Competition, climate, and salmon farms linked to Fraser sockeye declines
Several factors—including farmed salmon—appear to be responsible for the plight of Canada’s most valuable salmon, according to research published in the journal Conservation Letters. The study, carried out by an international group of scientists and sponsored in part by Watershed Watch Salmon Society and The SOS Marine Conservation Society, found that declines in Fraser River sockeye salmon abundance are linked to interactions among three factors: pink salmon abundance, exposure to farmed salmon, and ocean temperatures.
For more information see:
- Watershed Watch and SOS Marine Conservation Foundation media release Scientists shed new light on sockeye salmon dynamics in ocean
- SFU media release Three keys to sockeye decline
- The abstract for the paper Migration links ocean-scale competition and local ocean conditions with exposure to farmed salmon to shape wild salmon dynamics
Also see the following media stories on this study:
- Vancouver Sun, May 21, 2012, Fraser River sockeye face trio of challenges: study
- Phys.org, May 18, 2012, Three keys to sockeye decline
- Vancouver Sun, May 18, 2012, Fraser River sockeye face triple whammy of threats: new SFU study
