The objective for the Wuikinuxv Lake CSI Assessment Program is to conduct stock assessment activities for sockeye salmon at Wuikinuxv Lake in fall 2026 described above. The work can be broken down into four key components:
• Preparatory planning and training
• Field operations
• Escapement estimation, biological sampling and reporting; and
• Camp operations and maintenance
Creek surveys:
The core creek surveys for the Wuikinuxv Lake sockeye assessment program include the five Clear Streams Index (CSI) streams and additional spawning habitats as described below:
CSI streams:
? Ashlulm (Asxvelem)
? Inziana (Kisianua)
? Wash-Wash (Waxwas)
? Genesee (Cinici)
? Dallery (Dalik)
Additional spawning habitats as part of core program:
? Whiskey Lakeshore*
? Sunday Lakeshore*
? Third narrows Lakeshore*
? Amback (Qvapx)
Age Structure sampling:
Age and body size samples will be collected from 150 sockeye during the course of the run, including before peak, during peak, and after peak. In 2026, Wuikinuxv field team has opted to collect all 150 samples from Inziana (Kisianua) due to the accessibility of the sampling site. If sockeye salmon abundance requires modification to meet sampling objectives, in-season alternatives to meet sampling objectives are to:
? Collect the full target from an alternative stream;
? Or collect 50 samples/stream for three streams.