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Fish Hatching Program
Overview
Schools participating in the Fish Hatching Project have the opportunity to hatch Atlantic Salmon eggs during the winter and spring of the school year.
OCM BOCES Science Center provides participating schools with the equipment, fish eggs, supportive activities, assistance and materials.
- The equipment is delivered in November.
- The Atlantic salmon eggs are delivered to the school in January
- The fry are released in April or May.
- The schools are also provided with support through the Science Center staff and through a dedicated website.
- The students from all of the participating schools will release the fry in appropriate streams. We have the permits.
- After the release, the students can visit the Salmon River Fish Hatchery (located in Altmar.)
- If the salmon eggs do not hatch, we will try again with Steelhead eggs.
History of the Project
The Atlantic Salmon Project began in the Central New York area two years ago with classrooms in 6 schools hatching eggs and releasing Atlantic salmon. The first year was a learning experience. The refrigerators did not keep the water cold enough and, as a result, most of the fish died. During the second year, different refrigerators were used and about 90% of the fish survived. During the third year, 95% of the tanks were successful. We think we know what the eggs and sac fry need to survive. They need cold, clean, aerated water. This year we are hoping to equal or improve on our success rate of last year. To do that, we need more schools involved. Are you interested?
Why Atlantic Salmon & Steelhead?
Two hundred years ago Atlantic salmon used to swim in the lakes and rivers throughout Central New York. The Atlantic salmon (not the Pacific salmon) was the native species. However, due to harvesting, dams that blocked migration routes, and water pollution, after 1860 salmon were no longer able to live in Central New York. We are now trying to reintroduce the Atlantic Salmon into its former habitat. The lakes and rivers aren't the same anymore, but we hope the salmon don't notice the changes.
Who Should Participate?
The answer depends on what you want to learn. Some teachers use the salmon project to teach about life cycles. Some use the salmon to teach some local history, such as population growth, industrial growth, and water quality. Some use the salmon to teach about ecology. This project fits very nicely into the elementary, the middle school and the high school science programs. Last year 6 tanks were in the elementary schools, 7 were in middle schools, and 7 were in the high schools. All of the activities in the Teacher's Guide relate directly to the New York State Core Curriculum.
Location
Salmon River Fish Hatchery
Located Off Rte. 13 in Altmar
2133 County Route 22
Altmar, NY 13302
(315) 298-5051
