Salmon Steward

CHAMPIONS salmon Steward magazine 27 YEAR-END DONORS COME UP BIG! The Salish Sea Marine Survival Project saw 30 initiatives deployed in the Strait the past three years – due largely to donors driving things forward. Special thanks to Pacific Salmon Foundation Year-End Appeal Donors, who raised $160,000 last year. In 2017, Rudy North and Islander Reels helped further incentivize donors, with Rudy setting a $50,000 challenge and Islander Reels donating a TR3 mooching rod-and-reel combo to our donor draw. Sonora Resorts, Genome BC, Sitka Foundation, Keurig, BC Salmon Farmers and PSF's Board of Directors have also provided major support. A BUOY FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS Supporting volunteer groups via the Community Salmon Program is the heart of the PSF's activities. Since inception, the program has grown from issuing five grants to about 150 per year. TimberWest was one of the first corporate supporters, with more than $1 million in cumulative donations to date. Other notable supporters include BC Hydro, Kinder Morgan, Methanex and NewGold. KEEPING AN EYE ON THE STRAIT The Citizen Science Program deployed volunteers in nine overlapping areas of the Strait of Georgia through the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project. Though most aspects of the Project have ended, thanks to funding from YVR (Vancouver International Airport), the Program will continue monitoring the ever-changing conditions in the Strait. More at psf.ca/yvr. HEALTHY SALMON, HAPPY WHALES One of the biggest challenges facing the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) is lack of food (see p. 10). With about 90 per cent of the SRKW's diet consisting of Chinook, it's not surprising that the work of the PSF and its partners has become an important part of recovery efforts. About five years ago, several whale watching and eco-tourism businesses began charging customers a small conservation fee ($1-$2 per customer) in support of the PSF's salmon projects, raising over $165,000 since 2015. We encourage others to join them! PSF is pleased to welcome Five Star Whale Watching on board this year. ANGLERS REEL IN BIG BUCKS FOR SALMON Fishing is a way of life in B.C., and the recreational fishing community continues to help ensure that our children will share the same memories and opportunities. CATCH, RELEASE, CASH IN! Now in its seventh year, the Vancouver Chinook Classic catch-and-release derby leaves salmon in the ocean and puts cash on the table – $25,000 to be exact, the largest cash prize of any fishing derby in Vancouver. Anglers depart bright and early from the Pacific Gateway Hotel's marina along the Fraser River in Richmond. The sell-out event "has quickly become one of our favourite traditions," says Eda Koot, general manager of the hotel. "Not only is it a weekend of fun for everyone involved, it's also an opportunity to contribute to a great cause." More than $35,000 in proceeds have been donated to PSF since inception. Register for 2018: vancouverchinookclassic.com. Go on a whale watching adventure in support of wild salmon! eaglewingtours.com 5starwhales.com bcwhalewatchingtours.com whalesvancouver.com princeofwhales.com vancouverwhalewatch.com Orca Spirit Adventures (orcaspirit.com) presents a whale of a donation at PSF's fundraising gala in Victoria. HORSEPOWER FOR SALMON Sherwood Marine is a longtime supporter of the PSF's South Vancouver Island Gala. Last year, the company decided to rev things up by donating a dollar for every unit of horsepower sold through outboard motor sales from January to June. sherwoodmarine.com. Douglas Hager (right), winner of our Year-End Appeal draw.

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