EXPLORE FISH / SALMON
The West Coast’s southernmost
salmon, at the edge of
their range.
California’s diverse geography and habitats have allowed four species of salmon to live at the southern end of their ranges: Chinook, Coho, Pink, and Chum.
California Chinook occurs as eight genetically distinct populations (Evolutionary Significant Units, or ESUs), seven of which are found only in California. There are two ESUs of Coho salmon, one endemic to the state. Small runs of Pink and Chum salmon may be maintained by strays from northern Oregon or Washington populations — more research is needed. Perhaps the most distinctive of these salmon is Sacramento River winter-run Chinook, having evolved to exploit the cold, spring-fed waters found year-round in the upper Sacramento River tributaries.
4
SPECIES IN CALIFORNIA
12
GENETICALLY DISTINCT KINDS
8
CHINOOK ESUS (7 CA-ONLY)
1
ESU ENDEMIC TO CALIFORNIA
NATIVE SPECIES
Explore Salmon
Select a kind or species of salmon to learn more about its range, status, and what’s driving its decline.
Support WILD FISH
Wild fish cannot help themselves — they need us and they need you.
Nearly half of our fish are likely to be extinct within 50 years if current trends continue, and when fish collapse it means our water systems are at risk too. We can all play a role in protecting California’s wild fish and our state’s water future.