Before a Separation by Code project can be implemented by PTAGIS, the researcher must coordinate with the applicable agency contacts. The coordination necessary will vary from project to project and facility to facility. If the project involves only routing PIT-tagged fish toward collection for transportation, minimal coordination is necessary. If the project involves diverting fish into holding tanks, much more coordination is necessary. For personnel and contact details see the Program and Project contact pages.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The researcher must notify the appropriate Walla Walla or Portland district biologist, as well as, the site biologist where the project will be implemented. If the SbyC project requires access to juvenile or adult facilities, you will need to contact both the district and site biologists at least 30 days prior to the planned start of the project.
Smolt Monitoring Program
If the SbyC project requires physical access to a juvenile fish monitoring facility, the researcher must contact the state-contracted Smolt Monitoring Program leader for that facility at least 30 days prior to the planned start of the project.
NOAA Fisheries
The researcher is responsible for determining if the SbyC project requires an Endangered Species Act permit. There is not a blanket permit for SbyC activities at USACE facilities. In addition to ESA Section 7 consultation, if the project will target adult fish at the Lower Granite Dam, you will need to contact the NOAA fisheries biologist in charge of operating the adult fish trap.
Fish Passage Advisory Committee (FPAC)
All fish research and evaluation programs (including SbyC studies) with the potential to affect the disposition or condition of in-river migrant salmonids should be reviewed and approved by FPAC prior to implementation of those studies. In addition to ensuring that research activities don't conflict with Regional management objectives, this coordination step may identify potential conflicts in schedules or resources between researchers. Any SbyC project targeting adult fish at Bonneville Dam must also coordinate through FPAC.
In the past, researchers needed to contact FPAC directly for this project review and approval. Beginning in the 2013 season an online SbyC request form will now automatically notify FPAC and allow them to review and approve projects online.
PTAGIS
The Columbia Basin PIT Tag Information System (PTAGIS) administers Separation by Code and all projects must be coordinated with the PTAGIS SbyC Administrator.
In the past, researchers contacted PTAGIS directly to coordinate details such as sampling schedule, PIT tag code lists, desired actions and project locations. Beginning in 2013, most of this coordination will be accomplished through an online form.
Other PIT Tag Data Coordinators
If the planned SbyC projects targets another researcher’s PIT-tagged fish, you must contact and obtain the permission of that researcher.