Also known as King salmon, Chinook salmon is an anadromous fish of immense economic and cultural importance within its native range of western North America and east Asia. They hatch out in fresh water, then spend an average of three to four years in the ocean before returning to their natal stream to spawn. Like all Pacific salmon species, the Chinook will die after spawning.
Both commercial and sport fisheries rely on this large and richly flavorful salmon, as do many other species. In fact, they are considered to be a keystone species, providing food for many different predators and playing an important role in the ecosystem in which they inhabit.
