Please select your home edition
Edition
April May June Leaderboard Q2 2023

New research asks, “Can Pacific Salmon keep pace with climate change?”

by NOAA Fisheries 6 May 17:51 UTC
Juvenile Salmon migration © NOAA Fisheries

A recent study — the largest of its kind — showed unpredictable changes in juvenile salmon migration timing in response to climate change.

A new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change has found that salmon migration timing is changing in unpredictable ways in response to climate change. Dr. Eric Ward of NOAA Fisheries' Northwest Fisheries Science Center was part of a team of scientists across North America, who analyzed data from 66 salmon populations over 70 years.

The study brought together more than over 50 scientists from government and community organizations across North America. Everyone contributed their expertise and data to better understand this important, but often overlooked life stage.

"This is the longest, most detailed dataset of its kind and offers a pretty unique picture into the potential response of climate change across salmon species," notes Ward.

Climate Change Causes Earlier Salmon Migration

Many salmon species have migration timing that has substantially changed over the last 20 or more years. The study found that pink and chum salmon had the fastest rates of change (migrating 7 days/decade earlier). Other species' average migration timing has not changed.

However, a deeper dive into the data showed greater variation between populations within species than between different salmon species. These population-specific changes were unpredictable with currently available climate and geographic data.

The study's lead author, Dr. Sam Wilson of Simon Fraser University, said, "We were surprised to find that the changes in migration timing were so variable. We expected to see a more consistent response to climate change."

In response to the same level of warming, some populations had earlier migration timing, while others had no change, or even migrated later in the year.

Matching between the timing of juvenile salmon migrations and food availability is one of the conditions experienced in the first few months in the ocean. It can determine whether or not a salmon will survive, and how many adults return.

Concerningly, salmon appear not to be responding to changes in the coastal ocean. This could make mismatches more common under future climate change.

Climate Change is Making it Harder for Salmon to Survive

The study's findings highlight the need for more research on how climate change affects salmon migration. It also underscores the importance of protecting salmon habitats and ensuring that salmon have access to food.

As climate change continues to alter ecosystems, predicting what species or populations might be the most vulnerable can help prioritize conservation. Dr. Jonathan Moore, a co-author of the study, notes "When those changes are difficult to predict, a precautionary management approach is important for the long-term conservation of ecologically, culturally, and economically important species, such as Pacific salmon."

"Climate change is here, and it is changing salmon and their ecosystems. Many of these changes are going to be unpredictable, which calls for protecting both salmon biodiversity and their habitats."

Related Articles

Alaska aquaculture opportunity area identification
NOAA has determined it to be environmentally, socially, and economically appropriate NOAA Fisheries has chosen Alaska as the next region in which to look for Aquaculture Opportunity Areas. Posted on 3 Jun
Gear up for the Summer Snapper Season
Summer is around the corner! Gulf of Mexico offshore anglers: prep for summer reef fish seasons with gear, training, and giveaways to help fish survive. Posted on 30 May
Pollock, Cod in the Northern Bering Sea
DisMAP displays changes in distribution over time for hundreds of marine species Recent updates to the Distribution Mapping and Analysis Portal (DisMAP) include additional years of data, new filtering features, and data from a new region—the Northern Bering Sea. Posted on 29 May
A Conservation Challenge
Climate-driven changes are affecting the health of marine animals Climate-driven changes such as higher ocean temperatures and extreme weather events are affecting the health of marine animals—and their ability to survive. Posted on 28 May
Increase access for U.S. Vessels to Swordfish
Swordfish, prized in upscale markets, can now be caught with deep-set buoy gear A new West Coast fishery will take advantage of the deep-diving habits of swordfish to reduce the risk of catching other species. Posted on 14 May
Survival of juvenile salmon expected to increase
Spring surge to benefit spring-run Chinook and fall-run Chinook that support fisheries Researchers from NOAA Fisheries and University of California Santa Cruz will tag several groups of juvenile salmon in the Sacramento River system. Posted on 2 May
Lifeline for salmon in Central Valley, California
Before the Gold Rush, somewhere between 1 and 2 million salmon a year came up Central Valley rivers Following the Gold Rush and throughout the 1900s, dams and other water diversions for human development have blocked access for salmon to more than 95 perent of their high-elevation spawning and rearing habitat. Posted on 1 May
New study: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species catch
Recreational fishery data reveals climate-driven shifts A new study by NOAA Fisheries has identified shifting distributions of Atlantic Highly Migratory Species catch, including tunas, billfish, and sharks, off the northeastern United States. Posted on 22 Apr
Video: The science of restoration
Research proves restoring habitat works for salmon Juvenile salmon grow strong where water slows down and weaves across floodplains, with lush vegetation that provides refuge and fosters food for their journey to the ocean. Posted on 15 Apr
Nominations sought
For Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council positions The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior seek nominations for individuals to be considered for membership on the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council. Posted on 15 Apr