Integrating multiple sources of data on migratory timing and catchability to estimate escapement for steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
We evaluated the influence of biological, physical, and year effects on catchability, survey life, and departure timing for a winter-run steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) population and compared the performance of alternate escapement models. Date of entry and gender explained 65% of the variability in survey life, and there was no evidence for differences in survey life among years. The median date of departure for male spawners occurred 2 weeks later relative to females, and a gender-based departure model was strongly supported. Departure timing was significantly different among years (p < 0.05), but the maximum difference in median departure dates was only 11 days. The ratio of horizontal visibility to discharge explained 50% of the variation in catchability, and there was weak support for a model that accounted for effects associated with courtship and spawning behaviour. There was strong support for an escapement model that assumed survey life and catchability relationships were common among years. Joint use of departure timing and survey life data reduced uncertainty in escapement estimates by an average of 40%. The major advantage of our escapement model is that it increases the precision of estimates while avoiding the use of overly simplistic assumptions about run timing and catchability.