Citation
Pacific Salmon Migration and Natal Stream Homing
TL;DR
1,500+ mile upstream migration
Documents fatal migration strategy (100% adult mortality after spawning) and philopatry (natal stream homing via olfactory imprinting). Critical for understanding both sacrifice strategies and the dangers of rigid return-to-origin behavior. Columbia River dam data shows 40% of historical populations went extinct when environment changed but philopatry persisted.
Key Findings from researchers (2020)
- 1,500+ mile upstream migration
- 100% adult mortality after spawning
- Offspring survival 10-30% in rivers vs 1-5% in ocean
- Olfactory imprinting enables natal stream return
- Columbia River dams blocked 40% of historical populations