April 11, 2025 — All signs point to mixed ocean conditions for salmon over the past couple of years, which fisheries biologists said could lead to average salmon runs.
The ocean is where salmon spend a large part of their lives. That’s why it’s super important to know what’s going on out there. It helps scientists better understand and predict how salmon are doing.
For a long time, scientists have studied what salmon eat. They also know where salmon go and know a lot more about their survival in the ocean. However, that could change if scientists no longer have funding for research on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessels.
“ It’s important to recognize if we’re not out there, continually studying this changing system, it can revert to a black box. It could become this thing we no longer understand how things are working,” said Brian Burke, a biologist with NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center.
Burke spoke at a Northwest Power and Conservation Council meeting. The council helps with regional fish and wildlife planning.