Implementation of Coregonine population viability analysis within the Coregonine restoration framework – Year 2

John Sweka (USFWS, John_Sweka@fws.gov), Brian Weidel (USGS), Andrew Honsey (USGS), Dave Smith (SUGS), Cory Brant (USGS), Karen Alofs (University of Michigan), Andrew Muir (GLFC), Amanda Ackiss (USGS), David Bunnell (USGS)

The Coregonine Restoration Framework provides an adaptive management structure to guide restoration of this suite of species in the Great Lakes Region. Initial steps in this effort are underway with the establishment of four science teams [Resolve Taxonomy, GAP Analysis, Population Viability Analysis (PVA), and Threats Assessment] whose charge is to propose analytical methods for their respective elements and guide the implementation of those methods. Pending approval by fishery managers, the method development phase will be completed by January 2023, after which the science teams will move into the implementation phase. This project will continue the initial implementation of the methods of the PVA team funded in FY2022. Previous funds were used to hire a GS-12 level modeler to work with partners, including other science teams, and lead efforts to develop and conduct PVA models. These efforts are needed to determine the potential effects of various management alternatives in advancing coregonine restoration. Initial efforts will focus on spatial units prioritized by managers, but will be expanded to additional areas in subsequent years. Given the limited capacities of staff across partner resource agencies, further advancement of the Coregonine Restoration Framework needs full time, dedicated staff for the implementation. The objectives of this project will implement the methods and recommendations of the PVA Science Team during the Planning Phase of the Coregonine Restoration Framework.