Scientists see improved ocean conditions for young salmon

SEATTLE (AP) — Young salmon entering the ocean could see improved ocean conditions off the Washington and Oregon coasts, according to federal scientists.

Researchers in a conference call with reporters said Friday the ocean is more hospitable for salmon several years after an unusually warm water event, the Seattle Times reported.

Surveys in 2018 confirmed that tiny animals that stoke the food web were thriving. An important forage fish, anchovies, increased in number.

Subsurface temperatures, however, continued to be warmer than average in some areas. Researchers also found numerous pyrosomes, also called sea pickles, a warm-water animal that is not supposed to be in Northwest waters.