Jordan River NFH rears approximately 2 million lake trout yearlings for native Lake trout rehabilitation in lakes Huron and Michigan.  This spring the hatchery has slightly more fish on station. 

The fish are now about 5-7 inches and 10-12/lb.  A sudden spring warm up with temperatures in the upper seventies, raised the water temperatures reducing its capacity to hold oxygen.

Staff monitored oxygen levels and determined that the situation was critical, especially with the hatchery at high loadings and another week until it would be Jordan River’s turn to stock fish.  Oxygen levels were as low as 4.5 to 5 parts per million during part of the day between April 18^th and April 24^th. 

Station staff installed reflective tarp over the water intakes to reduce temperature spikes, put micropore stones (additional oxygen) in some of the raceways, manipulated water in the outside raceways, did not feed fish or clean raceways for three days and quickly ushered visitors away from the fish to prevent additional stress. 

While many staff was on the road busy stocking fish, Project Leader Rick Westerhof really earned his keep, monitoring oxygen levels and keeping a close eye out for stressed fish.  

Fortunately, a change in the stocking schedule allowed Jordan River NFH to release some fish early and reduce loadings at the hatchery.  As a result of the efforts, no fish were lost during this emergency.