The Future of Salmon

Salmon are among Washington’s most important natural resources. Beyond supporting the state’s economy and cultural heritage, they are a keystone species with a vital role in sustaining aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife throughout the Pacific Northwest.

WSU research strengthens sustainable aquaculture and develops innovative solutions to emerging environmental challenges facing salmon.

Innovation and Sustainability

Salmon are a critical food source for endangered killer whales, and transport marine-derived nutrients into rivers, forests, and watersheds that support hundreds of species. WSU’s research into biology-centric management practices, biotechnology, and resilience seeks to strengthen both wild salmon ecosystems and sustainable aquaculture.

Community and Economic Impact

WSU collaborates with conservation partners, industry, Tribes, and government agencies to translate science into practical solutions. Salmon support nearly 23,000 commercial fishing jobs, while recreational salmon fisheries generate an estimated $1.5 billion in economic activity. Advancing both sustainable aquaculture and wild salmon conservation means supporting communities as well as wildlife across Washington.

Conservation and Environmental Leadership

Researchers are developing advanced tools for salmon conservation while addressing threats to aquatic ecosystems. One landmark discovery identified a chemical responsible for coho salmon mortality, solving a decades-long scientific mystery and informing new strategies for protecting salmon.

Continue exploring examples of WSU research:

The Sustainable Future of Flight

The race to decarbonize aviation is reshaping transportation, energy, and aerospace. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a crucial solution. Through research, workforce development, and strategic partnerships, WSU is leading the transformation of SAF from innovation to impact.

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Resilient Livestock Program

WSU’s Resilient Livestock Program advances precision gene-editing technologies to improve livestock health, productivity, and resilience while supporting food security and agricultural sustainability.  

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Healthy Farming, Healthy Food

Through interdisciplinary research connecting soil health, agricultural resilience, food system sustainability, and human health, WSU researchers are improving access to nutritious, affordable whole-grain foods, while evaluating their impacts from the farm to the consumer.

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Honey Bee + Pollinators Program

The Bee Program at WSU studies solutions to the most pressing issues facing honey bees and other bee pollinators today, supporting sustainable agriculture, the beekeeping industry, and conservation. 

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Resilient Agriculture

WSU is helping agriculture thrive in a changing energy landscape by integrating renewable energy production with food production, sustainable waste management, and rural economic development.

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The Future of Salmon

Salmon are among Washington’s most important natural resources — a keystone species with a vital role in ecosystems throughout the Pacific Northwest. WSU research strengthens sustainable aquaculture and develops innovative solutions to emerging environmental challenges facing salmon. 

Learn more.