Since mid-July, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has estimated that approximately one million chum salmon have migrated into the Yukon River from the Bering Sea. Despite this surge, experts caution that it may not indicate a positive trend in the species population.

In 2020, a significant decline in chum salmon numbers was recorded, sparking concerns among researchers. Sebastian Jones, a wildlife analyst at the Yukon Conservation Society, expressed uncertainty over the reasons behind both the decline and the recent increase in numbers, highlighting the limited understanding of these ecosystems.

Canadian-origin salmon constitute around 12% of the returning fish, lower than the typical 20-30% range. Although still below desired levels, Jones noted an improvement compared to previous years, with an expectation of 100,000 chum salmon crossing into Canada this year, up from 25,000 in the previous year.

Stephanie Peacock, a scientist from the Pacific Salmon Foundation, emphasized the significance of chum salmon as one of the two salmon species returning to the Canadian side of the Yukon River, alongside chinook salmon. Peacock underlined their late migration and the crucial nutrient contribution they make in the fall.

Both species have experienced declines over time, with chinook salmon showing a gradual decrease since the 1990s and chum salmon facing a more rapid decline, raising concerns among experts. Research is ongoing in the Bering Sea, the starting point of the salmon’s upstream journey, which has undergone environmental changes like rising water temperatures and increased industrial trawl fishing, impacting the ecosystem.

While there is cautious optimism about the current numbers, Peacock stressed the need for continued concern and vigilance regarding the long-term decline in Yukon chum salmon populations.