Thousands of Salmon Survive Road Crash After Escaping into Creek in Oregon

Thousands of salmon, which were transported in the US, overturned due to possible slippery road conditions. With luck, about 77,000 smolts managed to seek refuge in a nearby creek, but some 25,000 did not survive, according to recent reports.

Recent NWN reports showed that salmon species in the US were threatened or endangered due to climate change and prolonged drought conditions. The decline of quality habitats is one of the main threats to many species, including the effects of poor water quality, fish diseases, illegal fishing practices, and the arrival of invasive species.

As a result, the protection of salmon is crucial amidst the growing threats of drought in the US, particularly the Chinook salmon. Based on reports, the salmon has suffered from droughts in the western parts of the country. Salmon can emerge in freshwater streams, wetlands, and estuaries, which are mostly found in portions of Monterey Bay, California, and the Chukchi Sea area of Alaska.

Thousands of Salmon Suffered from a Road Crash

Due to low water and impacts of dam construction, salmon numbers were also raised to prevent the devastating effects of warm water conditions and drought. The process of transporting salmon dates back to the 1980s, preventing the alarming decline in their numbers and ensuring to maintain of their population.

Recently, a 53-foot truck transported thousands of salmon, traveling in parts of the northwestern state of Oregon. The truck suddenly overturned, suffering from a road crash. Out of luck, about 77,000 salmon escaped into a nearby creek. However, about 25,000 smolts died, as they did not reach a river.

In addition, the report raised concerns about the dam or canal construction that has devastated the key habitats of salmon.

Also Read: Species Extinction, Biodiversity Loss Threaten Ecosystem Stability

Recent Salmon Deaths Due to Tire Pollution

In a recent NWN report, tire pollution threatened the salmon health in the Puget Sounds, near the northwestern coast of Washington State. The report highlights that the alarming pollution has impacted the coho salmon species (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in the area.

The spread of harmful particles and toxic chemicals from tire or rubber materials is hazardous to many salmon in the area, which led to a large number of deaths at the Puget Sound. Understanding the cause of the problem is essential for the conservation and protection of the coho salmon.

The researchers suggested potential solutions by examining permeable pavements to address tire particles and hazardous chemicals. The report was published in Science of the Total Environment. It can potentially help with the problems of recent salmon deaths by using pavements to mitigate tire particles and chemicals.

Related Article: Seattle Salmon Death: Scientists Develop Potential Solution by Preventing Up to 96% of Tire Particles from Escaping [Study]

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