Chum Salmon A.K.A. “Dog Salmon” / Oncorhynchus keta

elongated kipe (snout) red/black tiger stripe pattern

large protruding dog-like teeth

average weight: 3.5kg Chum salmon are among the largest of the five Pacific salmon species that spawn here on the B.C. coast, second in size only to Chinook. Individuals can weigh average length: 61cm anywhere from 8 to fi�teen pounds and grow up to 3.6 feet (43.2 inches). During the spawning phase chum salmon change quite drastically. Both males life cycle: 4 years and females experience a dramatic change in appearance when returning to freshwater, developing a tiger pattern of red and black stripes. One of the most migration distance: long prominent and interesting physical changes occurs in the males. These chum grow an elongated snout or “kipe” with large protruding dog-like teeth. Some research- health: medium/high risk* ers have speculated that this characteristic is used to compete with other males for mates. This, in combination with the fact that chum are o�ten fed to sled dogs in *Current federal resourcing is insu�ficient to adequately track the health of most chum salmon populations the north, makes the nickname of dog fish or silverbite easy to understand.

spawning juvenile stage common

and river During the fry stage of their lifecycle, chum predators develop dark lines or markings to preference A common predator of chum camou�lage themselves from predators in salmon are black bears. Not Chum are the last of the five freshwater streams as they out-migrate. known to be the pickiest of Pacific salmon species to return Measuring in at just a few centimetres, eaters, black bears will consume to the creeks and rivers of the they typically prey on insect larvae as well almost anything available to Great Bear Rainforest to as plankton. Like other species of fry, young them. In the fall, salmon make reproduce, with the seasonal chum absorb information about their birth up a critical portion of their diet peak in spawning taking place in streams, imprinting on key characteristics before winter. When wild chum late autumn. Similar to pinks, including temperature, water �low, and conservation status are more abundant and available they usually prefer smaller, gravel size. By retaining this knowledge, in streams, bears o�ten choose calmer streams and intertidal most adult chum (along with other salmon and economics carcasses and eat selective parts, zones to avoid overcoming river species) will be able to navigate back to the Just as is the case with pink salmon, chum are an sometimes opting to just bite o�f obstacles and powerful falls. same place for spawning a�ter spending important fishery throughout their range, bringing the head in order to eat fat-rich years growing in the ocean. At the time of spawning, chums in millions of dollars to the Canadian economy each brains. They’ve also been known will be about three or four years In comparison to other salmon species, year. However, a downward trend has been shown in to target females to feast on old. It's at this phase that a chum fry are known to make a beeline for Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s preliminary catch their energy-packed eggs. dramatic shi�t in their appear- the ocean, migrating more quickly to statistics for the past few years. Sea wolves have also been ance also takes place, with bold marine waters, soon a�ter they are born. In known to feast on chum vertical red and black stripes the spring, these little fry commonly value of preliminary catch regularly. In fact, some studies lining their sides. Females will swarm together with juvenile pink salmon have shown that salmon make typically lay upwards of 3,000 to form huge schools before exiting river 2016: $20 million up about 20% of their diet. eggs for fertilization. A�ter this, mouths into ocean shorelines. During this Similar to bears, these wolves having completed their lifecycle, time of year, fry are a common food source 2017: $16 million have been known to target the all chum salmon die. Each for predators like seabirds which can be heads of salmon, opting to individual only spawns one time seen circling river mouths in �locks 2018: $7m consume the brains over other in its entire life. thousands-strong to feast. parts of the fish.

pacific salmon species spotlight · #1/5 #SalmonCount · PacificWild.org Pink Salmon A.K.A. “Humpie” / Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

large oval humped back spots

Despite being the most prolific of the five Pacific salmon species, pinks are by far the average weight: 2kg least revered by recreational fishermen. This is likely due to their small size and great abundance. As is o�ten the case with species of fish that are found in larger numbers, average length: 40.5cm great abundance has translated to great underappreciation for pinks. However, there’s so much to love about these little salmon! life cycle: 2 years Nicknamed “humpies”, due to the humped back males develop when spawning, this migration distance: medium salmon species gets its common name from the light pink colouring of its �lesh. With a short lifespan of only two years, pinks return to the coast in late summer to repro- health: medium risk* duce. In doing so, they partake in long migrations, sometimes far inland, in freshwa- ter rivers to a preferred spawning area. Extraordinarily, while they tend to mix in with

*Current federal resourcing is insu�ficient to adequately larger populations during their time at sea, each individual pink returns to spawn in track the health of most pink salmon populations the river where it first hatched — truly �lexing some powerful navigational prowess.

spawning and ecosystem role economics conservation

river preference As the most abundant species of wild Pink salmon are an important fishery species status salmon on the B.C. coast, pink salmon throughout their range, with tens of millions of Pinks speedily migrate to the ocean immedi- The smallest of B.C.’s wild salmon species, provide a massive delivery of nutrients to individuals caught by net fisheries each year. Here on ately a�ter hatching, spending the least amount pink salmon are also the most highly rainforest ecosystems. During the oceanic the B.C. coast, pink salmon fisheries bring in millions of time in freshwater when compared to the abundant and considered by many to be component of their lives, they are an annually. However, commercial catches for pinks have other species. Once entering saltwater, they the least vulnerable to extinction. important prey for species like Steller sea gone down dramatically over the past number of years. gather in schools and remain in estuaries close However, recent low pink returns in certain lions and killer whales. As they return to to shore. As they grow, they begin spending areas of the coast have highlighted a need rivers and creeks to spawn, they also provide time feeding in deeper, o�fshore waters. value of preliminary catch for stronger management and monitoring. an important source of nutrients for from 2014-2018 (Source: DFO) With a lifespan of just two years, the shortest of numerous species that inhabit B.C.’s coastal In a 2019 report published by Watershed the B.C. salmon, pinks mature and grow faster watersheds. Bears, birds, wolves and $4m Watch, numerous concerns related to countless other terrestrial creatures depend than any other species. Their short, predictable $3m salmon returns from the previous year life cycle has created two distinct populations on pinks to sustain themselves before harsh (2018) were highlighted. It was an abysmal $2m here in B.C.. Depending on the year, pink Canadian winters. year with once abundant wild salmon runs salmon can be found in large numbers between $1m coming back in shockingly low numbers Did you know, trees found along the rivers of July and September. They return every year, $0 across all of the species, leading to the Great Bear Rainforest rely on dead 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 with larger numbers in odd years on the south fisheries closures. Along the central and salmon for vital nutrients to help them grow! coast and even years on the north coast. The north coast in areas including Kitkatla, pinks that return in odd years are unrelated to These numbers point to concerns around population Douglas Channel, Princess Royal Island, those returning in even years and will not decline. Although the Department of Fisheries and Bella Bella, Namu, and Bella Coola, the interbreed with each other, even when Oceans (DFO) puts limits on the catch when popula- pink salmon returns were some of the returning to the same spawning grounds. tion levels appear low, this is usually a last-minute lowest on record. In many locations, there response whereas utilizing methods to conserve native were no fisheries at all. The report found, Most o�ten, pinks are found migrating to spawn species like increased monitoring, habitat preservation “Skeena pink returns continue to be up shallower, calmer creeks and rivers because would be more e�fective in addressing the root cause terrible. They are now only a fraction of they cannot jump as high as larger coho or of said declines.This lack of foresight is putting pinks their escapement goal. It is almost chinook salmon. and our salmon economy at risk. inconceivable, but DFO continued to allow fisheries on this depleted population.”

pacific salmon species spotlight · #2/5 #SalmonCount · PacificWild.org Coho Salmon A.K.A. “Silver Salmon” / Oncorhynchus kisutch

elongated greensh hooked snout dark spots head

red/maroon colour

average weight: 3.75kg Coho salmon are one of the most highly abundant and adaptable of the five Pacific salmon species that return to the B.C. coast. Still, they have seen average length: 61cm concerning population trends in recent years. Thanks to their incredible acrobatics, jumping and leaping whilst migrating upriver and over waterfalls, life cycle: 3 years coho salmon are a challenge to catch by wildlife and sport fisherman alike. Typically, coho will weigh around eight to twelve lbs and measure in around 18 migration distance: medium to 24 inches in length, but of course, many have been caught nearly twice this size. In the ocean stage of their life cycle coho are easily identifiable thanks to health: medium risk* the blue colouring along their backs. When returning to rivers, they undergo an extreme physical change, developing bright red colouring along their sides *Current federal resourcing is insu�ficient to adequately track the health of most coho salmon populations and dark spots on their backs.

spawning and river juvenile stage conservation status common

preference A�ter the spawning season in the fall, A�ter a brief collapse in the 1970s and 80s, the coho predators young coho salmon fry hatch in freshwater salmon stock in areas of B.C.’s central and north coast During the oceanic residence phase of their life As coho salmon migrate up the gravel nests known as “redds”. They are thought to be slowly rebuilding, but still have yet cycle, coho spend most of their time in coastal creeks and rivers of the Great Bear emerge from these safe havens the to reach their full potential. With overall health of waters. A�ter three or four years at sea, they’ve Rainforest, bears congregate in following spring but linger in the fresh the ecosystem struggling and a lack of adequate grown large enough to return to their birth rivers for huge numbers along the shoreline water for a while before migrating back to population monitoring taking place, coho runs spawning. Typically, the distribution of spawning in anticipation. These bears the ocean. Usually, juvenile cohos spend an returns)have not been consistently abundant. habitat for coho salmon is usually clustered in display a wide variety of fishing entire year or more in freshwater before watersheds. O�ten, they prefer migrating up techniques but one of the most making their journey to the ocean. slow-moving waters and shallow streams to impressive can be witnessed spawning grounds but have been known to display Juvenile coho have been known to defend alongside powerful rapids. Here, incredible acrobatic feats, leaping both up and their territory rigorously through bears tend to be territorial for the sideways to pass by powerful river rapids and falls. threatening displays. They perform a series most advantageous feeding spots, of body maneuvers, turning sideways to with dominance hierarchies any intruders and spreading their fins to formed based on the most make them appear large. Simultaneously powerful individuals. They wait they shake and shimmy their bodies in an patiently at strategic points attempt to ward o�f unwelcome guests. beside the rapids for leaping coho Scientists have dubbed this interesting that can be snatched from the air. phenomenon the “wig-wag dance”.

pacific salmon species spotlight · #3/5 #SalmonCount · PacificWild.org Chinook Salmon A.K.A. Spring, King, Tyee / Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

black large oval coloured gums spots

earthy red colour

average weight: 14kg Chinook salmon are the biggest of the five species of wild Pacific salmon and can weigh more than 45 kilos (100 lbs)! Typically they average out at average length: 125cm a far lighter 14 kilos (30 lbs) and most measure out between 100 and 152 centimeters (40 and 60 inches) when they reach maturity. Along the life cycle: 4-7 years Pacific coast, these salmon range from Alaska all the way down to California. Some of the common nicknames for this species include King migration distance: long salmon, Spring salmon, and Tyee. They’ve also been referred to as “blackmouth” due to the dark coloured pigmentation that occurs on health: extremely high risk* their gum lines. During the ocean phase of Chinook lifecycles, they have a silvery blue colouring. This changes to earthy reds and a coppery black *Current federal resourcing is insu�ficient to adequately once they return to creeks and rivers for spawning. track the health of most Chinook salmon populations

spawning and juvenile stage conservation common predators

river preference The length of time young Chinook salmon status Chinook salmon are very integral in the diet of spend in freshwater river systems a�ter Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW), being The ocean phase of a Chinook salmon’s life cycle can Chinook salmon are vulnerable to a variety of hatching is dependent on a variety of one of the only prey items that the whales eat. last anywhere between one and eight years. During this stressors and threats such as habitat degradation factors like water temperatur. Generally, With only 73 individuals remaining, the fate of time, they feed and grow in coastal waters, storing up and blocked access to spawning grounds caused the juvenile Chinook in southern areas these whales – Canada’s most endangered the energy needed for a physically gruelling spawning by human development, as well as a lack of stay for shorter periods of a few months to marine mammal – is intrinsically linked to that of migration. Upon re-entering freshwater Chinook o�ten adequate monitoring which leads to poor a year. In northern locations, Chinook Chinook salmon. With many populations of choose larger river systems but have also been known fisheries management decisions. Along B.C.’s usually spend at least a year, and Chinook endangered while others are listed as to use small headwaters as well. As the largest of the north coast, in fisheries management Area 6, sometimes more, in freshwater before threatened, it comes no surprise that numerous five salmon species, it’s no surprise that Chinook Chinook have much smaller spawning popula- migrating back to the ocean. At this point researchers have attributed the main driver of exhibit some of the most impressive feats of strength tions and returns compared to the other four wild in their life cycle, young Chinook can the decline of SRKW to the vanishing of Chinook and endurance, sometimes travelling as far as 3,000 salmon species and overharvesting has been a usually be found amidst woody debris or in salmon in recent years. kilometres upriver to elevations of more than 1,500 problem in recent years. Many populations of underwater grass beds sheltering metres above sea level. During these long migrations, Chinook along the coast are endangered while themselves from predators. they battle intense rapids and unrelenting waterfalls. others are listed as threatened. Amazingly, throughout their entire journey to spawning grounds, Chinook do not feed. As soon as they spawn the next generation, individuals of this species die.

pacific salmon species spotlight · #4/5 #SalmonCount · PacificWild.org Sockeye Salmon A.K.A. Red Salmon / Oncorhynchus nerka

humped back bright red colour

green head

average weight: 2.5kg Sockeye salmon are among the smaller of the five species

average length: 56cm of wild Pacific salmon, but are considered more valuable due to their highly sought a�ter meat. With slim, strikingly life cycle: 3-5 years coloured bodies, sockeye are a beautiful sight to witness, migration distance: very long colouring the rivers and lakes of the Pacific Northwest bright red as groups return for spawning. They typically health: extremely high risk* measure in around 30 inches and usually weigh about 15 *Current federal resourcing is insu�ficient to adequately track the health of most sockeye salmon populations pounds, but have been recorded at greater sizes.

spawning & river preference juvenile stage conservation status

Sockeye salmon have been known to travel vast distances to their preferred Sockeye salmon eggs hatch in the winter and newborns Sockeye, while still relatively abundant, have seen spawning grounds. The Fraser, Nass, and Skeena Rivers are major migration remain sheltered by gravel, living o�f their yolk sacs for some declines in their returns since the mid-1990s and have lost routes for these commercially important fish. Interestingly, when time. During spring, these young fish emerge into freshwater 33% of their spawning populations. Sockeye harvests have spawning, they choose streams and rivers that are connected to lakes where habitats as fry. Unique to the five Pacific salmon species, decreased dramatically due to a Fraser River sockeye they like to spend time. A�ter hatching in freshwater, juvenile sockeye sockeye will spend one to three years living in freshwater moratorium based on concerns of recent returns. In 2019, salmon remain in their natal habitat for as much as three years, longer than systems with lakes. During this time, they feed on zooplankton Fraser river sockeye had a return of 485,900 individuals, any of the other five wild Pacific salmon species. and small crustaceans before their journey to the ocean. making it the lowest run since 1893.

pacific salmon species spotlight · #5/5 #SalmonCount · PacificWild.org