Is it true that the best way to help a salmon run recover after dam removal is to build a large fish hatchery?

Building a large fish hatchery is not considered the best or most effective way to help a salmon run recover after dam removal. While hatcheries can aid in boosting fish populations, they often do not address the core ecological and environmental issues that affect wild salmon runs.

The recovery of salmon populations typically hinges on improving the natural habitat and river conditions, which can include enhancing water quality, restoring river flow, and ensuring access to spawning grounds that may have been blocked by the dam. These ecological factors are vital for the long-term sustainability of salmon populations.

Moreover, hatchery-reared fish may not be genetically suited for surviving in the wild, which can lead to problems such as reduced fitness and competition with wild salmon. Sustainable recovery efforts focus more on habitat restoration and ecological balance rather than simply increasing fish numbers through artificial means.