CHARLOTTETOWN -- Thousands of trout and Atlantic salmon raised at a Prince Edward Island hatchery are being released into the province's streams and rivers this week.

Environment Minister Robert Mitchell says local watershed groups, anglers, First Nations and the Abegweit Biodiversity Enhancement Hatchery in Scotchfort are working to stock selected Island rivers to support the recreational fishery.

About 50,000 young salmon are to be released today into the Morell River at Mooney's Pond in Peakes.

Provincial government biologist Rosanne MacFarlane says as many as 130,000 salmon and trout are to be released this week.

The Scotchfort hatchery is currently contracted to produce a minimum of 44,000 trout and 50,000 salmon fry each year using stock from four separate Island regions.