Create and restore spawning habitat
To produce the next generation, salmon need gravelly streambeds where they can lay their eggs. Too often and in too many places they simply can’t find this anymore.
This bedrock stream has no gravel for spawning. © Elk Creek Watershed Council
The Problem
In many streams across Calfornia, salmon spawning grounds have been starved of the abundant, clean gravel where the eggs can be safely laid and get the oxygen and nutrients they need to become the next generation.
Salmon in a low flow river © Julie Morse
The Solution
Restore historic spawning grounds where enough cold, clean water remains by adding gravel back to the system
The simple act of adding gravel back to key places and ensuring the gravel beds can be maintained without being covered with silt can make a huge difference by ensuring many more of the salmon emerge from their nests.
