Pesticides Threaten Salmon
in Pacific Northwest
Polluted Salmon Streams
The U.S. Geological Survey detected dozens of pesticides in each of the
six watersheds studied in the Pacific Northwest.
A number of these pesticides have been found in the region’s
watersheds at or above criteria set to protect aquatic life, indicating they are likely to harm salmon.
Pesticides Harm Salmon Directly
Threat to Reproduction
Pesticides can disrupt the hormonal system of salmon, which is how they are able to reproduce.Diazinon has been found at levels that reduce testosterone levels in male salmon. This weakens the chances that the salmon will mate successfully. If Salmon aren't able to mate, population will soon begin to decrease, making extinction a possibility.
Disruption of Habitat
Salmon aren't the only fish in the water being affected by pesticides. Minute amounts of many pesticides kill aquatic invertebrates and plants,reducing a critical food source for salmon. Salmon will soon rely on larger game as a food source which will be more difficult for them to catch.