Application of a Hierarchical Habitat Unit Classification System: Stream Habitatand Salmonid Distribution in Ward Creek, Southeast Alaska

摘要

A hierarchical classification system separating stream habitat into habitat unitsdefined by stream morphology and hydrology was used in a pre-enhancement stream survey. The system separates habitat units into macrounits, mesounits, and microunits and includes a separate evaluation of instream cover that also uses the hierarchical scheme. The paper presents an application of the system to a pre-enchancement survey of habitat and salmonid populations. Application of the method accompanied by snorkel counts of fish allowed us to determine habitat area, salmonid densities within habitat units, and an estimate of the total salmonid population by species. The method is useful to rapidly describe and stratify stream habitat to determine salmonid distribution and abundance during stream surveys.