West Arm Kootenay Lake kokanee enhancement $14,298

West Arm kokanee are well known for their unusually large size and have been the source of very intensive fisheries over the last four decades. Overfishing caused a prolonged closure during all of the 1980's. However, two spawning channels built in the 1980's combined with total fishing closures have resulted in stock recovery to the point where modest seasonal fisheries are again permitted. This popular fishery is growing and there is now public demand to increase the catch quota. The issue is whether or not to increase kokanee fry production by expanding spawning channel capacity and whether this increase would result in more fish. The decision to proceed with channel expansion needs to be based on a good assessment of the present channel performance and whether or not the upper West Arm of Kootenay Lake can support more kokanee. The objectives of the project are as follows:

1. Summarise available production data from Redfish and Kokanee Creek spawning channels.
2. Determine the contribution of kokanee production from the spawning channels and compare to the total Upper West Arm kokanee stock production.
3. Determine as best possible the spawner-recruitment relationship for Upper West Arm kokanee.
4. Review available literature to determine if Upper West Arm can support increased numbers of kokanee.
5. Develop an Upper West Arm kokanee conservation plan.
6. Make recommendations on need for spawning channel expansion.

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