Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery Complex: Utilizing Supplementation and Adaptive Management to Increase Salmon Recovery in and Around the Nez Perce Indian Reservation

The Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery Complex (NPTHC) was constructed for a need to mitigate the effects of the Federal Columbia River Hydropower System on naturally-reproducing salmon in the Clearwater River Subbasin.  The overall goal is to produce and release fish that will survive to adulthood, spawn in the Clearwater River Subbasin and produce viable offspring that will support future natural production and genetic integrity

NPTHC is a supplementation program that produces and releases spring, fall, and early-fall stocks of Chinook salmon.  The intent of NPTHC is to use best management practices (BMP) and Natural Rearing Enhancement Systems (NATURES) techniques to develop, increase and restore natural populations of spring and fall Chinook salmon in the Clearwater River Subbasin. 

The Nez Perce Tribal hatchery will help restore naturally reproducing populations of spring and fall Chinook salmon in the Clearwater River basin.  The hatchery will help preserve the genetic integrity of these fish populations and, in the long term, establish harvest opportunities for tribal and non-tribal anglers.