(continued)

Marine derived nutrients from salmon carcasses are partly responsible for the rich vegetation found along Alaskan streams and rivers.
	Similarly, marine derived isotopes may be traced through the food chain to top predators, such as bears. Research indicates up to 80% of a brown bear’s body may be derived from salmon.

Since 1996, the multi-million dollar Bristol Bay commercial salmon industry has been slammed with poor returns and more recently low ex vessel prices. The governor has repeatedly declared the region an economic disaster area. Some attribute the decline in salmon abundance to reduced oceanic production associated with “el nino” or the Pacific Decadal Occilation, however, not all of the lake systems seem equally affected, for example, production in the Kvichak watershed remains low, but nearby lakes are increasing (e.g. Alagnak) suggesting a potential freshwater mechanism. Managers have had to close fishing in the Kvichak/Naknek area in 2002 and 2003 in an effort to rebuild the populations.

Sport fishers are also impacted by salmon declines. In 2000, returns of sockeye salmon were so low, sport fishing for sockeye was closed throughout the Kvickak drainage. In 2002 and 2003, reduced bag limits were in effect. Other sport fish sought by anglers, such as rainbow trout, are reported to be less available. A corresponding decline in rainbow trout is not surprising as research indicates rainbow trout typically follow annual sockeye salmon runs to feast on eggs of spawning salmon. Up to 80% of a rainbow trout’s body composition may be traced to sockeye salmon.

The Kvichak once followed a 5 year cycle (see escapement pattern in graph below) but the pattern has changed in the last 6 years and the Kvichak is in decline. The number of fish returning per fish that spawned has averaged less than one for five years. The decline continues and causal factors are not well understood.

(continued to page 4 of Overview)