OAR 635-040-0001: Private Salmon Hatchery Policy

(1) The Commission recognizes the intent of the Legislature (ORS 508.700 through 508.745) to permit the establishment and operation of private salmon hatcheries. Oregon law provides that the role of private hatcheries is to optimize the long-term contribution to Oregon’s salmon resource under regulations which shall prevent the deterioration of any natural run of anadromous fish or populations of resident fish. (2) These rules are not intended to prevent or eliminate any currently active permitted operation. Where a proposed operation has met the statutory criteria and been issued a permit, the Commission intends that the private salmon hatchery be operated in a manner consistent with Oregon law. (3) Private salmon hatcheries shall use or develop stocks that are, to the fullest extent possible, compatible with naturally adapted stocks in accordance with OAR 635-007-0521 through 635-007-0529 and fish management plans of the Department, and as they may be amended. (4) Private salmon hatcheries shall be limited in numbers of fish permitted to be released, based on: (a) The technical and financial capabilities of the permittee; (b) The Department’s evaluation of the permittee’s proposed program; and (c) The consistency of the proposed program with the goals and guidelines of the Land Conservation and Development Commission and fish management plans of the Department. (5) Private salmon hatcheries shall be regularly monitored to insure compliance with ORS 508.700 through 508.745 and all applicable regulations.