Chinook salmon swim in a holding pond at the Leaburg Fish Hatchery on the McKenzie River. Eug 091821 Salmon
Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that California will modernize 21 state-operated fish hatcheries as part of a sweeping effort to protect and rebuild the state’s salmon and trout populations amid growing threats from climate change. The upgrades, led by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), aim to safeguard biodiversity, strengthen the state’s fishing industry, and ensure long-term ecological sustainability.
“Our salmon populations are not only an important part of our state’s biodiversity, but a rich component of our history and heritage,” Newsom said. “We have a responsibility to prepare for the future and protect the ecosystems and people whose well-being are connected to the continued success of these important species.”
The project, known as the Climate Induced Hatcheries Upgrade Project, will address the intensifying environmental stressors that have plagued hatcheries over the last decade, including extreme weather events, water shortages, and rising disease outbreaks. Many hatcheries have faced emergency evacuations and temporary closures, disrupting operations and threatening fish production goals—especially for species protected under state and federal law.
Funded with $15 million in emergency drought relief allocated in 2021, the project has moved forward with the help of expert hatchery and hydrology consultants. These experts assessed each facility’s infrastructure, water quality, and operational systems. They developed customized plans to ensure each hatchery can withstand the increasing challenges posed by climate change over the next 40 years.
CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham emphasized the urgency of the upgrades, stating, “As climate disruption continues to reshape California’s landscape, CDFW is committed to innovative action to support our state’s fisheries and the communities that depend on them.”
The project’s key improvements include replacing aging plumbing systems, upgrading fish-rearing tanks, and installing advanced water treatment and temperature control systems. These enhancements aim to reduce water usage, curb the spread of disease, and ensure uninterrupted operations. Many hatcheries are over 80 years old, making modernization critical for continued reliability.
Jay Rowan, Chief of CDFW’s Fisheries Branch, noted, “Our hatcheries are on the front lines experiencing some of these rather dramatic changes in the environment that are impacting our operations. These upgrades and modernization efforts are key elements of the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future.”
Newsom’s administration has made salmon recovery a statewide priority. Last year, California released its first comprehensive salmon strategy, awarded $50 million in habitat restoration grants, and celebrated the return of fish to the Klamath River following a landmark dam removal and restoration project led by tribal, state, and local partners.
