The most common fish in Liberty Bay are Salmon, Rainbow trout, Sole,Sand Sole, Skates, Sculpins, Spiny dogfish, Bull heads, scullions, Cutthroat Trout, Pacific Cod, Rock Fish, Herring and Smelt. The federal government  listed the wild, native Puget Sound chinook salmon as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on March 24, 1999. The bull trout, a close relative of the salmon, was also listed as threatened on November 1, 1999. These listings protect both the fish and their habitat.

Pollutants in our marine waters degrade critical habitat for salmon and other marine species.  Liberty Bay is an important marine estuary for smoltification of juvenile salmon (chinook, coho, chum) and freshwater bound adult migration. This bay has different depths and a low grade shoreline area salmon use to feed, find cover and a place of refuge in eelgrass beds. Salmon need cool, clean water and shade provided by abundant, large vegetation. Insects living in the vegetation are food for the salmon.

Planting native vegetation can be a natural defense to shore erosion while filtering pollutants and silt from stormwater runoff. These habitat components and stabilizing factors of plant root systems are important to improving the water quality of the Liberty Bay area and nearshore habitat of salmon. Getting kids and adults involved in protection of these habitats and water quality are good for both salmon and people.

Salmon are the symbol
of Northwest geography and
lifestyle. Generations have enjoyed eating
them. Most importantly, salmon
are an indicator of the overall health of our
community, economy and environment.
Salmon runs have declined
nearly to the point of extinction. We need
to take steps to protect salmon, water quality, and our quality of life.

Here's a fun way to learn about what it takes for a salmon to grow up and the dangers they come across.
Click on the link below to play our
Salmon Life Cycle Game!

Drawing by Spencer Nagley