Summary
When we think of the environment and all the indicators of its health, as it relates to our seas and rivers, usually one does not think of listening to salmon let alone quoting them. However, they are talking to us, and we need to listen.
Analysis
We see article after article dedicated to our fisheries and the subject matter is either their loss or their troubles, worldwide. We read specifically about the cultured salmon problems in South America, and the Pacific Northern' problems with the wild salmon populations. But problems abound in the Atlantic as well as the Pacific and beyond. We now see that not only do the atlantic salmon travel our oceans but in some of the latest research, they are also able to bio-monitor, track and trace, climate change as it relates to the oceans they travel. As scientists worldwide try to answer the question of "where are the the wild salmon" the fish themselves appear to have the ability to help solve some the questions.
As we see the article suggest, and I have written on previous occasions, changes are occurring rapidly. We see the warming of oceans waters that has an impact on the patterns of not only salmon but pollock as well. We see movement of the bio mass, which eventually will change where and how much fish are available. Our supplies and lack there of, will cause not only fisheries changes but dramatic political changes. This is not only possible but most probable. Our first political disturbance may be about to occur between Russia and the USA over pollock in the Bering Sea.
We now discover a tool for us to better understand some the salmons' plight, we should utilize this information the fish collect and react in a timely and unencumbered manner. Again, the need for full cooperation from all the vested interest groups is, and becomes, more and more vital.
Although the science is complex the take home message is clear,' said Dr. Whelan. 'Adaptation to climate change is in our hands. Combating climate change requires a clear and unambiguous focus on: monitoring change, responding to change, conserving populations of animals and plants and relieving man made stresses on the environment.' Well said.
James Aliucci consults with leading institutions through GLG
Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.
