1.3

CCC Coho salmon are identical in appearance and habits to Southern Oregon Northern California Coast (SONCC) Coho to the north. They can only be distinguished by differences in geographic range and genetics.

Almost all of the remaining streams containing CCC Coho salmon have populations less than 100 spawning adults per year, unless enhanced through hatcheries. Most CCC Coho populations are threatened with extinction in the near future, with the exception of populations in Lagunitas Creek (Marin County), the Russian River (Sonoma County), and Santa Cruz County watersheds due largely to the heroic efforts of managers, concerned citizens, and conservation hatcheries.

Habitat requirements of CCC Coho salmon are similar to SONCC Coho salmon. Timing of streamflows is critically important to CCC Coho salmon, which need cold water at specific times to support successful spawning and juvenile survival. Severe high flow events that occur early in winter (December, January) can scour holding pools, move large wood cover, open lagoon mouths for migration, and generally improve Coho habitat, while similar flood events later in the season (February, March) can wash away redds and eggs or flush juvenile CCC Coho out of over-wintering habitat such as pools, side channels, or estuaries.

CCC Coho salmon are most similar to Coho in neighboring watersheds than they are to Coho in Northern California or Southern Oregon.