Salmon fry release event to be held March 19-21! Call for participants (Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture)

The mystery of life! Let’s learn about the ecology of salmon!

The Museum of Aquatic Life, Umigatari, located in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, will hold an event called “Itterasu Salmon” for three days from March 19 (Sat.) to 21 (Mon., holiday) to release salmon fry at the mouth of the Kuwatori River that runs through the city. We are currently recruiting participants.

Joetsu City is an area where salmon come up to the river every year and are a familiar fish to the citizens of Joetsu. At Umigatari, we have been organizing projects and hands-on events to show the appeal of salmon in order to let people know more about this familiar fish. At the special exhibition “Welcome Back Salmon” held last year, visitors were able to release 2,000 juvenile salmon that had been hatched and raised by the breeders into a large tank as a hands-on event.

In conjunction with the “Welcome Back Salmon” event, we will be releasing salmon fry into the river with the cooperation of the Kuwadori River Fisheries Cooperative Association and the general public. The fry to be released were fertilized in the Kuwadori River and hatched in the sea turtle. This is the first time for Umigatari to release fry into the river.

To participate in this event, you need to apply in advance. Applications are accepted by postcard or at the Umigatari counter. Applications must arrive by Sunday, March 6. If there are too many applications, the winner will be chosen by lottery and will be notified on March 9 (Wed).

“Itterasu Salmon”
■Period: Saturday, March 19 – Monday, March 21, 2012
■Time: 11:00 – 12:00
■Location: Near the mouth of the Kuwatori River in Joetsu City
■Capacity: 15 people each day *No entry fee
■Application deadline: must arrive by Sunday, March 6
■How to apply: Apply by postcard or at the Umigatami counter. Please include the names and ages of all participants and the phone number of the representative.If there are too many applicants, we will draw lots and contact the winners by Wednesday, March 9.
■Inquiries: TEL025-543-2449（Umigatari, Joetsu City Museum of Aquatic Life)
■Website: http://www.umigatari.jp/joetsu/