The Same Enhancement Commission discussed a fish pathology report and plans to have the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife measure dissolved‑oxygen levels at a net pen after members reported dead and gas‑filled fish.

Commission members heard that a pathologist identified “a small single celled parasite that attaches to their gills.” The pathologist recommended two treatment options: a drug that requires dosing in a closed circulation system, which the commission does not have, or salt treatment after the fish migrate to the ocean. As a result, the pathologist “suggested that we just clip their fins and proceed as normal and that it will take care of itself in the ocean, actually,” a speaker said during the report.

The report noted visible dead fish in and under the net pen and the presence of methane bubbles rising from the pen’s bottom, which members said suggests poor water exchange and low oxygen inside the enclosure. One speaker said the pen appears “almost sealed. There's no oxygen or or ventilation or anything.”

Why it matters: the commission oversees local net‑pen operations and outreach that aim to support salmon stewardship. Fish loss in pens can affect local volunteers’ work and raises questions about monitoring before handling fish for fin clipping.

Discussion and next steps
Commission members asked the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to bring dissolved‑oxygen monitoring equipment to measure conditions both inside and outside the net pen. A member said the agency has “dissolved oxygen machines that ODF and W has that monitors the dissolved oxygen levels of streams. And we can have ODF and W bring those to the pin clipping. We can now get in there and see where the dissolved oxygen level is both inside the net pen and then outside the net pen as well.”

Members discussed timing and whether ODFW should measure before the planned fin‑clipping event so readings reflect undisturbed conditions. One member agreed to contact ODFW to request the measurements.

No formal action was taken on the fish health report during the meeting. Members recorded the pathology findings, discussed available treatment constraints for open‑pen culture, and set a follow‑up to request ODFW monitoring before fin clipping.