Now is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Oregonians to weigh in on the public investments YOU want our state to make to build resilience for salmon, steelhead, and trout in the face of a changing climate.
Currently, ODFW is conducting a survey to gauge the public’s support for investing public funds to update its ailing state hatchery facilities. Under various alternatives, the state would need over $200 million to consolidate the hatchery system, fix crumbling infrastructure, expand facilities, and add climate change adaptation technologies like solar panels and water chillers. The majority of these hatchery facilities release fish into free-flowing coastal rivers - the very places where we should be prioritizing wild fish.
We believe that fish and Oregonians would be much better off by investing more of these funds in nature, not concrete. By removing culverts not adding pellets. By investing in healthy forests and shade, not chillers.
How can you help?
If you share our vision for increasing public investment in healthy free-flowing rivers and abundant wild fish, we ask that you review the hatchery resilience materials (linked below) and fill out ODFW’s survey.
The deadline to submit your feedback to the ODFW Hatchery Resilience Survey is November 26, 2024—don’t miss this opportunity to speak up for Oregon’s wild fish!
We’ve included a few key talking points below for you to consider in your response.
Thank you so much for your support! This is an exciting time to be an advocate for Oregon’s wild fish.
Vision and Strategy
ODFW needs a holistic strategic vision for native fish in western Oregon
Hatcheries should be viewed as one tool among many, not an end goal
The department must evaluate where hatcheries are most (and least) effective given our changing climate
Key Actions Needed
Identify and Establish More Wild Fish Rivers in Climate-Resilient Watersheds
Map watersheds most likely to support wild fish as conditions change
Focus conservation resources and investments in these key areas
Invest in green infrastructure (barrier removal, habitat restoration), not hatcheries, where it will have the greatest impact for wild fish
Shift Management Philosophy to Wild Abundance
Move beyond simply preventing wild fish extinction
Actively manage for wild fish abundance in priority watersheds
Invest in wild fish monitoring
Build towards increased and sustainable wild fish harvest
Recognize Wild Fish as the Foundation
Healthy wild populations sustain both natural and hatchery-based fisheries
Wild fish resilience is essential for long-term fishing opportunities
Make wild fish protection a primary factor in hatchery decisions
If you have any questions or would like assistance in crafting your survey response, please don’t hesitate to reach out to NFS Legislative and Policy Director Jennifer Fairbrother at jennifer@nativefishsociety.org.
Every voice counts in protecting wild fish. Let’s work together to safeguard Oregon’s wild fish and rivers for generations to come. Wild is the Future!
More information about the ODFW Hatchery Resilience Initiative is available the links below.
More information:
ODFW Hatchery Resilience (webpage)
Deferred Hatchery Maintenance Evaluations
Future Hatchery Needs Assessment
Hatchery Cooling System Evaluation
Technical Information Webinar Series (videos)
