The Kootenai River Resident Fish Mitigation project is comprised of several studies specifically focused on the recovery of White Sturgeon (ESA listed), Burbot, and native salmonid fish populations in the Kootenai River. Over the past three decades, the Kootenai River has experienced many physiochemical changes, and as a result, native fish species have dramatically declined. Construction and operation of Libby Dam in 1972 changed the river ecosystem, particularly by altering the discharge, water temperature, and nutrient level in the downstream portions of the Kootenai River. The overall goal of this program is to restore these native fish populations in the Kootenai River. This programs research is designed to identify strategies that will aid in reaching recovery goals that have been set for focal species.

Kootenai River White Sturgeon - Kootenai River White Sturgeon research is designed to integrate the Reasonable and Prudent Measures iden... tified in the USFWS Biological Opinions to recover this species. Our sturgeon studies have provided information on spawning location, timing, and population vital statistics. This information has allowed mitigation strategies to be developed and has provided biological information that has been used to change dam operations to benefit sturgeon. Kootenai River White Sturgeon research is a cooperative effort involving with several federal agencies, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the State of Montana, and British Columbia Ministry of Forest, Land, and Resource operations.

Kootenai River Burbot and Native Salmonids - Burbot in the Kootenai River basin historically provided exceptional commercial and recreational fisheries. However, shortly after the installation of Libby Dam, the population began to drastically decline, to the point of functional extinction. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho (KTOI) have collaborated on various efforts to restore this once-robust population in the river. These efforts are composed of conservation aquaculture and extensive research, monitoring, and evaluation. Efforts are currently underway to refine our understanding of factors limiting natural recruitment, increase survival of hatchery stocked fish, and develop river flow and temperature recommendations that will promote the recovery of this population and ultimately support a harvest fishery once again.

Other fish species were also significantly affected by the installation and operation of Libby Dam. Shortly after the dams construction, the Kootenai River was considered ultra-oligotrophic due to nutrients being trapped behind the dam. To mitigate for reduced productivity, the KTOI and IDFG have been adding liquid phosphorus to the Kootenai River since 2005. Additions typically occur from June through September of each year. The primary objective of these efforts is to bolster primary productivity, with the ultimate goal of increasing native and sport fish species. Results, to-date, have been largely conclusive and positive, where the numbers of mountain whitefish and rainbow trout have increased since nutrients have been added. in number after additions; and largescale suckers have exhibited strong growth responses to additions.     Show More