Darian
02-21-2012, 04:43 PM
In a prior thread, there was some discussion about whether CA DFG clips adipose fins on all Salmon/Steelhead or not. I inquired of DFG (hatchery programs spokesperson) and received a response that might shed some light on the subject:
"1) Are the adipose fins of all hatchery raised fish clipped or a percentage of same? and 2)If not all are clipped, what is the percentage of the total fish released that have clipped fins?
In California Hatcheries 25% of all Chinook are clipped before release. Steelhead, 100%. Spring run Chinook 100%. not sure about the % on Coho.
3) How are the fins clipped?
In California it depends on the hatchery and the species of fish. Central Valley hatcheries use a new automatic tagging trailer. Some hatcheries still do it by hand. You need to do an internet search for fish tagging. I had done that the last time and had sites for you to look at.
Hope this helps. It's a complicated question. If you need more info please be more specific in your questions. (ie hatcheries, species, etc.)"
"1) Are the adipose fins of all hatchery raised fish clipped or a percentage of same? and 2)If not all are clipped, what is the percentage of the total fish released that have clipped fins?
In California Hatcheries 25% of all Chinook are clipped before release. Steelhead, 100%. Spring run Chinook 100%. not sure about the % on Coho.
3) How are the fins clipped?
In California it depends on the hatchery and the species of fish. Central Valley hatcheries use a new automatic tagging trailer. Some hatcheries still do it by hand. You need to do an internet search for fish tagging. I had done that the last time and had sites for you to look at.
Hope this helps. It's a complicated question. If you need more info please be more specific in your questions. (ie hatcheries, species, etc.)"