Stikine Coho Assessment Feasibility

Iskut Mark Recapture

September 15–October 27

The Iskut Mark Re-Capture Project is intended to catch and tag adult Coho salmon in the Iskut River, with a plan to re-capture fish further up the river to then use that data to build a population estimate for the Iskut River Coho salmon. The project was postponed in 2020 but this year we were able to get staff out to participate with DFO staff in the project. Jared Dennis, John Nole, Fabian Vance and Peter Carlick Beck joined DFO on this project. They have tagged over 50 adult Coho to date. Further reporting of project will take place once project is completed, and the data is analyzed.

Katete River Sonar

September 15–October 7

Margaret Asp was sent down to the Lower Stikine to assist a DFO staff to test out sites on the Katete River for possible sonar locations. The crew was able to test out a few spots, but as before in 2019, flash floods and rain events proved to be very difficult for sonar in the system. The intent with this project is to use sonar technology to enumerate the Coho returning. Further reporting will be done once season is complete and data analyzed.

Genetic Sample Collection

October 8–October 27

This project will see the collection of genetic samples of Coho salmon, along with the recovery of any tags in conjunction with the mark and re-capture project. It will be done with both DFO and TCG staff already at the Lower Stikine camp. Peter Carlick-Beck switched out with Margaret Asp and will be on site for the completion of this field work. Further updates will be shared once the project is complete and data is analyzed.

Above: Coho crew: Fabian Vance, John Nole, Jared Dennis, and Maggie Asp.