Hatchery Photos

Hatchery Photos

Skagway Chinook Release

On June 2, 2000 Gastineau Hatchery Assistant Manager Kevin Monagle traveled to Skagway to supervise the release of over 91,000 chinook smolts from Pullen Creek. This is the first year of a joint project between DIPAC, ADF&G, the City of Skagway and Burro Creek Hatchery. The purpose of the project is to develop the Tahini River broodstock for hatchery production and enhance the local sport fishery in upper Lynn Canal and Taiya Inlet. Alevins from eggs collected at Burro Creek Hatchery in Skagway were incubated and reared at Gastineau Hatchery. The resultant smolt were transported back to Skagway for imprinting and release.

Canadian Fry Transport

Every spring the Snettisham Hatchery crew transfers fry back to the Canadian Lakes the eggs were received from. This is a joint project with the Pacific Salmon Treaty between the United States and Canada. The program is to enhance the catch of sockeyes on both the Stikine and Taku Rivers for both countries. Eggs are taken by the Canadians and shipped to Snettisham Hatchery for incubation and marking. The resulting fry are transferred back to the lakes by float planes as seen in the pictures below.

Unusual Migration!

Lured by the unseasonable warm weather we’re experiencing here in Juneau, Alaska, a misled flock of flaming florescent pink migrating flamingos flew in from Florida. Seeking birds of a feather, they landed at DIPAC where eagles, ravens, seagulls and crows have always been made welcome. Thanks to our flamingo specialist Jon Thorington for facilitating this unusual flyby. DIPAC wishes all of our friends, feathered and otherwise, a happy holiday!

Farewell, Kevin and Alicia

DIPAC recently held a going away party for two long-time employees. Kevin Smith, Assistant Manager for king and coho production, recently retired from DIPAC after 10¹/₂ years of dedicated service at Gastineau Hatchery. He moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico to rejoin his wife, Anne, who just completed a master’s degree in counseling. Kevin’s motivation, innovation and conscientious manner were key qualities that helped build the successful smolt program we have today. Kevin’s position will not be refilled. His duties will be reassigned among the other Gastineau Hatchery staff.

Alicia Smith, DIPAC’s Tourism Manager, resigned her position after four successful seasons to become a full-time mom. She and her husband, Roger, are expecting their first child in November. Alicia’s creativity, ingenuity and quick wit were valuable assets which helped guide a very dynamic operation through significant improvements in recent years. Alicia will be replaced by Kelly Stevens, who was originally hired as the Assistant Manager for the Tourism Division last winter.

Both Kevin and Alicia will be missed but not forgotten. We wish them well as they enter new phases of their lives.

Spring 1999

Spring is the beginning of the busy season for our hatchery staff. The fry in the incubators are ready to leave and start swimming and growing. The pictures below show the "ponding" of chum salmon at Gastineau Hatchery. The incubators are first taken from the stacks they are in and dumped into the "ponding box" to separate the substrate and the fry. The fry then swim down a water line and into an outside raceway. From this point, the fry will be transferred to one of four saltwater locations where DIPAC releases chum salmon; Gastineau Channel, Amalga Harbor, Boat Harbor and Limestone Inlet. Click on the photos below to see a larger version.

Every spring DIPAC in cooperation with ADF&G Sports Fish releases small "catchable" chinook into Twin Lakes for the recreational fishers (kids most of all). The photos below are of one of this springs first plantings.