Sockeye

Sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, is a species of Pacific salmon known for its life cycle that combines ocean living with freshwater spawning. It includes anadromous populations that migrate between the sea and rivers and lakes, as well as a landlocked form called kokanee. The species occurs in the North Pacific region, with major runs in Alaska, western Canada, the northwestern United States, and parts of Russia and Japan.

Adult sockeye are highly colored during spawning, with the body turning bright red and the head often greenish. In the ocean, they appear more subdued, typically blue-green above and silvery below. They are among the larger Pacific salmon, commonly reaching several kilograms in weight, with males often developing a hooked jaw (kype) and a pronounced hump when spawning.

Life cycle and ecology: sockeye begin life in freshwater, migrate to the ocean to grow, and eventually return to their natal streams or lakes to reproduce. Juveniles feed on plankton and small aquatic organisms, while the adults feed less during the spawning run. The overall life cycle typically spans several years, varying by population and environmental conditions.

Importance and conservation: sockeye support substantial commercial and recreational fisheries in multiple regions, and they are an important ecological resource for freshwater and marine ecosystems. Management usually includes harvest limits, habitat protection, and hatchery programs. While the species as a whole is of Least Concern, several wild populations, such as the Snake River sockeye, are endangered or federally threatened, highlighting regional conservation needs.