Watershed Assessment and Evaluation Decision Support Tool, Fraser Basin Pilot

The Watershed Evaluation and Decision Support Tool project focused on the development of data and technical models needed to support the assessment of threats to aquatic values, and the analysis of alternative management scenarios in order to guide responses to those threats. The project included a synoptic overview and assessment of threats to aquatic values found in the study area. Analysis was facilitated through GIS processing of several datasets to explore their spatial relationships, and the development of a watershed prioritization and decision support tool, intended for use at a regional watershed scale. The tool enables decision makers to define the current state of aquatic resources within watersheds, explore various management options, and evaluate the threats and examine potential future scenarios. The project’s goal was to prioritize watersheds for conservation action in order to help focus efforts in conserving and enhancing salmon and salmon habitat in the Fraser Basin to where it is needed most. The emphasis was placed on the benefits to salmon; however, other aquatic and terrestrial species and ecosystem information was incorporated into the analyses, supporting an ecosystem-based management approach. The key result of the project has been a watershed ranking system that is based on the greatest salmon values (by species and conservation unit), threats to ecosystems and species, and various watershed attributes such as road density, stream crossings, and water extraction. This ranking system has been made accessible online in order to provide information to governments, industry, and communities for consideration in MBP harvesting plans, industry development, and fisheries activities. The watershed prioritization and decision-support tool will allow users to define the current state of aquatic resources within watersheds, explore various management options, evaluate the threats and examine potential future scenarios. Refer to Attachments 1 and 2 for details and screen captures of the decision-support tool.