Alaska salmon deaths blamed on record warm temperatures

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Alaska salmon deaths blamed on record warm temperatures

By DAN JOLING
August 23, 2019

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Add salmon to the list of species affected by Alaska’s blistering summer temperatures, including the hottest July on record.

Dead salmon have shown up in river systems throughout Alaska, and the mortalities are probably connected to warm water or low river water levels, said Sam Rabung, director of commercial fisheries for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

The department has not quantified past heat-related fish deaths because they tended to be sporadic and inconsistent, Rabung said. But department scientists this year will analyze fish deaths, summarize observation and record effects.

“If we have a few years in a row like this, then I think we have a bigger issue,” he said.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/08840c3f8efb49ba8a994a5aa740c74c

[Wellstone ruled]

1. And the River flow levels

are in peril.