Osprey Steelhead News

This is the blog of The Osprey: conservation journal of wild salmonids. We believe the first step towards conservation and recovery of our anadromous fish is an informed community of advocates. Through our publication The Osprey, our Website and this blog we hope to share relevant news regarding the management, science and politics surrounding steelhead and salmon in the Pacific Northwest.

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The Osprey newsletter is the Federation of Fly Fisher's acclaimed steelhead conservation newsletter.

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Systemic Problems at Canada's DFO

The Skeena Fisheries Blog has posted excerpts and a link to the Office of the Auditor General Canada and her "2009 Spring Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development." The report confirms what critics of the DOF in Canada have been saying for years.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada cannot demonstrate that fish habitat is being adequately protected as the Fisheries Act requires. In the 23 years since the Habitat Policy was adopted, many parts of the Policy have been implemented only partially by Fisheries and Oceans Canada or not at all. The Department does not measure habitat loss or gain. It has limited information on the state of fish habitat across Canada—that is, on fish stocks, the amount and quality of fish habitat, contaminants in fish, and overall water quality. Fisheries and Oceans Canada still cannot determine the extent to which it is progressing toward the Policy’s long-term objective of a net gain in fish habitat. There has been little progress since 2001, when we last reported on this matter.

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Russian River monitoring to bolster steelhead population

Photo: Mark Aronoff

Biologists are closely monitoring the water quality in the lagoon that forms at the mouth of the Russian River at Jenner, a critical but often overlooked habitat for young steelhead.

It’s there that the steelhead, which are listed as federal endangered species, may stay for a year to feed and become acclimated to salt water before venturing out into the ocean.

LINK (Via:The Press Democrat)

Meanwhile on the Trinity -

John Nagy's Steelhead Journal

John Nagy is an author and photographer. His new book Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead teaches both the novice and seasoned steelheader everything you need to know to hook-up with Great Lakes steel.

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Hatchery Raised Fish Hurt Wild Steelhead

Oregon research shows that steelhead raised in captivity are hurting wild-born fish. Oregon State University zoology professor Michael Blouin found the captive-born fish inter-breed and pass on their weaknesses to wild fish.

The new research undermines ongoing experiments by state and tribal fishery managers to crossbreed wild fish with fish raised in hatcheries.

LINK (Via: The Columbian)

June Slab of the Month: Father/Daughter Steel

A SE AK father/daugher one two punch.  Submitted by Michael Stark.