OR SB512

State Department of Fish and Wildlife must study temperature impacts and predation by nonnative fish species on hatchery releases of coho salmon, winter steelhead salmon, and chinook salmon from the Rock Creek Hatchery in the Umpqua River basin

Study must evaluate whether alternative hatchery release strategies could minimize predation and assess how rearing practices affect spring chinook salmon homing to the hatchery

Department must report findings and may include legislative recommendations to interim wildlife committees by September 15, 2026

Appropriates $1,400,000 from the General Fund to the department for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025 to conduct the study

Declares an emergency for immediate effect upon passage; study provisions repeal June 30, 2027