Bethel, VT - Tropical Storm Irene swept through New England August 28, severely flooding much of White River National Fish Hatchery in Bethel, Vermont. The hatchery rears Atlantic salmon brood stock for restoration efforts in the Connecticut River, lake trout for stocking in the Great lakes, and native brook trout to support recreational fishing in some Vermont rivers.
Nearly 10-percent of the hatchery’s fish were either killed or escaped into the White River during the flood. Twenty-five percent of the Atlantic salmon brood stock was killed, including 75-percent of the two-year old fish and almost 40-percent of the three-year old fish.
The introduction of river water to the hatchery’s closed well-water supply system exposed the facility and its cultured fish to the threat of pathogens and the invasive algae, didymo (Didymospenia geminata), also known as "rock snot." Didymo was first documented in the White River in 2007.
To prevent the spread of disease and aquatic invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species , the Service will remove the remaining Atlantic salmon, lake trout and brook trout, and will clean and decontaminate the White River Hatchery this fall.
The Service has been working with the state fisheries programs throughout New England and the Great Lakes to determine what to do with fish that survived the flood and that remain at the facility. If the Service authorizes the release of the hatchery fish, it will only be into waters where didymo has already been found, or where habitat conditions are unsuitable for didymo.
Final decisions about the disposition of the surviving Atlantic salmon or lake trout are expected to be made in November. The Service is working with state fisheries partners along the Connecticut River and in Lake Ontario to determine whether any fish can be released into the wild. The Service is also talking with Tribal governments in the Northeast about the possibility of donating salmon to the Tribes for traditional ceremonial purposes.
About 200 native brook trout fingerlings will be released into Vermont waters that are already confirmed to have didymo.
Any fish remaining at the hatchery that are not able to be released or donated will be euthanized.
When the White River, located adjacent to the facility, receded, it left behind feet-deep silt and mud. The hatchery’s wells were compromised with river water, and many of its buildings, roads, and equipment were damaged or destroyed. Mechanical and electrical systems remained minimally operational after the storm.
For more information, video and photos of impacts to White River National Fish Hatchery, visit http://www.fws.gov/whiterivernfh/irene.html. Photos available at http://flickr.com/usfwsnortheast, White River NFH photo set.
