Habitat Suitability Index Models and Instream Flow Suitability Curves: Pink Salmon

The information included in this pink salmon model is restricted to the fresh and brackish water habitats occupied by the spawning adults, developing embryos, and seaward mi grat i ng fry. The ocean habitat requi rements of pink salmon are not included. Pink salmon adults and seaward migrating fry spend very little time in freshwater, and the entire juvenile stage is in seawater, thus the HSI model concentrates on the requirements of the developing embryos and yolk sac fry.

The HSI model was constructed by searching the available technical literature, agency data files, and individual study progress reports for information on the habitat requirements of pink salmon. These data are compiled and Suitability Index (SI) graphs are constructed for each habitat variable identified from the information base. All habitat variables that were identified are included, to enable the user to evaluate a wide variety of habitat conditions useful in managing or improving pink salmon habitat, or in assessing project impacts. The HSI model is flexible enough to enable use of one to all of the available variables to suit the needs of the user.