Oceans apart, a shared fight for survival

Atlantic and Pacific salmon share a name. But each species is uniquely adapted to its environment.

As their name implies, Atlantic salmon are native to the North Atlantic Ocean and its adjoining rivers. Pacific salmon, which include species like sockeye, chinook, coho and pink, are found in the Pacific Ocean and its river systems.

Both Atlantic and Pacific salmon begin life in freshwater streams and rivers, hatching from eggs laid in gravel nests. As juveniles, they migrate to the ocean, where they mature before returning to their natal rivers to spawn.^1,2,3,4

This is where their life cycles and ecological roles diverge.

Unlike Pacific salmon, most Atlantic salmon can survive spawning and return to the ocean to repeat the cycle. This ability to spawn multiple times, known as iteroparity, sets Atlantic salmon apart and enables them to contribute repeatedly to their ecosystems. ²

Atlantic salmon are also highly selective about their spawning sites, often traveling great distances upstream to find the perfect conditions.

They primarily spawn in cooler northern rivers, while Pacific salmon inhabit a broader range of environments, from the icy rivers of Alaska to warmer streams in California.^2,3

Pacific salmon are semelparous, meaning they die shortly after spawning. While this might seem like a disadvantage, it’s a critical ecological process — when Pacific salmon die, their bodies release essential nutrients into freshwater ecosystems, nourishing plants, animals, and aquatic life. This nutrient transfer supports entire food webs, from tiny invertebrates to large predators like bears and eagles.³

Pacific salmon are known for their incredible diversity, with each species uniquely adapted to specific environmental conditions. For example, sockeye salmon often rely on lakes for part of their life cycle, while pink salmon thrive in short coastal rivers. ³

Both Atlantic and Pacific salmon play critical roles in their ecosystems and have immense cultural importance.

Pacific salmon are a cornerstone of many Indigenous cultures along the Pacific coast, providing sustenance and spiritual connection.⁴ Atlantic salmon hold a similar role in communities bordering the North Atlantic, where they have sustained local economies and traditions for centuries. Angling for Atlantic salmon is a cherished tradition for many. ²

Despite their differences, both Atlantic and Pacific salmon are vital indicators of ecosystem health. Their survival depends on clean, well-connected waterways and balanced marine environments.

Protecting these iconic species ensures the sustainability of the ecosystems and communities they support.^2,4