CHARLESTON, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating the cause of death for an unknown number of newly released young Chinook salmon.
The agency released more than 37,000 smolts in Beaver Slough, a tributary of the Coquille River back on September 11.
A few days later, a large number of dead fish were discovered by members of the public.
ODFW says the fish were too disintegrated for testing, but it’s suspected that dissolved oxygen levels in the water dropped quickly after stocking.
This was the first year ODFW stocked hatchery smolts at Beaver Slough.
The department says it will discuss an alternative to smolt stocking at Beaver Slough next year.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.