The function of estuarine habitat in the life history of juvenile ChinookSalmon: physical habitat, prey availability, and their relationship to fishbehaviour.

Estuaries are important to juvenile salmon as they transition to the ocean from their natal streams; however, a significant portion of estuary habitat has been lost in North America due to urban development. This loss of habitat has likely played a role in the decline of salmon populations throughout the Pacific Coast of North America. The Squamish River Watershed Society (SRWS) has funding to restore fish access to the Squamish River estuary and the study site presents a unique opportunity to study how restored habitat affects the survival of juvenile salmon. Using fish capture data, movement data from telemetry, and habitat characteristics, we will study how fish use the estuary as well as how the estuary differs from the river habitat in terms of food availability and water quality. Our research program will inform restoration priorities and objectives for the Squamish River Watershed Society.

Faculty Supervisor:

Scott Hinch

Student:

Stephanie Lingard

Partner:

Squamish River Watershed Society

Discipline:

Forestry

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of British Columbia