The ultimate goal of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) Sockeye Salmon Captive Broodstock Program is to re-establish Sockeye Salmon runs to Sawtooth Valley waters. In the near term, our goal is to maintain genetic resources unique to Snake River Sockeye Salmon, prevent species extinction, and rebuild the population in natal lakes. The IDFG and the Stanley Basin Sockeye Technical Oversight Committee (SBSTOC) have agreed to adhere to a program of prudent broodstock management to minimize loss of genetic diversity and the potential influence of domestication. In cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, annual spawning designs are developed to minimize the risk of inbreeding and to maximize the distribution of genetic information across families. The SBSTOC will develop annual release plans for juveniles and adult fish from the program.

Sockeye Salmon Captive Broodstock Program Objectives and Tasks:
1.  Monitor the contribution hatchery-produced Sockeye Salmon make toward avoiding population extinction and increasing population abundance.
2. Collection of genetic samples to discern the origin of wild and hatchery Sockeye Salmon.  
3. Transfer technology through participation in the technical oversight committee process, provide written activity reports, and participate in essential program management and planning activities.
4. Monitor smolt out-migration from Redfish Lake.
5. Monitor and Evaluate O. nerka populations in Redfish, Alturas, and Pettit lakes through trawling activities.
6. Monitor and Evaluate kokanee fishery in Redfish Lake.
7. Monitor and Evaluate spawning habitat in Redfish Lake through Redd surveys and night snorkeling activities.
8. Repair and maintenance of monitoring and evaluation equipment such as: program vehicles, boats, trawlers, nets, weir structures, lab equipment and Redfish Lake Creek trap structures (dorm, wet lab, common area).