A new study details widespread fluctuations in pink salmon populations in the Broughton for generations. "Broughton Archipelago: A State of Knowledge" written by Dr. Isobel A. Pearsall for the BC Pacific Salmon Forum surveys data collected on environmental and other conditions/events in the Broughton Archipelago since 1952. The report highlights the complex nature of the Broughton ecosystem and the multitude of factors that may have impacted wild salmon populations during the past fifty years.
In addition to data specific to the Broughton, the report includes data on pink and chum population fluctuations in other BC systems that are not near fish farms. Possible reasons for the variability in these systems included over harvesting, variability in marine survival, and habitat destruction (as a result of logging or other human activity).
Pacific Salmon Forum Chairman John Fraser states the report "will serve public understanding, and help stimulate good research, putting into the public domain as much information as possible on environmental and other forces that have shaped the Broughton. It is also intended to provide a context for the Forum's research program in the Broughton."
Click here to view the report.
