Record number of hatchery Chinook salmon expected to return to Whatcom Creek

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife anticipates that over 7,000 hatchery Chinook salmon will return to Whatcom Creek in Bellingham during the next two months. These salmon, raised from eggs sourced from the Samish River, are incubated by Bellingham Technical College students and released into Bellingham Bay each spring. Lisa Wilson, vice chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, highlighted the dedication of tribal and local communities to restore salmon populations. The hatchery plan, developed over ten years, aims to support local fisheries and provide food for Southern Resident killer whales. Fishing for Chinook will be permitted on weekends in lower Whatcom Creek until September 14.

This initiative not only benefits local ecosystems but also enhances educational opportunities for students at BTC. The collaborative effort involves partnerships among the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, Lummi Nation, and Nooksack Tribe. The return of these salmon signifies a meaningful step towards sustainable fisheries and environmental stewardship in the region.