Project Information

Title: Reconstructing Sockeye Populations in the GOA over the Last Several Thousand Years: The Natural Background to Future Changes 040649

Project Year and Number: 2004: 040649

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2003: 030649, 2002: 02649

Principal Investigator (PI): Dan Mann (University of Alaska Fairbanks)

Managing Agency: ADFG

Assisting Personnel: None

Research Location: Prince William Sound, Kodiak, Kenai Peninsula

Restoration Category: Research

Injured Resources Addressed: Commercial Fishing, Sockeye Salmon, Subsistence

Abstract: We are reconstructing changes in sockeye salmon abundance over the last 10,000 years using the 15N record left by salmon carcasses in the sediments of spawning lakes. Our research question is: What is the normal variability in sockeye salmon populations in the Gulf of Alaska and how does it relate to climatic changes in the Gulf of Alaska region? Our results provide a much-needed background to monitoring studies within the GEM program and to fisheries managers who are working to preserve and restore natural salmon runs. Results from 2002 and 2003 include two new and unexpectedly complete records of salmon abundance in lakes on the Kenai Peninsula. Both records extend back to the time of regional deglaciation around 10,000 years ago. These new cores provide records of changing 15N that are five times longer than any previous record of salmon-run history. The unexpected length and richness of these new lake-core records have motivated us to request additional funds from EVOS to cover an additional year of full funding followed by a final year of analysis and synthesis.


Proposal: View (88 KB)

Reports:
Annual Report FY04: View (1,757 KB)
Final Report: Final Report Not available. For current status, please contact us.

Publications from this Project: None Available