More than 140,000 new Chinook salmon smolts are now swimming in the Chilko River, thanks to the DFO and Tŝilhqot’in National Government.
Each were released into the River on April 19th, after being hatched from broodstock eggs gathered by the TNG’s Fisheries Team last October.
From there, the eggs were raised at the DFO’s Spius Creek Hatchery over the winter, before being transported to the River.
That journey saw them placed in temperature and oxygen controlled tanks on the back of four trucks for the long trip to Henry Crossing.
There, holding tank temperatures were dropped again to match river conditions, as crews worked to quickly release the fish as the sun set.
After staying motionless to adjust for a short time, the smolts began their journey back down the river.
Comments