New forecasts for total runs of Chinook salmon for the Situk, Chilkat and Unuk rivers and terminal run forecasts for the Taku and Sitkine rivers in Southeast Alaska show that all but the Stikine are within escapement goal ranges, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).
These forecasts, released on Dec. 9, are germane to large fish that are at least 28 inches in total length and are based on sibling models, using recent brood year age at return and run data along with performance-based hindcasts, ADF&G biologists said.
The Stikine River terminal run forecast is 11,700 large fish, which is below the escapement goal range of 14,000 to 28,000 fish.
The Situk River total run forecast is 450 large fish, compared to the escapement goal range of 450 to 1,050 fish. And the Chilkat River total run forecast is 2,850 large fish, within the escapement goal range of 1,750 to 3,500. The Taku River terminal run forecast is 23,000 large fish, within the escapement goal range of 19,000 to 36,000, as is the Unuk River forecast of 2,800 large fish, within the escapement goal range of 1,800 to 3,800.
The Alaska Board of Fisheries has designated the Chilkat, Taku, King Salmon, Stikine, Unuk and Chickamin rivers, as well as Andrew Creek, as stocks of management concern.
