Since 2015, Trout and Salmon Foundation has supported the operations of the Peter Gray Hatchery, operated by the Downeast Salmon Federation on Maine’s East Machias River, that aims to restore wild Atlantic salmon populations. The project is based on successful salmon restoration methods designed by Peter Gray on the River Tyne and incorporates innovative rearing conditions in a purpose-built streamside hatchery that strengthens salmon survival from egg to fry to parr to adult Atlantic salmon.
According to a recent Downeast Salmon Federation newsletter, the results of the Peter Gray hatchery project are encouraging:
- The watershed-wide large parr density – that is, the number of 2 to 3 year-old fish found per unit of habitat – is more than double the density seen using other methods of stocking;
- The project produced the highest ever large parr density, measured over each decade, since electrofishing began in the mid-1970s. The next highest decadal median was during the 1970s;
- Smolt (the life stage when Atlantic Salmon migrate from the rivers to the sea) populations resulting from the project are 4 times higher than smolt populations generated from other stocking methods.
The full Downeast Salmon Federation newsletter and a video describing the project are available below.
FINAL Spring 2019 DSF Newsletter
About Trout and Salmon Foundation
Trout and Salmon Foundation has donated more than $1.0 million to protect wild salmon and trout in North America. TSF seeks partnerships with local watershed organizations that are directly engaged in habitat restoration projects that improve and expand trout and salmon waters. Applying for grants from Trout and Salmon Foundation is easy. Check out our grant criteria.
Trout and Salmon Foundation is a self-funding non-profit. 100% of all donations to TSF fund habitat restoration projects in trout and salmon waters across North America. TSF has funded more than 250 projects in more than 25 states. All donations to TSF are fully tax deductible. Donate here.