Central California Coast Coho Photo Gallery

Central California Coast Coho salmon is at a high risk of extinction. To save this species, we are working with partners throughout its range to help bring them back.

Endangered Species Conservation |

West Coast

The Central California Coast evolutionarily significant unit (called an "ESU") of coho salmon is one of NOAA Fisheries’ Species in the Spotlight. Central California Coast coho were first listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1996, and reclassified as endangered in 2005. This unique run of coho salmon, at the southern extent of the species’ range, has teetered on the brink of extinction. By the late 1990s, coho salmon were reduced to only a few remaining places and on the verge of extinction.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our many partners, coho salmon were successfully reintroduced to several watersheds where coho had been locally extinct—and natural reproduction is now occurring.

Adult coho salmon from Russian River Broodstock Program. Credit ACOE.

Release of excess adult broodstock coho salmon into Walker Creek to expand species distribution. Credit ACOE.

Ben White (ACOE) releases excess coho salmon broodstock into Walker Creek. Credit ACOE.

After being released the adult coho salmon swims away to find a place to spawn. Credit ACOE.

Coho salmon ready for release to spawn naturally. Credit ACOE.

Most of the conservation hatchery coho salmon are released into streams as juveniles. Credit ACOE.

By releasing the coho salmon as juveniles, it allows them to imprint on the smells of the stream. Credit ACOE.

Deceased coho salmon after spawning in Lagunitas Creek. Credit Marin Municipal Water District.

Coho salmon in Lagunitas Creek. Credit Marin Municipal Water District.

Juvenile coho salmon captured during species monitoring efforts. Credit Marin Municipal Water District

Juvenile coho salmon in Willow Creek. Credit Derek Acomb CDFW.

Collecting coho salmon for the Mendocino Coast Conservation Hatchery Program. Credit TNC.

Team out for a day of collecting. Credit TNC.

Around 200 coho were rescued from drying pools in Fall 2018. Credit TNC.

After collection, the fish go to the Russian River Conservation Hatchery for rearing. Credit TNC.

To capture the coho salmon the team gently stuns them with an electrofisher. Credit TNC.

With populations in severe decline, scientists are researching whether there is a genetic bottleneck. Credit TNC.

Remote Site Incubators have proved very successful as an alternative rearing strategy to expand the program's capacity.

This remote side incubator is filled with salmon eggs that are bathed in cool, well-oxygenated water from the stream.

The eggs hatch in 3-4 weeks, but will remain in the barrel for 3-4 months until they're ready for release.

Last updated on 01/12/2021

Coho Salmon Endangered Species Recovery