Teaming Up for Yukon River Salmon

Over the past year, we’ve partnered with Yukon River communities to better understand the challenges juvenile salmon face before they ever reach the ocean.

Community members have shared critical observations about shifting fish populations, predator abundance, and the vital role of side channels, sloughs, and tributaries. Together, we are exploring how habitat conditions and predator-prey dynamics affect young salmon during this crucial freshwater rearing stage.

What We’re Doing Together:

• Analyzing Predation: Working with interested villages to collect sheefish & pike stomach samples and better understand predator impacts.

• Learning from Community Members: Documenting traditional knowledge and learning how subsistence fishers support ecological balance.

• Focusing on Habitat: Identifying how habitat quality and local restoration can strengthen the waters where young salmon grow.

Share Your Knowledge: Are you interested in being part of this community science effort or sharing your local observations? I’d love to connect with you.

Contact: kereece[at]alaska.edu or fill out this Google form to securely leave your contact info.

This work is part of a bigger project called Research to Action for Yukon River Salmon.