February 7, 2002 Vol . 23, No. 3 By Candice Martins High school
students who question the relevance of math lessons should take
note of Laura Cowens wildlife statistics research. A PhD
candidate in statistics and actuarial science, Cowen (above) is
developing statistical models for salmon conservation programs,
helping fisheries officers and conservationists obtain accurate
information on endangered stocks. Among Cowens current projects
is a model that assesses the survival rate of juvenile salmon
(smolt) migrating along the Columbia River. The model analyses
data from a sample of smolts monitored with radio tags and
estimates how many fish in total successfully pass through one
of the rivers hydro dams and reach the ocean. Radio tags are
ideal for monitoring smolt, says Cowen. They are more accurate
and smaller than conventional tags and fewer fish need to be
tagged, which is important when working with an endangered
population. However, accurately reflecting the radio tags
battery life in a statistical mode