Assessment of Fish Habitat in Streams: Goals, Constraints, and a New Technique

Abstract Resolution of conflicts between forestry and fisheries requires assessment of stream habitat quality so that stream reaches of vulnerable or critical habitat may be avoided or protected. Assessment of stream habitats potentially involves a large number of stream features. Designers of stream survey techniques must choose a subset of these features based on logistical constraints of field work and intended use of the survey data. A new survey technique, developed for use in southeast Alaska, is described. The technique involves diagrammatic mapping of stream features, including water velocity/depth categories, spawning gravel, and several kinds of fish cover.