Fraser Basin Salmon Ecosystem Project.

Year 2009
Proponent Simon Fraser University (08 LR 52)
Project type Habitat
FSWP funding source DFO Fraser Basin Initiative
Grant amount $78,240
Total project value $115,560
ID number 09-D99-H

Location: Basin wide

Project Summary

Overview

To understand interactions between salmon and their ecosystems, we are linking available data from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) on salmon population sizes over the last 50 years to new data that we collected in the first two years of the project through detailed physical and biological assessments of 40 sockeye spawning streams across two regions of the Fraser Basin.

We are testing linkages between physical stream variables and adult population size.  From this analysis we will compile a list of stream habitat indicators that will then be analyzed in a cost-benefit framework.  The cost-benefit analysis will quantitatively assess the performance of the indicator and the cost of measuring it. This information can then be used to develop effective and efficient habitat monitoring programs for the future management of Pacific salmon (Strategy 2 of WSP).

To examine how spawner abundance impacts freshwater ecosystem productivity, we are using stable isotope techniques to track the fate of salmon-derived nutrients through the food web as well as directly measuring indicators of ecosystem productivity.  Understanding the quantitative relationships between salmon abundance and ecosystem productivity will aid the development of management strategies that incorporate ecosystem values (Strategy 3 of WSP).

The third (and final) year of funding requested here will allow us to complete the remaining isotope sample processing, analyze the massive dataset we have generated, and complete a detailed final report of our research.  We will also continue to develop our collaborations and partnerships, particularly those that directly contribute to the implementation of the WSP.

Objectives
1. To test quantitative links between proposed physical habitat indicators and past and current salmon abundance (Strategy 2 of the WSP).
2. To test quantitative links between historical and recent salmon escapement and various indicators of ecosystem health and productivity (Strategy 3 of the WSP).
3. To use this new information to inform future management decisions aimed at improving the sustainability of wild salmon stocks.

Methods

We compared sockeye spawning streams across two regions of the Fraser Basin; the Stuart/Takla catchment at the FraserŐs northerly limit and the Shuswap/Thompson catchment in the Interior. We selected 40 streams (14 in Shuswap/Thompson, 26 in Stuart/Takla), across a gradient in spawner density, for detailed stream assessments. Central to Objectives 1 and 2 is linkage of available data from DFO on the salmon population sizes in our 40 study streams to the physical and biological data that we collect. We will use total stream escapements, going back up to 50 years, and compile archived data on spawner density from DFOŐs Annacis Island office.

To achieve Objective 1, and test quantitative links between proposed physical habitat indicators and past and current salmon abundance, detailed physical assessments were conducted on our 40 study streams.  These field surveys generated data to compute metrics for water quality, water quantity, large woody debris, temperature, substrate, stream morphology, riparian canopy, and habitat type.  These data will now be correlated to our escapement metrics using various model selection techniques to prioritize a list of the most informative stream habitat indicators, including all of the on-the-ground indicators being proposed under Strategy 2 of the WSP.  In addition, the utility of these indicators will be assessed using a cost-benefit framework.

To meet Objective 2, and test quantitative links between salmon escapement and indicators of ecosystem health and productivity (Strategy 3 of the WSP), detailed biological assessments of our 40 study streams were conducted. Our chosen ecosystem indicators are specific to the freshwater ecosystem, and broadly characterize stream periphyton, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and resident fish.

We are achieving Objective 3 through our ongoing relationships with Wild Salmon Policy strategies 2 and 3 coordinators (Heather Stalberg and Kim Hyatt).  We have presented preliminary results to both strategy working groups in addition to corresponding with other ENGOŐs (i.e. Watershed Watch and David Suzuki Foundation) that have initiatives supporting the implementation of the Wild Salmon Policy.


Final Results

The final report for the study is posted in the orange resource box to the right.


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