Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project

By Allen Smith, Board Vice-Chairman

I begin this article with a heavy heart over the sad news of the recent loss of our dear > friend and colleague Richard (Dick) Wehner. On March 29, Dick passed on after dealing with a long illness. He was the MBS&TP Treasurer and a member of our Board of Directors for many many years, and he performed the duties of Treasurer right up until the time he left us. Larry Wolf, one of our Board members has taken over the office of MBS&TP Treasurer. For the past 5 years Larry has served outstandingly as our Salmon Derby Chairman. We thank Dick's family for all of the devoted time that he spent, and for his terrific efforts, in making the Project what it is today. We will miss you immeasurably Dick, and we wish you happy fishing in the ultimate fishery!

The year of 1998 was one of our most challenging times for the survival of our 23 year old Project. In spite of the difficult challenges, progress from last fall to-date on the restoration of our El Nino storm damaged facilities has been phenomenal. The following is a brief summary of the present status of our recovery efforts:

1. The majority of our water supply systems have been restored to full service, and with some redesign of the original system, the operation is now better than ever.
2. Temporary repairs were made to our Berry Creek upper water intake system to get us through this hatching season with the best water quality available to us. We hope to make more permanent repairs in summer and fall of 1999.
3. Reconstruction of the hatchery, office, feed, and storage buildings is nearing completion.
4. Emergency AC power generation system is completed and operational. This system has run flawlessly for significantly more than a total of 100 hours this past winter. If this system had not been available this winter we may well have had another fish mortality disaster like that of early 1998!

About 65% of the fish pool rearing and spawning areas have been restored. This has allowed us to fully proceed with our 1999 spawning activities. Substantial reconstruction of this area will continue through 1999. The fish rearing raceways are fully operational now. Replacement of damaged sun cloth and anti-bird netting around the raceways is yet to be accomplished.
Major structural damage to the fish transport trailer has been fully repaired at the factory. We hope to complete all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repairs in 1999 so our trailer will be fully operational for year 2000 fish transport needs.
Several other reconstruction and repair tasks need to be initiated and completed in 1999 and 2000.

We continue to be deeply grateful to the following organizations and groups for their financial support of the restoration of our fish rearing facilities:

• David & Lucile Packard Foundation
• National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
• The Fish & Game Commissions of Monterey County, Santa Clara County, & Santa Cruz County
• The many individuals, business, schools, and community organizations who haveprovided support as well.

Without such outstanding support, restoration of our facilities would be impossible.

Although the reconstruction of our fish rearing facilities has progressed extremely well, we continue to struggle with the annual dilemma of raising enough operating funds to sustain our fish rearing and fish culture activities. In order for us to continue spawning, rearing, and planting salmon and steelhead in our local streams, your support in financial contributions and volunteer help is urgently needed. Thank you for your past and future support, and please tell family, friends, and colleagues about us. I hope to see you at one of our weigh-in stations during our 5th annual Salmon Derby on July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.

Back