A draft report on a review of California's salmon and steelhead hatcheries is now available for public review and comment on the California Department of Fish and Game's web site.

The draft report was prepared by the Joint Hatchery Review Committee, which includes staff members from the California Department of Fish and Game and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The joint committee was created to examine salmon and steelhead hatchery policies and practices in light of recent listings of certain salmon and steelhead populations under state and federal endangered species acts.

A copy of the report can be downloaded from the DFG web page at www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/hatchery_report.html. It consists of a main 40-page report followed by four appendices. A hard copy of the report and appendices can be obtained by calling (916) 653-1994.

The joint committee is asking for written comments on the report so they can be evaluated and incorporated into the final report to be submitted to DFG Director Robert C. Hight and the NMFS Southwest Regional Admnistrator for their consideration and approval.

Comments are due no later than Aug. 17 and should be sent to Chuck Knutson, State Fish Hatchery Coordinator, California Department of Fish and Game, Lands and Facilities Branch, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

It should be noted that this report deals only with those hatcheries operated by DFG that produce salmon and steelhead and not with hatcheries that produce resident trout.