Project Description

Information about the oceanic migration and behavior of fishes is important for understanding population dynamics and informing fisheries management, yet little is known about Chinook salmon throughout its range. To rectify this important gap in knowledge, we are conducting pop-up satellite and acoustic tagging on large, immature Chinook salmon in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. This research has provided unprecedented insights into the oceanic migration, behavior, and thermal environment of Chinook salmon, which may have future application in managing stocks and in developing strategies to further reduce incidental catch of this species in groundfish fisheries. Furthermore, high predation rates on Chinook salmon by salmon sharks, marine mammals and cold-blooded fishes suggest that fisheries scientists should consider that late-stage mortality by marine apex predators may be shaping this species’ abundance and demographics.

Project Funding

Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Sustainable Salmon Initiative, Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center, and Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Start Date: 0000-00-00
End Date: 0000-00-00

 

 

Research Team