Harvest Evaluation Project

The Harvest Evaluation Project collected harvest and escapement data to determine whether forecasts were accurate and if catch was within pre-season impact rates. This information was used by the Management Project to adjust harvest guidelines and open or curtail fisheries. Tribal fisherman were interviewed and creeled about fishing locations, fishing days, methods, and Chinook salmon caught as well as knowledge and/or presence of other Tribal fisherman. A total estimate of catch per unit effort (CPUE) and was developed to estimate total catch by fishery. Monitors were required to keep a daily log and fill out field forms for each day as a checks and balances to verify data collected in the field. CPUE and harvest was formally reported to NOAA-Fisheries and relevant co-managers at the conclusion of the fishing season or as needed.

The Tribes will report their harvest estimates to NOAA-Fisheries and relevant co-managers on a weekly basis through the recently developed Snake Basin Adult Coordination Meetings. Once fishery guidelines or total impacts are achieved for an individual fishery, such fishery will be curtailed unless information suggests forecasts under-predicted escapement or an adjusted in-season forecast is made by TAC. Conversely, should information suggest pre-season forecasts over-estimate escapement, harvest guidelines will be reduced.