Anadromous Fish

How do environmental changes affect the abundance and harvest of anadromous fish?

Alaskan coastal communities have relied on salmon, eulachon (also called hooligan or candlefish) and other anadromous fish since time immemorial for food, income, and cultural value. Anadromous fish species migrate from the ocean up rivers to spawn.

Recent declines in salmon populations and fluctuations from year to year in other species have caused economic and cultural disruption. People suspect climate change behind these declines, but we don't yet know exactly how specific aspects of climate change influence these population dynamics.

Interface of Change researchers are investigating the role of glacial loss and extreme weather events in anadromous fish population dynamics and how this knowledge could contribute to climate resiliency in Gulf of Alaska communities.