Project 200100300 covers tasks that are associated with the installation and evaluation of extended-range PIT-tag interrogation systems for PIT-tagged fish.  This project originally covered only interrogation systems for adult salmonids, but over time we have recognized the need to assess the impacts of integrating PIT-tag technologies for extended-range systems that were not anticipated in 2001.  For example, a full-flow interrogation system to detect PIT-tagged juvenile salmonids was installed and evaluated in 2005 at Ice Harbor Dam.  Other new technologies, which might have a significant impact on how well the installed interrogation systems detect tagged fish include new tag models and the development of a new computer program for controlling separation-by-code functions being developed by PSMFC.  We also recognize that the future will bring alternate PIT-tag technologies that we will want to integrate into our network of extended-range interrogation systems; however, it is important to point out that the focus of this project is on integrating finished products and not on developing new ones.  Therefore, within the scope of the project, generally installed systems or technologies are evaluated.  However in some cases (e.g., new tags), we will want to evaluate the potential impact of that integration before the technology is adopted or installed.  

Within this project, PSMFC is responsible for installing the systems and NMFS is responsible for evaluating the installed systems.  They work together to evaluate the potential impact of adopting alternative technologies because the agencies have different responsibilities.  PSMFC's responsibility is related to operations and maintenance and NOAA's responsibility is to ensure that a technology is appropriate for fisheries applications and that the new technologies perform as advertised.  By working together, it ensures that a technology is ready to move from research and development into operations before it is adopted or installed.

In FY06, new interrogation systems using established technologies will be installed into Bonneville and McNary Dams.  After interrogation systems are installed, biologists and fisheries managers need to know the probability of detecting a PIT-tagged fish in a particular FCRPS fish ladder or dam in order to plan and evaluate study plans and make management decisions.  For example, this information is used to help determine whether new PIT-tag interrogation systems need to be installed or if the currently installed systems need to be modified (additional interrogation units added or antennas replaced).  Newly installed systems need to be evaluated individually as well as how they impact the performance of the entire network of interrogation systems.  NMFS proposes to determine tag-reading efficiencies using inriver tagged salmonids from the major salmonid populations for the different interrogation systems.

Two other activities in FY06 involve evaluating the potential impact of adopting new technologies.  Digital Angel is planning to switch production to a new tag model; therefore, this tag model with a longer read range must be evaluated before BPA and PSMFC purchase it to replace the current ST tag.  The other activity involves evaluating the new Mustang computer platform that PSMFC wants to install for controlling future separation-by-code studies.  As part of this evaluation, PSMFC and NMFS plan to conduct a fish test at one of the hydroelectric dams.