This project is providing important information about the wild production of Chinook salmon in the Salmon River.

Other projects conducted around the Basin by agencies, universites and other partners are documenting wild reproduction of salmon and trout, and providing managers with other scientific knowledge needed to effectively manage this highly-valued diverse fishery.

Natural Reproduction of Chinook Salmon in the Salmon River, NY

Research Activities and Results of 2004
Redd Habitat Characteristics and Spawning Habitat Selection
To determine the spawning habitat characteristics of Chinook, we selected a stratified random sample of all redds found within our study sites (n=100), and measured redd length, width, depth, velocity, percent substrate, and the presence of eggs (Table 4).	Chinook spawning on the Salmon River. Photo by Fran Verdoliva
Table 4. Characteristics of Chinook salmon redds in the Salmon River. Redds sampled 103 Depth at Head (cm) 43.5 Depth at Rear (cm) 27.1 Velocity at Head (cm/s) 63.4 Velocity at rear (cm) 90.6 Redd length (cm) 236 Redd Width (cm) 159 Substrate   Percent with Eggs? 76.6%
Future Activities To determine the amount of spawning habitat along the entire river and the degree to which spawning habitat limits reproductive potential, the rest of the river will be sampled at equal intervals and distribution from the lower dam to the mouth. Transects will be used to examine the same characteristics (depth, substrate composition and velocity) starting in 2005.

Project Cooperators

New York
Department of Environmental Conservation