Variation in estuary use patterns of juvenile Chinook salmon in the Fraser River, BC

Abstract

Juvenile Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) use estuary habitats to varying degrees with some species and populations thought to rely heavily on these areas for early growth. In the Fraser River, British Columbia, there are 18 distinct Conservation Units of Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha), and all but one is of conservation concern. Our study compares the outmigration timing, size, and habitat use of juvenile Chinook salmon in the Fraser River estuary. Over five years (2016-2020) we captured 6,493 juvenile Chinook salmon, with 3,318 sampled for stock identification. Fraser River Chinook salmon extensively used estuary habitats, but patterns varied considerably by population. Juvenile Chinook salmon from the Lower Fraser River were most abundant and present the longest, arriving the smallest in late March and early April, and captured until July. South Thompson ocean-type Chinook salmon entered the estuary later, starting to arrive in late May or early June and remaining present until mid-August. Overall, juvenile Chinook salmon varied considerably in their estuary use across populations. Understanding this variation can inform differences in productivity and guide recovery actions.