West Coast Salmon Ecology Meeting Convened
Current Status of Accomplishment or Milestone: The 4th Annual Salmon Ocean Ecology meeting was held in Santa Cruz, California on 15-16 January, 2002.
Background: Ocean conditions have important impacts on salmon stocks. A great deal of new information is being learned about the ocean ecology of Pacific salmon, with research being conducted at diverse laboratories including government, academia, and private institutions. The 4th Annual Salmon Ocean Ecology Meeting followed previous meetings in Newport, Seattle, and Nanaimo. A continuing and valuable contribution of this meeting is in keeping a regular watch on the ocean ecology of salmon in the eastern Pacific coastal margin.
Purpose of Activity/Goal of Project: These informal meetings are designed to foster communication among researchers working on the ocean ecology of Pacific salmon. The purpose of the meeting is to highlight work in progress. Presentation of speculative and “not-quite-polished” results stimulates significant discussion about future research needs and also fosters collaboration among different researchers.
Description of Accomplishment and Significant Results: The meeting was attended by over 80 scientists from the US and Canada. The theme of this year's meeting was "Adaptations of Pacific Salmon to Extreme Ocean Environments." Presentations at the meeting highlighted recent changes in the ocean environment, and described how salmon production and ocean survival vary out of phase in Alaska and the west coast. Recent increases in survival of west coast stocks of coho salmon were described by several speakers. A booklet containing the agenda, abstracts of presentations and posters, and the list of participants is available at: http://www.pfeg.noaa.gov/events/SalmonMeeting/
Significance of Accomplishment (e.g., to the Center, to Management, and to NMFS Strategic plan Goals): With the large scientific effort on salmon, improved communication prevents duplication and stimulates new ideas in this important research area. The meeting results highlight current research appropriate under strategic plan elements of Recover Protected Species and Build Sustainable Fisheries.
Problems: None.
Key Contact: George Boehlert (831-648-8515; George.Boehlert@noaa.gov); Churchill Grimes (831-420-3931; Churchill.Grimes@noaa.gov).