The genesis of this project was pretty simple. In 2023 Hatchery & Wild Coexist felt there was a need for our fans to know more about Wild Broodstock efforts in the Pacific Northwest. We decided to create and distribute a printed booklet as well as an online version. We made sure the information got in the hands of as many people as possible. Ultimately there was a great deal of interest generated and we were excited about the number of people inquiring about starting programs on their local rivers.
Jack Glass releasing a wild fish into a holding tank for the Sandy River broodstock program.
The decision was made to raise sponsorship funds for a video version of the original booklet. We worked for a couple of months on funding the film and through the generosity of Oregon Anglers Alliance and Pro-Cure Bait Scents we were able to crank up production. We asked Alex Brauer, an extremely talented writer to create the script, Tony Amato stepped up to edit and help with content and shooting and Dr. Kelcee Smith of ODFW agreed to do the voiceover. Over the next eight months we traveled to 10 different locations from southern Oregon to Idaho. We filmed 12 highly knowledgeable advocates of the wild broodstock process, highlighting the remarkable success of these programs. Editing began at the end of 2024 and we launched the project two months later on Outdoor GPS.
The response exceeded our expectations. We received 7,000+ views in the first two days and we are close to 15,000 views and roughly 3,000 shares of the video in the first three weeks. Our fans are doing what we asked them to do. They are sending the link to the video to people that are either unfamiliar with wild broodstock programs or are interested in starting programs on their home rivers.
Why The Hatchery & Wild Coexist Coalition produced this video?
We hope that our viewers understand that the future of salmon and steelhead is at risk, and that wild broodstock programs offer a powerful solution; not THE solution, but one of several changes that need to be made in order to change the trajectory of our iconic salmon and steelhead populations. By using wild-caught fish as parents, these programs preserve genetic diversity, produce stronger fish, and enhance struggling populations. Featuring insights from biologists, guides, and industry experts, this video explores how science and conservation are driving change. Join the movement to protect our fisheries. Learn more at www.hatchery-wild-coexist.com. Link to “Wild Broodstock-Change in the Right Direction.”
Hw&C’s Mission:
Support Abundant And Healthy Fisheries
Hatchery & Wild Coexist is a campaign highlighting the importance of fish hatcheries and the role they play in wild fish recovery and providing abundant fisheries. For decades hatcheries have provided important mitigation for the loss of naturally spawned salmon and steelhead while providing for fishing opportunity. They have helped ensure the ongoing existence of many salmon and steelhead runs and the fisheries they provide.
Hatcheries have been scapegoated by some as the cause of the decline of wild salmon and steelhead populations. That faulty premise has led to drastic reductions, and in several cases complete elimination, of hatchery supplementation in hopes of reviving wild fish numbers. It has also been a distraction from addressing the ongoing and actual causes of declining wild fish populations.
Hatcheries are not the cause of the decline of wild fish. The truth is that other factors have largely driven the declines in wild fish, including habitat, hydro, predation and overharvest. After years of hatchery cuts and budget reductions, recent scientific studies show removing hatchery fish does not, by itself, result in an increase in wild fish. Contrary to the false anti-hatchery narrative, evidence shows that well-managed hatcheries and wild fish recovery are not mutually exclusive.
Hatcheries can help increase the number of wild fish. Experience, substantiated by science, shows well-designed and properly implemented hatchery programs can help increase wild fish numbers. In fact, there are examples of where hatchery programs have been used to bring back runs that were on the brink of extinction. Hatcheries are an important option that when used properly result in healthy and abundant fisheries.
It is time to change the anti-hatchery narrative. History—and science—shows hatcheries can be operated consistent with wild fish recovery and abundance. Hatcheries are also critical to enjoying robust and healthy fisheries.
H&WC launched as a 501c3 non-profit, all volunteer organization in 2020.
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SLOW IT DOWN FOR SALMON & STEELHEAD - NICK AMATO
