Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project

Despite the recent challenges, we did it!! Yes, with lots of help, we managed to successfully deliver steelhead eggs to nearly all required STEP "certified" classes so they could participate in this year's STEP incubation activities.

It didn't look so good at the beginning of April, though. Some of us were about to come "unglued." First, we recognized, going into April, that we, along with California State Fish and Game, had just processed, in March, a large number of class permits for "certified" classes, totaling 107 classes. These classes were asking to participate in this year's STEP incubation activities and they were located within a geographical area of six counties. It was the largest number of class-permits to be processed. So, going into the month of May, which is normal time for eggs to be available, we were facing a "tall (logistics) order." Several members helped with the permit-signing routine of all 107 applications before the papers were sent to California Fish and Game for final signature.

Then, at the beginning of April, other challenges and demands appeared. Mother Nature did her part with warmer weather that led to an earlier maturation and availability time for the eggs. About the same time as the egg availability, we faced many, varied school Spring Break vacations. Then, too, some geographical areas just couldn't provide required volunteer delivery people. Also, we didn't have the opportunity, this year, to use Scotts Creek eggs, as well as the San Lorenzo eggs, giving us less flexibility with our deliveries.

Just before things were about to come apart, a number of great people "stepped up" and made it happen. Prominent from San JoseFlycasters and the Project were Bruce Keniston, Mondy Lariz, and Keith Nelson. Also, at the forefront was Sandy Derby and her staff from the Discovery Museum. Bruce Keniston did much of the bagging of eggs. Dave Streig, Manager of the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project worked especially hard to make things happen.So, in a scheduled three days of bagging and delivering eggs, all within two weeks, all required eggs were delivered. It was a "grand finale" and relief.

During the time of this preparation, some of the chillers did not work and/or were not available in time. So there was more "panic" and action. Bob Daves had to collect a chiller at one school and deliver it to another. Bruce Keniston and Hugh Miller replaced a chiller at Roger Middle School because of a faulty thermostat. Keith Nelson had to drive to Gilroy to replace another faulty chiller.

Now, at this time, at the beginning of May, we are getting reports from STEP teachers about their eggs hatching and fry moving to the top of the aquarium water. Also, there's emails and phone inquiries going on about the usual hatch times expected, available release areas along the San Lorenzo River and necessary permits available. Next, we foresee, there will be many interesting letters coming, following the fieldtrips, mostly from the STEP students, expressing their appreciation and interest in STEP.

STEP Fieldtrips, May 27 Report. Most of the STEP reports received at this time indicate that the Releases and/or Fieldtrips went very well this year. We recognize that there are a few more releases to be made, and following all releases, expected very soon, we can, then, make our final report regarding the number of classes participating and the percentage of fry released. Last year, our tally for the number of fry released versus the number of eggs distributed was at a 95% median figure. The year before, we tallied a 98% median figure for the fry released. We thank our STEP teachers for this commendable record.

STEP Concern. There are indications that we may not be permitted steelhead eggs for our STEP incubation activities in the future. Authorities feel that, rather, we should be permitted Rainbow Trout Eggs for STEP, instead, with the release of resulting fry into a reservoir. The Project Board will be working with permitting authorities regarding this issue.

STEP Help. If you are interested in helping this year or next year with fieldtrips... or next year with a variety of STEP activities, get in touch with Hugh Miller, email address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Looking for insects.

Checking Water Temperature

Examining aquatic insects.