Chinook salmon is the largest species of its kind and primarily lives in the Pacific Ocean and rivers of western North America. It is commonly referred to as “King Salmon” due to its enormous size in comparison with other salmons. However, in recent years, scientists have observed a decline in their physical size and population. It is not yet possible to determine the exact factors that can be considered as culprits of this dilemma. However, currently available data can suggest what activities are contributing to the deterioration. Human impact on landscapes and ecosystems, combined with fishing and the increase in the number of other fish, is negatively influencing the populations of chinook salmon.
Overview
The complexity of migration patterns of chinook salmon makes it challenging for scientists to attain accurate data. “Kings” are hatched in river streams, but after a short period of time, they migrate to the Pacific Ocean and spend the significant portion of their lives dwelling there (Mapes, 2018). Scientists have attributed chinook salmon’s large size to the fact that they spend more than four years in the ocean before returning to their home streams (Thompson, 2018). However, the situation has changed – chinook salmon is smaller than it used to be (Thompson, 2018). On average, they are spending only three years in the Pacific and are coming back to the rivers (Thompson, 2018). Identifying the exact reasons behind this issue is fundamental to saving the “King Salmon” population.
Potential Reasons
Humans influence the environment in a wide range of ways. Industrialization and globalization have touched all parts of nature and ecology. It is reasonable to believe that chinook salmon populations are in peril due to some human impact. Water pollution is one of the ways people are deteriorating fish ecosystems. Air pollution and associated climate change can be the cause of massive die-offs. In 2015, high water temperatures in Oregon rivers caused by abnormal heat provoked a severe decline in the chinook salmon population (Thompson, 2018). Intervening with natural migration patterns of fish may also lead to severe consequences. Human participation in emigrating smallmouth bass to other regions of the world has led to an increase in their population in the Pacific Ocean (Carey et al., 2011). They are occupying the areas where “King Salmon” has usually resided.
The elevated population of smallmouth bass may help them act as predators in the area of their habitat. This fact may explain why chinook salmons are returning to rivers after spending only three years in the ocean. While it is not possible for smallmouth bass to predate on large species of salmon, they can eat juveniles. A decrease in the population of the “King Salmon” can be explained by the fact that most of them are eaten before growing large. Researchers claim that in some areas, salmons comprise half of the smallmouth bass’s diet (Carey et al., 2011). The latter are considered to be top predators, which means they can compete with adult salmons for inhabitation and prey (Carey et al., 2011). The issue is exacerbated by the fishing industry, which deteriorates the populations of all fish.
Chinook salmon has been attractive to fishers for years due to their size. Both commercial and sport fishing have affected the “King Salmon” populations (Washington, 2018). Recent regulations are aimed at protecting the endangered species, but their physical size continues to decline (Washington, 2018). The fishing industry may have caused damage that may span for the next several decades. There are severe implications for the future, and urgent intervention is needed to solve the issue.
Implications for Future and Resolutions
Among the possible outcomes is the complete extinction of chinook salmon. The average size of returning fish has been steadily decreasing for the past 15 years (Washington, 2018). Smaller females can carry fewer eggs, which may lead to a slight but constant decrease in population (Thompson, 2018). In case there are no interventions, “King Salmon” may disappear entirely. Humans may mitigate the issue by controlling the population of other fish that compete with chinook salmon or prey on their juveniles. Researchers suggest that federal policies aimed at conserving chinook salmon should be created (Carey et al., 2011). They propose fishing on smallmouth bass; in urgent circumstances, mandatory killing may be the only option (Carey et al., 2011). Humans should take responsibility for saving the “King Salmon” population because the chain of unfavorable reactions started from human activity.
Conclusion
Chinook salmon has been one of the most favorite targets of fishers because of their size. However, in the last several decades, there has been a constant decline in both the physical size and population. This issue is the result of a complex chain of interrelated events, including the human impact on the environment. Displacement of various predators out of their native habitat has also caused complications. It is imperative to take action because chinook salmon can be considered as endangered species. They may become extinct if no measures are taken on behalf of human beings.
References
Carey, M. P., Sanderson, B. L., Friesen, T. A., Barnas, K. A., & Olden, J. D. (2011). Smallmouth bass in the Pacific Northwest: A threat to native species; a benefit for anglers. Reviews in Fisheries Science, 19(3), 305-315.
Mapes, L. (2018). No more ‘Kings of the Columbia.’ The Seattle Times. Web.
Thompson, C. (2018). The last kings of the wild. Outdoor Life.
Washington, M. M. (2018). Why west coast “King” salmon have vanished. Futurity.