Salmon migration

Salmon migrate from the ocean back to freshwater rivers and streams where they were born to spawn. After living in the ocean for several years, they undertake long, often challenging journeys upstream, guided by environmental cues like smell, water temperature, and magnetic fields. This migration ensures they reach suitable spawning grounds, where they lay eggs in gravel nests. Once the eggs hatch, the young salmon (alewives) spend time in freshwater before migrating back to the ocean, completing their life cycle. This remarkable migration supports both their survival and the health of aquatic ecosystems.