Welcome to Fish Eggs to Fry!
I’m Jen, your Eastern Oregon Salmon-Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) Biologist.
The STEP program is brought to you by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. STEP projects are volunteer projects that include salmon-trout monitoring, habitat restoration, fisheries education and, of course, Fish Eggs To Fry – Hatching Salmon and Trout in the Classroom.
Why hatch trout in your classroom?
Hatching trout in a classroom is one of those magical activities that...
- catches kids' interest in the real world,
- facilitates learning in science and math, and
- can be the nucleus of learning activities in language arts, social studies, and fine arts at any grade level.
Students observe the early development of a trout or salmon while learning important concepts and caring attitudes about Oregon's fish species and their habitats.
What is the basic process?
Apply for trout eggs by June 1rst. This EGG APPLICATION Form can be located in DOWNLOADS
Two hundred fertilized eggs will be delivered to your classroom during the upcoming school year (usually October or February). Then, watch them grow; eggs hatch to alevin and then develop into small fry (1” length). Teachers are responsible for setting up the tank prior to egg delivery and releasing fry in an ODFW designated water body.
What do I need to set up a trout incubator?
You need an aquarium, aerator, filter and gravel. The water needs to be cooled with a chiller, small refrigerator or frozen water bottles. Other equipment includes water quality test kits, thermometer and egg tray.
Are funds available?
If your school is located in Deschutes, Jefferson or Crook County the Kokanee Karnival Program loans classroom incubator equipment. There are also funds to cover fish release field trips expenses.
How long does it take for the trout to reach fry stage?
It usually takes 1-2 months, but it depends on species and water temperature.
How much monitoring is required to raise trout?
The aquarium water should be tested for pH, dissolved oxygen and temperature every other day. Assign these tasks to individual students or rotate it among groups of students. Dead eggs should be removed each day and water may need to be exchanged occasionally.
What do we do with the fish once they reach the fry stage? Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife will issue a fish release permit for an assigned local water body. Many classes take a field trip to the release site so students may release the fish themselves.
Are there lesson plans and activities available that support this project?
The support system includes Fish Eggs to Fry and An Educator’s Resource Guide for Hatching Salmon and Trout in the Classroom, both available in DOWNLOADS. Your local STEP biologist has further educational resources that relates to salmon, trout and healthy watersheds.
If you would like information to begin this program in your area, please email eggz@kokaneekarnival.org and I will get to you promptly!
Thanks
Jen
For more information about STEP go to http://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/volunteer/
