Don Fishery Management Plan - RAFTS

Outcomes of Redd CountsRedd Count Data CollectedNumber of potential salmon spawningreddsData Uses• GIS mapping• Relate to habitat survey – location ofnursery habitat for fry and parr stages• Relate to habitat survey – presence ofimpacting features e.g. affecting adultaccess• Relate to electric fishing data on actualjuvenile production / survivalLocation of poorly used spawning gravels • GIS mapping• Relate to gravel quality e.g. substratecompaction, over-vegetation, nearbyland use• Relate to electric fishing data on actualjuvenile production / survival• Evaluate if preferentially used by trout• Evaluate value of stocking or otherimprovement measures• Combine information with hatcheryevaluation and with genetic mapping todetermine if different sub-populationsof Don salmon are being best managedLead BodiesCounts are carried out by the Don DSFB bailiffs who have training and experience inidentifying gravel redds. Collaboration with the RDT will allow the count data, habitatand electric fishing data to be effectively combined.4.2.4 Genetic SamplingSurvey PurposeGenetic research shows that in all but the smallest rivers the run of salmon consists of anumber of discrete breeding populations which are reproductively and geneticallydistinct. Understanding the population structure is essential for effective stockmanagement and will allow the conservation of vulnerable components. Samples takenfrom live fish can be used to identify different breeding populations of salmon livingwithin the Don catchment and establish, for instance, whether salmon in the mainstem aredistinct from those in a particular tributary and should be managed separately.23