King salmon returning to Chilkat River exceed expectations, but continue on downward trend

The sun sets Sunday, Aug. 6, over the Chilkat River in Haines. (Photo by Emily Files/KHNS)
Adult king salmon are returning to the Chilkat River at historically low numbers.
The population has been decreasing over the past 10 years. In 2016, the Chilkat saw the lowest escapement estimate in about 25 years.
Preliminary counts for 2017 show the downward trend is not letting up and fishing restrictions are likely to continue next year.
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