Highlighted Species: Salmon

Introduction1

The spirit of the salmon, through its endurance, strength, and vitality, represents the identity of the Pacific Northwest. Journeying from the rivers and mountains where they begin their lives, to the ocean where they mature, and finally returning to the freshwater spawning grounds of their birth, salmon undertake one of the most amazing migrations in the natural world.

Perhaps more than any other animal, salmon play an important role in the culture of the Pacific Northwest. They are an integral part of Native American tradition. Salmon bolster our economy, providing jobs for commercial fishers and recreation for anglers around the state. They also provide a window into wild nature for residents throughout the region.

Photo Credit: NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service - Historic Image Collection

Despite their value and importance in our culture, wild salmon stocks along the West Coast have been dwindling for the past century. Salmon are now extinct in 40 percent of the rivers in which they originally spawned. Salmon runs in 44 percent of remaining streams are at risk.

The listing of salmon species as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act has drawn attention to this crisis. Many factors have led to this species' decline. Some are natural, such as fluctuating ocean conditions or flooding. Other factors include human impacts, such as harvest practices and habitat destruction through urban development, agriculture, forestry, and mining. Hatchery programs, pollution, and the challenges posed by hydropower are also contributing to the salmon crisis. Recovering wild salmon runs will require cooperation and flexibility.

In Washington State the following salmon species are listed under the Endangered Species Act:

• Chum salmon (Hood Canal – Summer) Threatened
• Chum salmon (Lower Columbia) Threatened
• Sockeye salmon (Lake Ozette) Threatened
• Sockeye salmon (Snake River) Endangered
• Chinook salmon (Puget Sound) Threatened
• Chinook salmon (Snake River – Spring/Summer) Threatened
• Chinook salmon (Upper Columbia – Spring) Endangered
• Chinook salmon (Lower Columbia) Threatened
• Chinook salmon (Snake River – Fall) Threatened
• Westslope cutthroat Species of Concern
• Steelhead (Snake River) Threatened
• Steelhead (Middle Columbia) Threatened
• Steelhead (Upper Columbia) Endangered
• Steelhead (Lower Columbia) Threatened

Reference Cited

1. Re Sources. The Journey Home. <http://www.re-sources.org/docs/the_journey_home.doc>