Since the commencement of the autumn chum salmon season in mid-July, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has reported an estimated influx of approximately one million salmon from the Bering Sea into the Yukon River. Despite this surge, experts caution that the rise in numbers does not necessarily indicate an overall upward trend in the population of this particular 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 regarding the situation, emphasizing the lack of clarity on the reasons behind both the previous drop in numbers and the current increase. This uncertainty highlights the limited understanding and control over these ecosystems.
The proportion of Canadian-origin salmon among the returning fish is noted to be around 12%, a figure lower than the typical range of 20 to 30%. Despite the improvement in numbers this year, Jones acknowledged that the current count, while better than recent years, is still below the desired levels. In 2020, approximately 25,000 chum salmon crossed into Canada, with hopes for a substantial increase to 100,000 fish this year. However, the ideal scenario would be to witness between 150,000 and 250,000 chum salmon entering the Yukon.
Stephanie Peacock, a scientist from the Pacific Salmon Foundation, highlighted the significance of chum salmon as one of the two salmon species that return to the Canadian side of the Yukon River, the other being chinook salmon. Peacock emphasized that chum salmon typically migrate later than chinook and play a crucial role in offering essential nutrients later in the fall season.
Both chinook and chum salmon populations have experienced declines over time, with chinook showing a gradual decrease since the 1990s and the decline in chum salmon being particularly concerning due to its rapid occurrence.
Jones mentioned ongoing research focused on the Bering Sea, where the Yukon River meets the ocean and where these salmon commence their upstream journey. Changes in this enclosed ecosystem, such as rising water temperatures and increased industrial trawl fishing, have raised concerns about their impacts, which are not yet fully understood.
Although the current rise in salmon numbers is a positive development, Peacock advised a cautious approach, emphasizing the need to consider the long-term decline in population levels and the persistent challenges faced by Yukon chum salmon.
