Investigation of selected Alaska geothermal spring sources as possible salmon hatchery sites. Final report, January--September 1977

• Main Authors: Baker, R.O., Lebida, R.C., Pyle, W.D., Britch, R.P.
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: 15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY; ALASKA; AQUACULTURE; HOT SPRINGS; FEASIBILITY STUDIES; SITE SELECTION; THERMAL WATERS; GEOCHEMICAL SURVEYS; WATER QUALITY; SALMON; CHEMICAL ANALYSIS; CHEMICAL COMPOSITION; CHEMICAL PROPERTIES; DIAGRAMS; GEOLOGY; HYDRAULICS; HYDROLOGY; IMAGES; RESEARCH PROGRAMS; TABLES; TOPOGRAPHY; WATER RESOURCES; ANIMALS; AQUATIC ORGANISMS; DATA FORMS; ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY; FISHES; FLUID MECHANICS; MECHANICS; NORTH AMERICA; PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION; RESOURCES; THERMAL SPRINGS; USA; VERTEBRATES; Pacific; Bell Island; Ophir Creek; Ketchikan; Alaska; Aleutian Islands
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/6519411; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6519411; https://doi.org/10.2172/6519411

Seven thermal spring sites in Alaska were investigated as possible locations for the construction of a salmon hatchery to test and demonstrate the potential applications of geothermal energy in the aquaculture of these fish. Investigations consisted of identifying candidate thermal springs and evaluating the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of each site to determine its potential for salmon aquaculture. The seven sites studied included Akutan in the Aleutian Islands, False Pass, Port Moller and Mother Goose Lake on the Alaska Peninsula, Ophir Creek in the Kilbuck Mountains northeast of Bethel plus Bailey, and Bell islands north of Ketchikan in southeastern Alaska. Each site is described according to its physical character, water resources, biological aspects, hatchery application, and construction feasibility. The Bell Island site appears to be the best candidate for a pilot hatchery program utilizing geothermal energy. Additional in-depth engineering/hydrologic and biological studies are recommended. All sites are discussed with conclusions and recommendations presented.