Another broodstock season is in the books, and it was a successful year! Despite low water levels and a year of drought, our crews had a successful season, collecting eggs from 722 female Sockeye for an estimated total of 1,297,270 eggs!
But what exactly is broodstock?
Through the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ initiative, ONA collects eggs and milt from returning adult Sockeye in the sq̓awsitkʷ – Okanagan River. These are fertilized and raised at the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery before young salmon are released into tributaries throughout Syilx Okanagan Territory. This work helps rebuild Sockeye populations and support their continued return to the Okanagan Basin.
Since 2004, this program has contributed to the release of millions of Sockeye fry, helping restore salmon populations and strengthen the health of our waterways and ecosystems. Our goal is not to replace natural spawning, but to help restore and rejuvenate salmon populations.
This year’s returning fish were in excellent condition, and all collected eggs are currently looking great! A huge thank you to all our seasonal staff and crews for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Field crews are still out collecting and sampling deceased fish as part of ongoing monitoring efforts.
The eggs will be raised at the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ hatchery over the winter before they are released the in the spring!