1. Freshwater Birth and Growth:
* Salmon are born in freshwater rivers and streams.
* They spend their early life there, growing and feeding on insects and other small organisms.
2. Downstream Migration to the Ocean:
* Once they reach a certain size, usually after a few months or years, they begin their downstream migration to the ocean.
* They navigate using their sense of smell and other cues to find the open ocean.
3. Ocean Life and Growth:
* Salmon spend several years in the ocean, feeding and growing.
* They travel vast distances, sometimes thousands of miles, feeding on plankton, squid, and smaller fish.
4. Upstream Migration to Spawn:
* When they are sexually mature, salmon begin their incredible upstream migration to return to their freshwater birthplace.
* This is the most challenging part of their life cycle, as they need to overcome obstacles like rapids, dams, and waterfalls.
* They use their strong bodies and sense of smell to navigate back to their spawning grounds.
5. Spawning and Death:
* Once they reach their spawning grounds, female salmon lay eggs and males fertilize them.
* After spawning, most salmon die, completing their life cycle.
Important Note:
* Salmon species vary in their migration patterns and the specific locations they travel.
* Some species migrate shorter distances, while others travel thousands of miles.
* Factors like water temperature, food availability, and environmental conditions can influence salmon migration routes.