McNary Subpopulation Status and Trends

Information and data adapted from Parker, B., T, Rien, B. James, R. Beamesderfer. 2013. Review Draft Columbia Basin White Sturgeon Planning Framework. Portland, Or.

To view all subpopulations in the basin click here

The McNary subpopulation consists of older fish and overall is of a very low abundance, as recruitment is poor. In 2011, the abundance of white sturgeon greater than 24 inches was estimated at 5,769 (0.13 white sturgeon/acre), which was significantly less than the 1995 estimate of 8,250. Not included in the 2011 value are the estimated 3,472 hatchery-reared white sturgeon that migrated downstream from Rock Island Reservoir.

Monitoring results indicate that fish surviving beyond their first 12-months (recruitment) occurs less than 60% of the time. Data show that recruitment essentially did not occur between 2000 and 2004; however, in 2012, the age-0 density was higher than any of the previous 13 years. Managers have suggested that the increased density is likely a result of hatchery-origin fish that have migrated downstream from releases that occurred in Rock Island Reservoir.

Based on length-frequency distributions, 2,516 fish (includes hatchery-reared fish) were of a harvestable size during 2011. Through conservative regulations, 155 white sturgeon were harvested in 2011, down significantly from the 9-year average of 245.

Abundance

* Monitoring did not occur during years for which data do not exist.

Density

Productivity

* Index value 0 = No recruitment
* For a description of the methods used to estimate the index value that is associated with the number of fish that survive during their first year , please visit Monitoring Method website.

Hatchery Releases

No releases

Harvest