Researcher ORCID Identifier

0009-0006-4236-0049

Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Environmental Analysis

Reader 1

Cheryl Baduini

Reader 2

Don McFarlane

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Rights Information

© 2024 Olivia Z Buist-Thuillier

Abstract

Salmon occupy a vital role in the ecosystem, economy, and indigenous culture of the Pacific Northwest of the United States, specifically within the Columbia River Basin. Of the five species of Pacific Salmon that live in the basin, Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) are the most widely commercially fished and are the largest. In recent years, Chinook Salmon populations have heavily declined from human influence. Rising temperatures from anthropogenic climate change, habitat destruction (dams, human presence), runoff from agricultural practices, and overfishing have all contributed to this decline. Because of their role as a keystone species and their cultural significance, there will be widespread negative impacts economically, culturally, and ecologically from further population decline. There is currently research being done on spawning and pre-spawn mortality in adults and eggs, however, there is a lack of research regarding juvenile Chinook (fry). This proposed study aims to focus on taking a deeper look at how human influence through rising water temperatures and exposure to pesticides could be a factor in the survival rates of these juveniles. Water temperature, nitrate levels, DDT levels, Aldrin levels, Glyphosate levels, and population counts will be measured repeatedly through the juvenile stage as they migrate to the ocean. It is expected that higher water temperatures, higher pesticide presence, and higher nitrate levels will correlate with lower juvenile survivorship rates in any given year. If successful, the model of this study can be repeated for other fish species and help us understand the lasting impacts that human activity can have on an ecosystem. This study could also use its data to support change in policy for Glyphosate use in industrial agriculture. Overall, it has the potential to be used in a variety of future studies.

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