After avoiding a disastrous season, concern remains for salmon population
KAMLOOPS — The river levels along the Thompson River are on par with the lowest on record, and are currently two metres below their average for mid-October. Despite that, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Salmon Stock Assessment Group Section Head Scott Decker stated mortality rates were actually lower than initial projections.
“We did have some significant mortality of sockeye and other species as they migrated up the Fraser this year, however not at extreme levels or out of the ordinary. We also see a certain degree of mortality and it’s related to flow and temperature,” said Decker.
Due to the challenges presented this season, work was done throughout the region to help the fish migrate upstream, including excavation of Tranquille Creek.