per 100 grams
Carbohydrates 0 g
0%
Proteins 26.5 g
26.5%
Fats 5.6 g
5.6%
Water 67.3 g
67.3%
Sugar 0 ug
Fiber 0 ug
Starch 0 ug
Trans Fats 0 ug
Cholesterol 0 ug
Ash 1.5 grams

Sockeye Salmon

156 Calories per 100g

One of the many unique aspects of the Pacific Northwest is its ample salmon population, and the Sockeye Salmon stands out with its bright red hue and strong migration patterns. Also known as the Red Salmon, Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) is a species of Pacific salmon native to the North Pacific and is the most widely distributed of all Pacific salmon species. While it isn’t the most plentiful, due to the fact that it spawns in an ocean diapause for several years before it can successfully reproduce, the Sockeye is still an integral part of the ecosystem, and is among the region's favorite fishing spot.

Sockeye salmon are relatively small and silvery in color, ranging from 11-14 inches in length and weighing in between 2-6 lbs. Their name comes from the fact that upon returning to their spawning streams, the Sockeye undergoes a remarkable transformation, beginning with their dorsal fins which gradually turn bright red with a bluish tinge towards the tail. Thisis accompanied by an eye-catching light green head with darker colored scales. It is during this time that they are referred to as the "red salmon."

One of the Sockeye's most distinguishing traits is their strong migration patterns that helps to ensure that they return to their home spawning stream each year. For example, in the western United States, Sockeye's range extends in an even arc between the Alaska-Aleutian Peninsula and Oregon; whereas in Canada, they range along the entire British Columbia coast and up into Alaska.

Due to their hearty nature, Sockeye salmon can thrive in both river-fed streams and the open ocean. Spawning takes places in freshwater streams where the female will deposit her eggs and the male will fertilize them. Once the eggs are laid and fertilized, the female will then guard them until hatch. The juvenile will then spend approximately six months living in the freshwater stream before migrating to the open ocean. Once there, the young Sockeye feeds on small invertebrates and schooling fish, eventually maturing into an adult in about three years.

The adult Sockeye will feast on a wide variety of bait throughout their oceanic stage in order to fuel their migration. During their migration, they navigate the oceans utilizing their incredible sense of smell, taste and sight to identify high-quality habitat. Depending on the route they take and the length of time they spend at each stop, they can travel anywhere from hundreds to thousands of miles before they reach their spawning grounds.

The Sockeye salmon has become an important economic resource, as anglers around the Pacific Northwest flock to the rivers and streams hoping to haul them in. Recreational and commercial fishers prize Sockeye for its unique flavor, delicate texture and tremendous fight. Additionally, the Sockeye are also raised in fish farms for domestic and international markets. In fact, the Alaskan Salmon industry alone generates over $1 Billion annually, making the Sockeye salmon a valuable commodity.

In addition to its economic importance, the Sockeye salmon is also an important symbol of sustainability, as there are numerous efforts in place to ensure that its populations are managed properly. From government mandated catch limits to hatchery initiatives, many people are working hard to protect these incredible fish and to ensure that their survival for generations to come.

All in all, the Sockeye salmon is one of the most recognizable species of Pacific salmon, and its presence helps to ensure the health and vitality of the Pacific Northwest. With its unique migration patterns and distinct water-soluble pigments, Sockeye's, modest size and tremendous fight make them a favorite among anglers. Additionally, their economic and environmental importance make them an integral part of the region's history and culture.