Pacific Salmon Environmental and Life History Models: Advancing Science for Sustainable Salmon in the Future

Use of the AHA Model in Pacific Salmon Recovery, Hatchery, and Fishery Planning

J. Hal Michael, Jr., Andrew Appleby, and John Barr

doi: https://doi.org/10.47886/9781934874097.ch22

Abstract.—The All-H Analyzer (AHA model) is a tool that allows salmon managers to simultaneously evaluate the impact that habitat restoration (or degradation), changes in fisheries, or changes in hatchery operation would have on a specific fish population or stock. This paper presents the (idealized) results of how AHA can be used to set a long-term salmon restoration, recovery, and fishery plan. It takes the process from initial goal setting, through exploring how those goals can be evaluated by AHA, and then how they can be accomplished. The results of implementation of various options are evaluated with AHA both in terms of “numerical” escapement to the spawning grounds, the amount and direction of gene flow, and the number of fish harvested. In this way, activities can be prioritized, planned, carried out, and evaluated against an expected response. It is also possible to evaluate “what-if” scenarios to better plan multiple activities within a watershed.