Aquaculture Programs

Kootenai Native Fish Aquaculture Master Plan

Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
Meridian staff developed a Master Plan for expansion of the Kootenai River Native Fish Restoration and Conservation Aquaculture Program. This program expands the existing sturgeon hatchery and constructs a new hatchery for sturgeon and burbot aquaculture. Significant interaction was required with the Independent Scientific Review Panel to obtain project approval because burbot has not previously been cultured anywhere in the world. The Master Plan was prepared in collaboration with DJ Warren & Associates, with engineering by TetraTech.

Columbia River Hatchery Scientific Review Group

Bonneville Power Administration and NOAA Fisheries
Meridian staff provided documentation and technical support to the Hatchery Scientific Review Group (HSRG) in evaluating over 300 hatchery programs in the interior Columbia River basin. Meridian prepared all hatchery program reports and maps to document the work of the HSRG and identify how to recover and conserve naturally spawning populations, and support sustainable fisheries.

Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans

Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Meridian collaborated with DJ Warren & Associates to revise the Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans for all 14 salmonid aquaculture programs operated by the IDFG. The plans were revised to ensure that they met Hatchery Scientific Review Group guidelines, Endangered Species Act requirements, and IDFG program goals and operating standards. Meridian provided technical report preparation, and conducted all technical editing and document production.

Springfield Sockeye Hatchery Master Plan

Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Meridian staff developed a Master Plan for the construction of new hatchery for the Snake River sockeye program. The Master Plan was reviewed and approved by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council's Independent Scientific Review Panel. The project was completed through a collaborative effort with DJ Warren & Associates, and engineering by McMillen Engineering.

Crystal Springs Chinook and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Hatchery Master Plan

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
Meridian prepared a Master Plan for a new hatchery in southern Idaho to rear spring Chinook for conservation and harvest programs in two upper Salmon River systems. A Yellowstone cutthroat trout program at the same facility will help sustain this important resident fishery in the upper Snake River region. This plan was developed in collaboration with DJ Warren & Associates, McMillen Engineering and Malone Environmental.

California Hatchery Review Project

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Meridian and DJ Warren & Associates were selected by the Commission to implement the direction from Congress to review all salmonid hatchery programs in California and recommend measures to reform operations to promote the recovery of natural salmonid populations. Meridian staff is responsible for compiling both hatchery and fish population information pertinent to each hatchery program, from which a select group of scientists develop hatchery reform recommendations. Meridian also provides technical document production, editing, and mapping support to the Hatchery Scientific Review Panel.

Round Butte Hatchery Five Year Review

Portland General Electric
Meridian is participating with DJ Warren & Associates in a 5-year review of the operations of Round Butte Hatchery as directed in their FERC license requirement. The Round Butte Hatchery is operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife under an agreement with Portland General Electric (PGE); however, PGE is ultimately responsible to FERC for the operation of the hatchery. The purpose of the review is to determine whether the operation of the hatchery is meeting its goals, using best practices and existing scientific information, and to make recommendations for ongoing management.