Another amazing, wild west coast adventure was had on August 23rd-26th up at the Murphy's Sport Fishing Lodge. Goldstream Hatchery members and friends have been booking this trip for many years now and keep coming back for more of the bountiful fishing, serine coastal atmosphere and wonderful dining and accommodation.

"At the closest edge of the continental shelf... massive schools of migratory Salmon and Halibut come up on the gravel shoals that are teeming with bait fish, current and structure. The perfect set up all provided naturally. Hence why it has been nicknamed the "Super Salmon Highway"!" - Murphy's Sport Fishing

​This trip books up fast and is an experience to say the least. There is tons of marine life and incredible views each and every direction you look.  

"This was my second year returning to beautiful Kyuquot. As soon as you load up and depart from Fair Harbour, you realize you're in for a "reel treat". This area and angling destination is the epitome of west coast sport fishing." - Alexandra Scott 

We look forward to visiting Kyuquot and all of the wonderful Murphy's Sport Fishing staff again next season! 

Tight lines! 

Another successful Volunteer BBQ has come and gone (and we even managed to dodge the rain) at Beaver Lake park.

A very special thanks to all of the wonderful individuals and cooks who helped make this lovely outdoor lunch a success. Also, thank you to Marine Harvest, Fairway Markets, Pacific Salmon Foundation, Fanny Bay Oysters and all of our hardworking volunteers who cooked and supplied barbecue's and supplies.

Congratulations to Steve Atamanchuk who was awarded our "Howard English Hatchery Broom Award" for his dedication to the hatchery and his countless hours of hard work.

 Volunteer Service of the Goldstream Volunteer Salmonid Enhancement Association
Editor – Don Lowen
"GVSEA publishes the Water Ship News on a monthly basis for educators, secondary students, agencies and community organizations.The ‘News informs participants in Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Stream to Sea Program in the Capital Regional District.The ‘News also notifies students and educators of training and volunteer opportunities concerning species enhancement and habitat restoration. In turn, community organizations find the support they require to fulfill their objectives.
 

June 2/17 - Decision Reversed on Termination of DFO Support Contracts
Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Pacific Regional staff were informed this afternoon that, contrary to last week’s announcement, the Department will undertake contracts to provide education and technical support for Community Involvement Program activities including the Stream to Sea education program.
The commitment is for the 2017/18 fiscal year beginning August 1/17 and ending July 31/18. The Pacific Regional office has not communicated a plan beyond this time. In Victoria on Wednesday, Fisheries Minister Dominic Leblanc said that “That particular program may not be the source of our support but with the money I announced today and the plans we have over the next number of months we will be doing more of that exact kind of work, not less so people shouldn’t think we’re walking away from these efforts.”
No one in DFO’s Pacific Region was party to either decision (this week or last).
Education support contracts cost about $400,000/year, about 0.2% of the Department’s annual budget. The Stream to Sea program reaches about 35,000 students across the Pacific Region. About one half of BC’s population has participated in a classroom salmon incubation project.
 

Classroom Incubation - We’ve Been Blogged!
Mike Walker, Executive Producer of Roll Focus Productions, has beautifully captured the classroom incubation program in his online account of his company’s office incubation project.
Go to http://rollfocus.com/blog/thinktank
 
Report! – Participation agreements require that, by June 1st, all participants report the number of fry released, the location and the ATU value at the time of release. If you have not yet done so, please send this information to donlowen27@gmail.com.
 
Survival Rates this Year
       Dumamiel Creek coho (7 of 7 projects reported) – 97.2%
      Goldstream chum/coho (74 of 98 reported) – 94.8%
      Two Goldstream stock projects failed at the egg stage. All others were completed.

 
Calling All Grade Three Teachers (Peninsula Streams Society)
Thanks to those who responded with information about the grade(s) you teach.
Peninsula Streams has a grade three field study program that fits the fry release event very well. If you have not yet informed me, please email peninsulastreams@gmail.com if you are interested in this value-added program for the 2018 program.
 

Storm Drain Marking Program
Storm drain marking activities begin with warm, dry weather. I will provide a classroom presentation and all necessary equipment. For more information, please contact me at donlowen27@gmail.com.
 

~ Community Activities ~


June 3/4th - Volunteers Needed for Fishing Derby (Peninsula Streams Society)
The Port Sidney Fishing Derby will take place next weekend June 3/4th. Net proceeds from the derby go to Pacific Salmon Foundation, one of our main project sponsors. If some of our volunteers can help with set-up and take-down, we will also get a cash donation directly from the Port Sidney Marina. If you can help, please let us know~!
 

Next Count Sunday June 11th – Coastal Waterbird Count (Cowichan Land Trust)
Please join us for the next Coastal Waterbird Count of the new year in Cowichan Bay on Sunday, June 11th. We meet in the parking lot at Hecate Park behind the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre and count birds from the boat launch, the Nature Centre, below the viewing tower, and the kayak park.
The Waterbird Count, which usually takes less than an hour, is a chance to practise birding skills, hang out with other birders, maybe get some good pictures, and contribute valuable data to Bird Studies Canada.
For the schedule and more information about the count, visit http://www.cowichanestuary.ca/programs/citizen-science/
 

July 30th, 9 AM to 3 PM - Kids! Let’s Go Fishing This Summer! (Greater Victoria Pink Salmon Festival)
Go fishing this summer at the Pink Salmon Festival. Experienced fishers will take you fishing in their boats. Bring a parent or your friend’s parent for the trip, then to a barbeque for some good stuff!
Last time, kids caught fish up to 22 lbs (11 kg). Tell your parents to contact:
Kids’ Registrar Jacquie Burden at burdenj@camosun.ca for more information.
Boats depart from Jock’s Dock, Sooke Harbour Marina, Cheanuh Marina and Pedder Bay Marina.
You MUST be registered before you attend.
 

Parliamentary Committee Report – Re Review of 2012 Changes to Fisheries Act
Pursuant to its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee has completed the Review of the Changes made in 2012 to the Fisheries Act: enhancing the protection of fish and fish habitat and the management of Canadian fisheries and has agreed to report the following:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/Committee/421/FOPO/Reports/RP8783708/421_FOPO_Rpt06_PDF/421_FOPO_Rpt06-e.pdf
 

Brand New Lesson Plans - Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents: Canada's First Marine Protected Area
(Fisheries and Oceans Canada) 
Want to learn more about extreme environments?  
Introducing Fisheries and Oceans Canada's newest lesson plan, Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents: Canada's First Marine Protected Area. Through class discussions, research, and activities, students in Grades 4 to 11 will learn about the ocean biome, hydrothermal vents, and more specifically about Canada’s Endeavour Hydrothermal vent site and its designation as a Marine Protected Area. Generously hosted by Ocean Networks Canada, the lesson plan can be found at: 
http://www.oceannetworks.ca/endeavour-hydrothermal-vents-canadas-first-marine-protected-area 
 

White Nose Syndrome (WNS) Alert – Ministry of Environment, Government of BC 
WNS is an invasive fungal disease that has killed 7 million bats in eastern North America since arriving here in 2006, and has caused emergency listing of Little Brown and Northern Bats in Canada due to 90% to 100% declines at some hibernacula.
WNS was detected in Washington State in 2016 and is likely to spread to BC, putting our bats at risk.
We are requesting that the public report and submit dead bats to the BC Community Bat Program for WNS analysis. Please read the following information bulletin: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017ENV0013-000301​

Thanks for the help.

Orville Dyer
Ministry of Environment
Government of BC
 

BC Green Games
It has never been more important to inspire and support our youth to think globally and act locally.
Since 2008, BC Green Games has received over 950 projects from 40 school districts in BC, with all these projects permanently archived and shareable on the BC Green Games website.
Each year, 3000 students are directly involved in the project submissions and another approximately 10, 000 project supporters get involved in BC school communities (parents, school staff and fellow students). In 2012, BC Green Games was nominated for, and won, the CASCADE award for Best Energy Literacy Project by the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation.
For more information, go to BC Green Games.
 

SalmonWild Resource – NatureKids BC
For children and parents, naturalists and teachers, for anyone interested in learning about the intriguing world of salmon, the NatureKids BC has brought together fascinating and fun-filled facts to help you on your way.
In SalmonWILD you’ll learn about salmon lifecycles and discover how salmon navigate back to their home stream. You’ll connect with First Nations salmon culture and discover how salmon are vital to the Circle of Life.
You’ll learn where to find salmon and where to find more information about salmon. You can get involved in helping protect salmon and their habitat by diving into some of the stewardship activities and get inspired for action by reading about our salmon champion professionals and children in the field.
Kristine Webber, Executive Director, NatureKids BC
e. kristinewebber@naturekidsbc.ca
p. 604.833.8001 mobile
www.naturekidsbc.ca
Facebook: NatureKidsBC
 

Seaquaria in Schools - World Fisheries Trust
Looking to broaden the horizons of your students' learning in 2016? Interested in engaging your students through hands-on exploration? Seaquaria in Schools offers a wide variety of mobile programs that are applicable for any age, background and learning style! Our educators are keen to showcase our programs during your school's next staff meeting - please contact Holly Neate, Education Coordinator, for more details at holly@worldfish.org or (250) 380-7585.
 

Eco Learning Hive - World Fisheries Trust
Our newly updated Eco Hive website is now live! www.ecolearninghive.org
Nature-based education most directly affects how people feel and live within their environments, contributing to decision making and personal behaviours and, hopefully, stewardship for improved environmental sustainability. Eco Learning Hive is a platform that caters to the BC Education system, including teachers, support staff, students and parents. It also reaches further into the community to include the organizations that are creating and delivering quality educational content.  
In Spring 2016, we are aiming to have over 30 participating organizations and dozens of listed programs and materials available! Be sure to check us out in February to become one of the first members of our new hive!

For updates on our programs, developments, and ways to get involved, check out our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/WorldFisheriesTrust. You can also contact Holly Neate, Education Coordinator, at 250-380-7585 or education@worldfish.org.
 

Ollie the Otter, Watershed Warden – Capital Regional District
Ollie the Otter CRD’s Watershed Warden introduces a new Watershed Stewardship Lesson Plan, Resources & Badge Program.
Taking a fun, action-orientated approach, Ollie the Otter, the CRD’s Watershed Warden, encourages children to join his team by learning about watersheds and undertaking a stewardship activity. Children are invited to submit a drawing or a letter about what good work they have done to contribute towards a healthy watershed. Ollie, in turn, will mail a CRD Watershed Warden iron-on badge back to the child with a letter of congratulations.

Who: Educators, environmental stewardship mentors, community groups and elementary school-aged children across the capital region
What: Ollie the Otter, CRD’s Watershed Warden program for Watersheds Stewardship

1. Rainwater and Watersheds K-7 lesson plans & badge program. www.crd.bc.ca/education/school-programs/for-educators/educator-guides-resources/watersheds

2. Watershed Stewardship Videos & Graphics www.crd.bc.ca/education/our-environment/watersheds/educational-resources

3. CRD Watershed Maps & Flow diagrams www.crd.bc.ca/education/our-environment/watersheds/watershed-maps-flow-diagrams

4. More CRD Watershed Stewardship Educational Resources www.crd.bc.ca/watersheds
Where: all resources available at www.crd.bc.ca/watersheds

Funded by the CRD and an RBC Blue Water Project grant, the CRD has created watershed stewardship educational resources to support learning and encourage action to help protect, clean and enhance local watersheds.

Note: High School Level > Stormwater & Watershed Resource (may also be appropriate for a “Careers” class): Teachers may borrow a DVD copy of an award-winning documentary entitled “Lost Rivers” Lost Rivers (CatBird Films - view trailer)
Contact: Natalie Bandringa, Watershed Specialist, CRD  nbandringa@crd.bc.ca
 

Connecting Kids to Nature Through Art – Robert Bateman Centre
Come experience our three inquiry-based education programs linked to the new BC curriculum and competencies. Each one is enriched with the integration of literacy, fine arts and stewardship of our natural world. Programs are linked to the curriculum for grades 3-8 but can be easily adapted. More information: https://batemancentre.org/learn/
Location: The Robert Bateman Centre 
Contact: Mia.watkins@batemancentre.org
Phone Number: 250-940-3626 x302
 

Editor’s Note - The Water Ship News is an “e-newsletter” for CRD participants in the Classroom Incubation Program. Your email address is never contained in the email header. To be added or removed from list distribution list, please email donlowen27@gmail.com "

It was a successful transplant of 400 coho parr into Douglas Creek on Saturday, March 4th 2017.

50 volunteers, young and old gathered to introduce these salmon into their new habitat where they will mature and eventually head out to sea. 

Special thanks to the Pacific Salmon Foundation for continued creek restoration support, Saanich Parks, Saanich Creeks & Waterways and Friends of Mount Douglas Park. 

Photo Credit: Darrell Wick

Photo's above were graciously supplied by Shanna Baker / Hakai Magazine & Ben Eardley

"Join us on Saturday 14 January 2017 for our seasonal salmon carcass transplant. We meet at the Edgemont access to Mount Douglas Park at 10:30 a.m. rain or shine. Special thanks to the Howard English Hatchery volunteers at Goldstream who will bring approximately 100 salmon carcasses - partially thawed! - which we will put into Douglas Creek. This transplant mimics the results of a large return of salmon to Douglas Creek. The carcasses will decompose into the aquatic ecosystem delivering marine derived nutrients to riparian vegetation and invertebrate populations thus setting up the system for productive trophic webs. This activity does not take a long time. If we have a good turnout one and a half hours will do it. 

Additionally, the good folks at the Goldstream hatchery will bring roughly 500 coho parr or chum fry which will be transferred to the creek at the same time. 

- PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW LAST YEARS PHOTOS FROM 2016 -

Wear rain gear, or old clothing, and rubber boots if you have them. We will supply cotton gloves. 

These are both great event for older children, but the creek banks are muddy, slippery and steep and the creek can be dangerous at high flows so all under 16 must be accompanied by parents. " 

Source From: http://mountdouglaspark.ca/

"The Goldstream Volunteer Salmonid Enhancement Association was honoured for their achievements in providing salmonid hatchery support in creeks in Saanich.  These volunteers oversee the egg to hatching, then provide coho and chum fry in different life-cycles to local creeks and to the Salmonids in the Classroom program.  They have worked with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) on transplanting fish carcasses from one watershed to another - the first permitted project in Canada. The hatchery runs 6 days per week year round powered by volunteers." ~ District of Saanich (www.saanich.ca)

* Please click on images to enlarge

Goldstream Hatchery had another successful volunteer appreciation BBQ at Beaver Lake and it couldn't have been made possible without all the wonderful people who helped lend a hand.

We enjoyed delicious salmon donated by Marine Harvest, Oysters from Fanny Bay, burgers and hot dogs from Fairway Markets and even home made baked beans! We would also like to thank the Pacific Salmon Foundation for some draw prizes that were graciously accepted by our volunteers. Here are a few pics from the afternoon's festivities. 

​Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers for your countless efforts and dedication to local salmon enhancement. We hope everyone had an enjoyable time at this years BBQ. Until next year! 

experiences that, combined with classroom and field studies, serve to develop and maintain a strong environmental ethic.​ 

Local funding partners for “Stream to Sea” include volunteer strategic enhancement facilities, public school districts, the Watership Foundation, and the Pacific Salmon Foundation. Of these, the Goldstream Volunteer Salmonid Enhancement Association (GVSEA) is the most significant contributor, largely due to its commitment to the Classroom Incubation Program.


Classroom Incubation Program – 120 Liters of a Local Stream

Each year, coastal communities witness the return of spawning salmon to local rivers and streams.  Before they die, the spawners deposit and fertilize their eggs, then cover them with a protective layer of stream gravel.  The development of a new generation, from egg to adult, is more of a mystery than the spawning stage, mostly because the process is hidden beneath the gravel and in the deeper, darker pools of the native stream.

The Classroom Incubation Program provides a portal to this early stage of salmonid life. Using a 120 liter aquarium cooled to local stream temperatures, students can incubate up to 200 salmonids in their own classroom or library.  A program coordinator brings eyed eggs to the school in January.  Students witness the hatching process and begin feeding them once they emerge out of the gravel.  

Until they are released as fed fry to a local stream in late April or May, students observe and record development and maintain a healthy habitat for their charges. This includes daily monitoring of water temperature and quality.

During the 2015/16 school year, DFO supported classroom incubation projects in 105 classrooms in the Capital Regional District, including the Southern Gulf Islands. The Howard English Hatchery provided eyed eggs for 98 of these projects – a total of 19,600 eggs.

GVSEA volunteers also conduct school tours in the fall when they are collecting broodstock, and annually raise funds for participating schools to purchase classroom incubation equipment.

For more information on programs or inservice opportunities, please contact Don Lowen, DFO Education Coordinator,
at 250-213-8582, or donlowen27@gmail.com.


Blog Article By: Don Lowen
Photography By: Shawn Kerr (Community Advisor, Fisheries and Oceans Canada) & Don Lowen