Pacific salmon are a group of fish species native to the North Pacific Ocean and the rivers that flow into it. They are found in countries such as Canada, the United States (especially Alaska), Russia, and Japan. These fish are known for their remarkable life cycle, where they are born in freshwater rivers and streams, migrate to the ocean to grow, and later return to the same river where they were born to spawn (reproduce) and then die shortly after.
There are several species of Pacific salmon, including Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Pink, and Chum salmon. They are important both ecologically and economically. In nature, they are a key food source for many animals like bears, eagles, and orcas. Their decomposing bodies also provide nutrients to river ecosystems. For humans, Pacific salmon are a valuable source of food, culture, and income — especially for Indigenous communities and people involved in fishing industries.
Because they migrate between freshwater and saltwater environments, Pacific salmon are especially sensitive to changes in their habitats. Understanding how these fish live and what they need to survive helps us see how human actions might be affecting them.
