Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

An anadromous species which inhabits ocean and coastal streams (Ref. 5723). Epipelagic (Ref. 58426). Pelagic at the sea. In freshwater, lives in montane and piedmont rivers with moderate to fast current and gravel bottom. Spawns in riffles or at head of riffles in shallow water with current up to 1.5 m/s, and clean coarse gravel (Ref. 59043). Spends 18 months at sea after which spawning migration to the natal river or stream occurs; but because the species is less certain of its homing and there is a certain degree of wandering, streams as much as 640 km from natal streams may be used (Ref. 1998, 27547). Upon emerging from the gravel, fry immediately move downstream and remain inshore for a few months before going out to sea. Fry may feed on nymphal and larval insects while in fresh water, but may not feed at all. In the sea, young feed on copepods and larvacean tunicates, its diet shifting to amphipods, euphausiids and fishes as the fish grows (Ref. 27547). Other food include ostracods, decapod larvae, cirripeds, tunicates, dipterous insects (Ref. 1998, 27547). Fry may be preyed upon by birds and mammals while adults by marine mammals and large fish (Ref. 1998). Mostly sold canned (Ref. 1998) but also utilized fresh, smoked, and frozen; also valued for caviar, especially in Japan; eaten steamed, fried, broiled, boiled, microwaved, and baked (Ref. 9988). The smallest of the true salmon (Ref. 12218). The Alaska Salmon fishery of this species has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (http://www.msc.org/) as well-managed and sustainable (http://www.msc.org/html/content_485.htm).

Native of the North Pacific, introduced into the Atlantic regions of Maine and Newfoundland.

Native of the North Pacific, introduced into the Atlantic regions of Maine and Newfoundland.

occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations

Canada

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Global Range: During ocean feeding and maturation, pink salmon range throughout the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea north of about 40 degrees north latitude. Populations originating from different coastal regions of the North Pacific occupy distinct ocean nursery areas. The range shifts southward for winter, northward in warmer months (Heard 1991).

Spawning occurs in most tributary rivers of northeastern Asia (Korea to Siberia) and in North America from California and Oregon (rare in these states) north to the Aleutian Islands and Mackenzie River delta, Arctic and Pacific drainages. Arctic populations do not appear to be self-sustaining but may be expanding and so warrant monitoring. The species has been introduced in the Great Lakes, Newfoundland, and several European areas.

In the southern part of the range, the most significant runs are in streams tributary to Puget Sound. This salmon has been recorded from various streams in northern California, but spawning in California has been rarely observed and only in the lower Russian River. Many recent sightings of adults in California may be represent strays from rivers to the north (Nehlsen et al. 1991).

Arctic and Pacific drainages from Mackenzie River delta, Northwest Territories, Canada to Sacramento River drainage, in California, USA; occasionally as far as La Jolla, southern California; also in northeast Asia (Ref. 5723). On Asia side, from North Korea to Jana and Lena drainages in Artic Russia. In Bering Sea north of about 40°N and from Bering Strait northeast to Point Barrow and northwest to Lena estuary (Ref. 59043). Introduced elsewhere. Occasionally hybridizes with Oncorhynchus keta producing fertile offspring (Ref. 28983).

North Pacific and Arctic and adjacent basins.

Introduced to Maine rivers. Pacific: northern Asia to Oregon.The most abundant salmon in Alaska. During the spawning season, salmon runs occur up rivers.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 15; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 11 - 19; Vertebrae: 63 - 72

Length: 61 cm

Maximum size: 760 mm TL

76.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 9015)); max. published weight: 6,800 g (Ref. 27436); max. reported age: 3 years (Ref. 27547)

to 76.0 cm TL; max.weight: 6,800.0 g.

Distinguished by the presence of large black spots on the back and on both lobes of the caudal fin; the young have no parr marks (Ref. 27547). Body fusiform, streamlined, somewhat laterally compressed; moderately, deeper in breeding males (Ref. 1998). Mouth terminal, normally very little oblique but greatly deformed in breeding males, with lower jaw enlarged, turned up at tip, mouth unable to close (Ref. 1998). Adipose fin large; pelvic fins with axillary process (Ref. 27547). Fish in the sea are steel blue to blue-green on the back, silver on the sides and white on the belly; large oval spots present on the back, adipose fin and both lobes of the caudal fin (Ref. 27547). Breeding males become dark on the back, red with brownish green blotches on the sides; breeding females are similar but less distinctly colored (Ref. 27547). Differs from Oncorhynchus mykiss by having the following unique characters: anal fin with 11-15½ (usually 13½ ) branched rays; 177-240 scales in midlateral row; 26-33 gill rakers; large mature males with enormous hump; juveniles lacking parr marks; and lacking pink to red stripe on flank (Ref. 59043).

Known from seamounts and knolls

benthic

anadromous species; born in the river, migrates to sea as adults and returns to spawn

Known from seamounts and knolls

benthic

anadromous species; born in the river, migrates to sea as adults and returns to spawn

Habitat Type: Freshwater

Comments: Adults spend most of their lives (about 18 months) at sea. Spawning occurs in rivers and tributary streams, in lower tidal areas in some rivers. After juveniles emerge from gravel (in April-May), they immediately move downstream to estuary. Young fish may be found in inshore waters for several months before they move to sea (Scott and Crossman 1973). Introduced population in Great Lakes is unique in completing life cycle entirely in fresh water.

Spawns in gravel of rivers and tributary streams, generally in tidal portion or lower reaches of natal stream (generally within a few kilometers of the sea). Spawning female excavates several redds, or nests, that each may be 3 ft long and 1.5 ft deep in about 1-2 ft of water (Scott and Crossman 1973). Female covers redd after egg deposition.

demersal; anadromous (Ref. 51243); freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 250 m (Ref. 50550)

Depth range based on 30 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 4 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 174.5
  Temperature range (°C): -0.321 - 7.443
  Nitrate (umol/L): 3.638 - 26.963
  Salinity (PPS): 30.327 - 33.771
  Oxygen (ml/l): 3.157 - 7.860
  Phosphate (umol/l): 1.021 - 2.219
  Silicate (umol/l): 18.279 - 40.988

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 174.5

Temperature range (°C): -0.321 - 7.443

Nitrate (umol/L): 3.638 - 26.963

Salinity (PPS): 30.327 - 33.771

Oxygen (ml/l): 3.157 - 7.860

Phosphate (umol/l): 1.021 - 2.219

Silicate (umol/l): 18.279 - 40.988
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Depth: 0 - 250m.
Recorded at 250 meters.

Habitat: demersal.

Demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 250 m. Spends 18 months at sea after which spawning migration to the natal river or stream occurs; but because the species is less certain of its homing and there is a certain degree of wandering, streams as much as 640 km from natal streams may be used. Upon emerging from the gravel, fry immediately move downstream and remain inshore for a few months before going out to sea.

Non-Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species do not make significant seasonal migrations. Juvenile dispersal is not considered a migration.

Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.

Anadromous. Prior to spawning most adults return to the river, or tributary, in which they hatched (there is some possibly contradictory evidience from Russia). Adults move into fresh water June-September, depending on latitude. Freshwater migrations generally are less extensive than are those of other Pacific salmon (Heard 1991).

Anadromous. Fish that ascend rivers to spawn, as salmon and hilsa do. Sub-division of diadromous. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Anadromous (Ref. 5951). The young migrate seaward (Ref. 9043). Epipelagic (Ref. 58426). Spends 18 months at sea after which spawning migration to the natal river or stream occurs; but because the species is less certain of its homing and there is a certain degree of wandering, streams as much as 640 km from natal streams may be used (Ref. 1998, 27547). Upon emerging from the gravel, fry immediately move downstream and remain inshore for a few months before going out to sea (Ref. 27547). Fry may feed on nymphal and larval insects while in fresh water, but may not feed at all. In the sea, young feed on copepods and larvacean tunicates, its diet shifting to amphipods, euphausiids and fishes as the fish grows (Ref. 27547). Other food include ostracods, decapod larvae, cirripeds, tunicates, dipterous insects and planktonic organisms (Ref. 1998, 13434, 27547). Fry may be preyed upon by birds and mammals while adults by marine mammals and large fish (Ref. 1998).

Comments: Migratory fry usually do not feed, but if they are traveling long distances they eat aquatic insect larvae. Juveniles schooling in estuaries feed on zooplankton. At sea, juveniles eats small crustaceans and other invertebrates. Adult diet includes mainly fishes, squid, euphausiids, amphipods, and copepods (Moyle et al. 1989).

Fry in fresh water may not feed or may feed on insect nymphs. Young in the sea, feed on copepods and larvacean (tunicate larvae), but as the fish grows amphipods, euphausiids and fishes are taken. Other food includes ostracods, decapod larvae, cirriped larvae, dipterous insects.

Note: For many non-migratory species, occurrences are roughly equivalent to populations.

Estimated Number of Occurrences: 81 to >300

Comments: In a survey of populations in the contiguous U.S., Huntington et al. (1996) identified only five healthy native stocks, all in Washington.

10,000 to >1,000,000 individuals

Comments: The most abundant of the seven species of Pacific salmon (Heard 1991).

Abundance of spawning populations may differ greatly between years. For example, in the Fraser River in British Columbia, the odd-year run includes nearly 20 million adults whereas the even-year run is virtually nonexistent (Beacham et al. 1994). However, this pattern is not evident in all river systems.

Young form schools in estuaries before moving out to sea. Predators of young salmon include: cutthroat and rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, kingfishers, mergansers, etc.

Feeds on insects, copepods, tunicates, amphipods, euphausiids and fishes

Feeds on insects, copepods, tunicates, amphipods, euphausiids and fishes

Adults develop secondary sexual characteristics during their upstream migration (Ref. 1998), which occurs any time from June to late September, depending on location (Ref. 27547). Male develop a humpback, an enlarged head and large teeth on both jaws that form a pronounced hooked type (Ref. 59043). The upstream run seems to be triggered by high water (Ref. 27547). Female builds the redd by lying on one side and using its tail, it displaces silt and light gravel to produce a deep trough. Male spends most of the time driving off intruding males. When the redd is completed, the female drops into it, followed immediately by the male. They open their mouths, vibrate and release eggs and sperm. In some cases, several males spawn with a single female. The eggs are then covered as the female digs a new redd at the upstream edge of the previous one. Adults live up to a few weeks after spawning before they die (Ref. 1998, 27547). Reported to die 10-20 days after spawning (Ref. 59043). About 1200-1800 eggs are laid. After hatching and the yellow egg yolk is absorbed, if the hatchling doesn't have a parr mark they go to the ocean and come again to the same birthplace stream the next year during spring after growing for 16-18 months. Survival rates are low, at 1-25% (taken from a Canadian river) (Ref. 12218). Reproductive strategy: synchronous ovarian organization, determinate fecundity (Ref. 51846).

Maximum longevity: 3 years (wild) Observations: As in other species of salmon, these animals age and die shortly after spawning. It is not considered ageing but rather sudden death.

Spawning males defend territories. Spawns usually mid-July to late October (also reported as August-November). Eggs hatch usually from late December-late February, depending on water temperature (Scott and Crossman 1973). Fry usually migrate downstream April-May. Adults die soon after spawning. Two-year life cycle (with rare exceptions). In the Dungeness River in Washington, there is a unique upriver and early spawning stock and a typical lower river late-spawning stock (see Nehlsen et al. 1991). See Stearley (1992) for a discussion of the historical ecology and life history evolution of Pacific salmons and trouts (ONCORHYNCHUS).

From June to late September, adults migrate upstream as develop secondary sexual characteristics are developed. The spine curves to a humpback, and the jaw lengthens. The timing of the migration depends on location and may be correlated with high water. During September to November in the headwaters of rivers, females build a redd, a deep trough, by displacing sand and gravel with their tail as they lie on one side. Males defend the female from other males. He follows the female into the redd after she drops into it, and with open mouths, the male and female will vibrate and release eggs and sperm. Several males may spawn with a single female. The female digs a new redd at the upstream edge of the previous redd thereby covering the fertilized eggs in the previously made redd. About 1200-1800 eggs are laid. After the yellow egg yolk is absorbed, the eggs hatch. Hatchings without a parr mark go to the ocean and grow for 16 to 18 months before returning to the same birthplace stream the following year. Survivorships rates are low. (For a Canadian river, survivorship is 1 - 25%). Adults live only a few weeks after they spawn.

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N4 - Apparently Secure

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

Reasons: Still widespread and locally common around the margins of the North Pacific Ocean.

Degree of Threat: D : Unthreatened throughout its range, communities may be threatened in minor portions of the range or degree of variation falls within natural variation

Comments: See GTRENDCOM. Tolerates a surprising amount of disturbance in spawning habitat.

Not Evaluated

Management Requirements: See Beacham et al. (1994) for information on altering the time of reproductive maturation in captives; this method may be useful in developing a run of even-year pink salmon in the rivers such as the Fraser River where presently the odd-year run is large and the even-year run is virtually nonexistent.

Allendorf et al. (1997) proposed criteria for prioritizing Pacific salmon stocks for conservation; data limitations introduce subjectivity into the process, so expert judgment and peer review should be incorporated into the process.

Biological Research Needs: Determine genetic relationships among different spawning populations.

Needs: Protect and provide adequate flows to areas where spawning is observed. See Nehlsen et al. (1991) for general management and protection recommendations for anadromous salmonids. Meffe (1992) gave reasons why the hatchery approach to recovery ultimately will fail, and he emphasized that overharvest and habitat destruction need to be addressed in a major landscape-level effort.

fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; price category: low; price reliability: reliable: based on ex-vessel price for this species