Monday February 24, 2025
KRCR —
Endangered young Chinook salmon were released into the Sacramento River on Friday evening, drawing an unexpectedly large crowd.
Around 60 onlookers gathered to witness the release of 400 baby fall-run Chinook salmon—a significant increase in attendance compared to previous years.
The event, organized by Turtle Bay Exploration Park in partnership with Coleman Fish Hatchery, is part of a program to revitalize the Chinook salmon population, which faces habitat loss, water pollution and climate change threats. Curator of Animal Programs at Turtle Bay, Sharon Clay, said the program helps give them a better chance.
The program provides a controlled and secure environment for the salmon to grow before their release. “We keep our tank very clean, separate from any other of our fish tanks. It’s just for them. It’s monitored. It’s got an entire filtration system on it and we manage how much food they’re getting to make sure they’re healthy,” Clay said.