FACTS

Appearance:

• Sockeye salmon have a bright silver color in the ocean.

• During spawning, their bodies turn a vibrant red, and they develop a greenish head.

Size:

• They are medium-sized compared to other Pacific salmon species.

Habitat:

• Found in the Pacific Ocean and associated rivers, with notable populations in North America and Asia.

• Like other Pacific salmon, sockeye are anadromous, migrating between freshwater and the ocean.

Lifecycle:

• Hatch in freshwater, migrate to the ocean to grow, and return to their natal rivers and lakes to spawn.

Diet:

• Feed on plankton and small aquatic organisms during their ocean phase.

Commercial and Culinary Importance:

• Sockeye salmon are highly valued for their flavorful and firm-textured flesh.

• Commercially harvested and also sought after by anglers.

Conservation:

• Conservation efforts focus on maintaining healthy habitats, managing fisheries sustainably, and addressing factors affecting salmon populations.