Fishermen help release 75,000 Smolt in Marin

Fishermen released 75,000 salmon smolts in Marin this week.
This work is testing whether improved imprinting can increase returns and reduce straying.

Members of the Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association, a PCFFA affiliate member, were on the ground this week in Marin County for a nighttime salmon smolt release tied to ongoing work at Coleman National Fish Hatchery.

These smolts were transported from imprinting pens in the Tehama Colusa Canal and released near the Marin Rod and Gun Club. The operation went smoothly, with coordination across hatchery staff, fishermen, and partners.

This release is part of a larger effort to test whether raising pre smolts on mainstem Sacramento River water can improve homing and reduce straying. Coleman Hatchery is located on Battle Creek, which feeds into the Sacramento River. When those fish are trucked directly to the Bay, they have shown higher rates of straying, because they were not imprinted on main stem waters. This work is testing a different approach, using imprinting conditions that more closely match the mainstem system the fish are meant to return to.

PCFFA supports this kind of practical work, and this is the kind of thing PCFFA, GFFA and others are working on through the Bridge Group collaboration. Thanks to GFFA members for participating, and to Coleman Hatchery staff for the great work.

PCFFA supports this kind of practical work, and this is exactly the kind of effort PCFFA, Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association, and other partners are engaged in through the Bridge Group collaboration.

Thanks to GFFA members for being on the ground and to Coleman Hatchery staff for the continued work. PCFFA is committed to working on every part of the salmon lifecycle, and to advocating for policies and management that ensure these efforts translate into returning fish and meaningful ocean harvest.