On May 5, Children’s Day, I once again took part in the Salmon Fry Release Experience held at the Makomanai River near the Toyohira River Salmon Science Museum. Many families attended the event, creating a lively atmosphere.
Salmon conservation efforts on the Toyohira River have also entered a new phase. The focus has shifted from the “Comeback Salmon Campaign,” which aimed to restore salmon by releasing hatchery-raised fish, to the “Wild Salmon Project,” which seeks to increase wild salmon born naturally in the Toyohira River.
Through this hands-on release experience, participants seemed to gain a deeper understanding that wild salmon inhabit the Toyohira River and that approaches to salmon conservation are evolving. (Photos of the exhibition panels are included at the end.)

Entrance to the release site. The release area is located on the left bank downstream of Park Bridge.

Each cup contained two salmon fry, which were gently released into the Makomanai River. The fry were swimming energetically in the pools—perhaps preparing for their journey to the sea.

Using the Salmon Fry Release Certificate to take part in the quiz rally.

Quiz challenges at the “Fish Museum” and the “Main Building,” followed by checking the answers at the “Training Hall.”

At the Training Hall, participants drew salmon or wrote messages for them on sticky notes and attached them to a salmon streamer.

A completed salmon streamer made by another group.

Cherry blossoms were in bloom in the plaza of the Salmon Science Museum.

The food truck “Sake Mabushi Onigiri Kametaro” was also very popular.

Download the panel shown above — Click here

Toyohira River Salmon Science Museum Mapcode: 9 281 738*43