They die after spawning once (this is called semelparous). Fish and Wildlife Service.Ĭhinook salmon are born in fresh water, spend much of their life at sea, and then return to fresh water to spawn (this is called anadromous). Dolly Varden trout ( Salvelinus malma).Ĭhinook are a particularly important species in the Salish Sea ecosystem because of both their economic and ecological value.Ĭhinook salmon smolts. Photo credit: U.S.Cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii).Steelhead trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss).Pink salmon (also called humpback salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha).Sockeye salmon (also called red salmon Oncorhynchus nerka).Chum salmon (also called dog salmon Oncorhynchus keta).Coho salmon (also called silver salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch).Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha).The Salish Sea is home to nine different species of salmon and trout: Strong commercial and recreational salmon fisheries also make salmon an important economic engine for the region.Ĭhinook ( Onchorhychus tshawytscha) are the largest salmon, and are commonly known as 'Kings' or 'Tyee' (which means 'chief' in Chinook jargon). They play a critical role in supporting and maintaining ecological health, and in the social fabric of First Nations and tribal culture.

Salmon are an iconic species of the Salish Sea. Adult male Chinook salmon ready for spawning.

Chum salmon fish count run washington