Pacific salmon species

Pacific salmon are five main species—Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum—native to the Pacific Ocean and its rivers. They are known for their remarkable life cycle: they hatch in freshwater, migrate to the ocean to grow, then return upstream to spawn and die. Each species varies in size, appearance, and timing, but all play vital roles in aquatic ecosystems. They support ecosystems by providing food for wildlife and humans and are important for commercial and cultural reasons. Pacific salmon are a key indicator of healthy river and ocean environments.