Download the complete Research & Restoration Plan (7.15MB PDF file).
This strategic salmon science plan is designed to identify significant knowledge gaps and establish research priorities that complement other relevant research programs in the region without duplication of effort. In doing so, the Plan provides a science-based roadmap guiding the AYK SSI’s current and future “Invitations to Submit Research Proposals,” and ensures that available funds target the highest priority research questions and issues.
The Research & Restoration Plan (RRP) was prepared by the AYK SSI Scientific Technical Committee, with guidance from a committee of the National Research Council. The RRP is organized around a conceptual foundation, several overarching questions and three research frameworks:
- Salmon Life Cycle
- Human Systems
- Synthesis and Prediction
Within each framework, research themes, hypotheses, key variables, and sample research questions are identified. A total of twenty-two hypotheses were developed to address the Program Goal, eleven of which were classified as high priority hypotheses directly addressing the program goal of:
“By 2012, assemble existing information, gain new information and improve techniques for understanding the trends and causes of variation in salmon abundance and human use of salmon that support sustainable use and restoration through a collaborative and inclusive process“.
The AYK SSI, a collaborative effort among seven partner institutions, was created through a congressional appropriation in 2002. This partnership includes the Tanana Chiefs Conference the Association of Village Council Presidents, Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association, , Kawerak, Inc., Tanana Chiefs Conference, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Subsistence and Commercial Fisheries Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Service. The purpose of the AYK SSI is to collaboratively develop and implement a comprehensive research plan to understand the causes of the declines and recoveries of AYK Salmon.
Published June 30, 2006
