Hatchery update

A quick update on hatchery happenings. Firstly a big thank you to all those who have helped/supported the hatchery over the past 12 months. We are at a crossroads for the hatchery and the future looks a little brighter with some interesting plans being discussed. More on that later when plans become clear.

To date this year;

We have had a continual presence at the hatchery over the winter so far.
All fish (1 year old) have been released. Total around 60,000 give or take. Last release fish moved away very quickly and river was in good order.
As of today, river is on the hatchery side and flowing directly past McKinnon's creek outlet.
A number of reeds noted in McKinnon's creek.
Our compliance with the consent for the hatchery was checked recently by ECan and apart from a couple of minor issues was passed as compliant. An SOP will be issued shortly containing all aspects of hatchery operations,
No further decisions on looking after broodstock in the future as yet but discussions on going.
All trays in incubators hatched out and 2 of the trays of zipped up fry (5000) have been put in tank 2 inside. Thanks to Graham for getting feeders up and running.
We have cancelled the weekend teams for the present and will cover the cleaning with the winter teams visit twice per week however anyone welcome to come along with them (normally tuesday and friday/saturday). Contact Phil or Dave Chambers.
Mark Webb from F&G is working through an SOP manual for the hatchery. This should be out soon.
Nitrate reading in the creek getting pretty high. 8.49.
Looks like a lot of the willow wands planted out on the river in front of hatchery might have been taken out in last flood. 
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The intrepid winter team, all smiles.

"Zipped up salmon fry moving from incubator tray to tank.

Packing up the trap for another year.

free at last.

Release back to the river