Evaluate Productivity and Abundance of Selected Salmonid Populations in Olympic National Park

Project ID: P14AC01774

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: University of Washington

Fiscal Year: 2014

Initial Funding: $66,975

Total Funding: $66,975

Project Type: Technical Assistance

Project Disciplines: Biological

National Park: Olympic National Park

Principal Investigator: Hilborn, Ray

Agreement Technical Representative: Crain, Patrick

Abstract: Olympic National Park (OLYM) is home to 60 distinct populations of Pacific salmonids. Many of these populations are subjected to intensive harvest, from Alaskan commercial fisheries to in-river sport fisheries. Long term population viability is dependent upon science-based management objectives. OLYM has selected a minimum of seven populations within the park for intensive evaluation. The management objectives of these populations have either not been established or have been established but are not routinely met. Management objectives are required under the landmark 1974 Boldt Decision” case and are based upon the underlying productivity of each population. This is a collaborative project to: 1) compile data from previous and on-going surveyefforts and catch records to evaluate trends in catch and abundance over time: 2) utilize existing data to develop lifehistory models for selected populations without established management objectives in order to propose scientifically defensible escapement goals and/or sustainable harvest rates; 3) for selected populations with established management objectives, utilize existing data to evaluate the appropriateness of those objectives under current conditions, and 4) submit the project findings to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Olympic Peninsula Tribes for their consideration in setting or re-evaluating harvest management objectives. This project will provide critical information about the life histories of several Pacific salmon populations that will be publicly available and engage several partners and the interested public in shared environmental stewardship of these significant resources.