Is everyone allowed into the program?
No. There is a screening process followed after prospective educators fill out the SIC Admittance Request Form. This form is updated the first week of January each year, and submissions for the following school year are accepted at that time. This process allows those schools who will have the highest impact on their students to enter the program first. Grades 3 and up are the target audience of the SIC Program.

Are there expenses associated with the program?
The eggs/fish, food and training are provided by the DNR, but schools are required to purchase the necessary equipment which costs $800 to $1,000. Many schools seek grants or build local sponsor partnerships with conservation organizations to help assist with that financing. Enter your city's name and the words "conservation organization" into your search browser to get some ideas for sponsors.

Do I need a permit to participate?
Yes, teachers, by law, are required to have a permit to keep fish in their classroom. Once you have been approved to participate, you can apply for a permit online.

When and where do I pick up salmon eggs?
Eggs are not mailed or delivered to schools. Educators have two options for picking up their eggs from: 1) DNR weirs in early October or 2) DNR fish hatcheries in November. Click here to see the Egg Pick Up Procedures.

How do I learn how to care for the salmon?
First-time participants must attend a mandatory workshop where they will learn how to care for their fish. Materials to assist teachers in caring for their salmon are also available in the Teacher's Resource Kits (which include a curriculum guide) provided to teachers. You may also refer to our Salmon Care Guidelines.

Does the DNR provide technical support for this program if my chiller, filter or other pieces of aquarium equipment fail to operate properly?
No, currently the DNR does not provide this kind of technical support. We recommend that you seek assistance from school maintenance staff not only for broken equipment but also to assist feeding fish during spring break or other occasions when you may be away from school for an extended period of time. We do have some maintenance tips.

How many Michigan schools participate?
102 Michigan schools participated in the 2008-2009 school year.

Does the DNR have educational materials to help educators teach about salmon?
Yes, when teachers participate in a workshop they receive a Teacher's Resource Kit including a curriculum guide full of activities that will enable them to teach their students about Michigan's fisheries resource.

What do I do if my eggs die before hatching?
Your tank is a living example of a natural process and some of your eggs will die. This is a good teaching opportunity for the students. It is important to remove any dead eggs in your tank as soon as possible. It is also possible that you may experience a large die-off, in rare circumstances that also happens in nature. For questions contact one of the SIC Coordinators: Wolf Lake Hatchery Interpreter Shana McMillan, or the currently vacant Oden Hatchery Interpreter, they are the DNR staff best prepared to answer your questions.

What do I do if my fish begin to die?
Die-offs are a natural part of the salmon life cycle. If this occurs, you will not be able to receive replacement fish. However, there are several steps you can take to reduce the potential of a die-off. One of the most common causes of a fish die-off in tanks is high ammonia levels. This is caused by excess food or fish waste in the tank. Clean your tank and stop feeding the fish until your ammonia levels return to normal.