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ADF&G Chinook salmon stream index areas are used to collect peak aerial and foot survey counts of spawning Chinook salmon to help estimate spawning escapement in 11 Southeast Alaska index systems. Counts made during aerial or foot surveys are timed to occur during periods of peak spawning of Chinook salmon on a system by system basis, recognizing past observations of migration and spawning chronology as well as environmental factors that dictate timing. Survey areas within each index stream were selected on the basis of their historical importance, size of the population, geographic distribution, historical database, and ease of data collection. Counts made for the index streams serve as an annual comparable index of the spawning escapement. Each survey area will be surveyed at least twice per year and most systems are surveyed at least 3 times per year. Several index areas are routinely surveyed by more than one method including both by helicopter and foot on the same day to enable comparison of the different methods. For more information please see the ADF&G Regional Operation Plan SF.1J.2015.14, "Escapements of Chinook Salmon in Southeast Alaska and Transboundary Rivers in 2015 by Philip Richards, Todd Johnson, and Micah Sanuinetti" available at the following link: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/FedAidPDFs/ROP.SF.1J.2015.14.pdf |