A habitat is a place where an animal lives. It provides the animal food, water and shelter. There are many different types of habitats around the world from forests to grasslands and from mountain ranges to deserts. Different habitats are home to different animals. They live well together because they all do things to help keep the whole habitat healthy and balanced. 

Salmon don't just have one habitat! Crazy, huh? As they progress through their life cycle, salmon live in varying habitats from  fresh water streams, rivers, brackish estuaries, the salty ocean and eventually back to fresh water again!  They are important in all habitats at all stages of their life cycle. This is what makes them extra unique- they are a keystone in not only fresh water habitats, but also saltwater habitats. They are food for other animals, they eat other animals and their bodies give nutrients back to the watershed at the end of their life cycle. 

Habitat Hunt

Salmon Habitat Hunt: What do salmon need in order to survive? 

Fish need different things to survive. Healthy fish habitat is more than just clean, clear, cool water; it includes trees, roots, logs, bugs and more! In this activity, you’ll be taking a closer look at a local fish habitat of your choice.

To start, pick a river, lake or stream to visit where you think salmon could live. This is where you’ll do your habitat hunt! Some location suggestions: Willamette River, McKenzie River, Amazon Creek, Fern Ridge Reservoir, or other favorite streams 

You’ll be using a data chart during your habitat hunt to keep track of what you find. Take a look at the data chart and think about how the things listed on the data chart may help salmon. You can take a screen shot and print or view on your device and keep a tally sheet separately for each category.

When you arrive at your chosen destination, start to explore and walk around. Use your careful observation skills to spot the things salmon need that are listed on the chart. Mark down as many as you see! 

After you complete your habitat hunt, consider the following questions: 

*Do you think that this habitat is a good place for salmon to live? Why or why not? 

*What other things might salmon need in their habitats? 

Did you know….. Salmon NEED access to the ocean! Did your stream, lake or river eventually flow to the ocean? If not, brainstorm how humans could create access to the ocean from your body of water.