Since mid-July, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has reported that approximately one million chum salmon have migrated into the Yukon River from the Bering Sea. However, experts caution that this surge does not necessarily indicate a positive trend in the population of this specific 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 worry over the unpredictability of these fluctuations, highlighting the limited understanding and control of these ecosystems.
The proportion of Canadian-origin salmon among the returning fish is currently around 12%, below the usual range of 20 to 30%. Despite this low figure, Jones mentioned that the current numbers represent an improvement compared to recent years.
Last year, around 25,000 chum salmon crossed into Canada, with expectations for 100,000 fish this year. However, Jones emphasized that the ideal numbers would range between 150,000 and 250,000 chum salmon entering the Yukon.
Stephanie Peacock, a scientist at the Pacific Salmon Foundation, noted that chum salmon, along with chinook salmon, are crucial species returning to the Canadian side of the Yukon River. These salmon species, known for their late migration, play a vital role in providing essential nutrients later in the fall.
Both chum and chinook salmon populations have experienced declines over time, with concerns over the rapid decrease in chum salmon numbers in recent years. Researchers are investigating the Bering Sea, where the salmon start their journey upstream, noting changes like rising water temperatures and increased industrial fishing activities, impacting the ecosystem in ways that are not fully understood.
While there is optimism about the current salmon numbers, Peacock stressed the need for caution and a long-term perspective on the declining trends observed in Yukon chum salmon populations.