Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project

The State of the Project
Board Chairman

Last November of 2007, I gave a glowing report in the Newsletter on the great success that our Chinook Salmon Enhancement Program enjoyed last year with our best ever release of over 248,380 Chinook smolts. Also I indicated that I requested an increase of 120,000 Chinook smolts from DFG for our 2008 Chinook Program. I was advised in a meeting with DFG at Sacramento in early January of 2008, that the returning adult Chinook population was very much less than expected. This huge shortfall of spawning Chinook adults caused us to have to eliminate our Chinook Program for 2008. The causes of the demise of the Chinook population are many, but probably it is mostly due to lack of ocean up-welling in 2005/06 and reduced water supplies in our central valley river system.

We all hope for much better conditions for the salmon run next year and subsequent years. In some of our recent Newsletters, we have discussed a growing need for our MBSTP supporters to provide some additional thought and feedback for our future programs and activities. As a result of discussions at several of our Board meetings last fall and this winter, we have decided to canvas our many volunteers and constituents regarding our future. Although those of us on the Board have our own thoughts and desires for MBSTP's future, it is urgent for us to know your input for forming our future. MBSTP has been performing its Mission and goals for about 32 years, and I would say that, in general, we have done an excellent job in our efforts.

However, like most things in life, it is healthy if not essential to do some introspective examination of where we are and what changes, if any, we should make. As a part of our joint decision-making process for our future programs activities, it is urgent for us to hear from you, our friends and supporters, regarding what you think our future Mission and goals should be.

"it is urgent for us to hear from you, our friends and supporters, regarding what you think our future Mission and goals should be."

As food for thought and to refresh your memories, our present Mission, goals, and programs are:

I. Our Mission Is:

To facilitate the recovery and restoration of Endangered Coho salmon, to restore and enhance Threatened Steelhead, to enhance Chinook salmon populations in greater Monterey Bay waters, and to conduct a Salmon & Trout Education Program (STEP) in five Central Coast Counties (Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Benito, and Santa Clara).

II. Our Goals Are:

1. Spawn and rear Endangered Coho salmon to facilitate recovery & restoration to populations in area streams
2. Spawn and rear Threatened Steelhead to assist in recovery and restoration to reverse diminished populations in area streams.
3. Conduct annually Chinook Salmon Enhancement Program in Monterey Bay harbors to reduce juvenile Chinook salmon fish losses to enhance sport and commercial fishery.
4. Conduct and support Salmon & Trout Education Program (STEP) to develop awareness of life cycle and habitat requirements of our local salmon and Steelhead to children and adults. Place major education focus on children in grades K-12.

III. Our Programs Are:

1. Coho Salmon and Steelhead Restoration in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Mateo Counties.
2. Chinook Salmon Enhancement Program in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties
3. Salmon & Trout Education Program (STEP) Conducted in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Monterey, and San Benito Counties

IV. Our Significant Annual Activities Are:

1. Big Fish Derby in early July
2. Albacore Feed in November
3. Fin Clip in early December

We would love to hear about your thoughts and desires for MBSTP’s future. Our plan will be to get your inputs via various sources like E-mail, FAX, & USPS Mail, hopefully during this spring. We would then construct a summary of your inputs and discuss them further. If your responses show enough interest, we could possibly conduct a “Public Interest Meeting” at some location in the Santa Cruz area. Your input could be crucial to MBSTP’s future success! Please send your responses to us via the following: E-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ,or via FAX to MBSTP at 831-458-3095 or, via US Mail to MBSTP, 825 Big Creek Road, Davenport, CA 95017. Our thanks to all of you who continue to support us in so many ways!

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