Salmon, Rivers, and Our Survival: Why We Must Protect What’s Left

The image of a wild salmon fighting its way upstream is one of resilience, determination, and life. Yet, for all its symbolic strength, this species—and the rivers they call home—are in crisis. Dams, pollution, and climate change are choking these lifelines, and the repercussions go far beyond the fish themselves.

Salmon: A Keystone Species

Salmon are vital not only to ecosystems but to our survival. These incredible fish support countless species, from bears and eagles to the forests themselves, which benefit from nutrients carried by decaying salmon. For Indigenous peoples, salmon are much more than a resource—they are a sacred connection to the land, a source of food, and a cornerstone of culture and tradition.

But over the past century, the number of salmon returning to rivers like the Columbia has plummeted. Dams block migration routes, overfishing strains populations, and pollution poisons the water they need to thrive.

The Cost of Dams and Pollution

The Columbia River, once home to some of the largest salmon runs in the world, is now a shadow of what it was. The construction of massive hydroelectric dams prioritized power generation and flood control but at a devastating cost. Salmon populations dropped dramatically, and communities that relied on these fish—human and animal alike—have suffered the consequences.

Pollution further compounds the problem. Agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and urban development have turned many river systems into toxic environments where salmon struggle to survive.

A Time for Action: Modernizing the Columbia River Treaty

The Columbia River Treaty between Canada and the United States, established in 1964, was primarily about flood control and hydroelectric power. But as the treaty undergoes modernization, we have an opportunity to address the ecological and cultural costs of these priorities.

Any updates to the treaty must:

Restore salmon habitats by improving dam infrastructure or removing outdated dams.

Include Indigenous nations as equal partners in decision-making.

Enforce stricter pollution controls to protect water quality.

Address climate change impacts on river systems.

Why This Matters to Everyone

When salmon suffer, so do we. Their decline signals the degradation of ecosystems we depend on for clean water, food, and a stable climate. Restoring rivers and salmon populations isn’t just about saving a species—it’s about ensuring a livable planet for future generations.

What You Can Do

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the Columbia River Treaty and similar policies in your region.

2. Support Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Wild Salmon Center and Indigenous-led initiatives are fighting for salmon and river restoration.

3. Reduce Pollution: Cut down on single-use plastics, use eco-friendly products, and advocate for policies that protect waterways.

4. Raise Your Voice: Contact local representatives to demand action on salmon restoration and sustainable water management.

Salmon are fighters. They’ve survived ice ages and predators for millions of years. But now, they need our help. Protecting them means protecting ourselves. Let’s not let political grandstanding or short-sighted decisions dictate the fate of these incredible creatures and the rivers that sustain us all.