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seafood encyclopedia

Salmon: Pink

Overview

  • Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
  • US Market Name(s): Pink Salmon, Humpback Salmon
  • Canada Market Name(s): Pink Salmon, Pacific Pink Salmon

Culinary Profile

Pink Salmon are leaner, paler, smaller flaked and less oily than most Salmon species – offering a very mild flavour profile.

Description

Pink Salmon are the smallest and most abundant of the six Pacific Salmon species. Pacific Salmon are anadromous fish that live in the Ocean until they reach an age of 2 -7 years - at which time they return to freshwater rivers to spawn. Pinks are bright silver fish with large black spots on their backs and tails. Pinks can be distinguished from other Pacific Salmon by their very small scales. Pink Salmon are the fastest growing Pacific Salmon species – their lifespan is only about 2 years. Pinks grow to be between 2 -5 pounds.

Habitat

Pink Salmon range as far south as the Puget Sound in Washington State and as far north as the Mackenzie River in Canada. They are also abundant in Russia, Japan and China.

Fishing Season

Sustainability Status

Pink Salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest are considered healthy. Pacific Salmon are amongst the most intensively managed fish species.

Fishy Fact: Fishermen refer to Pink Salmon as “humpbacks” or “humpies”. This is because males have a humped back when they return to spawn.

Products

Available as Value Added, Commodity, Custom Packing.