Over the past year, I have partnered with Yukon River communities to better understand how habitat conditions and predator-prey relationships affect juvenile salmon during their freshwater rearing stage. Community members have shared important observations about changing fish populations, predator abundance, and the value of side channels, sloughs, and tributaries where young salmon grow.

In response, we have been analyzing sheefish stomach samples from interested villages to better understand predation, while also learning from Elders and fishers about how past subsistence practices may have supported ecological balance. This work highlights how habitat quality, restoration, and local knowledge can strengthen rearing conditions for juvenile salmon.

Interested in being part of this work or sharing your knowledge?
I’d love to connect- please reach out by email to get involved.
kereece[at]alaska.edu

This community science effort is part of a larger project called Research to Action for Yukon River Salmon.