Chum salmon

Chum salmon is a wild Pacific salmon and the third most widely distributed species in the salmonids group. Like other Pacific salmonids, it hatches in freshwater, then the fry moves to marine waters soon after emergence and migrate offshore across the North Pacific. Mature fish return to their native rivers from late summer to March, with peak spawning in early winter in lower river reaches close to the coast, before dying after spawning.

Chum is marketed as whole fish, HG, portions, fillets, and salted and smoked products. Lower quality grades are also well suited for steaks and canned production, while its roe is traditionally the highest-value component. Keta roe is especially prized for its delicate taste and its larger size compared with pink salmon roe.

The main fishing nations are Russia and the United States, while Japan and Canada also remain established fisheries for the species.