How long do the salmon live in ocean?

Pacific salmon spend most of their lives in the ocean, but they return to freshwater rivers and streams to spawn. The amount of time they spend in the ocean varies depending on the species of salmon.

* Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): Chinook salmon spend 2-5 years in the ocean before returning to spawn.

* Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch): Coho salmon spend 1-3 years in the ocean before returning to spawn.

* Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka): Sockeye salmon spend 2-4 years in the ocean before returning to spawn.

* Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha): Pink salmon spend 1-2 years in the ocean before returning to spawn.

* Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta): Chum salmon spend 3-5 years in the ocean before returning to spawn.

The time that salmon spend in the ocean is important for their growth and development. During this time, they feed on small fish, squid, and other marine organisms. They also grow in size and weight, and their reproductive organs develop.

When the salmon are ready to spawn, they return to the freshwater rivers and streams where they were born. The salmon swim upstream against strong currents, and they may travel hundreds of miles to reach their spawning grounds. When they arrive, they find a suitable spot to build a nest and lay their eggs.

After the salmon have spawned, they die. The bodies of the salmon provide nutrients for the next generation of salmon and other aquatic organisms.