King Salmon Conservation

The 3-cent King Salmon stamp, the last of the three stamps issued in 1956 to emphasize the importance of wildlife conservation in America, was issued in Seattle, Washington, on November 9, 1956. King salmon, also known as Chinook salmon are an important food source and a highly-prized gaming fish noted for their agressive behavior on the hook. Although not endangered, salmon populations are closely monitored because they serve as an important barometer for the health of streams, rivers and oceans. Salmon need clean, cool, oxygenated, sediment-free fresh water for egg development. The damming of rivers and the release of industrial waste into streams in the early 20th century were detrimental to proper salmon habitat.