Circled Life: Salmon of the Strait of Juan de Fuca

Seven salmon species (Oncorhynchus) spawn in the rivers, lakes, and streams along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, on the northern Olympic Peninsula in Washington. These seven are treated in separate essays, each of which opens with an introduction that offers my personal perspective. This is followed by a discussion of a species' physical characteristics, such as size, weight, and coloration; also presented are the range and life cycle of the fish. Their age-old importance to the human inhabitants along the Strait is examined. A brief evolutionary background offers insights into geologically deep time and Ice Age dynamics as well. Essays also delve into fishing issues, particularly where populations have been severely impacted. These discussions also examine other factors that have contributed to the decline of all salmon. Restoration and conservation are introduced and their importance to hope for the future is given particular emphasis.

A pastel painting, by the author, of each species adds a visual element to each essay.

The Species

Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) - "Too Much of a Good Thing?"

Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) - "Local Restoration"

Coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) - "Data and Models"

Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) - "Adaptation: the Fresh and the Salty"

Sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) - "Two Ice Age forms"

Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) - "Culturally Significant"

Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus clarkii)- "Versatility"