Ep 15. Salmon: Running the Gauntlet

Salmon: Running the Gauntlet, an episode from the 29th season of the popular show Nature, explores the journey of Pacific salmon as they make their way back to their birthplace to spawn. The episode focuses on the incredible obstacles that salmon face during their migration, navigating through treacherous waters, scaling waterfalls, and avoiding predators.

The episode begins with a stunning visual display of the salmon migration in aptly named "Salmon Run" in British Columbia. Millions of salmon swim to the streams where they were born, to lay their eggs and restart the cycle of life. The episode showcases how this journey is not an easy one, and the salmon face a number of obstacles that can end their journey before they make it back to their destination.

The first obstacle that salmon face is the transition from saltwater to freshwater. Salmon are anadromous, meaning that they are born in freshwater but go out to the sea for feeding, and then come back to freshwater to breed. The transition back to freshwater is a shock to the system for salmon, and they have to adapt to live in the changing environment. To make this transition even more challenging, the water is often shallow, warm, and may contain parasites and bacteria that can cause disease.

The second challenge for salmon is navigating through the treacherous waters of the North Pacific Ocean. The ocean is vast and home to numerous predators, such as sea lions, sharks, and killer whales. This journey can take up to three years, depending on the species of salmon, and only around one percent of the fish will survive their journey.

As salmon approach their home stream, they face one of the most significant obstacles in their journey - waterfalls. Waterfalls are almost impossible to climb, and salmon have to use all their strength and endurance to leap through the air and reach the top. The episode showcases the amazing talent of these fish as they make their way over the falls, and how many of them fall prey to the various predators that are waiting for them.

The final part of the journey for salmon is to find a suitable location to breed. For salmon, this means finding a clean stream with the right temperature and pH levels. After finding a suitable location, the salmon have to dig a nest, or a redd, in the gravel where they will lay their eggs. The female salmon will lay thousands of eggs, and the male salmon will fertilize them.

Salmon: Running the Gauntlet is a visually stunning and beautifully produced episode that showcases the incredible journey that these fish take. The show provides a unique insight into the obstacles that salmon face and their resilience in the face of adversity. The episode also highlights the importance of protecting the rivers and streams that salmon rely on, as well as the surrounding ecosystems. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in nature and the amazing creatures that inhabit our planet.