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Depensatory predation mortality on salmon when added to a Ricker production model can create a system with at least two stable equilibria and two domains of attraction. The behavior of such a fish system is different from a single equilibrium situation and a simple mechanism is described through which commercial exploitation changes the ability of such multiple-equilibrium fish populations to respond to perturbations in survival rates. Furthermore, it is shown that this change in size of stability regions is proportional to the exploitation rate and that classically defined maximum sustainable yield (MSY) exploitation rates are inevitably close to the rates that would cause a drastic decrease in the population. The uncertainties inherent in environmental effects on survival and in achievement of desired exploitation rates precipitate the need to back away from the usual MSY exploitation rates and set up (through enhancement) a system of stocks whereby feedback information is provided to the manager. This approach of adaptive management seeks reasonable yields while gaining information about the state (or changes in state) of the system. Some applications of catastrophe theory are discussed, especially with reference to harvesting multiple-stock salmon systems. Key words: stability, resilience, exploitation, salmon, depensation, multiple equilibria, adaptive management, enhancement, catastrophe theory

Several studies have shown that predators can eat large portions (up to 85%) of emerging salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) fry populations. To understand salmon population dynamics and the effect of salmon enhancement projects, it is necessary to determine how present predation mortality varies with prey density. To predict the shape of this relation outside the range of past observations, we must examine the basic components of the predation process, the functional and numerical responses. A review of past, sparse data on the functional response component shows that predators of salmon fry and smolts were mostly not being saturated (i.e. maximum attack rates were not being achieved) at high prey densities. A method to estimate functional responses from certain types of existing field data is derived and applied to Hooknose Creek pink salmon (O. gorbuscha) and chum salmon (O. keta) information. Results from 7 out of 9 yr corroborate earlier observations that predators are normally operating on the low end of their functional response curves and are therefore capable of causing high mortality on larger prey populations. Also, competition among predators is demonstrated to be significant, resulting in changes in slopes of functional responses. More experimental studies of functional responses are needed, and such research should be carried out in conjunction with perturbations in salmon fry abundance which will result from enhancement projects. Key words: salmon fry, predation, freshwater survival, enhancement, functional response, predator competition

A computer simulation model was used to examine growth and survival of all major British Columbia salmon stocks during their first 6 mo of ocean life. Factors included in the calculations were the space–time distribution of zooplankton production, timing of salmon ocean arrival and migration especially as regards overlaps between stocks, feeding and growth in relation to food availability, and mortality rates in relation to body size. It is concluded that ocean limitation of production is unlikely unless only a small fraction of total zooplankton production is available to the salmon. The model emphasizes several critical uncertainties about the marine biology of salmon: rates of replenishment of near surface zooplankton stocks (where most salmon feeding occurs) from deeper water have not been adequately measured, and the functional response of salmon to prey density is not understood. There is inadequate data on the relationship between body size and mortality rate, and migration patterns of juvenile fish have not been documented precisely enough. Hopefully some of these uncertainties will be resolved through the salmon enhancement programs. Key words: salmon, population limitation, juvenile marine production, simulation model

The complexity of exploited ecological systems creates difficulties for the manager who must decide among alternative policy options. Some methods for overcoming these difficulties are presented, using examples from the salmon fishery of the Skeena River system in British Columbia. The described methods produced a "desk-top optimizer," a tool that permits decision-makers to perform fairly sophisticated "optimization" operations at their desks instead of having to rely on decision theorists or operations researchers. Also discussed are various system indices which should become part of the information used by managers. These indices include measures of resilience (ability to absorb the effects of unexpected events), costs of failures in management policies, and costs of uncertainty of various types.

Marine survival data for several different salmonid stocks were reviewed to determine whether there was significant density-dependent survival occurring in the ocean. Four classes of interaction were examined: (1) within-cohorts, (2) between-cohorts, (3) between stocks on the same or nearby rivers, and (4) between stocks of distant rivers. Results of statistical tests indicate that some stocks do not produce an increase in adult returns with increased smolt abundance, and that marine survival rate of other stocks is affected by abundance of other cohorts or stocks. Only a few stocks exhibit these density-dependent relations, but given present data, it is impossible to predict the frequency of occurrence of such limiting processes in future enhanced stocks. Salmonid enhancement planning is discussed in the context of this uncertainty and experimental enhancement projects are suggested that aim to obtain information about marine survival processes as well as additional catches. Key words: density dependent, marine survival, salmonids, experimental enhancement, stock interaction, adaptive