There may be better days ahead for salmon runs | Idaho Outdoors | Idaho Statesman

Remember that catchall phrase “ocean conditions” that seems to get blamed for every poor salmon return? Well, the salmon experts might not have that dog to kick for a while.

Scientists at Oregon State University reported that in 2008 the Pacific Ocean had the best conditions they have seen in more than 50 years.

They also reported that surveys of near-shore waters from Newport, Ore., to LaPush, Wash., showed the highest numbers of juvenile chinook salmon in 11 years of sampling.

That’s good news for anyone who cares about salmon and steelhead runs in Idaho. Could it be a harbinger of better days ahead?

I think it’s possible. There’s an alignment of circumstances that could help us turn the corner in the long-term decline of salmon runs.

There are no indications how long those good ocean conditions will last, but it shows nature is doing her part for salmon runs. Now it’s time for us to do our part

via There may be better days ahead for salmon runs | Idaho Outdoors | Idaho Statesman.