Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project

Big Fish Derby Cancelled For 2008

After very long and careful thought, we have decided to cancel the Big Fish Derby for 2008 due to poor fishing conditions. The Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project has hosted this derby for 14 years. It is our major fund raiser for the hatchery. The funds will be dearly missed.

The Derby was also a great opportunity for the public to meet our hatchery volunteers and for us to meet with old friends and make some new ones along the way. This was a great time for us to get out the message of what our hatchery does and what it means for our local environment. With the closure of salmon season this year, and a general collapse of the local ocean food chain, it seems prudent to wait a year to hold the next Derby.

We are hopeful that in 2009 ocean conditions will return to normal and we will again be holding our Big Fish Derby. I would also like to hear of any new ideas you may have for the Derby. After 14 years, it is time for new ideas and new direction for the Derby to hold everyone’s interest. We are also holding a town hall meeting on Monday, June 9th, 2008 at the Santa Cruz Police Department Community Meeting Hall, 155 Center St. at 7:00 pm. This would be a good time for all of you who have an interest in fishing and conservation to express your ideas about what the project can do for our local citizens.

If you are frustrated or concerned about fishing conditions and why they are not getting any better, now is a good time to ask. Find out what we are trying to do under the current rules and regulations. Where does Fish & Game & NMFS stand on the important issues facing our hatchery? When will we be able to take a Steelhead? When will King Salmon season open? Come to the meeting and find out some interesting information. This is the time and place to ask your questions and state your opinions. See you there.

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