Staff at the Douglas Island Pink and Chum Inc.’s Macaulay Salmon Hatchery are ready for another summer season — even if it will be a little different than past years.<\/p>\n
According to DIPAC executive director Katie Harms, the indoor public spaces of the Ladd Macaulay Visitor Center will remain closed for the summer, including the rearing facility, touch tanks, aquariums and bear and bald eagle displays. The facility closed for public visits in the spring of 2020 as part of COVID-19 prevention.<\/p>\n
“We hope to open in the fall,” Harms said.<\/p>\n
She said that in December the board of directors decided to keep the doors shut for the summer so that cruise ship and travel package companies could plan around the closure and avoid having to process potential refunds.<\/p>\n
Harms said people are welcome to visit all outside viewing areas, including the 450-foot fish ladder, the viewing window and to interact with the exterior signage.<\/p>\n
According to DIPAC’s website, on-site “educational signage details the life cycle of Pacific Salmon and Alaska hatchery operations.” The signs explain the differences between the five species of Pacific Salmon. Informational posters located on the windows of the hatchery provide additional information.<\/p>\n
The city’s sport fishing pier located next to the facility remains open and provides direct access to salmon returning to the hatchery. Nearby benches offer plentiful opportunities to see bald eagles. Seals often gather in the area as the salmon return.<\/p>\n