Salmon populations face global decline despite local increases in Yukon River

Migratory freshwater fish populations have declined by 81% globally since 1970, according to a Convention of Migratory Species report. In the Pacific Northwest, Salish Sea Chinook salmon populations have dropped 60% since 1984, with only 22 of at least 37 historic populations remaining in the ecosystem. Researchers identify habitat loss, climate change, and harvest rates as primary threats to these species.

In the Yukon River, recent counts at the Whitehorse fish ladder show a seasonal increase in Chinook salmon passing through, marking one of the strongest runs in recent years following low numbers since 2020. While the increase is viewed with optimism by local groups like the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, experts caution that these smaller runs may represent a ‘new normal’ compared to historical levels.