Not to be confused with the popular internet phone/video chat platform of a similar name, kypes are hook like structure that develops on the jaw of some male salmonids during the spawning season. Though Skype for salmon is still far fetched, this secondary sex characteristic does, in fact, have a role in communicating sexual fitness. Research suggests … [Read more…]
Escapement is a term used in salmon management to mean, quite simply, how many salmon are able to “escape” premature death and complete their full life cycle. These escapees have run the gauntlet of natural mortality, recreational fishing, commercial fishing, and other life-threatening episodes for the opportunity to spawn in freshwater. Escapement is estimated by … [Read more…]
Phenology is the study of seasonal or periodic cycles in ecosystems. It is, essentially, “nature’s calendar.” For fish, phenology is often linked to timing of important life events such as spawning, migrations, and hatching. These events are triggered by non-biological factors like day length, temperature, and precipitation. If the timing of the main “cue” shifts, … [Read more…]