The carefully coordinated release of some ready-to-spawn adult coho may mean that three years from now, Salmon Creek will once again contain its namesake.

Fish and Game biologist Bob Cooey carries a net containing two adult Coho salmon down to the water of Salmon Creek.  Cooey says the release site, a quiet bend in the lower part of Salmon Creek, a mile or so upstream from the stream's mouth into the ocean, is ideal habitat for the fish.

The hatchery raised salmon take a moment to orient in their new habitat as they are released from the net (above), then vigorously swim away (below). Thanks to Jim  Jim Coleman, a Research Coordinator at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center's WATER Institute (jim@oaec.org) for taking and sharing these photos.