The salmon is a powerful icon in the Pacific Northwest, symbolizing the natural resources that support the region’s economy, recreation, and quality of life. Closer to home, salmon are an integral part of the natural and social landscape of Whatcom County and the Nooksack River watershed. There are nine different species of salmonids in Whatcom County, with each filling a unique niche in our rivers and creeks. Sometimes the term “salmonid” is used to refer to salmon and other fish that are genetically similar, such as trout, whitefish, and char. Several of the salmonids have been on the decline for decades, and three of the species- Chinook, Bull Trout, and Steelhead- are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Chinook Salmon (Oncorhyncus tshawytscha)
Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta)
Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
Coho (Oncorhyncus kisutch)
Steelhead (Oncorhnycus mykiss)
Pink (Oncorhyncus gorbuscha)
Cutthroat (Oncorhyncus clarki)
Sockeye (Oncorhyncus nerka)
Kokanee (Oncorphynucus nerka)