Salmon Steward

22 2019 psf.ca F ew things compare to catching a Pacific salmon. The initial thrill that comes from seeing the rod's tip bounce signalling "fish on"; the fight that follows ending in either exhilarating success or the crushing disappointment of "the big one that got away." I experienced both the first time I went salmon fishing o• Bowen Island. The highs and lows of the day were made memorable by the company of good friends and the satisfaction of a salmon barbecue. I never gave much more thought to salmon beyond that until 10 years ago when Helijet first began providing air transportation services to a number of fishing lodges in Haida Gwaii. Through those business relationships, I developed a better appreciation for salmon as an integral part of the province's history, culture, economy, politics and the wider natural environment. The fishing lodges Helijet supports also introduced our organization to the Pacific Salmon Foundation, whose tireless e•orts are doing much to ensure the survival and success of all Pacific salmon species. This September, Helijet donated a helicopter and pilot for an egg-take on the Chuckwalla and Kilbella rivers in Rivers Inlet. Eggs and milt were collected from returning Chinook in both waterways and flown to the Percy Walkus Hatchery. The fertilized eggs will become approximately 130,000 salmon fry, set to be released back into the Chuckwalla and Kilbella to enhance stocks; these rivers were identified as a top priority by a steering committee dedicated to Rivers Inlet recovery. The Rivers Inlet Salmon Initiative is a partnered e•ort comprised of the Wuikinuxv First Nation, Duncanby Lodge, Good Hope Cannery and other local lodge owners, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Rick Hansen Foundation, PSF and independent scientists. To help spread awareness, the PSF logo will be emblazoned on Helijet's fleet of courtesy vehicles and on a brand-new Sikorsky S-76 helicopter. Fortunately, Helijet is in a unique position to aid PSF's conservation e•orts through a combination of financial support and exposure to our guests — many of whom are influencers in government and the business community. No single person, company or political entity has the power to preserve salmon, but if anything will ensure the species prospers, it is the coordinated e•orts of British Columbians through the activities of the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As a non-profit organization, PSF is best positioned to engage volunteers and support projects. As such, funding conservation projects through PSF is a practical and ešcient way to address the challenges facing wild Pacific salmon. I'm proud Helijet is able to do its part, and I hope others in the business community who care deeply about Pacific salmon will join us in supporting PSF as it continues bringing interested parties together — donors, volunteers, business and government — around the common goal of keeping B.C.'s wild Pacific salmon populations strong for generations to come. Danny Sitnam alongside wife Laura and daughter Cora-Rose on a fishing trip with longtime PSF supporter Langara Fishing Adventures. Premier John Horgan flew on one of Helijet's PSF-decaled helicopters with PSF CEO Michael Meneer. Helijet is donating helicopter time for salmon research, and raising funds for PSF projects. psf.ca/helijet Danny Sitnam PRESIDENT & CEO, HELIJET ALLY IN THE SKY From donations to egg-takes to raising awareness, Helijet offers PSF some much-needed air support Salmon? WHO CARES ABOUT STAKEHOLDERS FROM ACROSS B.C. REFLECT ON THEIR PERSONAL PATHS TO STEWARDSHIP

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