Founded in
1976, the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project (MBS&TP)
is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and
enhancement of the native salmon and steelhead populations of the
greater Monterey Bay area. To accomplish the goals of the MBS&TP
has developed three major programs:
- Coho
Salmon and Steelhead
- Chinook
Salmon Enhancement
- Salmon
and Trout Education (STEP)
Coho Salmon and Steelhead
The
MBS&TP operates a hatchery and rearing facility to supplement
natural production which has been reduced due to habitat degradation.
One objective of this program is the reintroduction of native steelhead
and especially Coho (silver) salmon into local stream where they were
historically present. The MBS&TP assists the California Department
of Fish and Game (CDF&G) in research addressing current limiting
factors, such as the elimination of certain diseases endemic to the
habitat. To date the MBS&TP has released over 1.9 million
Coho salmon and steelhead into area streams from whence they out
migrate to the ocean and grow naturally into maturity.
Chinook Salmon Enhancement
The
MBS&TP operates salt-water net pens in Moss Landing and Monterey
harbors to acclimate Chinook salmon fingerlings obtained from the
Feather River Hatchery into the ocean. The objective of this
program is to reduce fish losses during out migration thereby
increasing the numbers of Chinook salmon available in Monterey Bay for
sport and commercial fishery. As of June 2004, the MBS&TP has
released 2 million Chinook salmon into the Monterey Bay.
Salmon and Trout Education (STEP)
The
MBS&TP currently supports the STEP program in over 155 classrooms
from San Bruno to Gonzales (elementary through high school grade
levels). The purpose of this program is to develop awareness of the
life cycle and habitat requirements of our local salmon and steelhead.
To this end the Project has developed and distributed class curricula,
trained teachers, and provided continuing support including eyed
steelhead eggs for rearing in classroom aquaria. To date approximately
150,000 students have participated in this program.
Funding Shortfall
During the
life of the MBS&TP, the CDF&G provided substantial financial
support. In recent years CDF&G budgets have been severely cut with
corresponding reductions in what they have provided to the MBS&TP.
In 2003, the Governor's office vetoed the entire MBS&TP
appropriation. Subsequent action by the Commercial Salmon Stamp
Committee provided only partial funding for the 2004 Chinook Salmon
Program. However, support for the Project's three major programs came
from the MBS&TP treasury. As a non-profit MBS&TP relies on the
generosity of the community, especially in light of the state's funding
cut-backs. Major increased support from the community is needed to
offset the CDF&G shortfall. Without this increased community
contribution, the very existence of the MBS&TP is in question.
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