Pacific Northwest Aquatic Monitoring Partnership (PNAMP)

Integrated Status and Trends Monitoring (ISTM) Demonstration Project

The Pacific Northwest Aquatic Monitoring Partnership's (PNAMP) Integrated Status and Trend Monitoring (ISTM) project is intended to demonstrate the approaches and utility of integrating the collection of information to address multi-scale questions about the status and trends of fish (salmon, steelhead, and potentially bull trout), and physical, chemical, and biological attributes in stream networks. The overall intent is to assist PNAMP's participating members in developing strategic action plans for monitoring in the bi-state lower Columbia (LC) river demonstration area, as well as to demonstrate the general approach to developing such plans for other areas in the Pacific Northwest. The ISTM effort will provide entities tasked with monitoring fish populations and aquatic habitat in the Pacific Northwest with a roadmap for integration of scientifically sound monitoring programs intended to meet the needs of decision-makers and managers.

o    Read more about this project in the 2009 Overview Report

"Master Sample" Concept

 A major objective of the ISTM project is to apply a region-wide "master sample" concept to the selection of sampling locations in the Lower Columbia river area. The project is being accomplished using a collaborative approach involving PNAMP members and other local partners. The master sample concept, along with other monitoring and monitoring design tools, has broad applicability to address status and trends questions in the estuarine and near shore marine areas (area-based master sample), in addition to the status and trends of attributes along linear stream networks.

o    Read more about the "master sample" concept in the 2009 'Using the Master Sample Concept' Report

Oregon State University Web-based Master Sample Management System

As part of the ISTM effort, PNAMP is proposing to develop a prototype web-based master sample tracking and management system to support the interests of increasing numbers of users in drawing samples population domain. That system would allow users to know who else has selected sites from the master sample covering stream networks in their domains; to design individual or integrated monitoring programs; to know how existing sites relate to a common master sample; and what they are collecting at the site over time.  In conjunction with the development and use of the web-based master sample management tool a need is anticipated for dedicated analytical support for design and utilization of results of the monitoring design based on master sample. Oregon State University has been funded to develop the prototype master sample management tool using the Lower Columbia region and to provide the necessary statistical support.

o    Visit the demo website: http://pnamp.science.oregonstate.edu/

Fish Population Monitoring

Fish population monitoring tasks were proposed by ODFW and WDFW and have been funded by BPA.  This project complements the existing master sampling design by: 1) development of a statistical framework for estimating the sampling frame for all listed salmon and steelhead in the LCR.  However it extends the work to address key salmon and steelhead escapement monitoring issues including 2) a review of the current escapement program including providing estimates and variance to be compared with the alternative methods including the GRTS designs, 3) evaluation of accuracy, precision, and cost-effectiveness of different sampling designs which are used to develop specific implementable designs based on agreed upon regional goals and priorities, and 4) a mechanism for the implementation and reporting of monitoring results from these designs.  This is proposed as a multiyear project that intended to ultimately lead to a transparent, scientifically credible, and cost-effective escapement monitoring program in the LCR, which can be used as a model for the remainder of the Columbia Basin.

Habitat Monitoring

A proposal to address habitat monitoring tasks for the PNAMP ISTM project is underway.