Learn About Salmon

Chinook and Coho Salmon at Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery

Explore the vital role of Chinook and Coho salmon in our aquatic ecosystems. As stewards of these species, our hatchery is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of these iconic salmon. Learn about the lifecycles, ecological importance, and the profound impact these fish have on the Salish Sea. Join us in understanding the critical work we undertake to ensure the sustainability of Chinook and Coho salmon, essential components of our local and globally shared natural heritage.

To Date We Have Released Approximately 23,000,000 fish!

Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society volunteer at Sooke Potholes releasing Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery salmon fry close up

Fish Released Each Year

The number of fish we release into the Sooke waterways varies year to year based on many factors. We estimate the number of salmon fry being released this year to be

360000

Chinook Salmon

115000

Coho Salmon

Chinook and Coho Salmon at Sooke River Hatchery

Explore the vital role of Chinook and Coho salmon in our aquatic ecosystems. As custodians of these species, our hatchery is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of these iconic salmon. Learn about the life cycles, ecological importance, and the profound impact these fish have on the Salish Sea. Join us in understanding the critical work we undertake to ensure the sustainability of Chinook and Coho salmon, essential components of our local natural heritage.

To Date We Have Released Approximately 200,000,000 fish!

Fish Released Each Year

The number of fish we release into the Sooke waterways varies year to year based on many factors. We estimate the number of salmon fry being released each year to be

370000

Chinook Salmon

140000

Coho Salmon

The Lifecycle of Salmon

Dive into the captivating lifecycle of salmon, from the freshwaters of their birth to the expansive ocean, witness their awe-inspiring journey back home to complete the circle of life

Egg Stage

Adult female Chinook salmon deposit eggs in gravel nests called redds in rivers and streams, which are then fertilized by males

Alevin Stage

After hatching, the salmon remain in the gravel as alevins, nourished by the yolk sac

Fry Stage

As alevins emerge, they become fry, seeking shelter in riverbeds and feeding on small invertebrates

Smolt Stage

Juvenile salmon undergo physiological changes to adapt to saltwater. They migrate downstream to estuaries, and eventually into the ocean

Adult Stage

Salmon spend several years maturing in the ocean until they are ready to spawn. They then return to freshwater where they were born for spawning, completing the life cycle

The Far Reaching Importance of Salmon

Their presence signals the overall health of our local waters

These remarkable species serve as indicators of ecosystem health. As a keystone species, salmon play a pivotal role in regulating prey populations, contributing essential nutrients to freshwater and marine environments through their lifecycle, and sustaining a diverse array of wildlife, from birds to bears.

Their impact extends beyond the waters, playing a crucial role in supporting local economies through commercial and recreational fisheries. Their return to spawning grounds not only signals the continuation of a natural cycle but also enriches nearby forests. As bears and birds feast on spawned salmon, they carry nutrients into the forest, nourishing the soil and contributing to lush vegetation.

By understanding the profound ecological and societal impact of Chinook and Coho salmon, we can better appreciate the interconnectedness of our natural world.