It is said that a plan is underway to contract out the operation of a Hood Canal salmon hatchery — an effort that could lead to private operation of other hatcheries throughout the state. Heather Bartlett, hatchery division manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, said that they have never turned over a fully functioning, operating hatchery for someone else to run.
It is told that the plan is to contract out the operation of the McKernan Hatchery on Weaver Creek, a tributary of the Skokomish River. In January, Bartlett is expected to seek proposals from qualifying groups. Neil Werner, director of the enhancement group, said that Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, which got its start rearing salmon, could be one of those submitting a proposal.
It is opined that McKernan is one of seven hatcheries that the Legislature has approved for closure or transfer to a private entity. McKernan, which produces chum salmon as well as steelhead, is scheduled to close June 30. Under state law, an operator can be a nonprofit organization, a private company or a tribe. Bartlett said she is not sure if any commercial fishing group will submit an application.
Joseph Pavel, natural resources director for the Skokomish Tribe, expressed that tribal fishers are interested in maintaining the production in the McKernan Hatchery. At the moment, the tribe is waiting to see what Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group will propose. The tribe is interested in keeping that facility in operation. It is a very significant component of chum production.
A private contractor, American Canadian Fisheries, currently buys the eggs and carcasses under a contract with the state. Company officials who could answer questions about the company’s possible takeover of the hatchery were unavailable.
