Salmon enumeration in the Fraser River with the dual-frequency identification sonar (DIDSON) acoustic imaging system

Abstract

Reliable data on the number of salmon entering tributaries of the Fraser River to spawn (escapement) is needed for Pacific salmon management. Existing escapement techniques are costly and the number of populations requiring assessments has risen because of stock rebuilding efforts. The efficacy of a DIDSON acoustic imaging system for salmon stock assessment was investigated. Sixteen potential sites within the Fraser watershed were surveyed and based on channel morphology, bottom morphology, flow pattern, fish behavior and location relative to spawning grounds, ten sites in six rivers meet the needs of fisheries managers and the DIDSON system for escapement estimates. Fish count data from the DIDSON were compared to data from a counting fence (used as a standard) using regression techniques, resulting in relationships with slopes ranging from 0.98 to 1.02. The precison of DIDSON counts >50 (measured by CV) among three readers was 1.7%. This work supports the conclusion that the DIDSON system can deliver escapement estimates whose accuracy, precision and scientific defensibility is consistent with or better than existing escapment techniques and at a lower operating cost to assessment programs. [Work supported by the Southern Boundary Restoration and Enhancement Fund of the Pacific Salmon Commission.]