Pacific Northwest Waterways Association reposted this
Talk nerdy to me! Not only does this graph show increases in fish returns over time, it also clearly visualizes the cyclical nature of salmon returns influenced by ocean conditions, specifically something called the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Scientists and anglers have long known that the ebb and flow of ocean temperatures and their cascading effects on the food web directly impact salmon. But what's concerning is that, according to NOAA earlier this year, conditions in ocean waters that Columbia River salmon call home for most of their lives, is "unsettled" https://lnkd.in/dhBDaDtT
The more than 1.7 million salmon and steelhead that have returned to the Columbia River this season and the uptick in returns in the 1990s reflect a correlation between federal fish and wildlife mitigation efforts that started more than 40 years ago. BPA is proud of the work we fund with tribes, states and other non-governmental organizations across the PNW that benefit multiple species. The recent extension of the fall Chinook salmon fishing season announced by ODF&W is additional evidence these efforts are making a positive difference. https://lnkd.in/ep9e9C8u