At the Council’s May 19, 2009, the ISRP reviewed the Yakama Nation’s Columbia River Basin Fish Accord proposal, Yakama Sturgeon Management Project (2008-455-00). The project intends to facilitate restoration of viable populations and fisheries for white sturgeon in mid-Columbia River reservoirs.

The ISRP found that the proposal Meets Scientific Review Criteria in Part (Qualified)

• Meets criteria for Objective 1, with the qualification that the proponents address the questions and recommendations related to technical justification indicated below when developing a comprehensive strategic plan. The ISRP recommends that this proposal be linked with Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission’s (CRITFC) Accord proposal # 200715500 in future reviews as part of any master plan submittal for the Council’s Three-Step Process.
• Does not meet criteria for Objectives 2 – 5 at this time.

This project proposal is very closely linked and collaborative with Accord Proposal 2007-155-00, CRITFC’s Sturgeon Strategic and Hatchery Master Plan. Therefore, many of the ISRP’s review comments regarding the CRITFC proposal also apply to this proposal.