Estimating Juvenile Salmon Estuarine Carrying Capacities to Support Restoration Planning and Evaluation

• DOI: 10.1007/s12237-023-01185-y
• Publication Date: 2023-02-27T20:02:53Z
• Authors: Jason Hall; Phil Roni; Kai Ross; Meghan J. Camp; Jason Nuckols; Claire Ruffing
• Keywords: Chinook wind; Juvenile fish

Abstract Estimating juvenile salmon habitat carrying capacities is a critical need for restoration planning. We assimilated more than 4500 unique estimates of published densities (e.g., fish/m 2 ) in estuarine and floodplain habitats. These density data were categorized by species life stage, type, seasonal period, geographic region to develop frequency statistics 25th 75th percentiles, or quartiles). then used expansion approach estimate based on extent. demonstrate the applying quantiles observed Chinook ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha coho O. kisutch (fish/ha) spatial describing current, historical potential, predicted (based seal level rise) extents 16 coastal Oregon estuaries capacities. Current percentile springtime (Apr–Jun) ranged from 2902 33,817 fish/delta 2507 20,206 salmon. Historic during peak rearing period (spring) 3869 71,844 3201 38,337 salmon, representing 3 72% loss capacity 67% capacity. Estimated decline 54% with 1.4 m sea rise systems that are projected lose vegetated tidal wetland habitat, while 1 320% increase was area rise. Finally, we how can be changes following restoration, which both design evaluate projects.