Ninilchik River Chinook salmon stock status assessment, 2009.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fishery Data Series No. 12-16., Anchorage.

In 2009, the total number of Chinook salmon counted at the Ninilchik River weir was 727 fish, of which 620 were wild and 107 were hatchery-reared. The wild Chinook salmon escapement corresponding to the Sustainable Escapement Goal (SEG) index monitoring period (3 July through 31 July) was 528 fish, which failed to exceed the lower end of the SEG. The median run timing date during the SEG index monitoring period for both wild and hatchery-reared Chinook salmon was 25 July. The dominant age class was ocean age 2 and ocean age 1 for wild Chinook salmon and hatchery-reared Chinook salmon, respectively. Approximately 301,000 eggs were collected from 21 wild and 27 hatchery-reared Chinook salmon females during 2 egg takes. Egg survival to the eyed stage was 92.4%. The stocking goal was met for the Ninilchik River but not for any of the Kachemak Bay terminal saltwater fishery locations. Thirty-six coded wire tags were decoded from 38 Chinook salmon that were sacrificed at the weir; and all originated from the Ninilchik River. The Ninilchik River Chinook salmon supplementation program has provided important sport fishing opportunities on the Ninilchik River and terminal saltwater fisheries. Continuation of the Chinook salmon assessment at Ninilchik River weir is recommended to ensure that adequate escapement of wild Chinook salmon is maintained.