Pyke Phish Pharm Work On Restoring Our Fishery

Pyke Phish Pharm started out with net pen aquaculture in both the St. Lawrence and St. Regis rivers, under the direction of the Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment. They began along with other individuals by trying to raise fish without pollution, to harvest size. Throughout the years Pyke Phish Pharm has gained a variety of different skills such as learning to strip walleye eggs and milt, and the Tannic Acid method of fertilizing. With the help and aid from various organizations and groups they have been able to continuously aid in the pollution free harvesting of these fish. By continuing with this, it will enhance the natural population of walleye, perch, and Atlantic salmon, and protect eggs from invasive species. “By increasing the local population, through spawning enhancements and spawning assistance, it will increase traditional uses. Increase of traditional use will increase family time enhancing our culture,” stated Michael Pyke. Pyke Phish Pharm would like to educate and instruct others on the effective methods of cleaning, growth, spawning, hatching, and storage to further bring awareness and production to this way of raising and harvesting fish. There will also be hatcheries located in all local schools that will begin with the possibility of walleye or perch. The science behind the process is something that is not difficult and Pyke Phish Pharm would like to have it eventually taught to high school students so they can educate themselves on how to maintain the quality of our waterways and fish population. Pyke Phish Pharm also would like to continue maintaining our waterways by purchasing electricity, pole service, generator, and windmill to pump river water uphill. With the assistance Pyke Phish Pharm has done for our community, there will be a notable increase in walleye and perch within the next three to five years, and salmon within five to seven years. They also hope to expand on their hatchery and complete all the goals and projects they have planned for the future of our waterways, fish, and culture.