Coho Salmon, an endangered species, has been spotted returning to the streams in California, USA, after 25 years of absence.
“We have seen salmon in places where they haven’t been for nearly 25 years,” said Preston Brown, Director of Watershed Conservation for the Salmon Protection Network.
An endangered Coho Salmon found in Lagunitas Creek, Marin County, California. (Photo: Reuters).
Heavy rainfall in California at the end of 2021 is believed to be the reason for the return of the Coho Salmon – an endangered fish species – to this area.
According to information from the weather forecasting agency, rainfall in California from October to December 2021 was significantly higher than the previous 12 months.
The abundant rain and snow coincided perfectly with the spawning season in the upper Tomales Bay region, north of San Francisco, allowing several fish species to reach the tributaries of Lagunitas Creek in Marin County.
“They prefer these small streams. It is also where they have the highest chance of survival. If we give the Coho Salmon a chance to fight for survival, they will return,” said Todd Steiner, Executive Director of the Turtle Island Restoration Network.
The recent rains may only be a temporary relief in a 20-year drought in California. Over the years, local authorities have worked hard to supply water to sustain fish populations and ensure resources for farms and growing cities.
Experts believe California still needs many consecutive years of wet weather to replenish its reservoirs.
In the meantime, this salmon species is benefiting. They spawn in small streams, where the young will hatch and spend most of their early lives. Later, as adults, they will swim out to the ocean and return to this area during the spawning season.
