By Michael Milstein (NOAA)

Survivor salmon that withstand drought and ocean warming provide a lifeline for California Chinook

In drought years and when marine heat waves warm the Pacific Ocean, late-migrating juvenile spring-run Chinook salmon of California’s Central Valley are the ultimate survivors. They are among the few salmon that survive in those difficult years and return to spawning rivers to keep their populations alive.

By NOAA Fisheries

Species in the Spotlight: Sacramento Winter-Run Chinook Salmon

The Sacramento River system is home to the only winter-run Chinook salmon in the world. This unique population is cut off from its historical spawning and rearing habitat, and faces many other threats, but efforts are underway to help it recover.

Watch this NOAA Fisheries video, discussing the work of FCP’s Central Valley Salmon team, to learn more.