Spawner surveys are conducted by walking reaches, or segments, of streams and collecting the following information; the number and species of live adult salmon, the number of redds (or nests) and the species creating them, as well as the size and species of the carcasses found in each stream. For the 2004-2005 spawner survey season this data was collected for Chinook, coho, chum, kokanee (landlocked sockeye), and steelhead, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. The information collected in the spawner surveys is used by different agencies for various purposes. SFEG uses the data to measure the fish use at restoration sites, and whether they are increasing the quality and/or quantity of habitat. SFEG also shares this data with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, which uses this data as well as data from other sources to predict escapement totals for the year. Escapement totals are important because this information is used to set limits for both the commercial and sport fisheries, as well as assess the health of the salmon stocks on a watershed level.

This coho salmon, photographed by Richard Zielinski, was among the first to
be observed in Mount Vernon's Logan Creek by new Stream Stewards volunteers
during the 2004-05 spawning season.

Chinook: SFEG recorded the highest number of adult Chinook returning this year at 59 spawners. This is due partially to the inclusion of Thunder creek, which is a productive Chinook stream. When compared to its parent year (which is four years earlier) Chinook levels appear to have remained steady. This year did see an increase in the number and size of spawners from the previous four years.
Chum: The overall number of spawning adults remained similar to last year's record breaking number with a total count of 1,566. However, many of the streams experienced sharp increases or declines from previous years. Among the streams experiencing the sharpest increases were Lyle Creek near Darrington, and Alder Creek near Hamilton. Hansen Creek, Mundt Creek, and Marblegate Slough all saw sharp decreases this year.
Coho: There were 3,576 spawners recorded this year, a decrease of 27% from the previous year. A general trend favoring the smaller streams was noticed for this season.

Although other species were seen during the course of the season, their presence has not been recorded in as great of detail for various reasons, including low returning numbers and timing of return. Because of this it is difficult to draw any conclusions. If you are interested in seeing these numbers please consult the full report, available from the SFEG office.

We would like to thank all the many volunteers for the hard work and long hours they gave to collect this information. Of the 35 streams monitored, about 2/3 were completed by volunteers. We appreciate the commitment of time and effort contributed by these enthusiastic folks. If you are interested in becoming a spawner survey volunteer for next year (training in early October) please contact our office.