US Fish and Wildlife Service Grant for International Yukon River Salmon Restoration and Enhancement Fund Management

PURPOSE

This grant agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hereinafter referred to as the Service and the International Yukon River Salmon Panel hereinafter referred to as the Panel is entered into under the authority of the Yukon River Salmon Act of 2000 Public Law 106, 450, Title II, Section 205, 208, Nov. 7, 2000, and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act 16 USC 661, 667, e 1970.

Pursuant to the March 29, 2001 Yukon River Salmon Agreement, the United States and Canada reached a long term agreement on the conservation and allocation of Canadian origin Yukon River salmon. The agreement calls for annual contributions of 1,230,000 dollars by the United States to the Yukon River Salmon Restoration and Enhancement Fund starting in U.S. FY 2002 and stipulates that the U.S. shall endeavor to make these annual contributions in the first quarter of each U.S. fiscal year. Funds will be used for programs and directly associated research and management activities directed at the restoration and the enhancement of Canadian origin salmon stocks in the Yukon River drainage. Appropriations for the Restoration and Enhancement Fund and the U.S. share of the joint costs incurred by the Panel are authorized under the Yukon River Salmon Act of 2000.

The Yukon River Salmon Act of 2000 and the associated Agreement directs and authorizes the subject annual contributions to the R and E Fund. Since 2003, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has had a cooperative agreement with the International Yukon River Panel located in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory Duns No. 200833072, to manage these funds. The Service intends to continue to allocate these funds to the Panel in order to fulfill U.S. obligations under the Yukon River Salmon Act of 2000.

REASON FOR SINGLE SOURCE
1. Legislative Intent, Because the Yukon River Salmon Act of 2000 authorizes U.S. contributions to the R and E Fund.
2. Continuation, The activity for which this agreement will support is necessary for the continuation of U.S. obligations under the Yukon River Salmon Act. Since 2003, the Service has had cooperative assistance agreements with the Panel to manage the R and E Fund. The most recent agreement has expired and continuation of Service financial support is necessary in order to sustain the work of the Panel and its responsibilities under the Yukon River Salmon Act of 2000 and the Agreement 2001. Competition would have a significant adverse effect on continuation of this legislatively directed activity. For additiona infromation please contact,
Steve Klosiewski
Deputy Assistant Regional Director
Fisheries and Ecological Services
US Fish and Wildlife Service
1011 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99503
Ph. 907 786 3523