![DWR Environmental Scientist Trishelle Temple releases Delta smelt into a cage as part of an experimental soft release. The fish acclimate in the cage for 48 hours before being released into the Sacramento Deep Water Ship Channel.](/-/media/DWR-Images/Fish/DJI0994MOV00011626Still001.jpg?mw=200&hash=CDC83CA97326A2A27F02A0FA2405CC2E)
After seeing some positive results with releasing hatchery-raised Delta smelt into the wild in 2022, DWR and partners are now experimenting with hard and soft release methods to see if there is a chance for even greater success and improved species survival.