AutoFish SCT6 Trailer

The Northwest Marine Technology AutoFish SCT6 trailer was at Winthrop Hatchery for 2 weeks to tag (http://www.nmt.us/products/cwt/cwt.shtml) and clip the adipose fin of young Chinook salmon.  Clipping the fin allows a fisherman to easily distinguish a hatchery fish from a wild fish. "The AutoFish System (http://www.nmt.us/products/afs/afs.shtml) was developed as an alternative to manual clipping and tagging to help government agencies meet their ambitious marking and tagging goals. The AutoFish SCT6 (sort, clip, tag, six processing lines) is a self-contained mobile unit that has one dual exit sorter and six individual processing lines. This complete system can sort, clip, and tag salmonids from 57 mm (2.2 in) to 142 mm (5.6 in) without the use of anesthetic and with no human handling". (quote from website)

SCT6 Trailer is a 44 foot long aluminum 5th wheel trailer that costs $1,345,000.

 

Inside of trailer

Sorter

 

Tags and Clips

 

A picture is taken of the fish after it goes through the machine.  If a problem with the clip or tag is identified, the fish is rejected to an individual who will clip and tag the fish manually.

Various computer screens to monitor the technology

 

North Cascades National Park

The North Cascades Highway is one of America's most spectacular mountain drives.  Part of the drive goes through North Cascades National Park.  Characterized by rugged beauty, this steep mountain range is filled with jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, mountain lakes and hundreds of glaciers.  It's often labeled the "North American Alps."

Washington Pass is the highest point in the Northern Cascades - 5,477 ft.  A short trail to the overlook provides spectacular views, pretty flowers and twisted trees.

 

Rainy Pass, 4855 ft, has a picnic area and several trailheads.  Along the hike to Rainy Lake (still some snow is some places) several water falls can be seen as well as a variety of flowers.  What a view at the lake!!

 

 

 

Pickett Range near Newhalem, WA in North Cascades National Park

River Loop Trail near Newhalem in North Cascades National Park

 

Diablo Dam

Diablo Lake Overlook

Ross Dam

Gorge Dam

 

 

Gorge Power House is below Gorge Dam.  A suspension bridge leads to Ladder Falls Trail.  Beautiful flowers at the power house.