Pink salmon returns in Puget Sound

The spiked appearance of this chart is no accident. Pink salmon return en masse in odd years, migrating about 30 miles upstream from estuaries to spawn. In even years, returns are almost zero.

Pink salmon return en masse in odd years, migrating about 30 miles upstream from estuaries to spawn. In even years, returns are almost zero.

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Data shows returns of pink salmon in Puget Sound from 1959 to 2023 (catch plus escapement). "Escapement" is equivalent to the number of fish that escaped harvest and returned to freshwater streams to spawn.

Chart: Fiona Martin / The Seattle Times Source: Pacific Fishery Management Council, Greg Ruggerone