Species: Oncorhynchus keta
Encyclopedia of Puget Sound

Numerous small scales; one dorsal fin plus one adipose fin; no spines in fins; back and tail lack distinct large black spots; first gill arch has 18-28 short, stout, smooth gill rakers; upper side of large individuals is steel-blue, with black speckles; sides silvery; silvery to white belly; tips of caudal, anal, and pectoral fins tinged black in males. Spawning males are dark olive to black on the upper side, with vertical red or dusky bars or blotches on green sides and white-tipped anal and pelvic fins. Spawning females are similar but less distinctly marked. Young have 6-14 narrow, short parr marks on each side. Total length to around 102 cm.
Science Review:
Articles:
The extensive loss or modification of estuaries throughout Puget Sound creates a significant challenge for adult salmon as they migrate to their natal streams to spawn. A 2024 report by University of Washington scientist Thomas Quinn looks at how different species of salmonids use estuaries to move from marine to freshwater environments. The report was commissioned by the University of Washington Puget Sound Institute with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuary Program.

This overview describes the different ways that juvenile Pacific salmon and trout use estuaries, and why those differences are important for ecosystem recovery efforts. The report was commissioned by the University of Washington Puget Sound Institute with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuary Program.

Summer chum salmon in Hood Canal are making a remarkable comeback. Could it be enough to support their removal from the Endangered Species List?

Restoration managers are hopeful that populations of coho, chum and pink salmon will rebound on the Elwha River as the fish take advantage of newly accessible habitat. Part five of our series 'Returning home' examines the importance of genetically distinct salmon runs.

Following dam removal, migratory salmon have been free to swim into the upper Elwha River for the first time in 100 years. Their actual behaviors and reproductive success may well be driven by changes in their genetic makeup. Our seven-part series 'Returning home' examines how the fish are doing and whether the Elwha's genetic legacy remains intact.

Design innovations at the new seawall along Seattle's waterfront could inspire improvements for other shoreline structures around Puget Sound. They may even encourage broader regulatory changes that enhance habitat for migrating salmon and other species.

A biennial report produced by the Governor's Salmon Recovery Office provides stories and data about salmon, habitat, and salmon recovery in Washington, including Puget Sound.

The removal of shoreline armoring in Puget Sound has become a priority for state and federal agencies, but until recently there have been relatively few scientific studies of armoring's local impact. New research looks at the pronounced biological and ecological effects of these common shoreline structures, especially for tiny beach-dwelling creatures that make up the base of the food web.

This report documents how Washingtonians have responded to the challenges of protecting and restoring salmon and steelhead to healthy status. It also serves as a tool to summarize achievements, track salmon recovery progress through common indicators, and identify data gaps that need to be filled.

Salmon recovery demands both dedication among people with different interests, and sustained resources. This biennial report tells the story of the progress made to date and the challenges ahead.

A 2015 article published in the Marine Ecology Progress Series identifies intraspecific differences in diet between harbor seals in the Salish Sea, suggesting implications for marine reserve management.

The decaying seawall along Seattle’s waterfront is providing scientists with an opportunity to improve long-lost habitat for migrating salmon. It could also show the way for habitat enhancements to crumbling infrastructure worldwide. One University of Washington researcher describes the project.

Lead Entities are local organizations in Puget Sound that develop salmon recovery strategies and priorities for the region on a watershed-based scale.

This technical report produced for the Puget Sound Nearshore Partnership on Valued Ecosystem Components (VEC) summarizes existing knowledge of salmon use of nearshore habitats in order to help protect and restore these habitats.


Fish in the family Salmonidae (salmon, trout, and charr) play potentially integral roles in the upland freshwater, nearshore and pelagic marine ecosystems and food webs of Puget Sound.

Classification
Actinopterygii
Salmoniformes
Salmonidae
Oncorhynchus
NatureServe
Classification
Ecology and Life History
Numerous small scales; one dorsal fin plus one adipose fin; no spines in fins; back and tail lack distinct large black spots; first gill arch has 18-28 short, stout, smooth gill rakers; upper side of large individuals is steel-blue, with black speckles; sides silvery; silvery to white belly; tips of caudal, anal, and pectoral fins tinged black in males. Spawning males are dark olive to black on the upper side, with vertical red or dusky bars or blotches on green sides and white-tipped anal and pelvic fins. Spawning females are similar but less distinctly marked. Young have 6-14 narrow, short parr marks on each side. Total length to around 102 cm.
Conservation Status
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