The Sheldon Jackson College Aquarium and Hatchery (or Sitka Sound Science Center) displays many different types of Southeast Alaskan marine life for visitors to watch and learn from. It also breeds different salmon species to release into the ocean, contributing to the total fishery around Southeast Alaska.
The aquarium has “touch tanks” where visitors can feed and touch sea anemones, abalone, barnacles, and star fish. This is an especially attractive feature for younger children.
The hatchery holds four species of salmon—Coho, King, Chum, and Pink—which have been bred from eggs. Visitors can view the feeding of the salmon in their holding tanks. Also, every May the smolts are released into Sitka Sound. This is an exciting event in which to participate.
Sheldon Jackson College is closed, so there are no longer students from there involved in learning about fisheries and hatchery science. But students from other areas still come as interns to learn and take care of the marine life. The aquarium and hatchery is also a very popular place to go for local school field trips, and is a great experience for tourists from out of town.
Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated, as the only other money the aquarium and hatchery receives is from government grants.
Watch For...
The annual Releasing of the Smolts. This normally takes place in May and is a popular attraction.
SUMMER HOURS AND FEES
Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed holidays.
Free admission, donations accepted
Phone: (800) 478-4556
Email: daniel.goodness@gmail.com
Website: http://www.sjhatchery.org/
|
