The Effects of Release Size, Location and Timing on Chinook Salmon on the West Coast of Vancouver Island

Throughout Western North America with few exceptions all species of Pacific Salmon stocks have been in steady decline for over 50 years. On the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Chinook salmon stocks are of particular concern. These fish provide ecological, cultural and economic value to the region and current numbers are at an all-time low. This research will use PIT telemetry and capture-recapture techniques to study survival, growth and habitat use of Chinook salmon during outmigration and early marine life to identify habitat bottle necks or other limiting factors to production/survival as well as study success of hatchery released fish. It is important to study the early life history as egg-to-smolt life stages of salmonids experience high mortality rates and survival during this time is a key factor contributing to population growth for Pacific salmonids.

Faculty Supervisor:

Eduardo Martins

Student:

Thomas Balfour

Partner:

Toquaht Management Ltd.

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Northern British Columbia