Salmon: Who Needs ‘Em?

If you don’t like to eat salmon, and you aren’t into fishing, then you might get tired of the local salmon talk. In the Pacific Northwest we certainly discuss salmon a lot, particularly during the late summer and early fall when salmon are spawning. Why do we care so much?
If rivers are the veins of the Pacific Northwest then salmon are the lifeblood. Rivers and streams can be nutrient poor environments, which makes survival challenging for many local species. Thankfully, salmon come to the rescue, and provide vital nutrients to freshwater systems, sustaining local ecosystems.

Here’s how it works.
Salmon are born in freshwater streams and rivers, but migrate to the ocean as they grow. Most of an adult salmon’s life is spent in the ocean, where waters are teeming with abundant nutrients. This is when salmon do the bulk of their eating, transforming nutrients into body mass. 
As they return up the rivers to spawn salmon are packed full of nutrients, and a vital food source for many iconic northwest species. At least 137 species depend on salmon in some stage of their life. Popular salmon eaters are bears, eagles and the iconic Southern Resident Killer Whale. You might be surprised to learn that forest plants are found to be healthier and grow larger when they have access to nutrients from decomposed salmon.

The large runs of salmon heading up the rivers to spawn do more than feed local plants and animals. They create tourism, drive local economy, inspire art, and carry spiritual significance for indigenous communities. Each year the return of the salmon is celebrated by salmon barbecues and salmon festivals which bring communities together and remind us to appreciate this unique place to live. Even if you don’t like to eat salmon you can enjoy the festive air and sense of community.

Next time you see the Pacific Northwest celebrate salmon, consider for a moment how salmon make a lifelong journey to fuel our home, community, economy, and lives.