|
Our class is working with the Portland Water District Salmon Hatchery Project, Department of Inland fish and Wildlife Services and the Atlantic Salmon Federation to raise salmon to be released into the Saco River. We have about 180 eggs in our refrigerated fish tank that we will observe and care for until they are ready for release in May. Now the eggs are resting on the rocks i the bottom of our tank at 38 degrees. We keep the tank cold and dark to simulate natural river conditions. As the outside temperatures warm, we will slowly raise the temperature in the tank which will stimulate the growth of the eggs. Our fry will be ready for release in May when they can feed naturally on insect life. Until then, they are nourished by their yolk sacs. At that time we'll take a trip to the Saco River in Biddeford to release them. Until we release them we will make weekly observations and learn about the complex life cycle and habitat requirements of this anadromous species that lives part of its life in fresh water and another part in a marine environment. |
 This is our refrigerated fish tank |
 |
March 7th - Eggs hatch below
|
 |
March 14th below
 |
 |
 |
Every week the students study the salmon eggs and development and write in their journals |
 |
 |
 |
the Lynn Richards Education Specialist from the PWD |
In May we travelled to the mouth of the Saco River to release our salmon in the fry state.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
-Click here - find out all about the project and all the schools participating!
