Klutina Baseline Assesment

Every summer, thousands of Chinook and sockeye salmon migrate up the Gulkana River to reach their spawning grounds. Understanding how many fish successfully escape the fishery and return to spawn—known as escapement—is essential for sustainable fisheries management.

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In partnership with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), AITRC is evaluating the feasibility of using Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON/ARIS) technology to estimate salmon passage in the lower Gulkana River. This pilot study will help determine whether sonar can provide accurate, non-invasive fish counts while expanding long-term monitoring capacity within the watershed.