Recovering Kokanee Salmon at Kluane National Park Reserve

Kluane National Park and Reserve (KNPR) protects the most northern population of wild Kokanee Salmon (land-locked sockeye) in Canada. This population collapsed in 2002, remained low until an unexpected increase in 2015 and has since declined again. This project will help determine the cause of the overall decline which is thought to be either: 1) poor genetic health, 2) metal toxicity from an inactive mine, 3) increased sedimentation in the spawning beds from accelerated glacial melt from climate change, and/or 4) angler apathy. The knowledge gained will contribute more effectively to decision-making for the conservation and restoration of Kokanee and their habitats. Approach: — Partner with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN), and collaborate with the University of British Columbia (Okanagan), the University of Waterloo, and Environment and Climate Change Canada, to investigate a range of factors that may be contributing to the population fluctuations of Kokanee Salmon. — Engage with CAFN staff and CAFN citizens (including youth and elders), to collect and analyze water samples and fish tissue samples, conduct angler surveys with licensed fishers, and continue sockeye surveys during the spawning season (August–September). — Provide opportunities for Elders and citizens from CAFN to reconnect with the watershed. — Use social media and a new interpretative angler kiosk to educate recreational anglers and visitors about the conservation of kokanee. The project also includes hosting a series of knowledge-sharing forum — The Kokanee Summit — which are jointly planned with CAFN and project partners to integrate western science and Indigenous Knowledge into the discussion of options for kokanee restoration. More information: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/yt/kluane/nature/recherche-research#kokanee-salmon