This February, 7 Lakes received 200 Atlantic Salmon eggs from Green Lake National Fish Hatchery in Ellsworth as a part of the Atlantic Salmon Federation’s Fish Friends Program.

Maine has the last remaining wild population of Atlantic Salmon in the U.S., which are currently listed as ‘Endangered’ under the Endangered Species Act. 7 Lakes, along with schools and other organizations, raise the salmon from the eyed egg stage, through the alevin stage, and into the fry stage. While the salmon are undergoing lifecycle changes, we will be adjusting the temperature of the water in the salmon tank to match the temperature of the Sandy River.

7 Lakes will release our Atlantic Salmon into the Sandy River once the salmon reach the fry stage, usually around mid-May. At this time, insects and macro-invertebrates will start hatching and will be available for the young salmon to eat. Atlantic Salmon will continue to live and grow in the river they are born or released in as Parr for a couple of years. When they reach about 6 inches long, they are ready to live in the ocean as a smolt. At this stage, they become silver in color, and continue to grow until they reach maturation. They will then migrate back to the river they were born or raised in to spawn.

Through Fish Friends, the Maine Council of the Atlantic Salmon Federation (MCASF) aims to both educate future generations on the importance of wild Atlantic salmon and fisheries conservation, as well as provide a unique and fun learning experience.