Hatcheries provide benefits to the fish population in terms of numbers through the maintenance of high egg-to-fry survival rate, but the way hatcheries run propose possible threats to wild salmon species (4). Therefore, I think future salmon research should have more focus on figuring out the degree of the short-term and long-term consequences and benefits of hatcheries.
Since salmon are very valuable commercially and the demand for salmon is increasing as the population is increasing, it is expected to see a continued increase of hatcheries (6). From this expected increase in hatcheries, there is a greater likelihood of an increase in poorly managed hatcheries, which would negatively impact wild salmon populations (4, 6, 7, 9). Thus, I find that it is important to conduct studies to assess the possible risks of hatcheries soon.
Because overfishing, dams, and habitat use for human development cause seriously adverse effects on fish, the public is more or less aware of these issues, thanks to research. However, the public does not have the same degree of awareness on the possible consequences of hatcheries as they do on three previously mentioned issues. Reasons for this may be do to the lack of research on gaging the risks and benefits of hatcheries. So, more studies need to be conducted to be brought to attention of the public.
Once we have a better understanding of the risks and benefits of hatcheries, we can then propose conservation plans that use hatcheries as a tool in an effective manner.
The Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife has been doing just that! Since 2000, they have collaborated with various scientist of different backgrounds: tribal, federal, and private to have a better assessment on how hatcheries run in order to operate hatcheries in the best way possible (3).
Since salmon are very valuable commercially and the demand for salmon is increasing as the population is increasing, it is expected to see a continued increase of hatcheries (6). From this expected increase in hatcheries, there is a greater likelihood of an increase in poorly managed hatcheries, which would negatively impact wild salmon populations (4, 6, 7, 9). Thus, I find that it is important to conduct studies to assess the possible risks of hatcheries soon.
Because overfishing, dams, and habitat use for human development cause seriously adverse effects on fish, the public is more or less aware of these issues, thanks to research. However, the public does not have the same degree of awareness on the possible consequences of hatcheries as they do on three previously mentioned issues. Reasons for this may be do to the lack of research on gaging the risks and benefits of hatcheries. So, more studies need to be conducted to be brought to attention of the public.
Once we have a better understanding of the risks and benefits of hatcheries, we can then propose conservation plans that use hatcheries as a tool in an effective manner.
The Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife has been doing just that! Since 2000, they have collaborated with various scientist of different backgrounds: tribal, federal, and private to have a better assessment on how hatcheries run in order to operate hatcheries in the best way possible (3).
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