Related Content
Library Documents
- A History of the Salmonid Decline in the Russian River
- Anadromous Fish Habitat in California's Mediterranean-climate Watersheds
- Appendix D: Annotated bibliography for: Aquatic habitat indicators and thei
- CDFG 2002 - Russian River Basin Fisheries Restoration Plan-July 2002 Draft
- CDFG Threatened and Endangered Fish
- Coho video clip from Dutch Bill creek
- NOAA Fisheries - Fish News
- NOAA Fisheries coho salmon page
- Pacific Salmon Commission
- Pacific Salmon and the Endangered Species Act
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Salmonids
Salmon and some species of trout have unique life histories that categorize them as "salmonids." Salmonids are characterized by having an anadromous life cycle, which means that they begin their life in freshwater, migrate to sea to live out their adult life, and finally return to freshwater to reproduce and begin the next generation. Salmonids in the Russian River have been an important resource for people since the first inhabitants settled the watershed thousands of years ago. In the past fifty years, populations have dramatically declined due to habitat loss and degradation associated with roads, timber harvest, gravel extraction, urban and suburban development, and agricultural and other activities. Because of this population decline, salmonids are currently protected through the state and federal Endangered Species Acts. Recognizing the importance of preserving this important resource, agencies, landowners, and the public are working together to restore habitat and thus increase salmonid populations in the Russian River.
