Salmon Abundance and Diversity in Eagle River

AERC staff deploy barrior netting in the Eagle RiverSalmon Abundance and Diversity in Eagle River
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

The mouth of the Eagle River on JBER is a critical late summer feeding area for Cook Inlet’s endangered population of beluga whales. Little is known, however, about the run size and timing of the salmon that the whales prey on in this river. Historic sampling methods for studying Pacific salmon in Eagle River were deemed inadequate and new methods were needed. AERC staff investigated, coordinated, and implemented new techniques to measure and monitor salmon diversity and abundance in the river. The techniques and data established during this study allow state and federal wildlife managers to better understand salmon populations in Eagle River and their importance to Cook Inlet’s belugas.

Project goals: Devise new methods of sampling and quantifying Pacific Salmon populations in Eagle River, provide senior technical support to JBER fisheries program, and engage with industry partner to provide fisheries science expertise that establishes and oversees the sampling program.

Project in Pictures

  • AERC staff test the deployment of barrier nets at the mouth of the Eagle River
    AERC staff and project partners test the deployment of barrier nets at the mouth of  Eagle River. The nets are one possible method being explored to concentrate migrating salmon into areas where they can be accurately counted.
  • AERC staff test the deployment of barrier nets at the mouth of the Eagle River
    AERC program manager Misty Libby supervises as staff and project partners test the deployment of barrier nets at the mouth of Eagle River. The nets are one possible method being explored to concentrate migrating salmon into areas where they can be accurately counted.
  • AERC staff test the deployment of barrier nets at the mouth of the Eagle River
    AERC project partner Stephen Grabecki, owner of FISHEYE Consulting, orchestrates the deployment of barrier nets at the mouth of the Eagle River. The nets are one possible method being explored to concentrate migrating salmon into areas where they can be accurately counted.
  • AERC staff test the deployment of barrier nets at the mouth of Eagle River.
    AERC staff and project partners test the deployment of barrier nets at the mouth of Eagle River. The nets are one possible method being explored to concentrate migrating salmon into areas where they can be accurately counted.
  • AERC staff test the deployment of barrier nets at the mouth of Eagle River.
    AERC staff and project partners test the deployment of barrier nets at the mouth of Eagle River. The nets are one possible method being explored to concentrate migrating salmon into areas where they can be accurately counted.