Low Salmon Numbers

Observation: Several locals have commented on how slow the salmon fishing season is going, both commercially and subsistence-wise. A local resident made mention that they have seen more easterly winds than westerly winds than normal, which the latter is more conducive for catching fish. He also said they have been getting more jellyfish this year than times past.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game Consult: Ted Meyers, Fish Pathologist writes, "A guess on my part --but wind direction would probably influence the direction and abundance of salmon forage (prey) migration or drift, therefore influencing the numbers of salmon following the prey. Hence, the observation of the increase in jelly fish numbers with more easterly winds rather than the more normal west winds. The bulk of the prey and salmon may be somewhere else for now, although eventually they should return to their natal system to spawn regardless of the wind direction."

LEO says: Alaska Information By Area, Northwest Drainages Management Area - Unalakleet River is the largest and most heavily utilized, by subsistence and sport fishermen. The village of Unalakleet is located at the mouth of this river. The Unalakleet River supports anadromous populations of king (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho (Oncorhynhus kisutch), chum (Oncorhynchus keta), and pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) salmon. Typically king and chum salmon entire the Norton Sound rivers first (mid- to late- June), followed by pink salmon shortly thereafter. Coho salmon generally start entering freshwater in late-July and run through August. Source: ADF&G

LEO Jellyfish Comment: Cooperative Extension Service's, Gay Sheffield, MAP Agent in Nome, AK writes, "Interesting report and very relevant as western scientists are trying to learn more in response to the increases in jellyfish and their role as a potential competitor for small fish since they sometimes eat the same things. Please see the links below for more information and contacts. Please let me know if you have any questions. -Gay NOAA Jellyfish Monitoring Program in Alaska. Source: University of Alaska Fairbanks (2016-06-25)