The Coho Society provided a grant to help fund a new hatchery and interpretive centre as part of a long-term strategy to protect the stream by nurturing fish populations and protecting streamside habitat.
This important project located at Heywood Park in the City of North Vancouver stems from many decades of community salmon enhancement efforts organized by the North Shore Fish & Game Club, North Shore Streamkeepers and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The Hatchery raises Chum and Pink Salmon to be released in Mackay Creek each spring as well as being a point of reference to raise awareness about the Wild Coho Salmon and many other aquatic and terrestrial species that depend on North Shore Creeks for their livelihood.
Early 2013 saw the first generation of Chum raised in the new facility and released into Mackay Creek. Many community groups participated in the releasing of salmon fry into Mackay Creek and were able to wish these fragile creatures well as they embarked on a migratory pattern beyond the coast of BC and into the Pacific Ocean.
Community members watched the fry forming into schools as they began to navigate in the currents of the creek and wondered at the mysterious and ancient life cycle of Pacific Salmon that, if all goes well, will witness future adult returns each Autumn.
GET INVOLVED!
If you would like to join the Coho Society or become a volunteer, call us at 604-926-6956 or email us [email protected]
