[ODFW-News] Scientists' Report Guides Development of Oregon's Fist Hatchery Research Center

[Sandra Rosier]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife    Contact: Charlie Corrarino,
503/947-6213      Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: 503/947-6202     
For Immediate Release      Thursday, March 25, 2004Scientists' Report
Guides Development of Oregon's First Hatchery Research Center SALEM -
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife continues to develop Oregon's
first Hatchery Research Center (HRC) at the site of Fall Creek Hatchery
near the town of Alsea. Research will be aimed at understanding what
creates differences between hatchery and wild fish and how managing
hatchery fish can help conserve and protect Oregon's native fish
populations while providing viable fisheries.  No fish production for
angling will occur at the facility and research will be conducted in
cooperation with Oregon State University (OSU) and the Hatfield Marine
Science Center.  ODFW managers have been working to develop the HRC
since last year when the Governor and the Oregon Legislature provided
funding for a research facility. The Governor also has requested
Congressional support for federal funds to construct the HRC. To design
the research facility and determine high priority experiments, ODFW
enlisted the help of Oregon's Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team
(IMST), a scientific group that advises the state on matters related to
the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The IMST held a workshop in
October 2003 with distinguished fisheries professionals from throughout
the Pacific Northwest to define research objectives and design elements
needed for a state-of-the-art facility.   -MORE-Hatchery Research
Center, continued"This facility will focus on new and unique research
opportunities that are not being conducted elsewhere in the region,"
said Dr. Carl Schreck, who now co-chairs the IMST and is leader of the
Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and a professor at
OSU. "It's so important for Oregon to have this opportunity to
understand the characteristics and interactions of both hatchery and
naturally-produced fish, especially coastal coho and steelhead
populations."  Schreck added that all research will tie in with the
Oregon Plan and shed light on management actions that might need changed
to better manage native salmon and steelhead populations. Research will
also be aligned with ODFW's Native Fish Conservation Policy and Hatchery
Management Policy. In addition to research, the HRC will provide an
educational opportunity for the public. "We're really looking forward to
the opportunity to educate the public on the relationship between
hatchery and wild fish and their connection to the broad landscape,"
said ODFW Fish Division Administrator Ed Bowles. "The HRC will have an
interpretive walk and visitor's center, and we'll be able to schedule
in-depth tours for schools and other public groups." Undergraduate and
graduate programs and classes also will be conducted at the site along
with professional development opportunities for state and federal agency
natural resource professionals. The IMST Scientific Workshop Summary
Report and other background information on the HRC can be found on
ODFW's Web site at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hrc/IMST_report.pdf.  
###Page 1 of 2 Sandra Rosier
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Information and Education
3406 Cherry Ave NE
Salem, OR  97303
Ph #  (503) 947-6011
Fax # (503) 947-6009
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