Since the commencement of the fall chum salmon season in mid-July, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has reported an estimated influx of approximately one million salmon into the Yukon River from the Bering Sea. Despite this rise, researchers caution that it does not necessarily indicate a positive trend in the population of this specific species.
In 2020, there was a significant decrease in chum salmon numbers, raising concerns among experts. Sebastian Jones, a wildlife analyst at the Yukon Conservation Society, expressed unease over the fluctuating salmon numbers, highlighting the lack of understanding surrounding the variations in population.
The proportion of Canadian-origin salmon among the returning fish is currently around 12%, lower than the usual range of 20 to 30%. While this figure remains below optimal levels, Jones acknowledged an improvement compared to recent years, with hopes for a larger migration of 100,000 chum salmon into Canada this year.
Despite this progress, Jones emphasized that the ideal number of chum salmon entering the Yukon should be between 150,000 and 250,000, indicating that challenges persist in achieving sustainable salmon populations in the region.
Stephanie Peacock, a scientist at the Pacific Salmon Foundation, highlighted the significance of chum salmon as a crucial nutrient source later in the fall, alongside chinook salmon, both of which have experienced declining populations over time. Peacock noted a gradual decline in chinook salmon since the 1990s and expressed heightened concern over the more rapid decrease in chum salmon numbers.
Researchers are actively investigating the Bering Sea ecosystem, where the Yukon River meets the ocean, to understand the factors influencing salmon populations. Changes in water temperature and industrial trawl fishing activities in the area have raised uncertainties about their impacts on the ecosystem.
While there is cautious optimism surrounding the current salmon numbers, Peacock stressed the need to remain vigilant about the long-term decline in chum salmon populations. The experts underscored the importance of continued monitoring and conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of Yukon’s chum salmon population.
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