Oceanic, riverine, and genetic influences on spring chinook salmon migration timing

摘要: Migrating salmonids often return to their spawning habitats in overlapping timing patterns of multiple stocks (populations) collectively called a run that varies its genetic makeup across and within years. Managers, tasked with developing harvest strategies on these runs, may have preseason estimates total size but little information timing. Without both it is difficult assess run's status real time. Consequently, avoid overharvest, managers tend control the harvest. However, this strategy inadvertently affect component disproportionately therefore diversity. Thus, accurate are needed improve management. We developed model includes environmental factors predict mean chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) at Bonneville Dam Columbia River, Oregon, USA. The predicted (P < 0.00001, r2 = 0.78) by characterizing components from arrival precocious males returning one year prior remainder adults influences oceanic riverine flows impede or advance Variations relative abundances populations explain 62% interannual variation while combined account for 15.5%. We suggest when characteristics preserved species maturation can be used time predictions maintain diversity harvested species.