Task force members visit Squaxin Island Tribe net pens

March 2023

Task Force members Rick Witters and Brad Pomroy spent a morning meeting with hatchery manager Will Henderson from the Squaxin Island Tribe and with Wayne Harmond from NW Salmon Research. Wayne is a leader in salmon restoration projects across Puget Sound. We are grateful to them for taking the time to meet with us and share their experiences.

Will provided us a tour of the net pens located off of Squaxin Island and introduced us to several members of his team. These pens are used each year in the spring to raise salmon fry for several months until they are mature enough to be released. Will and his team are doing an incredible job managing the millions of salmon fry being reared in the net pens. They are experienced, professional and committed to taking care of the fish. Will has offered to stay connected with us and to answer questions as they arise.

It was also a pleasure to spend time with Wayne Harmond. He has worked for years to find ways to increase salmon populations in Puget Sound and is incredibly passionate about the subject. He is very well connected and understands where the opportunities are and how to avoid pitfalls. Wayne is excited about our group’s work and has offered to help us going forward.