and the insurance agency to successfully reach an insurance settlement
as well as the sentencing of six individuals for this felony crime. Repairs that were necessary to have the facility
operational for ADF&G’s imprinting and release of Chinook salmon were completed by CIAA.
Although CIAA owns the hatchery buildings, the property is leased from the Department of Natural Resources
(ADNR). Over the last couple of years, CIAA has been working with ADNR to establish conditions for a new
lease. As a requirement of this lease, CIAA must complete a State Land survey of the property. This land survey is
currently taking place and should be completed in 2016.
10 11 Evaluation
Cost Recovery
Every year CIAA spends a significant
amount of resources in terms of staff time,
equipment (boilers, piping infrastructure),
and fuel toward thermal marking salmon
incubated and reared in the hatcheries.
Thermal marking, the process of putting a
distinct mark on a fish’s otolith (ear bone)
once the eggs have reached the eyed stage,
is done by heating and cooling the hatchery
water in a particular pattern. This pattern
(thermal mark code) is assigned by ADF&G
and is specific to each stock or area where
salmon are released.
When the thermally-marked fish migrate out
of a watershed as smolts or return as adults,
CIAA staff removes the otoliths from the fish
to identify which fish were incubated in a
hatchery. In the lab, the otoliths are analyzed
for the unique and distinct mark—a mark
that will provide the fish’s origin and age.
The results provide CIAA with valuable
information as to how well the hatchery
program is working and the population
characteristics of smolt and returning
salmon. This information can then be used
to adjust the hatchery program to achieve
the best survival rates possible. Additionally,
the data collected from the otoliths are used
in models to forecast adult returns, thereby
improving the accuracy of future return
projections.
12 Bear Lake, Hidden Lake, and English Bay
Lakes have been the primary focus for
otolith evaluation. In 2015, CIAA also
collected otoliths from sockeye cost recovery
harvests from Resurrection Bay and Bear
Lake. Samples from the common property
fishery in Kachemak Bay were also collected
by ADF&G in 2015 and given to CIAA for
analysis to assist ADF&G in this evaluation.
There are also future plans to include
evaluations of the Tutka, Port Graham, and
Paint River pink salmon, and Leisure Lake
sockeye salmon.
To recover operational costs for our hatchery programs, CIAA develops cost-recovery harvest plans for areas
where hatchery-raised fish will be returning. These areas are known as Special Harvest Areas (SHAs) and are
developed in cooperation with ADF&G. Through a public bidding process, CIAA licenses access to these SHAs
to processors. The objective is to reach the cost recovery goal as quickly as possible and then open the SHA to the
commercial fleet.
For 2015, it was projected that nearly all the cost recovery harvest would occur at Resurrection Bay in order
to meet the corporate cost recovery goal of $4.1 million. This would leave the adult sockeye salmon returns at
China Poot/Neptune Bay, Kirschner Lake and at Tutka Bay Lagoon, in addition to the adult pink salmon returns
at Tutka Bay Lagoon to be available for harvest by the commercial fleet.
However, the returns at Resurrection Bay/Bear
Lake turned out to be significantly less than
projected. This forced CIAA to perform harvests
for cost recovery at the other SHAs. Despite
the disappointment with the sockeye return at
Resurrection Bay/Bear Lake, there were some high
points. Sockeye returns to Kirschner Lake and
Tutka Bay Lagoon were either at or over projections
and the adult pink salmon return to Tutka far
exceeded initial estimates with nearly 2.1 adult pink
salmon being harvested.
2015 Cost Recovery
Location
Species
Number
Revenue
Resurrection Bay
Sockeye
94,652
$906,761
Tutka Bay Lagoon
Sockeye
31,105
$173,741
Hidden Lake*
Sockeye
400
$399
Kirschner Lake
Sockeye
23,571
$130,403
2,141,201
$1,360,299
2,290,929
$2,571,603
Tutka Bay Lagoon
Total
Pink
*Fish that were collected for otolith analysis and then sold.
13 Habitat
Maintaining and improving salmon habitat and natural salmon populations is an important part of CIAA’s
work. Through efforts to maintain and operate flow control structures by providing adequate flows for
migration, removal of seasonal migration barriers, construction of fishways and ladders, and implementation
of anadromous stream habitat projects, CIAA has enhanced numerous salmon populations without releasing a
single fish.
Fishways
The Paint River Fish Ladder reopened in June 2015. Staff returned to close down the ladder in early September.
For the second year in a row since opening this ladder, naturally-spawned salmon are using the ladder with
several fish seen in and above the ladder this year. As mentioned earlier in this report, CIAA successfully stocked
over 1 million unfed pink salmon fry into Upper Paint Lake in 2015. Adult salmon from this release will return
in 2016 and future activities at the ladder include the installation of a video monitoring system to assist in
counting returning salmon—both the hatchery-raised pinks and the naturally-spawned salmon that are using
the ladder. The hatchery stocking is intended to subside once the pink salmon establish themselves in the system.
The Chenik Creek “pool and jump” fish ladder continues to facilitate an escapement of sockeye salmon into
Chenik Lake. In recent years, a significant number of sockeye salmon have returned to Chenik Lake and have
been available for common property harvest.
Beaver Dams
When working at various lakes and
streams, CIAA routinely monitors for
the presence of beaver dams. Some dams
can hinder the ability of adult salmon to
return to spawning areas. To remedy the
problem, CIAA provides a temporary
opening of the beaver dams. The small
notch made in the dam allows salmon to
pass through and continue migrating to
spawning areas. Typically there is enough
time for salmon to pass before the beavers
rebuild the notched area. Beaver dam
monitoring and any subsequent notching
is a very unobtrusive activity that provides
a lot of benefit for salmon trying to reach
spawning areas.
Water Flow Control
Water flow control structures are routinely operated by CIAA to ensure adequate water is available for salmon
migration into Daniels, Marten, Packers, and Bear lakes. Due to the Elodea eradication work at Daniels Lake
in 2015, staff monitored and adjusted the flow control at the outlet for this lake several times throughout the
summer, as well as monitored road bank erosion into Daniels Creek, and observed fish migration. The Marten
Lake flow control structure in the Big River Lakes system on the west side of Cook Inlet was checked twice over
the summer. Adjustments to this structure provided the water flow necessary for sockeye salmon to enter the
lake during late August. On Kalgin Island, the Packers Lake flow control was checked twice. The Bear Lake flow
control structure, near Seward, was monitored and adjusted by the weir crew on a continual basis between May
and October.
Limnology
Notching a beaver dam at Trinity Creek
In 2015, beaver dam surveys were conducted for several water bodies in the Susitna River watershed: Movie,
Shell, Nancy, Judd, Trapper, Trinity, Redshirt and Talachulitna lakes. Staff observed dams blocking salmon
passage at some of these systems. For example, seven dams were notched on Shell Creek alone this year.
Five systems in the Cook Inlet watershed were also monitored for beaver dams—Daniels, Bishop, and Hidden
Creek on the Kenai Peninsula; Coal Creek Lake Creek in the Beluga River drainage on the west side of Cook
Inlet; and Packers Lake on Kalgin Island. Staff only found it necessary to notch beaver dams on Hidden Creek in
2015.
14 Salmon pooling at the outlet to Marten Lake
To assure stocking projects do not alter the
natural trophic status of the lakes, CIAA collects
and analyzes water samples. In 2015, CIAA
collected these samples at three lakes in which it
stocks salmon—Hidden, Leisure, and Bear lakes.
The information collected is used to evaluate the
projects and ensure appropriate nutrient loading
and fry stocking into these lakes. Samples were
also taken at Tustumena Lake in 2015.
Lake Fertilization
The purpose of fertilization is to increase the
zooplankton population. The liquid fertilizer,
applied to the lakes during the summer, helps
propagate phytoplankton growth, which in turn
increases zooplankton growth. Several species of
zooplankton are major food sources for salmon
fry. In 2015, fertilizer was applied to Leisure and
Bear lakes.
Zooplankton sample
15 Monitoring
For the 17th year under CIAA’s operation, staff enumerated salmon smolt leaving Tustumena Lake. This project
was not in place in 2014, but with funding provided by a State Legislative Grant and ADF&G, CIAA was able
to operate this project in 2015. A strong sockeye salmon smolt migration was recorded, with an estimated 9.8
million sockeye smolt migrating.
Smolt and Adult
Each year, CIAA operates smolt traps and adult weirs to collect data on the numbers of smolt leaving a system
and the number of adults returning. These data are used by CIAA for hatchery operations, as well as ADF&G for
fisheries management.
In support of the hatchery programs, smolt and adult enumeration projects were conducted at Bear Lake,
Hidden Lake, English Bay Lakes, and Leisure Lake (also called China Poot Lake) in 2015. Some of the highlights
from this year’s counts included a strong sockeye salmon smolt migration at all four locations. The same could be
said for the coho salmon smolt migration from Bear Lake.
However, adult salmon returns were more variable. Returns were adequate at Bear Lake for both the sockeye
and coho salmon but were below predicted returns at English Bay Lakes and Hidden Lake. No adult monitoring
was performed at Leisure Lake, which is a barriered lake. No adult salmon escape to this lake.
Shell Lake in the Susitna River Watershed was once a significant contributor to the sockeye production in the
Susitna River Watershed. Beginning in the mid-2000s, CIAA monitoring of the sockeye salmon smolt migration
and the adult sockeye returns showed a steady decline in numbers.
It was determined that invasive northern pike, a disease caused by the microsporidian Loma salmonidae, and
other parasites were all having a negative effect on the population of sockeye salmon. To circumvent the loss of
sockeye fry by the northern pike and to break the disease cycle, CIAA began a rehabilitation program in 2012,
which included salmon stocking, northern pike harvesting, and disease monitoring.
From eggs collected at Shell Lake in 2012, the progeny were stocked into Shell Lake as smolt (80,000) in 2014.
The smolt monitoring in 2014 counted 21,202 sockeye salmon smolt, which CIAA attributes to the smolt release.
Staff also attributed the loss of nearly 60,000 smolt to invasive pike predation. In 2015, just 60 sockeye smolt were
counted leaving the lake. Staff set up a video weir to count the number of adult salmon returning to the lake.
Similar to 2013 and 2014, very few adults returned in 2015, halting plans for an eggtake. The adult fish from the
2014 stocking should return in 2016, and CIAA is working with ADF&G to further plan the rehabilitation of this
system.
Hidden Creek Weir
Invasive Species
For several years now, CIAA has focused on invasive species
threats to salmon and their habitat. In 2015, CIAA finished
a report on a three-year study (2012–2014) funded by the
Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund (AKSSF) investigating
northern pike at Whiskey, Hewitt, and Chelatna lakes in the
Susitna watershed, as well as testing an electronic barrier to
deter northern pike from entering a system. This AKSSFfunded project provided information on northern pike
movements, habitat preferences, and the most effective
sampling methods that will help establish mitigation plans for
individual lakes
Although the grant funding ended, CIAA continued to focus
on northern pike in 2015 using CIAA funding. The focus of
the 2015 field season was on harvesting pike from Whiskey,
Hewitt, Chelatna, and Shell lakes. In addition, CIAA worked
Northern pike harvesting, Shell Lake
with the Tyonek Tribal Conservation District, University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and ADF&G to perform a pilot study for
the detection of northern pike in the Tyonek watershed using environmental DNA—a surveillance tool used
to monitor for the genetic presence of an aquatic species. By taking water samples and processing them in a
laboratory, the presence of a species can be detected without having to actually catch that species. Samples were
taken in the Tyonek Watershed from Three-Mile Creek, Nicolai Creek, Chuitna Lake, Big Lake, and Three-Mile
Lake. When the analyses are complete, CIAA will continue to work with the partners in this project to determine
the next step in preventing northern pike from invading the Tyonek Watershed.
In the summer of 2015, CIAA continued to participate in a couple of Elodea (Alaska’s first known invasive water
weed) monitoring and eradication projects. It is a serious threat to freshwater resources and fish habitat statewide
and has been found in the Fairbanks, Anchorage, Cordova, and Kenai areas. It has been known to dramatically
change freshwater habitats; infest waterways making it difficult for boats to travel; reduce native vegetation; and
negatively impact land values and recreational opportunities.
On the Kenai Peninsula, CIAA partnered with other organizations to eradicate Elodea at three lakes in north
Kenai: Daniels, Stormy, and Beck lakes. In 2015, CIAA helped in the water quality monitoring by taking
zooplankton samples at Daniels and Beck lakes, and at two control lakes, Island and Douglas. Results from
two years of treatments (2014 and 2015) indicate that this weed has been eradicated from these lakes, although
monitoring will continue in 2016 and CIAA plans to continue to assist with these activities.
Under a grant from the Matanuska-Susitna Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership, CIAA finished a project in 2015
surveying lakes in the Susitna watershed for the presence of Elodea. During this second year of a two-year
project, CIAA surveyed 11 lakes in residential areas and areas with high boat and plane traffic for Elodea and
none was found in 2015.
16 17 Board of Directors
18 As of January 25, 2016
Board MemberAlternate
Cook Inlet Fishermen’s Fund
Steve VanekMark Ducker/Chris Garcia
Dave Martin, Treasurer
Mark Ducker/Chris Garcia
Cook Inlet Seiners Association
Matt AlwardMalcolm Milne
Jacob WiseMalcolm Milne
Inlet Wide Commercial Fishermen Representatives
Christine Brandt, 1st Vice President
Brian Koski
Robert Correia
Caroline Correia
John McCombs
Mark Ducker
Paul RothRobert Roth
Carl HattenCarl J. Hatten
Kenai Peninsula Fisherman’s Association
Will FaulknerVacant
North Pacific Fisheries Association
Jessie Nelson, Secretary
Malcolm Milne/Chris Moss
John Gucer
Ian Pitzman
Northern District Setnetters
Kenny RodgersBob Cellers/Gary Swan
Page HerringBob Cellers/Gary Swan
United Cook Inlet Drifters Association
Bob MerchantSteve Tvenstrup
Dyer VanDevereSteve Tvenstrup
City of Homer
Mark RothAl Ray Carroll
City of Kachemak
Emil “Beaver” Nelson, 2nd Vice President
Glenn Carroll
City of Seward
Tim McDonaldAndrew Wilder
Cook Inlet Region, Inc.
Paul Shadura IIVacant
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Brent Johnson, President Dale Bagley
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Brian BohmanVacant
Municipality of Anchorage
VacantVacant
Processor Representative
Timothy SchmidtHunter Hammer
Vince GoddardPaul Shadura III
Port Graham/Nanwalek Representative
VacantVacant
The Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to providing and
protecting the salmon resources of Cook Inlet for all user groups. The Board meets annually in February and periodically
from September to May to make important decisions on many of the programs conducted by CIAA. Although most Board
members are appointed by the organization they represent, the Inlet Wide Commercial Fishermen Representatives are
elected every three years by all Area H permit holders. Board meetings are open to the public.
Committees
Executive Committee
Brent Johnson, President
Christine Brandt, 1st Vice-President
Beaver Nelson, 2nd Vice-President
Jessie Nelson, Secretary
Dave Martin,Treasurer
John McCombs
Mark Roth
Legislative Committee
John McCombs, Chair
Steve Vanek
Paul Shadura II
Finance Committee
Paul Shadura II, Chair
Brent Johnson
Dave Martin
Mark Roth
Christine Brandt
Matt Alward
Matt Alward
Regional Planning Team
Dave Martin
Mark Roth
Steve Vanek
Brent Johnson, Alternate
Tim Schmidt, Alternate
Susitna Committee
Brian Bohman, Chair
Dave Martin
Beaver Nelson
Kenny Rodgers
Paul Shadura II
Hatchery Committee
Beaver Nelson, Chair
Robert Correia
Brent Johnson
Dave Martin
Tim McDonald
Jessie Nelson
Kenny Rodgers
Mark Roth
Paul Roth
Timothy Schmidt
Jacob Wise
Beaver & Jessie Nelson
Steve Vanek
John McCombs
19 Outreach & Education
“Providing and protecting your salmon resource” is the mission of CIAA stated quite simply. In support of this
mission, CIAA engages in outreach and education every year in many aspects of operations, with the goal of
promoting the preservation of the Cook Inlet salmon resource for all user groups.
Hatchery Tours
Tours allow CIAA to show the important processes undertaken at the hatcheries and to demonstrate the
methods used by technicians when monitoring salmon migrations. Trail Lakes Hatchery, which is on the road
system, offers one of the best opportunities for students and other visitors to learn about the salmon life cycle
and hatchery operations. People visit every day in the summer months, while there are fewer visitors in the
winter months. Several school groups toured the facility in 2015. Trail Lakes Hatchery also operates a weir at
Bear Creek, which is again easily accessible by road and visited by hundreds of people throughout the summer
looking to learn about the smolt leaving the lake or the adults returning.
Although located remotely across Kachemak Bay, Tutka Bay Lagoon also provides tours. During July of 2015,
students and adults from the nearby community of Seldovia hiked to the lagoon and learned about the Tutka Bay
Lagoon Hatchery broodstock. Staff at the hatchery also provided less formal tours to kayakers and hikers that
wander into the lagoon, including a returning group from Poland. This hatchery also hosted a tour of the Alaska
State Parks Kachemak Bay State Park Citizen Advisory Board in 2015.
The staff at Port Graham had a unique opportunity this year to open the doors of the newly-renovated facility.
An open house was held in April for community members.
Salmon in the Classroom
Every year, CIAA partners with ADF&G for the Salmon in
the Classroom Program. In 2015, a little over 300 students
from the Kenai Peninsula School District participated in this
program during an eggtake at the weir and these students
are incubating salmon eggs in their classrooms from CIAAreared salmon. They will be released in the spring of 2016 as
fry. This is always a fun time for students and CIAA staff!
Involvement
Board and staff members regularly serve on committees and
in other groups dealing with issues related to preserving and
enhancing salmon fisheries. Staff and/or board members of
CIAA participated in the following organizations in 2015:
• United Fishermen of Alaska
• Matanuska–Susitna Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership
• Alaska Miners Association (Fisheries Committee)
• Kenai Peninsula Fish Habitat Partnership
• Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council
• Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council’s Public Advisory
Committee
• Fisheries Tech. Advisory Committee
Chefs and food writers learn about the five species of
There are many opportunities throughout the year for CIAA
Pacific salmon and the role of hatcheries in Alaska,
to engage in various meetings
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Culinary Trip
and events. In 2015, CIAA gave
presentations, or participated in some way at the following events:
• Kenai River Festival
• Kenai Watershed Forum’s water quality sampling—to check the health of the Kenai
River Watershed by collecting water quality samples
• Industry Appreciation Day in Kenai, where CIAA received “Fish Producer of the
Year” award
• Seward Silver Salmon Derby
• Junior Achievement’s “JA in a Day” at Kalifornsky Beach Elementary
• Matanuska-Susitna Salmon Habitat Partnership Site Tour
• Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Culinary Trip at Tutka Bay Lodge
• 2015 Alaska Chapter Meeting of the American Fisheries Society
• Mat-Su Salmon Science and Conservation Symposium
These are just some of the highlights of the various events CIAA took part in during
2015. Other meetings not listed include those with local governments, businesses,
and civic organizations for the purpose of providing general education about CIAA
and its activities.
Publications
20 Twice yearly, CIAA sends out its newsletter, Smolts, to a broad audience. The public
can also follow along with daily salmon migration counts or access historical reports
and data via CIAA’s website, www.ciaanet.org and stay up to date with CIAA at
facebook.com/CIAA1976.
Salmon in the Classroom
21 In 2015, just over 30 seasonal workers were hired by CIAA. A portion of the seasonal staff are college students
or recent graduates seeking to gain experience in their areas of study including fisheries and environmental
science. Through seasonal opportunities offered by CIAA each summer, many students are able to experience
first-hand what is it like to set up traps, count and identify different fish species, collect scale and otolith samples,
feed fish in the hatcheries, transport fry and smolt, capture broodstock, collect gametes and other maintenance
jobs associated with working in hatcheries. Other seasonal staff are recruited from local communities (such as
Nanwalek, Seldovia, and Port Graham). For many of these staff, this is their first opportunity to experience real
responsibilities in the field and see a project through to completion. Although CIAA often recruits interns, there
was no internship program in 2015.
Staff & Locations
Headquarters
Gary Fandrei, Executive Director
Ron Carlson, Project Technician
Caroline Cherry, Hatchery Operations Coordinator
Cathy Cline, Temporary Project Technician
Rodney Hobby, Biologist
Lisa Ka’aihue, Special Projects Manager
Barbara Morgan, Accounting Specialist/Office Assistant
Andy Wizik, Biologist
40610 Kalifornsky Beach Road, Kenai, Alaska 99611
907-283-5761
Port Graham Hatchery
Mike Smimmo, Hatchery Manager
Vacant, Assistant Hatchery Manager
Ephim Anahonak, Fish Culturist
Vacant, Temporary Fish Culturist
P.O. Box 5547, Port Graham, Alaska 99603
907-284-2285
Trail Lakes Hatchery
Photo courtesy of Kentaro Yusui
2015 Seasonals
Lauren Bailey
Brittany Bollman, Temporary Fish Culturist
Caleb Campbell
Jason Dowell
Kaitlyn Emelander
Jeff Evans
Miranda Green, Temporary Fish Culturist
Richard Hart
Emily Heale, Temporary Project Technician
Brian Hetrick
Rodney Hobby
Joann Jeplawy
Genevieve Johnson
Elizabeth Kvasnikoff
Jesse Kvasnikoff
Peter Leonard
Tom Prochazka, Hatchery Manager
Kristin Beck, Assistant Hatchery Manager
Mike Cooney, Fish Culturist
Jennifer Mevissen, Fish Culturist
Vacant, Temporary Fish Culturist
Moriah Marquez
Sperry Moonin
Andrew Norman
Nikalai Norman
Linda Noyd
Kelli Palaka
Eric Powell
Sarah Reinelt
Rose Robinson
Lee Scheffler
Nicholias Seifert
Bryan Snyder
Eric Tanape
Joshua Thomas
Carter Ullman
Lawrence Yeaton, Temporary Fish Culturist
Phillip Young
P.O. Box 29, Moose Pass, Alaska 99631
907-288-3688
Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery
Dean Day, Hatchery Manager
Vacant, Assistant Hatchery Manager
Adam Sullivan, Fish Culturist
Charles Wlasniewski, Fish Culturist
P.O. Box 3389, Homer, Alaska 99603
907-273-6301
Seasonal Staff
22 23 Photo courtesy of Kentaro Yusui
40610 Kalifornsky Beach Road
Kenai, Alaska 99611
907-283-5761
info@ciaanet.org
www.ciaanet.org
www.facebook.com/CIAA1976
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