As a response to greatly diminished salmon runs, NSEDC has been working to plant eggs in appropriate sections of local rivers with the goal of re-establishing lost or severely depleted salmon returns. This process begins with harvesting eggs from salmon when fish return to spawn. These eggs are then fertilized and placed in mist incubators until they reach the “eyed egg” state of the life-cycle.  At this point, the eyed eggs are planted in suitable areas of the targeted rivers. The idea behind this process is that when the planted eggs reach maturity, the fish will return to these targeted rivers to spawn.

Because this is a newer management process, NSEDC began on a small scale by planting chum salmon in Hastings Creek. In 2008, the first documented returns from this planting were recorded; an important validation of the technique and process. The project was expanded with larger-scale plantings of chum salmon in the Nome and Snake Rivers and Coho salmon in Anvil Creek.  A further expansion took place in 2007 with chum salmon in the Solomon River.

In 2009, NSEDC continued monitoring the returns to Hastings Creek; it was also be the first year of monitored returns to the Nome River (chum and Coho salmon), the Snake River (chum salmon), and Anvil Creek (Coho salmon). By collecting and examining otolith bones for our marker, we can determine if the salmon in these rivers are indeed the salmon we planted in the past few years.  NSEDC continues to look for and evaluate prospective sites in the region for re-introduction or enhancement.

This project has had a strong educational component as well.  NSEDC has worked with local school groups, the Anvil City Science Academy and ROTC. The Anvil City Science Academy has won awards and grants based on NSEDC's cooperation with the eyed egg planting projects. 

For more information contact:

Charlie Lean
NSFR&D Director

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