As of 2022~
Nehalem River Fish Hatchery
Coho Salmon Harvest TWO RECORD-BREAKING YEARS-2020 & 2021
Year #Salmon
2009 157
2010 491
2011 289
2012 164
2013 372
2014 1,206
2015 146
2016 540
2017 355
2018 112
2019 400
2020 1,870
2021 2,200
Total 8,302
Expand our project within the immediate community based on fish available directly from the main trap at Nehalem Fish Hatchery.
- The 2013 season has introduced coordination of a volunteer team to do the necessary transporting of fish from capture site to processing cannery in Garibaldi. Teams and individuals are given one day of the week to monitor and haul as necessary (fish pending) throughout the ~ 4-6 week season.
- Each year we attempt to more deeply involve members of the community in terms of fund raising to offset canning and labeling costs, contribute ideas, spread enthusiasm and share the smile.
- Expand involvement with students and faculty at Neah-Kah-Nie High School. In 2013 we hope to bring the business students into the project by way of giving them a functioning model to work with directly for hands on involvement and results. We also have an opportunity this year to bring in grade school kids for field trips under the direction of teacher Steve Albrechtsen, who has been a key Smiley Brother. Steve has been responsible for coordinating and inspiring students in his art/photography class to design and produce product labels from the beginning.
- Reach out to other parts of Tillamook County for involvement and assistance in promoting and expanding this project with increased focus on South Tillamook County and the Children’s Backpack program.
- Monitor and ensure our product reaches as many in need as possible in the timeliest fashion.
Process and distribute as many hatchery salmon and Oregon Tuna Classic Albacore as possible going forward. We wish to explore the possibilities and opportunities to gather as many fish as possible and process them here in Oregon. Our goal is to minimize shipping costs and carbon footprint, and at the same time provide local processers with needed employment. More local jobs equal less need at the food banks. We feel local canning of our protein and omega 3 rich resources is the highest and best use. Localized canning provides ease of transportation, longer shelf life than freezing involving less energy output. Our local canneries pride themselves in making a superior product.
Increase and sustain corporate donations and grant funding to keep pace with project growth.