Characterizing juvenile Chinook salmon distribution, diet and health on the West Coast of Vancouver Island
PSSI Project Summary
Division: Stock Assessment and Research (StAR)
Section: South Coast Area Salmon Stock Assessment
Organization: DFO
Session(s): Follow The Fish
Presentation Date(s): December 04, 2025
Speakers: Jessy Bokvist
Abstract:
West Coast of Vancouver Island (WCVI) Chinook salmon are of conservation concern, with juvenile salmon experiencing a variety of stressors during the early marine phase that can impact survival. From 2020-2025, this monitoring project has sampled juvenile Chinook during year-round salmon surveys in estuarine and nearshore marine areas along the WCVI. Researchers are characterizing fish distribution in relation to environmental variables to understand where and when juvenile Chinook are present. Information on fish diet is being related to measures of fish health (condition, growth) to better understand how these factors may limit survival.
Collaborators:
Ahousaht First Nation, Ditidaht First Nation, Ehattesaht/Chinehkint First Nation, Ha’oom Fisheries Society, Hesquiaht First Nation, Hupacasath First Nation, Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nations, LGL Limited, Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society, M.C. Wright and Associates Ltd., Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nations, Nootka Sound Watershed Society, Nuchatlaht Tribe, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council, Pacheedaht First Nation, Quatsino First Nation, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Toquaht Nation, Tseshaht First Nation, T’Sou-ke Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe,Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government