Since the commencement of the fall chum salmon season in mid-July, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has reported an estimated one million salmon entering the Yukon River from the Bering Sea. Despite this increase, experts caution that it may not indicate a positive trend in the population of this specific species.
In 2020, a significant decline in chum salmon numbers was documented by researchers, raising concerns. Sebastian Jones, a wildlife analyst at the Yukon Conservation Society, expressed worry over the fluctuating numbers, emphasizing the lack of understanding regarding the reasons behind these changes.
Canadian-origin salmon make up around 12% of the returning fish, lower than the typical 20-30% range. Nevertheless, Jones noted an improvement compared to recent years, with expectations for 100,000 chum salmon entering Canada this year, up from 25,000 the previous year.
Stephanie Peacock from the Pacific Salmon Foundation highlighted the importance of chum salmon as a vital nutrient source during the later part of the fall, migrating after chinook salmon. Both species have experienced declines, with chinook salmon showing a gradual decrease since the 1990s, while the decline in chum salmon is regarded as more alarming due to its rapid pace.
Researchers are investigating the Bering Sea, the starting point of the salmon’s journey upstream, noting changes like rising water temperatures and increased industrial trawl fishing, impacting the ecosystem in ways not fully understood.
Although there is cautious optimism regarding the current numbers, experts urge a broader perspective on the long-term decline of Yukon chum salmon, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
