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Salmon, Coho

(British Columbia, Wild-caught)

Rating:
Many populations of Pacific salmon have declined dramatically. Though many fisheries catch fish from endangered, threatened or depleted populations, the British Columbia coho fishery has reduced impacts on these vulnerable populations.

Market Names:
Sake, Silver

Consumer Notes:
Buyer beware! Different species of salmon are sold under many names - and several are available from farmed and wild sources. Use our recommendations to find the "Best Choices." Salmon is known as sake when prepared for sushi.

Summary:
Salmon populations have declined dramatically due to habitat loss, climatic shifts, historic overfishing and other factors. Salmon are born in freshwater and then migrate to the ocean where they grow and mature before returning to their birthplace to spawn. When freshwater rivers and streams are damaged or destroyed through dam construction, water diversions, deforestation and urban development, salmon are impacted.

Many populations of wild salmon in the Pacific Northwest are endangered, threatened or depleted. Salmon from these populations mix with salmon from more abundant populations in the ocean, making it difficult for fisheries to target only the healthy salmon. However, the coho fishery in B.C. takes action to limit its catch of endangered, threatened or depleted populations.

Coho salmon from British Columbia are a "Good Alternative."

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