Chinook salmon are facing unprecedented challenges as their once-thriving populations struggle to survive. A new study published in the journal Ecosphere suggests that decades of human activities, including ocean harvest, artificial propagation and reservoir construction, have not only reduced the size of these fish, but also disrupted their ability to spawn successfully. Joe Merz, lead author of the paper and a research affiliate with the UC Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology, said Chinook salmon play a crucial role in their ecosystems, and that fisheries management and habitat changes have weakened their natural reproductive potential.

Other salmon article:

• Tuolumne River Trust blog: Rocks, riffles & floodplains: Restoration creates salmon habitat on the Tuolumne