Salmon Steward is the official publication of the Pacific Salmon Foundation in British Columbia, Canada
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1309417
T hese past few months have been extremely difficult times; not only on a global scale, but also within our salmon community. We have all had to significantly adjust our day-to-day practices to adhere to the pandemic. We have said it from the beginning: given this challenging time, we at the Pacific Salmon Foundation will carry on by continuing to support the science, conservation and restoration work of community and First Nations stewards across the province. Salmon stewardship at the community level is vital, and carries on! We will have to adapt within public health guidelines, but want our partners to know their good ideas will still be supported. I saw firsthand the perseverance at the community level when I travelled to Vancouver Island and Powell River this summer. In Comox, the Guardians of Mid-Island Estuaries Society is undertaking important estuary restoration in collaboration with the K'ómoks First Nation and Wei Wai Kum First Nation. PSF recently granted $19,000 through our Community Salmon Program (CSP) supporting estuary work to protect and transplant critical Carex sedge seagrass that provides shelter for juvenile salmon. They have had to significantly adjust their practices, but are carrying on nonetheless. When I headed south along Vancouver Island, I was able to visit the Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society. This dedicated mid-island volunteer group is a longtime beneficiary of the Community Salmon Program. We met with society president Judy Michael Meneer took a road trip, visiting with salmon stewards (socially distant, of course) on Vancouver Island to reinforce PSF support amidst the pandemic. Here, Meneer points to our classic PSF fish decal at Dolphins Resort, a longtime supporter. salmon Steward magazine 3 CEO'S MESSAGE Ackinclose, who shared how volunteers have adapted to maintain physical distance while continuing to look after the salmon fry at their hatchery. There is also significant volunteer emphasis on fry rescue in the local creeks and streams that dry up with warmer weather. Additionally, PSF was able to discuss the hardships that many groups, like the Powell River Salmon Society (PRSS), are enduring. Similar to the cancellation of all our own PSF events to abide by the government directive regarding large gatherings, they too will not be able to host their annual fundraising event. The PRSS has struggled with annual operating budget shortfalls from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada's (DFO) Salmon Enhancement Program, which prompted applications to the Community Salmon Program for activities that are unfortunately ineligible under CSP guidelines. In turn, PSF is working closely with the PRSS to adjust past support while assisting in innovative ways to ensure they are able to achieve funding for their operations. In Victoria, PSF Board member Ward Bond and I hosted B.C. Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham for a visit with longtime CSP grantee the Friends of Mount Douglas Park Society. PSF has been a key partner for many years in the restoration of Douglas Creek for spawning Coho and Chum salmon, and it was inspiring to see the support from the government on this day as we engaged in a site visit for this local success story. Although these stories are inspiring, the salmon community will be met with more challenges as the pandemic continues. PSF will continue to engage and support where necessary, but will need to continue to lean on our supporters, donors and community. n A Message From the CEO By Michael Meneer, President & CEO, Pacific Salmon Foundation RON SOMBILON AT PSF, we know times are tough. But every dollar counts, and any donation will help the work of Pacific salmon conservation carry on amidst COVID-19. Please consider supporting the folks profiled throughout this issue and thousands of other volunteers across B.C. and the Yukon by visiting psf.ca/monthly to become a monthly donor and show your support throughout the year. Be safe, Be well, Michael Meneer, President & CEO, Pacific Salmon Foundation Michael Meneer, alongside Lana Popham, B.C.'s minister of agriculture, visits with the Friends of Mount Douglas Park Society.