Experts from 3 countries meeting in Ore. to discuss protecting wild salmon from hatchery fish

Scientists in Oregon to discuss salmon safeguards

PORTLAND, Ore. — Hundreds of scientists from the Pacific Northwest, Russia and Japan are meeting in Portland, Ore., this week to discuss how to manage salmon hatcheries after recent studies show hatchery fish could harm endangered wild salmon.

Hatcheries have long been seen as a way to protect wild salmon. But an Oregon State University report last year showed that hatchery fish can cause genetic problems in their wild-born cousins. Researchers say the larger hatchery fish also can prey on wild smolts.

Organizers of the State of the Salmon conference say wild salmon would be helped by more research on hatchery fish.