Other Project Reports & Publications
Port Heiden and Ilnik Stock Composition
2014-2015
This project was designed as a follow-on to Western Alaska Salmon Stock Identification Program (WASSIP) to obtain additional year's data on the stock composition of sockeye salmon captured in the Port Heiden section of the Alaska Peninsula. In addition, the project set out to characterize the stock composition in the Outer and Inner sections of the Port Heiden section to see if closure of the Outer section had a meaningful effect on the interception of Bristol Bay sockeye salmon. The work was designed and conducted by the University of Washington and funded by BBEDC.
BBSRI was involved in program review and technical support.
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Radiotelemetry Monitoring of Adult Chinook and Sockeye Salmon in the Nushagak River
2006
This project used radiotelemetry methods to estimate the distribution and run timing of the Nushagak River Chinook and sockeye salmon escapements. We also used a combination of radiotelemetry and mark-recapture methods to estimate salmon abundance. Primary objectives of the 2006 Nushagak radiotelemetry study were to:
1) Identify the major spawning tributaries and estimate the proportion of spawning Chinook and sockeye salmon in each
2) Describe the stock-specific run-timing patterns for Chinook and sockeye salmon at the point of capture in the lower Nushagak River
3) Estimate the system-wide abundance of sockeye salmon returning to the Nushagak River and determine the precision of the estimate
A secondary objective of the study was to estimate the system-wide abundance of Chinook salmon returning to the Nushagak River using mark-recapture methods. ​
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This project was operated by BBSRI in collaboration with LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc.
Optimal Harvesting Considering Biological and Economic Objectives
2005-2006
This study was the precursor to the more detailed study done almost a decade later and described on the Escapement Goal Analysis page. This study stemmed from a 2004 escapement goal review that suggested larger escapement goals would lead to greater catches (and value of the catch).
The analysis showed that average catch is maximized by a fixed escapement goal but that annual revenue would be maximized at allowing harvesting to escapements below levels that maximize catch. The analysis also concluded a more detailed, daily model of the fish and fishery would better capture the trade offs among escapement policies and better quantify the economic benefits among alternatives.
Collapse of Kvichak Sockeye Salmon Production, Brood Years 1991-1999:
Population Characteristics, Possible Factors, and Management Implications
2004-2006
Kvichak sockeye salmon, once the largest sockeye stock in the world (up to 50% of world’s sockeye production), declined 73% during brood years 1991-1999 compared with previous years. This investigation examined factors associated with the decline and implication for salmon management.
The study was managed by Mr. Link and funded by the North Pacific Research Board and BBSRI.
Analysis of Options to Restructure the Bristol Bay Salmon Fishery
2003
The purpose of this study was to identify and examine options to restructure the Bristol Bay salmon fishery and compare them, in terms of anticipated effects, to the option of not making changes to the fishery. Our analysis identified several sources of wealth that are foregone under the current structure of the fishery and three restructuring options would allow participants to capture this wealth.
Michael Link, BBSRI's Executive Director, designed and managed this project with assistance from a five-member team of subject matter experts and an 11-member Advisory Panel comprised of 7 fishermen, a processor, a fishery manager, an academic economist, and the chairman of the State's Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission.
The report was commissioned by the Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation and the State of Alaska's Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force. The documents below are the same as those on the original project website, where some additional documentation is available.