Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival 2026

Pacific Salmon 101 provides a comprehensive introduction to the biology, ecology, and importance of Pacific salmon, while highlighting the work of the North Olympic Salmon Coalition. It explores salmon as a keystone species, emphasizing their ecological role in nutrient cycling, cultural significance to Indigenous communities, and economic value across the Pacific Northwest. The presentation walks through salmon life history, from egg to spawning adult, explaining their unique anadromous lifecycle and the diversity among the five Pacific salmon species. It also outlines the critical habitat conditions salmon need to survive, known as the “5 C’s” (clean, clear, connected, cold, and complex), and examines major threats including habitat loss, pollution, dams, logging, and climate change. Ultimately, the presentation underscores both the challenges facing salmon and the ongoing restoration efforts that offer hope for their recovery, inspiring individuals and communities to take an active role in protecting and restoring these vital ecosystems.