| Citation |
Pickard, D., M. Porter, E. Olson, B. Connors, K. Kellock, E. Jones, and K. Connors (2015) Skeena River Estuary Assessment: Technical Report, Pacific Salmon Foundation Vancouver, BC. |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
The Skeena is the second largest river in British Columbia, and one of the longest un-dammed rivers in the world. The Skeena River estuary possesses extensive mudflats and shallow, intertidal passages that have been identified as potentially critical habitats for juvenile salmon (Higgins and Schouwenburg 1973 as cited in Ocean Ecology 2014). Maintaining the integrity and function of these estuarine habitats is therefore predicted to be important to the conservation of Skeena River salmon populations. However, there are significant information gaps in the status of the Skeena estuary. These gaps hinder the ability to manage the status of estuarine salmon habitats and the human activities that have the potential to impact them. The objective of this project was to assess the status and condition of the Skeena estuary from the perspective of salmon. Three questions framed this project: 1. What are the key pressures on salmon habitat? 2. What is the status of salmon habitat in the Skeena River estuary? 3. What are the critical gaps in our understanding of the Skeena River estuary? This project was initiated in response to the need to quantify baseline conditions against which to evaluate future pressures in the estuary, monitor changes in condition over time, and to support local communities in identifying potential threats to salmon and their habitats. With input from a regional Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), we generated a snapshot of the current status of the estuary, established a baseline for monitoring changes in the condition of the estuary over time, and developed a framework for evaluating key pressures on salmon habitat in the Skeena estuary. A global review of estuary assessments informed the approach undertaken for this project. The review, in conjunction with input from the TAC, informed the development of a salmon-focused conceptual model for the Skeena estuary. Elements within the conceptual model helped to identify 37 potential indicators for the assessment of pressures, habitat and salmon populations within the estuary. Existing and available datasets were identified and compiled to inform 23 of these key indicators. Indicators were then assessed against various benchmark values to determine the status of each estuary indicator. The assessment made use of existing datasets, which were reviewed through a standardized Data Quality Assessment (DQA) to ensure scientific quality and relevance to the Skeena estuary assessment. Substantial limitations in the availability, quality, and spatial coverage of the data across all indicators precluded an assessment of the status and condition of the estuary as a whole. The analysis was instead restricted to individual indicators, which provided an indication of the current status and condition of salmon habitat and habitat pressures in specific areas and helped establish baseline conditions against which future changes in the status of individual indicators can be evaluated. This project revealed considerable gaps in information for the Skeena estuary, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and a long-term commitment to assess trends in estuary indicators. We recommend that future monitoring efforts focus on four priority topics: 1. Distribution and abundance of juvenile salmon; 2. Growth and condition of juvenile salmon; 3. Extent of eelgrass; and 4. Density and diversity of key salmon food. Addressing these knowledge gaps should be an immediate priority for government agencies, First Nations, and all stakeholders with an interest in the Skeena estuary. By advancing our scientific understanding of the Skeena estuary in relation to juvenile salmon, we will be better able to identify strategies that conserve and protect high value salmon habitats and minimize risks to wild salmon. |
