EMARC Releases Record Number
Parr Salmon

EMARC, East Machias Aquatic Center hatchery technician Kyle Winslow announced in EMARC’s Oct./Nov report that some 81,306 Atlantic Salmon Parr (avg. lgth 4-5”) were released at 18 sites on the East Machias watershed in October and the month of November just after having a fin clipped. From an original estimate of 100,000 Fry (1-3” ) emerging from the incubation boxes, there was a healthy and satisfying survival rate of 85.6%. These fish were hatched in 2012 and will leave the East Machias watershed for the Atlantic Ocean in 2015.

Not only was the survival rate encouraging, but the fact that the average weight of 13.07 grams was 3 grams higher than the previous year’s release was equally celebrated.

To assist with the fin clipping and release were over 160 volunteers made up of students, community members, professionals from US Fish and Wildlife, Me. Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and Me. Dept. of Marine resources donated over 600 hours of their time.

With the majority of releases done at sites on the East Machias Main Stream, Northern Stream was also stocked this year after a DMR study was completed last year. Kyle writes, “”Northern Stream is one of the most productive reaches of the East Machias river system and has some of the best spawning habitat in the watershed.”

Another welcome addition to the overall picture was the work Project Share accomplished by replacing a poorly placed culvert on Richardson Brook with a bridge, giving better connection from this small rearing stream to Northern Stream and its high quality spawning habitat.

Hats off and many thanks to the energetic group at EMARC and many volunteers who are working diligently to restore the once prolific Atlantic Salmon to Washington County and other Maine rivers.