Since mid-July, Fisheries and Oceans Canada reported that approximately one million chum salmon have migrated into the Yukon River from the Bering Sea. However, experts caution that this rise in numbers does not necessarily indicate a positive trend for this specific salmon population.
In 2020, there was a significant decrease in the number of chum salmon, raising concerns among researchers. Sebastian Jones, a wildlife analyst at the Yukon Conservation Society, expressed uncertainty about the sudden fluctuations in salmon numbers, highlighting the lack of understanding of these ecosystems.
The proportion of Canadian-origin salmon among the returning fish currently stands at around 12%, below the typical range of 20-30%. Despite the improvement from the previous year, with around 25,000 chum salmon crossing the border, efforts are being made to boost this number to 100,000 for the current season.
Stephanie Peacock, a scientist at the Pacific Salmon Foundation, emphasized the importance of chum salmon as a vital nutrient source in the fall. She noted that both chum and chinook salmon populations have been declining, with the decline in chum salmon being particularly worrisome due to its rapid pace.
Researchers are investigating the Bering Sea, where the Yukon River meets the ocean, as the starting point of the salmon’s journey. Changes in the sea ecosystem, such as rising water temperatures and increased industrial fishing activities, are being closely studied for their impacts on the salmon population.
While there is a sense of optimism surrounding the recent increase in chum salmon numbers, Peacock stressed the need for continued caution and long-term monitoring to address the ongoing concerns about the Yukon chum salmon population.
