The Mokelumne River River Fish Hatchery is a
fish hatchery in
San Joaquin County, California, built in 1963 by the
East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD).
History
The hatchery was built in 1963 to offset the loss of
fish spawning
Fish are Aquatic animal, aquatic, craniate, gill-bearing animals that lack Limb (anatomy), limbs with Digit (anatomy), digits. Included in this definition are the living hagfish, lampreys, and Chondrichthyes, cartilaginous and bony fish as we ...
habitat due to the construction of
Camanche Dam.
From 1987 to 1992, there was a drought in the area. Low flows and a series of
fish kill
The term fish kill, known also as fish die-off, refers to a localized die-off of fish populations which may also be associated with more generalized mortality of aquatic life.University of Florida. Gainesville, FL (2005) ''Plant Management in Fl ...
s reduced the Mokelumne River
steelhead run during the 1980s.
In response, EBMUD implemented several programs to improve
water quality, flow regimes, and physical habitat in the lower
Mokelumne River. The hatchery was remodeled in July 2002, enlarging the
rearing space to promote fish health and fish survival rates while also making hatchery operations more efficient.
Since then, the Lower Mokelumme River Fishery Resource has thrived, as evidenced by counts of fall-run
Chinook salmon escapement or returning salmon. Returning salmon increased by 3,028 from 1998 to 2003.
Access
The hatchery is owned by EBUMD and operated by the
California Department of Fish and Game and is open every day (including holidays) from 7:00 am to 3:00;pm.
It is located in northeast
San Joaquin County, California at the base of the Camanche Dam and is reached by taking McIntire Road north from
State Route 12.
A limited number of educational tours are provided for schools and other organized groups. The topics covered by the tour are: the biology of Chinook salmon and Steelhead trout, the purpose and operations of the hatchery, and the importance of conserving river
watersheds. Casual visitors may take a self-guided tour.
The hatchery is also a popular destination for
fishing, wildlife watching, and
hiking.
All trails at the hatchery are paved and
wheelchair accessible.
References
* Dan Bacher
* California Department of Fish and Game
* ''The Lodi News Sentinel''
External links
EBMUDThe Fish Sniffer Online www.lodinews.com
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery
Fish hatcheries in the United States
Mokelumne River
Agricultural buildings and structures in California
Buildings and structures in San Joaquin County, California
East Bay Municipal Utility District
Education in San Joaquin County, California
Tourist attractions in San Joaquin County, California