End of the line for Sonoma Creek salmon

The Chinook salmon that have been making their run up the Sonoma Creek watershed are reaching the end of their life cycle. In a Sonoma Ecology Center video, you can catch a glimpse of changes their bodies undergo after navigating many miles of estuary and stream. Their tail fins are particularly damaged from beating repeatedly against rocks; By the end of their long trip, lesions begin to develop on the skin and mouth as the salmon begin to lose their health.

A number of Sonoma Valley residents, including SEC scientists, experienced a moment of wonder and appreciation for these magnificent fish as they reach the end of their arduous journey. Read the Ecology Blog for more on this fascinating transformation.