Skeena Summer Climate Conditions: How is it affecting wild salmon?

It’s hot in the Skeena! Like much of the province, we are seeing unusually high temperatures and low water levels throughout the region… and it’s only the start of August. A combination of warming ocean temperatures, early snowpack melt, low and warm water temperatures have set the stage for what could be a challenging year for Skeena salmon and steelhead.

 

The Skeena and many of its tributaries are currently at water levels well below historic averages, in many cases below historic minimums, with water temperatures well above average. These conditions add stress to migrating salmon and could influence spawning habitat availability and success if similar conditions continue into the fall. Warm ocean temperatures mean less food, changing currents and predators. Salmon are resilient and will adapt, but it’s important for us to understand environmental conditions and challenges our salmon will be facing this year.

 

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