SJ HATCHERY

The SJ Hatchery is located on the grounds of the Sitka Sound Science Center. Situated in the basement of the Sage Building, the hatchery had been an integral part of the former Environmental Science Program of SJC. This unique geographical site, located close to the estuary of Indian River, the Sitka National Historical Park, and within easy walking distance of downtown, has become an important part of what makes Sitka special!

The hatchery program began in 1975, when Sheldon Jackson College received Private-Non-Profit Permit # 3 from the State of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game. The primary purpose of the program has been to train students in fisheries and hatchery science. The secondary purpose has been to enhance salmon stocks, and contribute to the common property fishery of Sitka Sound, and Southeast Alaska. To this end, the program has been a success.Permit #3 allows the SJ Hatchery to take eggs, and produce smolts, from 4 species of Pacific salmon: Chinook (commonly called “kings”), Coho (also known as “silvers”), Chum (sometimes referred to as “dog” salmon), and Pinks (commonly called “humpies”). The permit allows 100,000 chinook eggs, 150,000 coho eggs, 10 million chum eggs, and 1 million pink eggs.

In the summer of 2007, and with the cessation of academic programs at SJC, the future of the educational and production program at the hatchery became extremely uncertain. Hatchery Manager Dan Goodness became a volunteer in December, 2007, following his employment termination from the College. Many other caring and dedicated individuals from Sitka have also volunteered to help in the effort to “save the hatchery”. The heart of the hatchery program never skipped a beat. Operational monies to temporarily sustain the program became available in February, 2008, and the hatchery lives on! But the long-term future remains uncertain. For more information about the program, contact John Stein.