The salmon population in the Gulf of Alaska has been dwindling as Pacific Ocean currents shift, Alaskan fisheries biologists say. The Anchorage Daily News said Saturday the Pacific decadal oscillation may be to blame for an increase in cooler waters in the Gulf of Alaska, where king salmon fishermen have struggled for two straight years. Changing water temperatures have also been blamed for the poor king salmon catches at Canada's Kodiak Island, Susitna Valley and Kenai Peninsula. As an example, the number of king salmon caught in the Susitna Valley's Deshka River went from an annual harvest of up to 60,000 fish to fewer than 8,000 in 2008. "It kind of has everyone wondering,'' Tom Vania, a regional management biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Division of Sport Fish, said. The runs are looking pretty poor,'' Keith Pahlke, a researcher with the state department, told the Daily News.

By Kevin Klott, Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Jul. 3--With less than 24 hours remaining until this long fishing weekend begins, anglers will be delighted to know they have plenty of time to catch an Alaska salmon or two.

What happened to the king salmon run in Alaska may be remain a mystery, but what's known for sure is a popular fishery has closed because of a dismal return.

By Craig Medred, Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Jun. 17--If you're one of those Southcentral Alaska anglers wondering if the 2007 salmon season got off to a slow start, rest assured it's not just in your head. Or at least, not all of it.

By S.J. Komarnitsky, Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Jun. 6--PALMER -- Sam Ivey may sound as if he has a dream job as a sportfisheries biologist in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. But the 36-year-old lifelong Alaskan answers more phones and writes more reports than he wets line this time of year.