The month of June has been jam-packed with lots of projects in the hatchery. Now that the crew has released the pinks, chums, and 2023 coho, they are cleaning up equipment and prepping the hatchery for the upcoming return of this next year’s brood of baby salmon. On top of all of that, they are caring for the 2024 coho fry until their release in spring of 2026. Here are some snapshots of full days in the hatchery.
The newest member of the hatchery team, Josie Eccher, releases the barrier net that has been opened at the end of the channel to the hatchery. This will stop the pinks and chums from coming into the hatchery too early.
This work float is usually seen attached to the net pens out in the ocean. It helps to hold fish food and other supplies the hatchery needs out there. The hatchery crew pulled the float out of the water for some routine maintenance.
Pictured above is a sample of the 2024 coho that are currently being raised in the hatchery. They are gaining over 3% (!) of their body weight a day!
