A fresh initiative is enabling researchers in Dawson City, Yukon, to gain deeper insights into the status of chum salmon in the area. Chum salmon counts in the Yukon River system have significantly declined since 2020. The Klondike River sonar is now tracking the number of chum salmon entering this regional tributary for the first time.
Operated by Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, the Klondike River sonar has been monitoring chinook salmon since 2020. Karlie Knight, the fish and wildlife manager at Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, mentioned that the pilot project commenced with the aim of unraveling the mystery surrounding the number of chum salmon returning to the river.
Traditional knowledge from the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in community indicated the presence of chum salmon in the Klondike River. However, there was a significant data gap, prompting researchers to delve deeper into understanding the chum salmon population dynamics in the region.
Despite encountering low numbers, the research team expressed excitement about the latest count of chum salmon entering the Yukon River. However, the count of fish crossing the international border falls below the interim management escapement goal. Knight noted that the in-season counts at the sonar station in Eagle, Alaska, are lower than expected.
As of October 19, researchers had tallied 52 chum salmon in the Klondike River. This year’s findings hint at the potential of the Klondike River as a spawning ground for chum salmon, with observations of upstream movement suggesting possible spawning activities.
Knight emphasized the importance of this research in guiding future decisions on stock rebuilding and fishing opportunities. She also highlighted the need to shift focus towards other salmon species for conservation efforts and sustainable salmon populations for future generations.