Since mid-July, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has reported that around one million chum salmon have migrated into the Yukon River from the Bering Sea. Despite this surge, experts caution that the rise in numbers does not necessarily indicate a positive trend for the species.
An alarming decline in chum salmon figures was documented by researchers in 2020, raising concerns about the population. Sebastian Jones, a wildlife analyst at the Yukon Conservation Society, expressed unease over the lack of clarity on the fluctuations in salmon numbers, highlighting the limited control and understanding of these ecosystems.
Canadian-origin salmon constitute approximately 12% of the returning fish, a decrease from the usual 20-30% range. Jones acknowledged the slight improvement compared to recent years, with an estimated 25,000 chum salmon crossing into Canada last year and hopes for 100,000 this year. However, he emphasized that the ideal number would be between 150,000 and 250,000 for a healthy Yukon River ecosystem.
Stephanie Peacock, a scientist at the Pacific Salmon Foundation, noted that chum salmon, along with chinook salmon, play a crucial role in the Yukon River’s ecosystem. Peacock highlighted the delayed migration of chum salmon compared to chinook, underscoring their vital nutrient contribution during the fall season.
Concerns about the declining trends of both chinook and chum salmon have been raised over the years. Peacock expressed particular worry about the rapid decline of chum salmon in recent times, contrasting it with the gradual decrease seen in chinook salmon populations since the 1990s.
Research is ongoing to understand the changes in the Bering Sea ecosystem, where the salmon originate before migrating upstream in the Yukon River. Jones emphasized the need to investigate the impacts of rising water temperatures and increased industrial fishing activities in the enclosed ocean environment.
While Peacock remains cautiously optimistic about the current salmon numbers, she stressed the importance of assessing the long-term decline and the continued vulnerability of Yukon chum salmon populations. Vigilance and further research are essential to safeguard the future of these species in the Yukon River.
