Whales, birds and sea lions feed on salmon in the ocean; while bears, wolves, eagles and other wildlife feast on migrating salmon in river estuaries. After the salmon spawn, their remains renew the rainforest and transfer rich nutrients to forests and shorelines.

Salmon tick all the boxes: ecological bedrock, food source, economic driver, spiritual symbol, and artistic inspiration.

A cultural touchstone

Salmon have influenced human culture, nutrition, ecology, recreation, economies and politics – from ancient times onward. Salmon were an essential food supply for First Peoples for thousands of years. Their spiritual and cultural significance is embedded in today’s First Nations communities. As settlers arrived and BC grew, coastal and river communities were built around the salmon industry; tourism and recreational pursuits thrive upon them. No other Pacific species affects life in B.C. as deeply as salmon.

But wild salmon face growing threats at every stage. Their natural predators have always lurked in the water and onshore, but human interaction – through agriculture, urban sprawl, industrial development and climate change – has put many species of salmon at risk. Salmon are the anchor of our entire ecosystem. If these important fish are struggling, we’re all more vulnerable.

A salmon social summer

This summer, you can help to spread the word about wild salmon. Post our salmon shareables, tell your friends, and come join the sockeye as they “journey” across a city bridge in our outdoor VR experience.

If you’re inspired by the story of Pacific salmon, get involved! Throughout the Lower Mainland and across B.C. there is an impressive network of people who are supporting and protecting salmon – and we’ll be introducing them to you all summer long, right here at Uninterrupted.ca.