Columbia officials reported that a potentially catastrophic collapse of the sockeye salmon run is unfolding on the Columbia River system this year. But the salmon run projections fall short of earlier expectations, they said.

Once a team of scientists studying the species stated that almost 100,000 sockeye would return to their spawning grounds in the rivers and streams in British Columbia's South Okanagan region.

Okanagan Nation Alliance fish biologist Richard Bussanich said in a statement that it was supposed to be one of the largest sockeye runs in recent history. But the latest projections have showed that very less number of sockeye will return to their spawning grounds.

As per some experts, drought could also play a major role in declining the number of sockeye returns to their spawning grounds. Projections show that only 18,000 sockeye will return this year.

Bussanich stated that higher water temperatures and low water-levels are stressing the migrating sockeye salmon. “Fish are showing signs of physical stress, So there are open wounds and fungi and other things. The conditions are harsher than normal”.

As per reports, more than half of the sockeye salmon on the Columbia have died. This data shows that the situation is shaping up to be catastrophic for this year.

It has been found that the authorities have cancelled recreational and commercial sockeye fisheries on Osoyoos Lake. Usually, sockeye fishery contributes up to $400,000 to the local economy.

In addition, Tacoma Power recovered during five days of operations at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator last week was successful in recovering 328 spring Chinook salmon, 57 jacks, 72 mini-jacks, 730 summer steelhead.