Long‐Term Population Dynamics of the Endangered Snake River Sockeye Salmon: Evidence of Past Influences on Stock Decline and Impediments to Recovery

Abstract

Abstract Declines in populations of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. have been most pronounced in the southern extent of their range, and numerous anthropogenic stressors and natural drivers have been identified as potential causes. Using a paleolimnological approach, we have reconstructed the natural variability in the population dynamics of endangered Snake River sockeye salmon O. nerka over approximately the past 1,370 years. The rearing habitat ecology of their main production system, Redfish Lake, Idaho was also assessed over the past 500 years. Siliceous algal remains (diatoms and chrysophytes), stable nitrogen isotope δ 15 N, cladoceran zooplankton subfossils, and other proxy indicators archived in dated lake sediment cores were employed in this analysis. The inferred natural salmon production was much higher than that recorded in fisheries escapement data. Unprecedented declines in Snake River sockeye salmon production and changes in rearing system ecology were inferred over the past 150 years. The early, negative influences of the Columbia River commercial salmon harvest (in the 1860s) and sustained interruption of migration access (1910‐1934) from hydroelectric damming were evident. Enhanced zooplanktivory, associated with nonnative stocking and possible expansion of kokanee (lacustrine sockeye salmon) beginning in the 1920s and 1930s, appear to have altered the forage base for juvenile sockeye salmon, probably contributing to further declines. Lake nutrient enrichment since the 1950s was inferred, which changed nursery lake nutrient and trophic dynamics. This study highlights both site‐specific and regional influences on declines in past Snake River sockeye salmon population abundance and changes in rearing system ecology for these fish over the past 150 years. Such a long‐term ecological perspective is important to the continued conservation and management of this endangered species and has broader applications for other sockeye salmon runs at risk throughout their range.