| Summary: | Salmon age, sex, and length (ASL) data (which often includes other measurements as well) have been collected across Alaska by state biologists with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) since statehood (1959) and prior to that by federal biologists. These data are used for a variety of stock assessment applications, including forecasts and spawning escapement goals, and an important component of salmon management. These data are also have ecological importance as they can be used to examine trends in size and growth of salmon populations over time. In addition, physical specimens have value for examining changes in the diets and genetic characteristics of salmon populations over time. The datasets associated with this project are specific to the Central Region of ADF&G's Division of Commercial Fisheries, which includes the following fisheries management areas: Prince William Sound, Upper and Lower Cook Inlet, and Bristol Bay. Data were collected from salmon in a variety of fisheries (sport, subsistence, commercial, personal use, etc.) and for research projects such as at weirs. As such, data include samples from marine and freshwater environments. Salmon ages were interpreted from the scales of fish, except in the rare instances where ages were estimated from otoliths. Salmon lengths were measured from mideye-to-fork. Age interpretation was done by biologists and technicians at area offices in Cordova, Homer, Soldotna, King Salmon, Dillingham, Anchorage, and elsewhere. Data assembled for this project are in csv formats.
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