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In recent decades, adult coho in Puget Sound urban streams have been found dead prior to spawning. In the early 2000s, a forensic investigation was launched to determine the cause of death. This initial study concluded that toxic chemical(s) in urban runoff are likely responsible for the recurring die-offs.

Further monitoring has shown that the coho mortality syndrome is widely distributed across the urban and urbanizing areas of the Puget Sound region. To date, our extended team has surveyed more than 50 Puget Sound freshwater coho spawning areas for the mortality syndrome.

We continue to refine our maps of vulnerable watersheds by collecting standardized information about every suspected case. Please review the information on how to document coho urban runoff mortality syndrome located at: https://arcg.is/0SivbL before submitting your observations!

Observations for spawners that are alive and in distress (i.e., symptomatic), generally consist of:

-salmonid species

-sex (unknown is OK!)

-location

-photos or videos (hosted on YouTube or similar site) to document fish behavior.

Remember:

-if the fish is alive, do not stress, harass or harm it! If dead, do not transport or keep any part of it!
-Don't step on Redds in the stream (where salmon have spawned)or you will crush the eggs, potentially killing more salmon!

Posted on July 20, 2018 06:54 PM by k_king