Background:
To date, the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ focus has been on Chinook salmon in nearshore environments, creating a spatial data gap offshore, notably in the Bering Sea. Their aim is to target Chinook salmon between St. Paul Island and the Russian maritime border along the continental slope, with a focus on offshore canyons. A secondary goal is to capture Chinook salmon north of the Aleutian Island chain.
The project has been going on for ten years is expected to last into the foreseeable future.
Mission:
The primary objectives of this research endeavor include mitigating bycatch of Chinook salmon in trawl fisheries and comprehending the interactions between Chinook salmon and U.S. Navy exercises. By delving into the offshore behaviors of these significant salmon populations, we aim to provide valuable insights that can inform and refine fisheries management practices and support sustainable conservation efforts.
Application:
The University of Alaska Fairbanks currently does not have imminent plans to apply this knowledge in legislative action. However, Senators Murkowski and Sullivan, both representing Alaska, have identified this as a priority information need. This recognition stems from the pressing abundance crisis of Chinook salmon and its consequential impact on Alaska Native subsistence fisheries.
A Ph.D. student is leading this project, and the results are disseminated extensively to various student bodies. This includes student seminars, scientific conferences, public outreach presentations, engagement with the Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, utilization of social media platforms, participation in Alaska Department of Fish and Game meetings, and contributions to National Marine Fisheries Service meetings.
Program Partners:
Previous Scientific Publication(s):
- Courtney, M.B., Evans, M.D., Strem, J.F., Rikardsen, A.H., Seitz, A.C., 2019. Behavior and Thermal Environment of Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha in the North Pacific Ocean, Elucidated from Pop-Up Satellite Archival Tags. Environ Biol Fish (2019) 103:1039-1055.
