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A journey through the history of Chinook salmon: How did this fish become a fishing treasure?
Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) is the largest and most valuable species of Pacific salmon. The fish takes its name from the Chinookan people, and common nicknames include "king salmon," "Quinnat salmon," "Tsumen," "spring salmon," "silver boar," "blackmouth" and "Tyee salmon." Chinook salmon are migratory fish native to river systems in the North Pacific and western North America, stretching from northern California to Alaska and even to rivers in northern Japan. Today, this fish has also been introduced to places such as New Zealand and Patagonia.
The meat of Chinook salmon is prized for its noble nutritional content and is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. However, some groups are endangered; despite this, many groups remain healthy. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Chinook salmon populations along the California coast are declining due to overfishing, loss of freshwater and estuarine habitat, hydropower development and poor ocean conditions.
Natural distribution
Historically, Chinook salmon’s native range in North America ranged from the Ventura River in California to Cotsby Sound in Alaska. Recent research shows that Chinook salmon were once native to California's Goodupe River Basin, the southernmost major salmon migration area in the United States. However, Chinook salmon populations have dropped to 40% in many areas. Inland distribution is limited by dams and habitat modification in some areas, such as Southern California and some areas of Costa Rica and Oregon.
Introduced groups
In 1967, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources introduced Chinook species into Lakes Michigan and Huron to control the invasive fish, the bluefish. In the 1960s, bluefish accounted for 90% of the species in these two lakes. A subsequent program to introduce Chinook and Coho salmon was a success, and these fish thrived in the lake's tributaries. Chinook salmon also thrive in Patagonian waters and have established stable breeding populations.
Description of salmon
Chinook salmon are blue-green, red, or purple on the back, silvery on the sides, white on the belly, and have black spots on the tail and upper body. Adult fish usually range from 60 to 90 centimeters in length and can weigh up to 59 kilograms. This type of salmon is known for its high protein and varied diet, especially Omega-3 fatty acids. According to experts, the average weight of Chinook salmon in the Kenai River is 16.8 kilograms.
Life cycle
Chinook salmon have a life cycle similar to that of other salmon, being a mix of saltwater and freshwater fish. After living in the ocean for 1 to 8 years, they return to their native rivers to breed. The breeding season is usually from September to December, with the female laying eggs in the nest and protecting them. The strains of salmon are closely related to the growth environment, and the life cycle of the populations further north is relatively longer.
Fishery industry
In 2010, the total Chinook salmon catch in the North Pacific was 1.4 million fish, or about 7,000 metric tons, of which 1.11 million fish came from the United States. Despite the downward trend in catches, global production from aquaculture remains stable. New Zealand is the world's largest producer and market supplier of Chinook salmon, exporting 5,088 tonnes in 2009, accounting for half of global production.
Management measures
In the United States and Canada, major fisheries are restricted due to impacts on weak and endangered salmon populations. Many Chinook salmon populations are endangered or threatened. If not protected in the future, these valuable fish species may come under further pressure.
"Pacific salmon are not only a treasure for the fishery, but also an important part of the ecosystem."
As the challenges facing Chinook salmon become more apparent, it is important that all parties work to protect their ecosystems. We cannot help but ask, how can we ensure the continued survival of this precious species and its ecosystem in the future?
