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5. Assessment of Hatchery Effectiveness
(a BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation
Fund project)
Results to date from the SSMSP highlight the continued
poor survival from Strait of Georgia hatchery programs.
PIT tag results for Chinook Salmon in the Cowichan River
estimate that survival of hatchery fish from the Cowichan
hatchery were only 37% of wild fish. Following from
these studies, PSF is carrying out an independent assess-
ment of hatchery programs within BC. The program is
in collaboration with DFO's Salmonid Enhancement
Program, the Provincial government and community
organizations. PSF will also engage an expert panel from
other jurisdictions to review our work and gain from the
experience of others. Our expectation is to complete the
analyses and reviews by fall 2021.
Through the SSMSP, PSF has built a network of people and agencies around the
Salish Sea; we now hope to sustain these interactions to protect and restore the
Canadian Salish Sea for future generations.
6. Education and Communication related to
Salmon Conservation
Finally, PSF will expand work in education and commu-
nication related to salmon conservation. Many lessons
are being learned from the numerous SSMSP projects,
including information on new technologies and novel
methodologies. Local community groups involved in
restoration activities often comment on the lack of
public education. PSF will implement a multi-faceted
approach to broaden communication and education,
utilizing public lectures to local communities, Science
and Restoration Forums, dissemination of information
online; targeted video production and the development
of education modules. A PSF outreach project will
assist in maintaining a BC focus on Pacific Salmon and
stimulate an on-going dialogue with academia, local
communities, local governments, industry, First Nations
and provincial and federal governments.
