Salmon Habitat Restoration

Written by Jezra Beaulieu

Saturday, January 5th 2008

Salmon habitat restoration has become a central focus throughout the Pacific Northwest. The salmonoid family is unique in that they are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater streams then migrate to the sea only to return to their birthplace to spawn and die. This particular trait is a unique element of coastal ecosystems. Their return to freshwater near the end of their life returns nutrients to surrounding forests by providing hearty food for other animals.

The Pacific Northwest is especially hospitable to salmon because of the rainy climate and cold water of the Pacific Ocean. Streams in Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska are densely wooded resulting in shaded, cold waters, which is a salmonâ€™s paradise. Much of the land is however farmed resulting is naked stream banks, polluted waters, and a salmonâ€™s hell. Farmers have started to make an effort to go organic and eco-friendly, but many are still waiting to be converted. The Puget Sound in WA is very ecologically diverse due to the many surrounding islands, but is also highly developed and therefore polluted with the help of the winter storm water. Architectural and agricultural designs for stormwater control are being implemented and gaining popularity.

The Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (http://www.n-sea.org/) is a non-profit organization in Bellingham, WA whose focus is replenishing the salmon habitat in the foothills of the northern Cascade Mountains. Over 70 sites in Whatcom County are currently being restored with native shrubs and trees along their streams. A 35-foot buffer zone filters fertilizers, pesticides, and manure that harm and deplete the salmon population. Cedar, fir, spruce, maple, birch and alder are placed strategically near the stream to provide shade. Spirea, willow, and ninebark are some shrubs nearest to the water that create homes for insects. Large woody debris is placed in the stream to aerate the water and create homes for young salmon. NSEA also surveys the integrity of the salmon population by taking DNA samples from dead fish and counting spawning habitats. The outcome over the 10 years that this organization has prospered is outstanding. Not only are salmon populations making a comeback, riparian forests are thriving and bald eagles are being removed from the endangered species list. Overall, this non-profit is a leader in sustainability.