Peter Gray Hatchery Update  
An example of the low water levels seen across the East Machias River watershed this summer. This is Northern Stream, the most productive tributary in the watershed. Source: Sheller
Some of our "little athletes" during a July growth rate analysis. Source: Monini
**Please follow the hyperlinks throughout this update for more information**

If there is anything consistent in the world today I suppose it could be the Atlantic salmon. Although beleaguered and on the ropes, this amazing fish continues to battle to be part of this world. If the fish continues to fight, shouldn't we fight for that fish...As Benjamin Franklin once said, "Energy and persistence conquer all things."

Hello Peter Gray Parr Project supporters and thank you for clicking once again on a Peter Gray Hatchery update. We are grateful for you taking the time to join us.

Hot and dry conditions persist this summer in the Downeast Maine region. The low flows can be seen on the USGS river gauge for the Narraguagus River (32 miles Southwest) follow this link: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv/?01022500. The flow regimes you see would be similar across Downeast Maine rivers to include the East Machias River. 2020 continues to keep us on our toes and has provided one of the more unique water temperature regimes we have seen at the Peter Gray Hatchery. From one of the coldest early springs we have ever had, to one of the most rapid increases in temperature we have ever seen in May, to leveling back off of bit. It has been a bit like riding a roller coaster.

The salmon in the tanks at the Peter Gray Hatchery are still swimming and growing. By periodically increasing the volume and velocity of the water in our rearing tanks we help the salmon in our care develop strong muscle tone. Being streamline and fit will serve them well once stocked into the East Machias River and eventually when they head to the Atlantic Ocean. At just under 1 gram each (on average), they are right on track given the environmental conditions that the river has experienced this year.

Hatchery staff has already started moving forward with preparations for the coming year. One thing about hatchery operations is the fish wait for no man and many tasks have to happen in preparation for not just next year, but future years to come. Between caring for the salmon we have at DSF 's Peter Gray Hatchery , applications have been submitted to secure permits for the coming season and work has begun to add egg rearing stacks to the expansion side of the facility. Adding these will increase DSF's ability to rear more than one genetic strain of salmon next year. Onward and upward! DSF's continued ability to affect positive change on the salmon populations of Downeast Maine is being noticed and creating momentum to push Atlantic salmon forward.

Want to save on taxes this year??? Interested to know how you can help? Did you know that as part of the coronavirus relief package the tax deduction laws were adjusted where even those that utilize the standard deduction (not itemizing) can receive a tax deduction up to $300 for nonprofits they donate to in 2020? So if you find yourself with a few extra dollars, please consider donating to the Peter Gray Parr Project here . Every dollar given helps us stock another Peter Gray parr into the river and advance towards the recovery of this iconic species. And as an added benefit, this year you can earn credit for every one of those dollars given towards this important mission.

If you are new to receiving these updates and would like to catch up on some you have missed, please visit our website  here . If there are any of your friends you think would enjoy this content please share with them or let us know their email address to add to the list! Be sure to visit and subscribe to DSF's YouTube channel ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ufWzE9qT6C5W3DZvclvjA ) for more videos about the Downeast Salmon Federation and all the work we are involved in.

If you like the work we are doing, please considering  donating   towards the continuation of the  Peter Gray Parr Project , every dollar helps directly towards the restoration of this wonderful fish! We hope this update finds you well and you enjoyed reading about the  Peter Gray Parr Project . Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, in the pursuit of Atlantic salmon restoration!

Thank you for your time,

Zach
The start to some hatchery modifications that will allow DSF to raise other genetic strains of salmon. Source: Sheller.
The start to some hatchery modifications that will allow DSF to raise other genetic strains of salmon. Source: Sheller.
Some of our "little athletes" during some growth rate sampling. Source: Monini
A low Richardson's Brook. This is a place where DSF's Peter Gray Hatchery stocks parr and DSF also (in partnership) is adding clam shells to the stream to add calcium and pH mitigation in an effort to aid Atlantic salmon. Source: Sheller
You can also support the Downeast Salmon Federation by purchasing some swag! Hats, sweatshirts, and t-shirts can be found HERE . Other ways to help are to become a member !
If you'd like to read more on the Peter Gray Parr Project 's beginnings and future please read our  Parr Project Booklet.

There is a short Parr Project video on our website  HERE.

DSF is an accredited member of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization !
 Thank you to the Trout and Salmon Foundation for your continued support of the Peter Gray Parr Project !
  Thank you to the Sarah K. de Coizart Article TENTH Perpetual Charitable Trust for your support of the Peter Gray Parr Project !
Please support our work by becoming a member  of the Downeast Salmon Federation. Together, we can restore sea-run fisheries in Maine.