Return of the Salmon

The return of salmon is a celebration not only for fishermen and women, but for an entire ecosystem. As young salmon hatch in rivers, they feed birds and larger fish. Returning from the ocean to the streams where they were born, they are pursued by orcas, sea lions, eagles, and bears. Once home, females lay their eggs while multiple males release milt upstream, allowing the current to carry sperm over the eggs. This strategy helps maintain the remarkable genetic diversity of wild salmon.

Yet, their work isn't finished. After spawning, the salmon die, feeding vultures, otters, raccoons, coyotes, deer, and countless other creatures. These animals have poop rich in marine nutrients from salmon that fertilizes forests, fields, and vineyards. A study led by fisheries biologist Joseph Merz found that grapes growing near California rivers can receive up to 25% of their nitrogen from salmon. As Merz famously said, "Some of the best California wine has salmon in it."

Even redwoods bear their signature. Scientists can identify years of abundant salmon runs by measuring marine-derived nitrogen preserved in tree rings. In return, redwoods shade streams and provide the fallen logs young salmon need to survive.

So when we celebrate the return of salmon, it's not just because they're delicious. They are one of nature's great connectors, nourishing entire landscapes. Let's celebrate dam removal, restore California's rivers, oppose toxic mining at the headwaters of Alaska's Bristol Bay, and protect the salmon that feed multitudes.

Speaking of Alaska, there are two spots left for Wild Food Camp Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula Borough in August. Everyone will learn to fillet and break down whole sockeye salmon.

In San Francisco, we'll have A Whole Salmon Workshop & Rooftop Dinner in SoMa

on July 31st, where we'll celebrate the return of salmon season with a hands-on dinner party.

We are excited to announce our partnership with the Fish Market at the Wharf in San Francisco- a group of local commercial fisherwomen and men - to teach you how to use all parts of the salmon on September 12th at our Whole Salmon and Ikura Workshop.