KISS THE FISH!

They kissed a fish and they liked it! On Wednesday, May 7th, Palisade High School was filled with many activities such as the Yearbook Distribution and Messy Day, but students flocked to the Colorado River to watch hundreds of fish find their new home. Students have the opportunity to sign up for classes, led by Mr. Steele, that introduce the fish hatchery and river dynamics. These students put in tremendous effort to raise these fish in order to release them at the end of the year. The fish, called Razorback Suckers, are endangered, and the efforts put in by PHS students makes a difference to each fish individually.

According to PHS’s Fish Hatchery website, the idea to create the hatchery began with Mike Gross, the Biological Science Technician and Educational Outreach Manager of Ouray National Fish Hatchery-Grand Valley Unit. Mr. Steele became interested in the idea and quickly began to fundraise along with interested students. The fish hatchery opened in the summer of 2020, and has been running ever since.

On release day, not just students, but faculty, news reporters, PHS Alumni, and even some of the Grand Junction Jackalopes Baseball players came out to watch. The busy day sparked lots of excitement because everyone is allowed to kiss a fish before releasing it into the river. The release opened with some words of thanks from Mr. Steele, who passed the mic onto PHS Alumni, which was followed by words from Fish Hatchery students. Senior Annmarie Barnes, Senior Michaelyn Kutz, Sophomore Mason Kopp, and Sophomore Beckett Carlton all shared some words of gratitude and reflection upon what they’ve learned over the past year. Mike Gross closed the speeches and the release began, allowing each willing student to take a fish, kiss it goodbye, and release it into the Colorado River.

The Fish Hatchery is a rapidly-growing program that has taught students about wildlife, water quality, and conservation. Sophomore Beckett Carlton, who is an active participant in this program, stated, “If you’re actually interested in conservation and working with our wildlife, then I think it’s a really great opportunity.” Carlton expressed his passion for this program with, “I’ll be working at it the rest of high school. It’s definitely something I’m passionate about.” 

When asked about the most important thing or lesson he’s learned this year with the Fish Hatchery, Carlton said, “I think the importance of conservation, and making sure that we preserve both our river and our future.”

The future of the Razorback Suckers is in good hands, with the help of our Fish Hatchery. It is clear that this program is in good standing and will continue to help the endangered fish of the Colorado River. If you are interested in contributing to this cause, talk to Mr. Steele in room 135 A or aa Fish Hatchery member.