The Coho Festival is about barbecued salmon, music family fun, the environment and fundraising.
Over the years the Coho Society of the North Shore has raised upwards of $400,000 for the education and salmonoid enhancement activities on the North Shore.
Grants are made to fish culture programs in North Shore schools to support volunteer-managed activities and local groups involved in stream protection projects.
One of the grants was made to West Vancouver Streamkeepers to protect, preserve and enhance the West Vancouver shoreline.
Ray Richards of the West Van Streamkeepers Society explained that it is not a single project but a series of projects to include the many kilometres of shoreline which extends to Horseshoe Bay. Rocks from construction projects and other sources are barged into the foreshore, as funds become available.
The rocks are arranged to provide shoreline protection and improved conditions for Marine life. This includes the growth of kelp which offers cover where smaller fish can hide from predators. Some areas have been completed and other areas are underway and can be seen from the Seawall.
Richards said proof the technique is working is the discovery of smelt eggs in a newly created area.
He said the projects will continue as funds become available. The District of West Vancouver and Fisheries and Oceans Canada also support the streamkeepers work.
