Where do salmon live?

Salmon live in rivers, oceans and lakes. They are native to the tributaries of the North Atlantic and Pacific oceans but have been introduced to other areas such as the Great Lakes in North America and Patagonia.

Most types of salmon are born in fresh water and then venture out to sea, only returning to fresh water to spawn, or reproduce. The sockeye salmon is born in fresh water and doesn't venture out to sea until it is 3 years old, which is later than other types of salmon. Sockeye salmon get their distinctive color from the orange krill they eat in the ocean. Sockeyes are vital to North American fisheries.