Spawned-out Coho carcasses found at Westmoreland Park, completing the salmon life cycle and bringing nutrients to the creek

By Patrick Norton, CSP member
Several sightings have recently been made of salmon carcasses in the creek at Westmoreland Park.  One of these was retrieved by CSP member Zac Perry and taken to the Johnson Creek Watershed Council office for sampling.  

The spawned-out carcass of a male Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) retrieved from the creel at Westmoreland Park on Nov 5, 2014. Photo Zac Perry

The carcass was returned to the creek after sampling in order to contribute it's nutrients to the ecosystem.

The same carcass (minus the head) and another returned to the creek after a week of decomposition. Photo: Patrick Norton