Brief Introduction to Salmon
Salmon are anadromous fish, meaning they spawn in freshwater then migrate to the ocean to live the adult portion of their life, when they are ready to spawn again they will return back to freshwater to lay their mate and then die. Although a vast majority of species exhibit this behavior, some species such as the Atlantic salmon will remain in lakes their entire lives.
In the PNW there are seven species of salmon: pink, sockeye, chum, chinook, coho, steelhead and coastal cutthroat. Within these seven species, there are also 52 isolated breeding populations also know as evolutionary significant units (ESUs). Each breeding population has evolved its own unique life history which typically tends to make it more sensitive to temperature change*.
Currently, 28 ESU's are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Petitions for other stocks are currently under review and include such additions as coast wide protection of coho salmon (O. kisutch)**.
Within each species, sexual dimorphism exist. These differences are typically most noticeable during the spawning phase in the salmons life, like that shown below.
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| *Seven species of PNW salmon |
Currently, 28 ESU's are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Petitions for other stocks are currently under review and include such additions as coast wide protection of coho salmon (O. kisutch)**.
Within each species, sexual dimorphism exist. These differences are typically most noticeable during the spawning phase in the salmons life, like that shown below.
References:
* An overview of salmon conservation issues of the Pacific Northwest- Mark Scheuerell, NOAA Fisheries Services
** National
Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Protection and Management of Pacific
Northwest Anadromous Salmonids
I really like your design, and all the extra things you included like the recipes. You have a solid amount of info and it's efficient and to the point. I think you still need to make a figure based on information you've synthesized on your own, correct? Other than that I think your blog is informative and easy to read.
ReplyDeleteYour site is really clear and easy to understand. I like the little added details such as the interesting salmon facts, or the pages dedicated to salmon art and recipes. The overview of salmon life cycles may be unneeded for your topic, but it is not overdone and still interesting. Also as other people have said there doesn't seem to be an original graphic or discussion of your own. Good work though so far and I hope you figure out the rest.
ReplyDeleteOwen Townsend