Educational Media Reviews Online

Last Chance for the Pacific Salmon provides an excellent overview of the problems facing salmon in the Pacific Northwest. Beginning with the influx of European settlers, it is clear that human-caused habitat destruction has taken a toll. While early logging efforts resulted in habitat destruction, salmon were able to adapt and rebound. Current logging practices are so widespread and invasive that this is no longer the case. The salmon is in eminent danger of extinction.

The video describes the salmon life cycle and walks the viewer through each step of the fishes anadromous round trip journey from fresh water to sea- water and back again. The viewer will learn how human actions in a watershed, such as building even a single road, can cause dramatic changes to salmon habitat. Through interview footage, a carefully constructed script and excellent editing, the viewer receives all of the scientific evidence relating to salmon decline.

There are dozens of videos available on the subject of salmon. What sets this one apart is that it examines the salmon decline from the perspective of the entire watershed. Interviews with geologists, Native American’s, biologists, fishermen, politicians, and activists are woven together to tell the entire story. It is a thorough, well-balanced presentation of the facts and what we are trying to do to save salmon stocks. This is one of the best educational videos I have ever seen. Geared towards a junior-high to adult level audience, I would recommend this video to all libraries.

Last Chance for the Pacific Salmon is one segment of the Endangered Species Series produced by Chip Taylor Communications. The video can be shown in two sections for classroom presentation.