Returns to McKinnon's Creek this year have reflected the low numbers of adult salmon returning to all Canterbury rivers and to date approximately 90 fish have returned. this is made up of around 60% to 40%, females to males. This compares to between 450 and 900 in previous years.
Although numbers are down, the quality of the eggs is good so far, and around 70,000 fertilised eggs are under incubation in the hatching shed. A few fish are still trickling in to the trap and we may still end up with enough to complete at least 30% of our annual programme.
Although numbers are down, the quality of the eggs is good so far, and around 70,000 fertilised eggs are under incubation in the hatching shed. A few fish are still trickling in to the trap and we may still end up with enough to complete at least 30% of our annual programme.
Fertilised eggs being placed in an incubator tray.