Also known as the Yakoun River Hatchery, the Salmon Enhancement Program continues to play a critical role in managing and restoring fisheries, and complementing habitat conservation.
The Hatchery is located at Marie Lake on Graham Island, Haida Gwaii. It was established in 1978 as a partnership between the Old Massett Village Council and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to rebuild the declining Yakoun River Chinook stock as well as enhance Yakoun River Coho salmon. At the hatchery site, adult salmon are captured. The eggs are removed from the females, and the milt from the males. These are mixed together to fertilize the eggs and incubated through the winter. In early spring, the fry emerge. They are fed in net pens prior to their release in June, when they are at optimum size for the highest possible survival and eventual return.