On conducting management-relevant mechanistic science for upriver migrating adult Pacific salmon

Abstract

Pacific salmon undertake iconic homeward migrations where they move from ocean feeding grounds to coastal rivers where they return to natal spawning sites. However, this migration is physiologically challenging as fish have to navigate past predators, nets, hooks, and dams while dealing with variable flows, warm water temperatures, and pathogens. These challenges often interact in synergistic ways that can sometimes lead to migration failure. The conservation physiology toolbox has led to new understanding of how salmon deal with different challenges with a goal of generating management-relevant science. Given the sensitivity of Pacific salmon to warm temperatures, much research has focused on identifying thermal thresholds. In addition, physiology has informed the development of methods for recovering fish that are exhausted from fisheries interactions and for enhancing passage success at fishways. These successes have arisen in part due to the extent to which we partnered with fisheries managers and other stakeholders to ensure that we were conducting relevant research.