Sockeye salmon decline from the recent (1993) historical cycle peak of 23,631,000 and the return abundance was the lowest in over 50 years. The reasons for this (former) decline remain speculative. According to a consortium of scientists assembled to review the problem, the decline highlights the uncertainty in forecasting salmon returns. After the low returns, the Government of Canada launched a formal inquiry into the decline, the Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River. The Commission has been tasked with investigating all the factors which may affect Fraser River sockeye salmon throughout their life cycle. According
Sockeye Fire the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and other mushing events, perished in the fire. A local kennel owned by veteran Iditarod musher DeeDee Jonrowe was destroyed. Jonrowe also lost her home, several pets and a flock of chickens in the fire. At least six dogs are known to have perished in the fire. Early on during the incident, emergency officials determined that the fire was "human caused". On July 13, 2015 it was reported by multiple news sources in Alaska that Greg Imig and Amy Dewitt of Anchorage faced numerous charges in relation to the Sockeye Fire, including reckless endangerment,