Since the commencement of the fall chum salmon season in mid-July, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has reported an estimated one million salmon migrating from the Bering Sea into the Yukon River. Despite this increase, experts caution that it does not necessarily indicate a positive trend in the population of this specific salmon species.
In 2020, a concerning decline in chum salmon numbers was documented by researchers. Sebastian Jones, a wildlife analyst at the Yukon Conservation Society, expressed unease over the fluctuations in numbers, highlighting the lack of understanding regarding the reasons behind these changes.
The proportion of Canadian-origin salmon among the returning fish is currently around 12%, lower than the usual range of 20-30%. Although still below desired levels, Jones noted an improvement compared to recent years, with expectations of around 100,000 chum salmon crossing into Canada this year, as opposed to the 25,000 recorded last year.
Stephanie Peacock, a scientist at the Pacific Salmon Foundation, emphasized the significance of chum salmon as a vital nutrient source during the later part of the fall, distinguishing them from chinook salmon, the other salmon species returning to the Canadian side of the Yukon River. Both species have experienced declines over time, with chum salmon seeing a more rapid decrease, raising concerns among researchers.
Investigations are underway in the Bering Sea, where the Yukon River meets the ocean and where the salmon embark on their upstream journey. Jones highlighted changes in this enclosed ecosystem, such as rising water temperatures and increased industrial trawl fishing, whose full impacts are not yet comprehended.
While there is a sense of cautious optimism regarding the current salmon numbers, Peacock emphasized the need for continued vigilance, considering the long-term decline in chum salmon populations. The experts stress the importance of assessing the broader trends and recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by Yukon chum salmon.