The preliminary review recommendation for 199107100 (Snake River sockeye salmon habitat and limnological monitoring) was Not Fundable. This recommendation was based largely on this project's interrelationship with 199107200, the primary proposal to conduct the Redfish Lake sockeye salmon captive propagation program, which received a Not Fundable recommendation.

The ISRP also found deficiencies in the reporting of results in the proposal; however, this deficiency alone could have been resolved with a response.

Together with the other Redfish Lake sockeye salmon proposals, the ISRP carefully considered the response from the project sponsors. The response addressing the reporting of results and activities for this specific proposal was brief, but adequate.

Early results of productivity enhancement show increased survival of juveniles stocked in the test lakes, and residual sockeye have been observed spawning. Consequently, researchers now believe that with enhancement of habitat productivity, it may be possible to develop self-sustaining populations of residual sockeye salmon in the Stanley Basin lakes.

If the above hypothesis and its basis are true, the ISRP believes that with a rigorous monitoring program, assessment of the role of predators and competitors, and a defined end-point for testing the hypothesis, the project has scientific merit.

Preserving the Snake River sockeye salmon ESU will likely hinge on the status of residual sockeye in the Stanley Basin lakes. Whether the residual sockeye is preserving the population needs to be further explored.

Consequently the ISRP finds the project is justified and the final recommendation is Fundable. Contingent upon the final outcome of stocking activities under proposal 199107200, some work elements may need to be modified. Juvenile and adult monitoring and lake fertilization remain essential components of this project.