On Air Now Cool Country Morning 7:00am - 10:00am
Now Playing Hosted by Carl Carpentier Cool Country Morning
Listen Live

2024 Yukon River fall chum salmon run records dismal numbers

Monday, 28 October 2024 11:40

By Panebi Wilson X @chonfmpwilson

The Porcupine River revealed alarmingly low numbers, with 16,275 and 8,368 fish recorded

The 2024 Yukon River fall chum salmon run has recorded dismal numbers, with preliminary estimates from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game indicating a total of 200,000 fish, significantly below the historical average of 900,000. 

This year's count, the third-smallest on record, falls substantially short of conservation goals. 

Fall chum salmon play a vital role in supporting communities' dog sled teams but have exhibited drastic declines in recent years, similar to Chinook salmon. 

Notably, sonar recordings at Eagle, Alaska, and the Porcupine River revealed alarmingly low numbers, with 16,275 and 8,368 fish recorded, respectively. 

These figures are significantly below the historical averages and conservation targets, highlighting concerns regarding the species' sustainability. 

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the proportion of female fall chum was lower than usual, and fish sizes were 24mm smaller than the 22-year average, leading to the continued closure of salmon fishing in the Yukon River and its tributaries.
 

Share

More from CHON-FM Northern News