Benchmarks for Skeena Conservation Units
The Wild Salmon Policy mandates that assessment activities use a system of reference benchmarks for categorizing the biological status of all salmon conservation units. However, benchmarks have not yet been defined for Skeena salmon. This project aimed to conduct analyses for use in the development of benchmarks for all species of Skeena salmon and use simulation modelling to evaluate alternate harvest strategies based on possible benchmarks.
In June 2011, Brian Riddell (PSF) and Josh Korman (Ecometric Research) led an information session and progress update on the benchmarks project for the SWI Planning Committee. At this meeting, Josh informed the Planning Committee that while he had made considerable progress on the first phase of the project (i.e., determining the most appropriate stock production models from a scientific point‐of‐view), he lacked the necessary data to proceed further with the project. When the SWI concluded its activities in October 2011, the necessary data had not yet been acquired.
Since the conclusion of the SWI, the Pacific Salmon Foundation has supported continued work by Josh Korman towards developing the technical basis for benchmarks for Skeena CUs. In late October 2011, PSF hired LGL Limited to work with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to acquire and compile the data needed for this project. This data compilation was completed in late 2011 and the benchmarks analysis was completed in 2013. More information and the final results of this project are available from PSF’s Skeena Salmon Program website.
- project objectives
- Design a system of reference benchmarks for categorizing the biological status of all salmon conservation units.
- related documents
presentation: Concepts and Approaches to WSP Benchmarks and Managing Mixed-Stock Fisheries
report: Preliminary benchmark analysis for lake sockeye CUs in the Skeena Watershed
report: Revised Benchmark Analysis for lake Sockeye CUs in the Skeena Watershed
- project timeline
- October 20, 2010
to October 14, 2011 - project lead
- Josh Korman
- subjects
- benchmarks, stock assessment
- location
- Skeena River Watershed
- related species
- chinook, chum, coho, pink, sockeye