As a teacher and fisherman, I was...probably too often...referring to my fishing experience as a practical application of math and science skills and concepts. Whether it's calculating catch weights, tracking migration patterns, or understanding how environmental changes affect the ecosystem, the connection between fishing and science is undeniable. And when it comes to the salmon we harvest in Bristol Bay, that connection deepens with each season’s forecast. This year, we’re looking at a complex picture for 2025, especially when we examine the "age classes" that predict the season’s return.
In the science of salmon management, these age classes represent the stages of growth and development salmon go through from hatching to their return to Bristol Bay. Salmon don’t all mature at the same rate—some might be back after a couple of years, others after five or more. It’s a fascinating lifecycle where each age class impacts the overall health and sustainability of the population. For instance, you’ll see references to the “1.2s,” “1.3s,” and so forth, which are shorthand for their age and life history. A "1.2" salmon, for example, spent one year in freshwater and two years at sea before returning. These distinctions allow scientists to project what we might expect in terms of returns and provide us with a fuller picture of the stock’s health over time.
For 2025, the forecast suggests that we may see a strong return of 1.3s—those salmon that have spent one year in freshwater and three years in the ocean. This age class is particularly crucial because they often represent a sizable part of the catch, and they indicate the health of both freshwater and marine conditions over the past few years. With each forecast, we adjust our approach, not just for the catch but for sustaining the ecosystem that supports our livelihood. These salmon aren’t just fish; they’re part of a balanced and intricate system where every age class tells a story of survival, growth, and adaptation.
By paying close attention to these age classes (especially for the Nushagak and Wood River systems where we fish), we ensure that our practices remain sustainable, allowing future generations to enjoy the same wild-caught, nutritious salmon we harvest today.
