By State Representative Boomer Wright and State Representative Court Boice
June 9th, 2025
Representatives Boomer Wright (R-Reedsport) and Court Boice (R-Gold Beach) applauded the signage of Senate Bill 221 which will assist in the establishment of fall Chinook fish incubation nursery programs.
Streamside incubators, such as those promoted by the bill, are low cost, require simple technology, use no electricity, and do not deplete water supplies — a gravity flow runs through the incubator over the eggs and then out into the supply stream naturally.
“Hatch boxes or incubation boxes will increase salmon egg propagation for angling and economic efficiency of commercial fish culture operation. We must work toward abundance in our rivers and streams by increasing hatching and survival rates through the use of hatcheries and incubation boxes in tandem,” said Rep. Wright.
“Wild Oregon fish are one of the greatest natural resources found anywhere on the planet. We must work together, work hard, and be determined to bring our anadromous fish back to fabulous abundance. SB 221 is another step in overcoming the odds and succeeding in our quest for salmon and trout recoveries,” said Rep. Boice.
Incubation nursery programs, like the ones the bill will establish, will increase hatching rates and restore harvestable fish for sport, commercial, and tribal fisheries. Additionally, they will promote cooperation and engagement between community volunteers, State Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel, and members of federally recognized Indian tribes.
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