Landscape-level model for Chum and Pink salmon spawning habitat, SE Alaska
Salmon habitat intrinsic potential (HIP) models are based on the working hypothesis that different species have evolved and adapted to short term changes at the habitat unit scale that are controlled by long term (persistent) channel geomorphic processes at the reach scale (Burnett 2007). The HIP model utilizes reach level synthetic habitat predictors (not easily influenced by management decisions) obtained from a high resolution LiDAR derived DEM to indicate the landscapes/riverscapes capacity to provide high quality habitat for salmon.
Romey FAS has completed the preliminary HIP model for SE Alaska Chum and Pink salmon spawning habitat based on two years of empirical data. The HIP model is included in TerainWorks NetMap GIS tool for virtual watershed and smart river networks to be utilized by decision-makers, agencies, and researchers. The next step is to validate the model during the 2017 summer field season.
