Coho salmon eggs from the Soos Creek Hatchery found a new temporary home at the SeaTac Community Center on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
The eggs, now housed in a 55-gallon aquarium, are expected to hatch within the next few weeks. Once fully grown, the young salmon will be released into Des Moines Creek in late April.
Salmon play a vital role in the ecosystem and culture of the Pacific Northwest. However, their populations have been declining due to habitat loss, climate changes, poor water quality, and pollution.
The city of SeaTac is raising awareness about how stormwater runoff—rainwater and snowmelt that carries pollutants from streets, roofs, and parking lots directly into waterways—harms salmon habitats. Unlike sewage, stormwater is not treated or filtered, meaning litter, oil, pesticides, and other contaminants can flow straight into lakes, rivers, and creeks.
Residents can take simple actions to protect salmon, such as:
- Using commercial car washes instead of washing vehicles at home.
- Avoiding pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in yards.
- Fixing vehicle leaks promptly and maintaining proper tire inflation.
- Picking up after pets to prevent bacteria from entering waterways.
- Keeping storm drains clear through the city’s Adopt a Drain Program.
The city encourages anyone who observes illegal dumping or spills to report it to the spill hotline at 206-973-4770.
Visitors are invited to the SeaTac Community Center to watch the salmon eggs as they hatch and grow.
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