You may have recently seen the headlines…

“A Salmon Festival Without Salmon”

“Why California’s Salmon Season Was Canceled”

The Chippin team wanted to know why. Is there a salmon shortage? We decided to do some digging.

Why is it so hard to find salmon?

The salmon shortage in California was caused by cascading factors: habitat destruction from dams; reduced water flow in rivers due to drought conditions exacerbated by climate change;  and overfishing. Collectively this has led to declining salmon runs and a shortage of salmon in California's rivers and coastal waters.

The destruction and degradation of salmon habitats, including rivers and streams where they spawn, are major contributors to the shortage. Urban development, dam construction, and pollution harm salmon habitats and limit their ability to reproduce.

Historically, overfishing was the major driver of declining salmon populations. However, climate change now plays a significant role in the salmon shortage. Warming water temperatures in rivers and oceans can disrupt salmon migration patterns, affect their food sources, and increase the prevalence of diseases. Changes in ocean conditions, such as altered currents also impact salmon survival rates, decreasing the returns of adult salmon to their spawning grounds.

Did salmon go extinct?

The salmon shortage has several environmental and socioeconomic consequences. Salmon is an essential source of protein for many communities, and a shortage can threaten food security. Regions that rely on salmon fishing and aquaculture industries can experience significant economic losses when salmon populations decline. 

Their decline also disrupts the food web and the species that depend on salmon for food, including bears, eagles, and other fish species. This leads to the loss of biodiversity in ecosystems.

What can I do to help the shortage of salmon?

The future of salmon populations depends on conservation efforts, addressing climate change, and the commitment to sustainable fishing practices. You can swap your protein sources to a more sustainable protein to get started. If you want to get your dog involved, check Chippin out!

Chippin proteins actively address climate change and create an industry for sustainable proteins. To swap from Salmon to a more sustainable fish, try Fish Jerky and Training Bites. These tasty treats feature Silver Copi—an invasive fish wreaking havoc on US waterways.

What is Silver Copi?

Commonly known as Asian or Silver Carp, Silver Copi have become a significant environmental concern in the US, particularly in the Mississippi River basin and the Great Lakes region. This is due to their rapid reproduction and ability to outcompete native fish species. Efforts have been made to control and prevent the spread of these invasive fish to protect native ecosystems and fisheries, but progress has been slow.