A Coordinated Research Plan for Estuarine and Ocean Research on Pacific Salmon

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is charged with restoring and protecting anadromous Pacific salmon stocks in all habitats of U.S. waters, including their period of residence in estuarine and oceanic waters. Recent studies have implicated the estuarine and coastal phase of the salmon life cycle as being of equal importance to the freshwater phase in determining production. Evaluation of the freshwater phase of salmon has yielded a better understanding of the factors limiting production in this environment; however, a comparable understanding in the marine environment is lacking. Currently, some marine salmon research is being conducted at various NMFS labs on the West Coast, but there has been little attempt to coordinate activities among the different regions. In response, we propose a comprehensive plan to address ocean and estuarine survival of salmon by identifying research needs and suggesting ways to meet these needs. We recommend that NMFS research focus on (1) distribution and movement patterns of salmon in marine waters, (2) health and condition of hatchery and wild salmon, (3) trophic dynamics of salmon, and (4) large‐scale effects of the atmosphere and ocean.