Alaska's Top Scientists Tackle Weak King Salmon Run

Gov. Sean Parnell and the Department of Fish and Game commissioner say a team of top researchers and scientists is tackling the problem of Alaska's disappearing king salmon.

Alaska. Red (sockeye) salmon (Onchorynchus nerka) spawning in a creek.

Tools

by Associated Press

Story Created: Jul 20, 2012 at 3:33 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jul 20, 2012 at 3:33 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Gov. Sean Parnell and the Department of
Fish and Game commissioner say a team of top researchers and
scientists is tackling the problem of Alaska's disappearing king
salmon.

Parnell and Cora Campbell announced Friday that the task of the
team is three-fold: evaluate king salmon stocks, find possible
reasons for the decline and make recommendations.

Campbell says the state is working collaboratively with federal
scientists who may be able to fill research gaps as to what is
happening in the marine environment. Some experts have suggested
the decline has to do with changes in the ocean where kings spend
several years before returning to spawn.

Poor returns have resulted in no fishing for kings in several
major Alaska rivers.

Parnell wants the team's report and recommendations by fall.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

juhn quirk said on Thursday, Jul 26 at 12:12 PM

Could it be because the LARGE commercial fishermen were at the mouths of the rivers, taking a HUGE amount of fish?

Dan said on Wednesday, Jul 25 at 4:46 PM

any possibility radiation plume from Fukishima is affecting organisms and sea-life lower down on the food chain and having effects on salmon? Daily News-Miner had an article unfortunately reporting run was great this summer. Hmmm...

Robert said on Saturday, Jul 21 at 6:47 PM

Try looking at the Burbot that are feeding on the salmon fry. There everywhere in these rivers and munching the King fry before they even get out to sea.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

Coastal Television | AK News, Weather and Sports | and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Poll

Should there be more safety precautions in place during Arctic Man?

  • Yes
  • No

Tonight on Your Alaska Link