Peter Gray Hatchery Update  
Hatchery Update

After a hot start to August where we experienced river temperatures 3-6 degrees Celsius higher than last year during the same time period, we did enjoy a break in the heat mid-August. This last week of August is giving us another heat wave, with warm nights and warm waters, but that mid-month break in the heat with some cool nights helped the salmon in the Peter Gray Hatchery. Even though a couple degree drop here and there doesn't seem like a big deal, we could see a visible difference in the amount our "little athletes" were feeding and their overall conditioning.

Not to bring down those that love hot, dry summers, but here at the Peter Gray Parr Project we are ready for cooler days and nights that will translate into cooler river temperatures. A bunch of rain would be wonderful as well! Operating a hatchery full of endangered Atlantic salmon changes your perspective on a rainstorm. Although I'm fairly certain she doesn't operate a salmon hatchery, Kendall Jenner seems to know what I'm talking about, " When it rains, I have good energy; I'm in a good mood."

The fall season is fast approaching here at the Peter Gray Hatchery , which means that juvenile salmon assessment (i.e. seeing how many salmon are in different tributaries throughout the East Machias River watershed), fin clipping (marking each of our "little athletes" for later identification), and stocking are on the horizon.

Assuming river temperatures are favorable, electrofishing for juvenile salmon will take place in mid-September. If you're around East Machias the first couple of weeks in October, stop by the Peter Gray Hatchery for some fin clipping action! Each year we try to have some clipping events that happen in the evenings. The tentative date for Ladies' night is Tuesday October 2nd starting at 6pm. Gentlemen's night will be Wednesday October 3rd at 6pm. We shall see who clips more fish this year! Hope to see you there.

Make sure to check out some of the photos in this update of long-time DSF board member Don, fishing for salmon on a recent trip to the St. John River in Gaspe' QB.

If you are new to receiving these updates and would like to catch up on some you have missed, please visit our website here .

$60k Peter Gray Parr Project
Matching Gift Challenge - Almost $20k raised to match so far!

DSF friend and supporter, Charlie Harriman (out smolt trapping with DSF in the photo above), has made a $60k Matching Gift Challenge for the Peter Gray Parr Project ! This means that all donations to the Project will be matched 1:1 up until we meet that $60,000 challenge. We hope that you will join Charlie in his enthusiastic efforts to help restore Atlantic salmon from the brink of extinction in Maine and get your donation doubled by giving to the Peter Gray Parr Project today! So far about $20,000 has been raised because of this matching gift. Thank you to all that have given.

If you believe in the importance of restoring Atlantic salmon to our U.S. rivers, then please consider making a Matching Challenge Gift to the Peter Gray Parr Project. We will be continuing our work to restore salmon to Downeast Maine and would appreciate your help! Click  HERE to donate and contact DSF Membership & Development Coordinator, Heather Andrews , with any questions about making a gift. Thank you for your support!
Merchandise

You can also support us by purchasing some DSF swag! Hats, vests, and shirts can be found HERE . Other ways to help are to become a member !

Truck

Do you have a pickup truck you don't need? Are you looking for a tax deduction in 2018? Consider donating your truck to the Downeast Salmon Federation for use in all of our salmon and salmon habitat restoration projects. A short list of requirements are as follows:

  • Able to pass inspection in the state of Maine
  • Four wheel drive
  • In good mechanical working order

We would like to avoid a truck that needs thousands of dollars to get it into operating order, so please only think about this generous act if your truck is in good shape. Thank you for your consideration.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to reach out to me at zach@mainesalmonrivers.org. I hope this update finds you well and you enjoyed reading about the Peter Gray Parr Project . Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, in the pursuit of Atlantic salmon restoration!

Kind Regards,

Peter Gray Hatchery Staff 
If you'd like to read more on the Peter Gray Parr Project 's beginnings and future please read our  Parr Project Booklet. 

There is a short Parr Project video on our website  HERE.


Thank you to the Trout and Salmon Foundation for your continued support of the Peter Gray Parr Project !
Wild Atlantic salmon numbers in the U.S. have been at a record low, but DSF is working to bring them back. Please support our work by becoming a member  of the Downeast Salmon Federation. Together, we can restore sea-run fisheries in Maine.