Source: Teacher's Resource Manual
Fish Release Tips AT SCHOOL
• Double check your 772 permits for your approved release location. You must release at the Mokelumne River Hatchery.
• Determine if your release site requires reservations. Contact your sponsor for field trip support.
• Refer to the Fry Release and Field Trip Guide available at https://wildlife.ca.gov/CAEP/Curriculum-Aids
• Don’t forget the fish, net and thermometer!
• Do not release deformed or diseased looking fish.
• Allow time - Collecting the fish can take a very long time - possibly an hour. It helps to take out all rocks/gravel and check beneath the under-gravel filter, so no fry is left behind. During transport check the temperature a few times. If the temperature begins rising, add a few ice cubes in a plastic bag to keep the water cool.
• Some sort of aeration is a good idea. Gently pouring water from a cup into the bucket should be sufficient, or you can use a battery-operated aerator that can be attached to the side of the bucket. Placing the bucket in an ice chest with some ice in the bottom is a good way to maintain temperature and catch any water that may splash.
• Make sure to keep your 772 permit with the fish during transport and release. After the fish are released, complete the bottom section and return the signed permit to your CAEP coordinator or sponsor organization ASAP.
• Review the rules of the field trip with the students. If you are running stations, divide your students into groups before you arrive on site to save time.
AT FIELD TRIP SITE
• Make sure your fish are acclimated for release. Set the bucket in a shallow area of river or lake water and allow the temperature to slowly even out. You can add a cup of river or lake water every few minutes to help the process along. When the water in your bucket is within five-degrees of water body temperature you’re ready to release your fry. This can take some time ~20 minutes, but if you rush it you can shock or kill the fish.
• While you’re waiting for the water temperature to adjust, have students observe the natural features of the river or lake and take the opportunity to discuss your fishes’ new home with your students. Rivers and lakes are complex systems with many parts, each of which play a part in the salmonid life cycle. See the ‘Parts of the River’ in the Fry Release Guide available online at https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=91752&inline for information on river features and discuss their importance with your class.
Take time to explore the area. A good idea is to devote at least 20 minutes to a nature walk or other activity that encourages students to interact with the environment. Divide the class into small groups (each led by a chaperone) and let them discover nature for themselves.