Laserfiche WebLink
Prior to STEP, Oregon biologists could -not document substantial adult return from fry <br />releases. While STEP evaluations are incomplete and difficult to document, the adult <br />contributions are disappointing at best. <br />Summary <br />Oregon placed much emphasis on coho enhancement in the 1960s and 70s with little <br />success. While coho was in the limelight, coastal fall chinook received little or no <br />enhancement attention. However, coastal fall chinook rebounded to near historic levels <br />when left to fend far themselves. Protection and healing of mainstream rivers and <br />estuaries probably deserve most of the credit. The fact that healthy populations of fall <br />chinook reestablished themselves when provided adequate habitat deserves a closer look <br />by supplementation proponents. <br />The STEP citizen volunteer program focuses primarily on fry releases. Early evaluations <br />have shown disappointing adult returns. <br />Biologists have documented that larger smolts result in greater numbers of returning <br />adults. Also, they -have documented that hatchery fish can adversely affect wild stocks. <br />Since there is a preponderance of evidence on the inadequacies of rebuilding runs with <br />hatchery fish, Oregon recently established a new natural production and wild fish <br />management plan. It is too early for the results of this program to be obvious. <br />However, using indigenous wild/natural broodstock for hatchery programs certainly must <br />be evaluated. <br />Washington <br />Background <br />Anadromous fish runs in Washington include chinook, chum, coho, sockeye, pink salmon, <br />steelhead, and cutthroat trout. Systems that support anadromous runs include tributaries <br />to the Columbia River, coastal systems, and Puget Sound. <br />Artificial production of anadromous salmonids in Washington is conducted by state, <br />federal and tribal hatcheries. Over 340 million fish were released in Washington in <br />1987, (Table 3). <br />We reviewed 129 projects in Washington; 3 were considered true supplementation, only <br />1 of these was evaluated. <br />8 <br />