2011 PTSC Meeting

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The Columbia Basin PIT Tag Steering Committee (PTSC) Annual Meeting was held on January 28, 2011 at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington.

2011 Annual Meeting Minutes (pdf)


Contents

Attendees

PTSC Members: Charles Morrill (WDFW), Doug Marsh (NOAA Fisheries), Ed Buettner (IDFG), Jeff Fryer (CRITFC), Pat Keniry (ODFW), Steve Pastor (USFWS)

PSMFC: Randy Fisher, Dave Marvin, John Tenney, Craig White, Don Warf, Nicole Tancreto

BPA: Sharon Grant

Others: Sandy Downing (NOAA Fisheries), Scott Putnam (IDFG), Scott McCutcheon (Biomark, Inc.), Jody White (Quantitative Consultants, Inc.), Chris Beasley (Quantitative Consultants, Inc.)

PTAGIS Program Update

John Tenney provided an update for the PTAGIS Portland office in 2010 which included:

  • Hiring of Nicole Tancreto to provide technical support and data coordination
  • Staff primary responsibilities were described as
    • Dave Marvin and Doug Clough to maintain current database/web server
    • Craig White to focus on new database and web server upgrades; John and Nicole are providing additional support
    • Field Tech Support provided by Nicole, with Dave and John as backup
    • Database and web user support provided by Nicole, with Dave and Doug as backup
    • John Tenney primarily responsible for field software development and maintenance
    • Randy Fisher and John Tenney providing interim program management. Vacant program manager to be recruited in 2011
  • BPA Coordination
    • FY10 PTAGIS contract was delayed and awarded in May 2010
    • Staff trained on Pisces system 2010
    • Submitted FY11 PTAGIS contract in January 2011 and is currently being processed by BPA
    • ‘2009 Annual Report’ was rescheduled to be completed in April 2011
  • Vendor Coordination
    • FS1001M (Multiplexor) 2.1 Firmware was tested by PTAGIS and approved for release
    • PTAGIS staff is providing technical coordination for the development of the FS2020 reader due in February 2011
  • Technical Coordination
    • 2010 ISRP Review was completed and the Qualified for Funding of the past two reviews was removed with Meets Scientific Criteria. The ISRP proposal and response was sent to PTSC for their review
    • Three PTAGIS newsletters were published in 2010
    • Coordination and presentation for the ‘2011 PIT Tag Workshop’
  • Infrastructure
    • Deployed VMWare for platform testing of all PTAGIS field software
    • Upgrades to Windows 7 for staff computers
    • Video conferencing system to be deployed in February 2011 to enhance collaboration between the two PTAGIS offices. System purchased by PSMFC and included as overhead in office rent.
    • Online PTSC forum launched but not widely used by members.
  • M4 interrogation software update
    • Migrated to latest development tools (.NET Framework 4.0, VS2010, TFS 2010)
    • Development schedule pushed due to ISRP review process
    • M4 beta deployed successfully to support ‘Automatic Read Range Tester’ at Bonneville Corner Collector (BCC) site.
    • A successful deployment of an M4 beta to test basic Separation-by-Code (SxC) features for the Estuary Trawl program.
    • Automated and manual data upload features completed for synchronizing data between field sites and the new PTAGIS staging server. The system performs well and is extensible for new data types to be collected in the field.
    • M4 background service architecture was revised to improve startup performance after reboot (from 30 seconds to instant). Services such as monitoring, uploading and SxC can be controlled independently of each other as requested by Kennewick staff.
    • M4 failover clustering revised and updated to use a more standard and traceable WCF technology. A central controller interface allows users to manage two instances of M4 as a single system.
    • Dashboard user interface was refined and simplified with new background service architecture. A final and more refined dashboard interface will be completed once SxC service is done
    • SxC base service, control features and basic configuration were implemented
      • To do: complete basic SxC system and test performance in next iteration cycle later in February 2011.
      • 5 million tag database lookup performed in less than 1 millisecond on an x64 platform.
      • Advanced SxC system scheduled in summer 2011 for in-situ testing; a production release of M4 after.
  • P3 version 1.4.8 was released in December 2010 to support new country/manufacturers code validation (384) and HDX format per PTSC recommendations. This P3 release supports latest runtimes and service packs as well as other minor enhancements and bug fixes.
  • MiniMon version 1.5.3 was released last summer along with a registry patch fix to support the Biomark 23 mm tag country code (general ICAR 384).
  • PIFF version 1.1.02 was released to use latest M4 device library to include support for FS1001M 2.1 firmware and improved validation. This software is used to collect raw data from ISEMP data logger as well as transceiver buffers and output PTAGIS Interrogation spec-doc files.
  • John and Craig spoke about the developments regarding the database upgrade
    • A contractor (Jim Kelley) worked with staff to develop a first iteration of a PTAGIS dimensional model on a SQL Server 2008 platform (datamart) in July 2010. Excel 2010 Services solution evaluated and determined to be inefficient ad-hoc querying via the web.
    • Staff copied a full set of Ingres database into the new datamart; staff revised dimensional model and OLAP cubes were developed based upon current QueryBuilder views.
    • Working with Doug Clough, PTAGIS staff designed an efficient mechanism for daily/hourly refresh of new data from Ingres into the datamart while the two systems are operating in parallel. The refresh system pushes new data from Ingres into text files for the datamart to import and does not rely on Ingres drivers due to issues with performance and compatibility
    • In August 2010, a user survey was completed by 115 PTAGIS database users with 30-40% having one or more issues with the current QueryBuilder system. This survey provided guidance for the upgrade process.
    • Several Business Intelligence (BI) ad-hoc querying tools were evaluated to provide web-enabled data retrieval features. Of them, two products were developed into prototypes using a large subset of PTAGIS data. A user focus group helped PTAGIS staff identify Microstrategy as the leading product to provide data retrieval features from the web.
    • PTAGIS is working with Microstrategy and a local consultant to deploy the Microstrategy solution in phases.
      • Phase I (completed for Workshop) contains entire PTAGIS dataset and reporting model for demonstration purposes to validate the Microstrategy product and determine appropriate hardware and licensing. This system was designed with OLAP cube technology for high performance.
      • Phase II to be completed in summer 2011 and will run on production hardware. The system includes optimizations and refreshing of the reporting system OLAP cubes per the program’s near real-time requirements. This phase is designed to replace/enhance functionality of the QueryBuilder tool.
      • Phase III to include PTAGIS O&M reporting features and schedule is TBD.
    • PTAGIS has contracted with Sitka Technology Group to review our current web platform and provide a detailed estimate on replacing key features, especially related to consolidating contact management data and features for login and other web-enabled services. The estimate and development plan will be completed in February 2011 and decision of moving forward with these enhancements is TBD.

Don Warf provided an update for the PTAGIS Kennewick office which included:

  • QA of production tags and BPA RFO tag testing update
    • New SOPs and protocols in place for both QA and BPA RFO tag testing processes. Official performance metrics will be included in the next BPA contract for future QA.
    • QA sample testing of tags distributed by PTAGIS program uncovered some performance issues with certain tags which were quickly corrected by the manufacturer
    • Staff is working two shifts to keep up the demands for RFO and QA testing with the automated system (APTTS).
    • On-going QA of production tags will continue with higher sub-sample percentage to be accomplished with an automatic tag sorter (ATS) mechanism to put sampled tags back into the original vial. ATS to be completed in 2012.
  • Klickitat River Project Update
    • Construction at both Lyle and Castile Falls in 2010
    • Separate budget for equipment procurement established by BPA
    • Castile Falls to have 3 large slot antennas and run unstaffed through winter
    • Lyle Falls to have 12 smaller antennas for the lab and 3 large slot antennas
    • Both systems operational in 2011/2012
  • Roza Flat Plate Prototype Update
    • Design of new flat-plate antenna using ferrite tiles started in July 2010. The prototype to be installed at Roza dam.
    • Construction started in November 2010
    • System will be operational in April 2011 with live fish evaluation
    • Based upon this prototype, the Yakima Nation and Bureau of Reclamation are discussing spanning the full 110’ length of roller-gates with antennas in 2013/2014
  • Kennewick staff have provided technical coordination for the Ice Harbor Ogee PIT Tag Design
  • The shop space at Kennewick has been expanded
    • 750 sq. feet to accommodate tag testing and storage of sensitive equipment
    • 750 sq. feet to accommodate large antenna repair and design
  • Hired new field engineer: Roger Clark, formerly of Destron Fearing.
  • Part of the design team for COE MCJ and LMJ Full Flow remodel projects
  • Currently installing UPS systems at additional critical detection locations on sites maintained by PTAGIS.
  • Developing an online Automatic Site Monitoring system for the main-stem SxC sites. This system was demonstrated at the ‘2011 PIT Tag Workshop’

Dave Marvin provided an update on new tag/release/recovery locations added to the PTAGIS metadata dictionary during 2010.


Memorandum of Understanding between BPA and USACE and Status of Ice Harbor Ogee Project

Don Warf reports that the lack of an MOA/MOU is affecting PTAGIS O&M, causing confusion about who is supposed to provide maintenance and repairs at the dams. Sandy said that communication from participating agencies might help to move this process forward. Charlie will bring this issue to the FPAC meeting in February 2011. Sandy reported on the Ice Harbor Ogee Project. This project is stalled because of the lack of an MOU. If the other agencies want detections through spill ways, they need to push to make this project happen. The PTSC will send a letter through FPAC to the FTC to encourage work on the MOU and push for the completion of an ogee prototype. Charlie will share Sandy’s ogee project presentation with FPAC at the next meeting.

Action Item:

  1. Don will draft a letter detailing how the lack of MOU is affecting PSMFC O&M work and send to Sandy for additional details.

Update on BPA RFO for PIT Tags

Sharon reported that the RFO closed on December 1, 2010 and tags submitted to PSMFC Kennewick for testing. Once the testing results are received BPA committee will make final decision; Charlie will be a part of the committee. BPA will be looking for the best buy and will be taking various factors into consideration when making the decision. A range of tag sizes fall under the RFO. BPA may choose more than one vendor and the contract includes an option to extend beyond initial period. Sandy reported on the tag testing process and criteria. Both physical and electronic criteria are included. Tags will be run through the APTS, and tags meeting baseline criteria will be subjected to fish tests through Bonneville Corner Collector. Sandy hopes to deliver a report to BPA in June 2011.

Follow up on in-stream ad hoc group get-together after the open forum

Jody reported on the gathering after the open forum that included representatives from about ¾ of the in-stream interrogation sites. The group expressed interest in incorporating more metadata into PTAGIS and agreed to send metadata and access needs to Jody, who will collate them prior to meeting with PTAGIS during first week of February. Jody would like to work with the in-stream group to develop minimum metadata standards and is looking for input and direction from PTSC. After some discussion, Charlie proposed that Jody lead and ad-hoc committee to identify the minimum elements needed by in-stream interrogation site, seconded by Doug. PTAGIS will work with the ad-hoc committee to ensure that technical requirements are taken into account.

Action Items:

  1. Jody will contact in-stream interrogation site data stewards for their input and meet with PTAGIS.
  2. PTAGIS will set up an online forum tool for the ad-hoc committee to use.

Managing and Vetting Technology on the River

Discussion about the committee formalizing the idea of data contributors using only approved technology on the river. Sandy indicated that there is a formal process for a manufacturer to request tag testing through the BPA. The committee agreed that they want tags that are used in the system to meet minimum standards, as long as there is still room for projects that are marking in small numbers and not under the purview of BPA. The main concern is ending up with a large number of tags that could have an unknown effect on the currently vetted tags. The PTSC will send out a clearly articulated policy through FPAC. P3, the PTAGIS tag data collection software, has a list of 3-digit country codes which are allowed; however the list is nearly meaningless as most of the manufacturer’s tags have not gone through the tag testing process. There was some discussion about whether or not to allow data associated with unapproved tags in the PTAGIS database, but no decision made.

Action Items:

  1. Sandy will draft a policy statement and send it to the committee through Doug.
  2. John will revise P3 to warn data contributors that the tag may not have been vetted by the committee, but will no longer prevent data entry from occurring.
  3. Decide what to do with data associated with tags that have not been vetted: prevent it from being entered into PTAGIS or not.

Inactive Tag Coordinators

Dave initiated a discussion on ideas to maintain continuity after tag data coordinators retire or are no longer actively involved in PIT tag research. Steve talked about two possibilities: get another person to take over as data coordinator; link to some sort of metadata file from the tag data file. Doug indicated that some of the inactive tag coordinators had only one research project and suggested that PTAGIS could link to the published results of these projects; he brought a list of some that he and colleagues were aware of. Steve suggested PTAGIS could link directly to the StreamNet library and perform a search on the tag data coordinator’s name. Dave would like to point inactive tag data coordinators to a contact in the agency who has the knowledge to direct a data user to the published work, and/or provide some history and context about the project. Steve suggested doing both. Dave also indicated that moving forward PTAGIS will move to a coordinator ID that is based on a long-term project name, or an agency or region.

Action Item:

  1. PTAGIS will start linking inactive coordinator IDs to an agency contact who can provide history/context, and will investigate linking directly to StreamNet library or published reports.

Separation by Code

Dave asked the committee whether they should change the default action for PIT tagged fish at transport dams for this year. Doug indicated that NOAA would like it to remain the same. Ed indicated that IDFG would like it to be run-at-large. Pat indicated that he didn’t get too much input from ODFW, but that it seemed a little late to be making changes for this year. The committee agreed that it was too late to make the change this year, but to start discussing changes for next year. Dave said that the original decision for the default action was made by FPAC in 1993 and that it might be time for another top-down review. Others indicated that some researchers don’t understand what happens at the dam, and the suggestion was made to write a educational newsletter about the transport and diversion activities and discuss changing the default action.

Action Items:

  1. SbyC default action will remain the same for this year.
  2. Dave will write another newsletter article in March after he returns from his travels.

Tagging Implantation Site

The open forum at the end of the PIT Tag Workshop included some concern about researchers marking in locations other than the peritoneal cavity. Scott shared a letter from the FDA to Destron Fearing from the late 1990s indicating that there is no food safety concern as long as the tag is implanted in an area of the fish that will not be used for food. The committee would like to post this letter on the PTAGIS website so that researchers will be cognizant of this issue.

Action Items:

  1. Dave will contact Joe Grillo for permission to post the letter.

Policy/procedure for providing access to public data

Dave initiated a discussion about the possibility of having a data access policy statement for users to accept as they log in to the PTAGIS Web Portal. He shared an example of a data policy and user agreement used by SAHRA (http://sahra.arizona.edu/) and showed a mockup of the PTAGIS Web Portal login page with a possible user agreement. There is a similar statement in the PIT Tag Spec Doc and some support for including it on the login page where data users.

Action Item:

  1. Jeff will revise Dave’s draft data access agreement and send it back to the committee.

Multiple Use Injectors and Ethics

Scott made a recommendation to the committee that they advocate that taggers use MUIs a certain number of times (he recommended 10 in his presentation at the workshop). The committee agrees that it should make best practices recommendations and Jeff indicated he had some additional concerns that could also be addressed – including scanning for shed tags and mortalities. PTAGIS produced a best practices video in 2000 that was based on the PIT Tag Marking Manual from 1999 which could use some review, revision and redistribution to the community.

Action Item:

  1. Doug will review the marking manual and video and make suggestions for changes to the committee.

New PTSC Members

During the open forum the issue was raised that not all agencies that are using PIT tags are represented on the committee. Several members thought that it was because of CBFWA that agencies such as USGS were not on the committee. Randy said that he understood that CBFWA was going to be disbanded and the committee thinks this could be an opportunity to expand membership. This also brings up the issue of the charter, because CBFWA is one of the signatories on the charter. Possibly need to go back to square one and define the purpose of the PTSC. Need to get direction from FPAC, as the PTSC is considered a sub-committee of FPAC. Doug remembered that an early draft of the charter was to be signed by each agency involved.

Action Items:

  1. Dave or Doug will locate the early version of the charter with multiple agencies as signatories and forward to the committee.
  2. Charlie will bring up the charter and PTSC membership with FPAC at the next meeting.

PIT Tag Workshop

Randy asked the committee for input on the PIT Tag Workshop. The committee agreed that the workshop is worthwhile and discussed when to hold the next one. Sandy suggested it be held every 3 years; another suggestion was to let the rate of change in technology drive the schedule. Sandy noted that with all the new transceivers scheduled to come out in the next few years and the work the in-stream folks are doing, that change could occur rapidly. Steve suggested holding the next workshop once M4 and P4 are released. There was also discussion about producing a review of the 2011 Workshop in the next PTAGIS newsletter and making the presentation slides available online. John heard from a few presenters that they would like the opportunity to revise their presentations and submit a final version before PTAGIS makes them available.

Action Items:

  1. PTAGIS will write an article about the 2011 workshop for the next newsletter.
  2. Dave will contact presenters regarding final version of both presentation slideshows and abstracts for posting.

Miscellaneous Discussions

There was some discussion about P4, including a possible release date and gathering input from the user community about features and additional metadata. Charlie brought up Dan Rawding’s concern with PIT tags being used for expansion rates and how to address this. Sandy expressed a need for having tag type and size available. Steve suggested we look at CWT database for how to handle additional metadata fields. John indicated PTAGIS will send out a survey this year asking for input from the PTAGIS community about P4, and this survey can also include questions about additional metadata fields There was a suggestion to include a flag code for a weak tag in the Conditional Comments. After discussion, it was decided that those interested in tracking weak tags can include a note in the text comments.

Final Business

Steve will remain as the chair, Charlie as co-chair, to everyone’s agreement.

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