B Appendix B: Glossary

Table B.1: Glossary of key terms used in the updated estimate-type guidance.
Term Definition
Estimate type A categorical data-quality class (Types 1-6) intended to summarize reliability and interpretability of an escapement estimate.
Enumeration method The field observation approach used to collect escapement information (e.g., fixed-site counts, visual surveys, sonar detections).
Estimation method The analytical procedure used to convert field observations into an annual estimate (e.g., mark-recapture, AUC, modelling, expansions).
AUC (area under the curve) A method that integrates repeated counts over time to estimate total passage or spawner abundance, typically requiring assumptions about residence time and detectability.
Method family A grouped survey/estimation class used to scope which property checks apply in the decision key (FS, V, A, S, T, R, P, M).
Relative abundance A time-series property indicating values are comparable within the same program/method over time, but may not represent a complete census of true abundance.
WSP (Wild Salmon Policy) A Canadian policy framework that includes rapid status assessments using benchmarks and decision-tree logic applied to salmon Conservation Units.
Breach/bypass Fish bypassing a counting site, or a breach/failure of the counting installation, resulting in missed fish unless corrected.
Infilling/interpolation A documented method used to estimate unobserved portions of a run due to missed visits or device outages.
Calibration A procedure that adjusts or infers estimates using a relationship to a higher-quality series or method, potentially changing historical values.
Downgrade flag A recorded code explaining why an estimate cannot attain a higher-quality type (e.g., VISITS, TIMING, DOC).
CV (coefficient of variation) A standardized uncertainty metric defined as the standard deviation divided by the mean (often reported as a percentage).
SE (standard error) A measure of uncertainty in an estimated quantity; commonly the standard deviation of an estimator under repeated sampling.