A recently published peer reviewed study of west coast Chinook salmon found that there has been a 65% decline coast-wide in the number Chinook salmon, even in some of the most pristine and untouched waters.

chinook salmon ocean conditions fishing

The study notes that Chinook return rates to the Columbia, which is 90% hatchery fish, is actually better than some totally untouched wild populations. The study points to ocean conditions and commercial over-harvest as the likely cause of decreasing Chinook populations. Kintama Research Services Ltd produced a short video (link) that explains the important findings of the study.

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