Location Confirmation of Sockeye, Coho and Pink Salmon Species on the Coast of British Columbia

Abstract

Migration patterns of Pacific Salmon are changing, and previous literature has suggested that monitoring species location and abundance is essential in recording their dynamic patterns. Therefore we conducted a survey of salmon species using samples from Steveston Harbour, Richmond, B.C. to provide a snapshot of confirmed salmon species in various locations along the coast of British Columbia on October 28 2018. Our data is a preliminary step to creating a model tracking population abundance and migration patterns, which would require a compilation of many similar snapshots. Analysis of samples from fisherman using DNA isolation and PCR techniques yielded a broad geographical distribution. Sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) were found in Nanaimo and the Fraser River, chum (Oncorhynchus keta) were found in Nanaimo and the Lasqueti Islands, and pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) were found in Haida Gwaii. This information can be used as preliminary data towards a larger scale projection of salmon populations and migration patterns.