Context of the Strip: Chinook Salmon (also known as King Salmon) are a Keystone Species! What is a keystone species? Well they serve pivotal parts in a specific ecosystem, and without them the ecosystem collapses! The Chinook Salmon are vital in Pacific Northwest rivers and coastal ecosystems! They provide crucial nutrients to over 100+ species (such as wolves, sharks, sea lions, eagles and bears)! Without Chinook Salmon these species would go hungry and even die off. Also without salmon carcasses, the insects that feed off them will die off too, affecting birds that prey on them!

The Chinook Salmon are also widely known as King Salmon, and fun fact- are the largest Pacific salmon! They are a threatened species due to: logging, dams, and water management.

How can YOU help? Check out Long Live the Kings to donate or learn more about Chinook Salmon! You can also learn more about them by checking out NOAA fisheries.