Since the early ’90s it’s been common to hear news reports and general mumblings about the slow and steady decline of sockeye salmon stocks in our waters. New research published in last week’s Science suggests there is a possibility that a virus is a contributer to these decreases. This virus, associated with lukemia and lymphoma, is a pathogen that is responsible for killing fish before they reach their spawning grounds. Of the 150 fish tracked from the ocean to the rivers, scientists concluded there is 13.5 times more likely a chance the fish infected with the virus will not make it to their spawning grounds. Much is yet to be learned about the virus, like what it is exactly, when it is infecting the fish, and to identify its source. A dedicated research effort is necessary for a greater understanding.  [read full article]

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