Since mid-July, approximately one million fall chum salmon have migrated into the Yukon River from the Bering Sea, as reported by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Despite this surge, experts caution that this spike does not necessarily indicate a positive trend for this salmon species.
In 2020, a significant decline in chum salmon numbers was observed, raising concerns among researchers. Sebastian Jones, a wildlife analyst at the Yukon Conservation Society, expressed uncertainty about the sudden increase this year, emphasizing the lack of understanding regarding the fluctuations in salmon populations.
Research indicates that Canadian-origin salmon represent only about 12% of the returning fish, lower than the typical range of 20-30%. While the current numbers show improvement compared to recent years, with an estimated 25,000 chum salmon crossing into Canada last year and a target of 100,000 for this year, the figures still fall short of the desired range of 150,000 to 250,000 salmon entering the Yukon.
Stephanie Peacock, a scientist with the Pacific Salmon Foundation, highlighted the significance of chum salmon in the Canadian side of the Yukon River, alongside chinook salmon. She noted that chum salmon, which migrate later than chinook, play a crucial role in providing nutrients in the fall season.
Both salmon species have experienced declines over time, with chinook showing a gradual decrease since the 1990s and chum salmon facing a more rapid decline. Researchers are investigating the Bering Sea, where the Yukon River meets the ocean, attributing changes in the ecosystem to factors like rising water temperatures and increased industrial trawl fishing.
While there is some optimism about the current salmon numbers, Peacock emphasized the need for caution and a long-term perspective on the conservation of Yukon chum salmon. The experts stressed the importance of understanding and addressing the underlying threats to ensure the sustainability of the salmon populations.
