RFEGs engage in two types of enhancement, both of which are invaluable to the recovery and survival of ESA-listed salmonid stocks.

FISHERIES ENHANCEMENT

Salmon enhancement activities help to recover and conserve the state’s naturally spawning salmon populations.  Every year, RFEGs raise tens of millions of salmon eggs, smolt, and fry and release them into creeks and rivers.

NUTRIENT ENHANCEMENT

RFEGs distribute thousands of salmon carcasses to provide marine-derived nutrients to support the watershed ecosystem. In watersheds with intact rearing and spawning habitat, nutrient enhancement may be the last option in an attempt to bolster juvenile production and promote the recovery of dwindling returns of natural-origin salmon and steelhead stocks.