Fisheries, Subsistence, and Habitat
Publications Searchable Database
Search Again| Division: | Sport Fish |
| Title: | Optimal production of coho salmon from the Chilkat River |
| Author: | Ericksen, R. P., and S. J. Fleischman |
| Year: | 2006 |
| Report ID: | Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fishery Manuscript No. 06-06, Anchorage |
| Abstract: | An escapement goal range for adult coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch from the Chilkat River was developed with information from a stock assessment program (1998–2005) and catch sampling programs of the commercial and recreational fisheries in Southeast Alaska. Stock assessment was based on expanded annual peak escapement counts and mark-recapture estimates of abundance of spawning coho salmon. Relative age composition was estimated from samples collected in Chilkat River fish wheels (1998–2005). Optimal spawning abundance was recommended at 30,000 to 70,000 coho salmon based on two different models of available data. In 2006, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game adopted a biological escapement goal range expressed both in terms of total escapement, 30,000 to 70,000, and peak survey counts, 900–2,100, based on the information presented. We recommend continuation or implementation of several stock assessment components to improve estimation of population statistics and management of this stock. |
| Keywords: | Coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, Chilkat River, spawning abundance, mark-recapture, age, sex and length composition, escapement goal, stock-recruit analysis, freshwater production, Bayesian age-structured stock-recruit model, sustained yield |