Habitat-based production models allow development of salmon production estimates from known habitat characteristics. Such production estimates can be especially useful in Norton Sound, where there are currently no biological escapement goals for coho salmon, and our understanding of habitat and production relationships is only beginning. We will test the hypothesis that coho salmon smolt (and subsequent adult) production can be predicted from indicators of watershed size, among watersheds with contrasting habitat quantity and type, by testing models that appear effective in one watershed (Nome River) in two sub-drainages with differing habitat on another (the Fish River). If transferable, it increases confidence that production models can be rapidly and inexpensively generated on a range of 3rd through 5th -order watersheds throughout the region, generating biologically-based estimates of the number of spawners that habitats can support. Our testing will entail capture and marking juvenile salmon to estimate abundance, providing a value-added research platform to address other high priority needs stated in the RFP. We will mark and tag juvenile salmon in a way that allows computation of freshwater survival during downstream migration, and marine survival from emigration to return. Our field validation of habitat use predictions will allow assessment of abiotic and biotic variables driving the abundance and distribution of juvenile salmon (especially Chinook and coho) in AYK watersheds. Smolt production and marine survival estimates are products that then allow estimation of adult returns, which can be compared to historic returns to assess the likelihood of underescapement and the potential for harvest demand to exceed supply. Understanding functional links between habitat attributes, smolt production and adult returns provides foundation for establishing biologically meaningful coho salmon escapement goals throughout Norton Sound, and assessing the adequacy of adult returns for escapement and harvest.
Charlie Lean
charlie@nsedc.com
NSEDC
1-888-650-2477
P.O. Box 358
Nome
AK
99762
Matt Nemeth
mnemeth@lgl.com
LGL Alaska Res. Assoc. -
907-562-3339
1101 E. 76th St.
Suite B
Anchorage
AK
99518
David Robichaud
Drobichaud@lgl.com
LGL Limited
(250)656-0127
9768 Second St.
Sidney
BC
V8L 3Y8
Eric Volk
Eric_Volk@fishgame.state.ak.us
Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game
907-267-2335
333 Raspberry Road
Anchorage
aK
99518-1599
First Year Funding: $92,960.00Funding
Second Year Funding: $165,815.00
Third Year Funding: $171,915.00
Fourth Year Funding: $109,420.00
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