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troutdude
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From ODFW's Weekly Rec Report...
Cured eggs and steelhead smolts
A recent study by ODFW and OSU has shown that a common ingredient in some egg cures – sodium sulfite – can be toxic when consumed by juvenile salmon and steelhead. To help protect salmon smolts, there are several things anglers can do to reduce the introduction of sodium sulfite into the environment.
If you’re making your own cure, avoid using sodium sulfite. Borax is a good alternative that does not appear to cause mortality in juvenile salmon.
If you’re buying commercially cured eggs: * Choose products that specify they are free of sodium sulfite. * Don’t add additional sodium sulfite to already cured eggs. * Don’t dump unused eggs in the river where they can be eaten by juvenile fish. * Consider the use of net bags to reduce the likelihood of juvenile salmon consuming the eggs
The effect of sodium sulfite on salmon and steelhead populations has not been determined. However, removing sodium sulfite from cured eggs is a small step that individual anglers can take to help reduce salmon and steelhead smolt mortality.
Cured eggs and steelhead smolts
A recent study by ODFW and OSU has shown that a common ingredient in some egg cures – sodium sulfite – can be toxic when consumed by juvenile salmon and steelhead. To help protect salmon smolts, there are several things anglers can do to reduce the introduction of sodium sulfite into the environment.
If you’re making your own cure, avoid using sodium sulfite. Borax is a good alternative that does not appear to cause mortality in juvenile salmon.
If you’re buying commercially cured eggs: * Choose products that specify they are free of sodium sulfite. * Don’t add additional sodium sulfite to already cured eggs. * Don’t dump unused eggs in the river where they can be eaten by juvenile fish. * Consider the use of net bags to reduce the likelihood of juvenile salmon consuming the eggs
The effect of sodium sulfite on salmon and steelhead populations has not been determined. However, removing sodium sulfite from cured eggs is a small step that individual anglers can take to help reduce salmon and steelhead smolt mortality.