The IMF developed through this project supplies an analytical foundation that integrates piecemeal information on life-cycle dynamics into a salmon lifecycle framework. That framework describes the pathways and magnitude of response through which management actions affect fish populations. Thus, whether a manager proposes that flows be changed, exports be changed, or harvest rates be changed, the IMF provides a tool for accumulating the effects of a full suite of actions and estimating the net proportional change in fish populations that is likely over time.

How will this project be accomplished?
Model development has proceeded through a collaborative process in which model developers have systematically reposted progress and invited critical review from state and federal fisheries biologists.

IMF Development Team
CUWA and SWC have funded a technical team, lead by Cramer Fish Sciences to develop the model. Development procedded in stages, and policy and technical representatives of state and federal fisheries agencies have participated in review of each stage.

IMF Agency Participants
Policy-level staff at NOAA Fisheries, USFWS, and CDFG have participated in progress meetings, and provided regular policy and strategic review of the IMF formulation, such that the final product will be a thoroughly reviewed and accepted product with immediate management application.