SALEM, Ore — The 58th Annual Northwest Fish Culture Conference will be held Dec. 4-6 at the Doubletree Lloyd Center in Portland. Hosted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the conference provides an opportunity for people involved in fish culture to interact and share their experiences and knowledge.

The program will provide participants with a better understanding of the technical aspects of fish culture and how fish culture plays a role in creating and enhancing angling opportunities. Sessions include applied aquaculture/hatchery operations, applied hatchery research, fish health, marine production, tribal co-management and posters.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase Oregon’s progress, see what’s new in the world of fish culture and learn from others’ accomplishments,” said Shaun Clements, NWFCC Committee Chairperson and ODFW Stock Assessment Biologist.

“We’re pleased to host the conference this year because it provides an opportunity to share Oregon’s successes and ideas with representatives from other states and hear about what they’re doing,” said Clements. “We will discuss ODFW’s role in the successful restoration of Diamond Lake and the removal of Marmot Dam on the Sandy River.”

The theme for this year’s conference is “Enhancing Fisheries, Creating Opportunities.” Attendees include hatchery personnel and fish culturists, propagation managers, fishery managers, biologists involved in fish culture, educators, and students in the area of fish culture/aquaculture.  Representatives from British Columbia, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and California are slated to attend.  

Within the Pacific Northwest, fish culture plays an important role in providing opportunities for both the enhancement and conservation of native stocks as well as social and economic benefits to the residents of the region.  

All persons interested in or associated with fish husbandry are invited to attend and to actively participate. For more information, visit ODFW’s website, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/hatchery/NWFCC.asp