Estimating the Population Dynamics of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Using Pooled Time-Series and Cross-Sectional Data

Abstract

The population dynamics of natural and hatchery coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) were estimated for three regions, (1) Washington coastal, (2) Columbia River region, and (3) Oregon/California coastal, using pooled time-series and cross-sectional data. Two functional forms were compared: the Beverton–Holt and Ricker models. Both models yielded very similar results. In both cases, we found that the natural coho stock recruitment is significantly affected by parent stock level (positive), parent stock density (negative), river flow (positive), and hatchery smolt release (negative). The significant factors affecting hatchery coho salmon were smolt release level (positive), smolt release density (negative), and upwelling (positive).