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3. Genetic research on salmon has been in progress and the long-range 

 economic potential is great, but it was felt that this is not an urgent problem 

 facing the industry (2) . However, this type of study cannot easily be done on 



a "crash" basis since reproduction and growth of species have their own inherent 

 biological timescale which is independent of legislative or industry mandate. 

 A genetic or new stock development program is needed. 



4. Habitat management has been recognized as an extremely important 

 component of any stock enhancement program. Salmon inhabit streams, lakes, 

 large river systems, and estuaries on their way to and from the sea. Each 



of these habitat types have been subjected to influence of man. River systems 

 have been dammed and industries and towns have polluted the waters. Obvious 

 conflicts have arisen between the salmon fishery and power companies and the 

 private and public sector. Some solutions have solved specific problems, but 

 not all. In attempting to create favorable habitats for salmon culture, the 

 salmon fishery has had problems meeting existing environmental protection 

 regulations. This is particularly obvious in the case of proposed construction 

 of salmon aquaculture ponds. 



5. Aquaculture of salmon is a reality and the production of pan-sized 

 salmon in Washington and Oregon was 700,000 pounds during the 1974-1975 

 season (2). If the demand for salmon increases, as is projected, aquaculture 

 could meet this need. On the other hand, if demand is not increased, the 

 economic interplay between aquacultural based companies and the fisherman 

 could be explosive. Stock enhancement programs would have to be aware of 

 these potential economic problems. 



In summary, the technology of the salmon industry is more highly evolved 

 than other fisheries in many aspects of stock enhancement and can serve as 

 a model for development. However, a complete transfer of technology is not 

 possible because of differences in the biological characteristics of the 



species involved. 



