Salmon
By: Olivia Passmore
In
the Pacific Northwest, salmon are a vital part of the ecosystem. They provide
sustenance to many different species such as the black bear, otters, killer
whales, and many more. When a salmon is at the end of its life cycle, it will
make its way upstream to lay their eggs, depositing nutrients throughout the
journey; nutrients that the forest and ocean depend on. Today, several species
of salmon in the PNW are on the brink of extinction. There are many reasons for
this decrease in the population, the main one being that of the effects of
climate change. As the air warms due to the rising global temperature, glaciers
melt at a faster rate, meaning there will be less cold water to feed the
streams during the summer. Warmer water makes the salmon more susceptible to
predators and disease. This decrease in salmon will not only effect different
animal species, but humans as well. In the PNW, salmon support 16,000 jobs in
the commercial and recreational fishing industry. If salmon become extinct,
this will place thousands of individuals out of work. Many indigenous tribes
depend on, and have depended on salmon for centuries. Many of these tribes have
united to help save the Northwest salmon. There are many things you can do to
help save salmon as well. Understanding tribal treaty rights will make you a
more powerful salmon conservation advocate. Other things include disposing of
your waste properly, donating, and understanding just how important salmon are
for the environment.
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