Anadromous Fish
Alaskan coastal communities have relied on salmon, eulachon (also called hooligan or candlefish) and other anadromous fish since time immemorial for food, income, and cultural value. Anadromous fish species migrate from the ocean up rivers to spawn.
Recent declines in salmon populations and fluctuations from year to year in other species have caused economic and cultural disruption. These declines are suspected to be related to changes in seasonal environmental patterns, but scientists don't yet know exactly what specific aspects influence these population dynamics.
Interface of Change researchers are investigating the role of glacial loss and extreme
weather events in anadromous fish population dynamics and how this knowledge could
contribute to community resiliency in Gulf of Alaska communities.