Feeding A Natural Marine Based Diet. To Improve Health and Survival of Reconditioned Kelt Steelhead

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1 Feeding A Natural Marine Based Diet To Improve Health and Survival of Reconditioned Kelt Steelhead

2 Project Background In 2003, the Colville Confederated Tribes began participation in a reproductive success study headed by Doug Hatch (Inter-Tribal Fish Commission). The design of the study uses genetic testing and pedigrees to determine reproductive success of first-time hatchery and wild spawners and reconditioned kelt steelhead.

3 Cassimer Bar Hatchery is located near the Confluence of the Okanogan and Columbia Rivers. We are currently awaiting decision in our three step process for renovation of the facility.

4 Project Background Initially, protocols for feeding were based on reconditioning efforts by the Yakama Tribe at their Prosser facility. Joe Blodgett (project lead), with the assistance of Ann Gannam (USFWS) worked on developing a pelletized feed specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of kelt steelhead.

5 Feeding Protocols Krill was fed to kelts for 2-3 weeks to initiate feeding Krill was transitioned to Pelletized feed Protocol was used in 2003 through 2006 Survival of Omak Creek kelts remained low. In 2006, complete necropsies of all mortalities resulted in new feeding protocols

6 Necropsies and Nutrition

7 Undigested feed recovered from stomach of kelt mort weighed 9.4 ounces. There was no food beyond the stomach.

8 This fish suffered a large contusion that ruptured the spleen and caused bleeding into the muscle. Externally, the injuries were not obvious.

9 New Protocols Following 2006 necropsies, the following protocols were implemented: Initial feeding consisted of krill, coated with fish and/or cod liver oils infused with vitamins and minerals (3-4 weeks) Feeding progresses with shrimp, prawns, anchovies, herring, squid on a rotating basis

10 Feeding Natural Marine Based foods: Requires finding a local, reliable source of food. Requires some prep work to get food into meal sized portions. Use food in a timely manner. Order for short-term needs (1-2 months) to ensure nutritional integrity Thaw before feeding Follow-up with complete necropsies

11 Processed or Natural?

12 Feed Comparison Processed Feed: Less expensive Stores longer Specially formulated Saves prep time Reduces possibility of disease transmission Natural Feed: More expensive Shorter shelf life Natural food source Minimal prep time Needs to be frozen More digestible Texture preference

13 Natural foods

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17 Proof is in the Feeding

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20 Before and After 2006 Kelt Release 2007 Kelt Release

21 Before and After Feeding Pelletized Food Poor Digestibility Less palatable for fish Excess feed in tank required extra cleaning Reduced health and vigor of fish. Fish required more treatments for parasites kelt, 04-1 kelt, 05-3 kelts, kelts Feeding Natural Marine Feeding was initialized faster Fish fed aggressively Excess feed in tank was minimal Increased health and vigor of fish Required less treatment for parasites kelts, kelts

22 Considerations Every kelt reconditioning program is unique, and care should be given to choose a feeding program that meets the needs of your fish and your budget. Necropsies were an important tool for us to determine issues that we could have some control over and others that were beyond our control. Working with a pathologist can help identify anomalies and disease issues. Taking advantage of resources such as the Fish Technology Centers is a great way to mold your program to fit your needs by using the information derived from new research. Adaptive management is necessary for improving survival and overall success of a kelt reconditioning program. Having a well trained crew will greatly enhance your program

23 Acknowledgements We would like to thank the following people for contributing their knowledge, skills, and funding to our project: Doug Hatch, Ryan Branstetter, Bobby Begay (CRITFC), Joe Blodgett (Yakama Nation), Bob Rogers (WDFW fish pathologist), Ann Gannam (nutritionist/ Abernathy Fish Technology Center), Jeff Stephenson (Hagerman Lab),Dave Duvall (Grant County PUD), Dave Marvin (PSMFC). We also want to acknowledge all of the knowledgeable, skilled and diligent Tribal technicians: Anthony Cleveland (Assistant Hatchery Manager), Arnold Abrahamson, John Pakootas, Tony Moore, Tim Erb, Nicole Peone (Colville Confederated Tribes).

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29 Thank You and CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW ASSISTANT HATCHERY MANAGER TONY CLEVELAND!