How many adult salmon return to Miller and Walker Creeks in Burien, Normandy Park, and SeaTac each year? How many coho salmon are dying from polluted water before they have a chance to spawn? We are finding out, thanks to many dedicated volunteers. As we learn how many of these fish are stricken by pre-spawn mortality each year, we find out how many survive long enough to lay the eggs of the next generation. Coho pre-spawn mortality has been linked to polluted road runoff - and the good news is, filtering polluted stormwater through soils made of sand and compost makes it non-toxic to fish! 

A better understanding of the numbers of fish returning to the streams in the Highline community and the extent of pre-spawn mortality is one of the top recommendations the community identified as part of coordinated monitoring of the streams (see the 2009 monitoring coordination recommendations). Adult salmon in our streams are the Pacific Northwest equivalent of the “canary in the coal mine” – they reflect the health of our lands and water. This important data is helping us make priorities for the watershed and track our progress.

The Community Salmon Investigation has collected salmon data since 2010 to help us learn more about this community resource.

 Number of live coho and chum observed in Miller and Walker Creeks (2010-2022).

Percentage of female coho with observed pre-spawn mortality in Miller and Walker Creeks (2010-2022). Patterned bars indicate mortality without observable predation marks.

Sign up for salmon surveys in 2023! 

Adventurous volunteers are needed for salmon surveys starting in October 2023. Click here to sign up and attend the training workshop on September 28, 5:30-7:30pm at Normandy Park City Hall. Email Iris Kemp, Basin Steward, if you have any questions.

Learn more about COVID Safety Protocols.

As a volunteer, here is what to expect:

• No prior experience required.
• Sign up to survey on one day a week (e.g., every Tuesday). 
• Surveys take ~ 2-3 hrs. to complete.
• Surveys must be completed during daylight hours. 
• Surveys routes can be rocky, wet and slippery. 
• Daily survey distance is about one mile.
• Surveys occur rain or shine, but will be cancelled for high/muddy flows.
• Volunteers work in pairs for safety and to ensure data quality.
• Volunteers count and record information on live and deceased fish.
• Volunteers need waders. Rubber hip waders can be purchased for around $45.
• Click here to see the Volunteer Position Description for CSI

For more information, email Iris Kemp or call 206-477-7680.

Related information

King County Salmon Watcher Program

Salmon SEEson - Where to view fall salmon