If dams removed, hatchery's fate uncertain

March 22, 2008

By Michelle Ma

Triplicate staff writer

The fate of Iron Gate hatchery is hazy under the settlement agreement, but if the dams do come out, one thing is clear: The hatchery's operations will have to change.

The hatchery currently aims each year to release about 5 million chinook smolts and 900,000 yearlings, plus about 75,000 coho and 200,000 steelhead into the Klamath River . The hatchery sees an average of 16,000 returning chinook each year, said Keith Pomeroy, assistant hatchery manager.

The facility draws cool water from below the surface of Iron Gate reservoir, held in place by the dam about 190 miles upriver from the Pacific Ocean. Cool temperatures reduce chances of disease and promote fish development, said Jim Waldvogel, University of California Sea Grant marine advisor in Crescent City .

If Iron Gate dam comes out, the hatchery would lose its cool water source.

The draft settlement doesn't specify what would happen to the hatchery, and details would have to be decided once fish reintroduction plans are established, said Troy Fletcher, a member of the Yurok Tribe and lead negotiator on settlement issues.

"A holistic review will have to happen to really narrow down what our expectations are in terms of hatcheries and what role hatcheries will play," Fletcher said.

What is certain is that Iron Gate hatchery wouldn't be able to operate as it does now. Other options could include moving the hatchery, finding an alternative water source, or lowering its production if natural fish runs increase, fisheries experts said.

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Source:  http://www.triplicate.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=8059