Using Telemetry Techniques to Determine Multiple Redd Formation, Redd Residence Time, and Survey Life of Adult Coho and Chinook Salmon in Spawning Streams
Sparkman MD. 2011. Using Telemetry Techniques to Determine Multiple Redd Formation, Redd Residence Time, and Survey Life of Adult Coho and Chinook Salmon in Spawning Streams. PNAMP Special publication: Tagging Telemetry, and Marking Measures for Monitoring Fish Populations. :95-103
Abstract: "Effective management and conservation of salmon populations rely upon accurate estimates of population size over time (years). Two methods commonly used to estimate salmon escapement into streams are counting redds and counting live fish during spawning ground surveys. Redd counts, when used to index adult populations, or expanded to estimate the total number of adults, rely upon the assumption that a female makes just one redd. Fish counts, using the area-under-the-curve (AUC) escapement model, rely on an accurate estimate of the average time live fish spend in the survey area (known as survey life or SL) or on redds (redd residence time or RRT). Multiple redd formation (MRF), RRT, and SL can be difficult to measure accurately and have received little attention in California streams. This paper will provide telemetry methods to determine MRF, RRT, and SL for adult salmonids in spawning streams based upon 4 years of study. Telemetry can provide additional data as well, such as observer efficiency at seeing redds and live and dead fish, salmonid habitat use and migration patterns, pre-spawn predation, and egg retention. The methods are intensive, yet simple, and have proven to be an efficient, relatively low-cost method to accurately address key assumptions and variables used in fishery models, particularly for long-term population monitoring."
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Sparkman, Michael
- Units
- REDW
- Keywords
- California streams, conservation, fish mortality, fish populations, fishery models, natural resource management, redd formation, salmon escapements, salmonid species, spawning habitat, telemetry