Development of non-lethal assays targeting food deprivation to assess physiological decline and survival in wild Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon may be especially vulnerable with limited food available when they first enter the ocean and during their first winter in the Straight of Georgia. To evaluate this, researchers will use lab studies to produce a new tool, that can be used without causing harm to the fish, to see whether wild Chinook salmon are getting enough food. We will then use this new tool to determine the impact of food limitation on Chinook salmon in the wild and how this may impact the survival of different populations in the winter. By learning about different areas and populations that may be affected by food limitation, researchers can focus their efforts to best protect these areas that may be especially at risk. Ultimately, these studies will create new tools for researchers to use in their effort to help preserve wild Chinook salmon populations.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kristi Miller-Saunders

Student:

Partner:

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: