Development and Use of Models to Identify and Restore Core Habitat Areas for Atlantic Salmon

Fisheries management agencies have traditionally utilized field surveys to quantify Atlantic salmon habitat in Maine rivers. While providing detailed information, field surveys are expensive to conduct and have only covered a small portion of the range of historic habitat of Atlantic salmon. Spatially explicit habitat models have been developed to identify spawning and rearing habitat throughout the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic Salmon.  Rearing habitat models use reach slopes derived from contour and digital elevation models (DEM), cumulative drainage area, and physiographic province to predict the total amount of rearing habitat within a reach.  A process-based geomorphic approach was used to develop spawning habitat models.  These models are being used for variety of management activities including stocking, removing barriers, and prioritizing in-stream habitat restoration projects. Our presentation will summarize processes used to develop habitat models and their use in developing systematic restoration approaches to implement stream restoration and connectivity projects within core habitat areas.