Salmon Steward is the official publication of the Pacific Salmon Foundation in British Columbia, Canada
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/300930
Five Community Groups Making a Difference With Salmon Science Training CiTizen SCienTiSTS: eelgraSS reSToraTion OrganizatiOn: SeaChange Marine COnServatiOn SOCiety. eStabliShed: 1998 Their work: Among other initiatives, SeaChange restores salmon-sheltering eelgrass in estuaries. They've trained over 35 communities, from Haida Gwaii to Boundary Bay, to help map eelgrass beds and aid in replanting efforts. Their Impact: "Community groups are a bridge between science and [the public]. We are able to explain scientific data in a way that is understandable," says SeaChange's Nikki Wright. "When research is done, we can apply that to a small test plot, and have community volunteers come out and help us tie anchors to eelgrass and show them [the planting process]." 10 2014 psf.ca salmon Steward magazine 11 DaTa ColleCTion anD MoniToring: SMall-SCale CoMMuniTy HaTCHerieS OrganizatiOn: lang Creek FaCility – POwell river SalMOn SOCiety. eStabliShed: 1981 Their work: In addition to incubating and rearing, the Lang Creek Hatchery is ideally positioned to collect data via tagging and general stock observation — from salmon returns and fish conditions to water temperature — all of which are used to enhance their stewardship of the watershed. Their impact: "A lot of [river] systems aren't as fortunate as us; they have to do a lot of estimating and stream-walking to see what they can see," says hatchery manager Shane Dobler. " But we're able to actually send fish through an area where we identify them not only by species but by sex as well. That information is collected year after year and it reveals a lot of valuable insights." eDuCaTing FuTure SCienTiSTS OrganizatiOn: MOSSOM Creek hatChery and eduCatiOn Centre. eStabliShed: 1976 Their Work: Founded by teachers Ruth Foster and Rod MacVicar, this program began as an after-school club to engage teens from Centennial Secondary with the watershed by restoring the Coho run to Mossom Creek in Port Moody. It's since blossomed to include a hatchery (which is currently being rebuilt after a fire) and two certified high-school programs that put students in the field with professionals. Their Impact: "The club kids learn all the tasks that are involved in fish cultivation," says Foster. "[And] our program has a wonderful history of students who have gone on to work in fishery science, environmental science and conservation enforcement." Teachers Melanie Mattson (L) and Rod MacVicar (R) introduce Centennial students to Chum salmon in the Mossom estuary. WCB Certified scuba divers and community volunteers scout eelgrass restoration sites in the Cowichan estuary. Hatchery workers prepare Chinook for transfer to another facility for imprinting on their natal stream. Duncanby Lodge & Marina.indd 1 14-03-26 9:01 AM p10-11Community Science.indd 10 14-04-11 2:11 PM