Enhancing Salmon Recovery using a Chinook Life Cycle Model
The Nooksack Early Chinook Life Cycle Model (LCM) is a technical tool designed to support salmon recovery planning in the Nooksack Basin (WRIA 1). Cramer Fish Sciences has led development of the LCM through a contract managed by the Nooksack Tribe with technical oversight from the Tribe, Lummi Nation, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The model approach was based largely on the NOAA HARP Model developed for the Chehalis River system and later adapted to the Snohomish and Stillaguamish River systems. This approach uses a population dynamics model parameterized with demographic rates, productivities, and capacities, with cohorts that can be tracked through time and space in an age-structured stage-based model framework. In this way, we can consider the complexities and dependencies of salmonid life cycles and interactions with different habitats as they move through the system and life stages in one LCM framework. This allows us to ask important population recovery questions with the ability to simulate a wide range of scenarios. The model has been developed in phases:
- Phase 1: Data discovery and development of preliminary model framework and graphical user interface (GUI)
- Phase 2: Development of full model framework and preliminary parameterization
- Phase 3: Technical review, model refinements and tuning, and preliminary scenario modeling
Phase 3 is nearing completion, and work products are in technical review. Presentation slides, technical reports, and other materials will be posted here as they become available. For more information, please contact Treva Coe at the Nooksack Tribe.
Nooksack Chinook Life Cycle Modeling: Phase 3 Project Fact Sheet