The Science of Salmon Hatcheries

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) asked WSAS to assist with its update and review of the science that can inform hatchery reform as part of its Hatchery and Fishery Reform Policy (C-3619) Review Process. WSAS’s involvement is but one part of the WDFW review and report development process. A number of other important components, including opportunity for public input, lie outside the purview of WSAS’s involvement.

In response to WDFW’s request, WSAS convened an expert committee, reviewed a preliminary manuscript prepared by WDFW’s project team, and organized a workshop on May 23, 2019 to provide in-person comments about the manuscript to the agency’s project team. WSAS invited several additional reviewers to participate in the workshop, as well as several observers who had expressed an interest in attending. This summary captures the many diverse scientific discussions that occurred at the workshop among the WDFW project team, WSAS’s Committee Members, and invited supplemental reviewers.

View the final report prepared by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife: A review of hatchery reform science in Washington State.