Estuary Habitat

Throughout the migration and as they enter into the fresh water streams, salmon stop feeding and lose their shiny, silver color. The journey upstream is often very difficult and life threatening.

Before entering the fresh water streams to spawn, salmon move into estuary habitats. Estuary habitats are formed by the collision of seawater with fresh water. Many species of wildlife and fish, including salmon, depend on these estuaries to survive. Salmon often spend several days to weeks swimming in these locations to adapt to the differences in the fresh water. In addition, salmon leaving fresh water streams to enter the ocean enter the same adapting estuaries for this same purpose. After the salmon are comfortable with the new water they continue on their journey.

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