On Air Now CHON Overnight Midnight - 7:00am

Now Playing overnight schedule with hourly CP news-breaks CHON Overnight Programming

Listen Live

2024 Yukon River fall chum salmon run records dismal numbers

Monday, 28 October 2024 11:40

By Panebi Wilson @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.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Liberal Party candidate for Southern Lakes Cynthia James

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Liberal Party candidate for Mayo-Tatchun Jeremy Harper

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Mountainview Linda Moen

Audio
The 2025 Territorial General Election at a glance

Yukoners are getting ready to head to the polls. Here's a look at what you need to know.
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Party candidate for Riverdale North Rose Sellars and Yukon Party campaign chair Geraldine Van Bibber

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Watson Lake-Faro-Ross River Josie O'Brien

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Whistle Bend South Dustin McKenzie-Hubbard

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Party candidate for Mayo-Tatchun Cory Bellmore

Audio
Three arrested in connection with Watson Lake firearm incident

47-year-old Jarret Munch and 35-year-old Justin Stone, both of Watson Lake, face charges of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Fatal fire at remote Yukon mine camp claims two lives

Suspicious causes have been ruled out; the fire's origin remains undetermined
Yukoners unite to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The event commemorated Red Dress Day, a nationwide initiative held annually on October 4th to raise awareness about the ongoing concerns surrounding violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Premier and Yukon Liberal Party Leader Mike Pemberton

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon

Audio
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP Leader Kate White

Audio
CYFN commemorates National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

A community walk, food, and entertainment are scheduled, with the march starting at 11 a.m. from the Healing Totem at the downtown wharf.
Whitehorse RCMP arrest two males in connection with vehicle thefts

Tyrell Sidney, 45, and William Johnson, 61, both from the Yukon, face numerous charges, including theft, robbery, and possession of stolen property.
Council of Yukon First Nations dedicates family preservation wellness centre

The centre was named in honour of Shirley Adamson, Zhürá, recognising her advocacy for First Nations families.
Whitehorse man sentenced to 2 months of house arrest for house explosion

Preston apologized to Gould's wife, Linda, and agreed to pay $24,000 in restitution to her and another neighbor.
Whitehorse students participate in fall cultural harvest celebration

By incorporating cultural education into the curriculum, students benefit from enriched learning experiences and increased ecological literacy
Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport celebrates completion of the main runway

This upgraded runway is more than an infrastructure project – it’s an investment in the future of the Yukon.