Since the commencement of the fall chum salmon season in mid-July, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has reported that approximately one million salmon have migrated from the Bering Sea into the Yukon River. However, experts caution that this surge does not necessarily indicate a positive trend in the population of this specific salmon species.
In 2020, a significant decline in chum salmon numbers was documented, raising concerns among researchers. Sebastian Jones, a wildlife analyst at the Yukon Conservation Society, expressed apprehension over the lack of understanding regarding the fluctuations in salmon populations, highlighting the complexity of ecosystem dynamics.
The percentage of Canadian-origin salmon in the returning fish population is currently around 12%, lower than the typical range of 20 to 30%. Despite this, Jones acknowledged that this year’s numbers represent an improvement compared to recent years.
In the previous year, approximately 25,000 chum salmon crossed into Canada, whereas there is an expectation for 100,000 fish to make the journey this year. However, Jones emphasized that the ideal scenario would involve 150,000 to 250,000 chum salmon returning to the Yukon.
Stephanie Peacock, a scientist at the Pacific Salmon Foundation, noted that chum salmon and chinook salmon are the two species that return to the Canadian side of the Yukon River, with chum salmon migrating later than chinook and providing essential nutrients in the fall season.
Both species have experienced declines over time, with chinook salmon showing a gradual decrease since the 1990s and chum salmon experiencing a more rapid decline in recent years, which is concerning to researchers.
Investigations are underway in the Bering Sea, the starting point of the salmon’s journey, where changes such as rising water temperatures and increased industrial fishing activities have been observed. These factors are believed to have unknown impacts on the ecosystem.
While there is cautious optimism about the current salmon numbers, experts urge a comprehensive review of the long-term decline in salmon populations and emphasize the ongoing concern for the well-being of Yukon chum salmon.