The Coho Society is a partner with North Shore School Districts and Fisheries and Oceans Canada in programs to make students aware of the importance of protecting the natural environment in which they live.

Salmonids in the Classroom

Over 50 North Shore classrooms are now equipped with aquariums. In late January participating student groups receive 50 - 100 Coho or Chum salmon eggs, which they raise through the alevin stage to fry and then release in local streams in April and May. This is an experience students remember for the rest of their lives and is a message they take home to their parents, families and neighbours. (see photos below).

Adopt a Fish

Adopt a Fish has rapidly become one of our most popular programs. Each spring, the Coho Society partners with West Vancouver Streamkeepers and sets up an “adoption booth” in front of the West Vancouver Memorial Library.  Children, together with parents and often with grandparents, receive their adoption certificates there and are then guided by students volunteers into Memorial Park where they are given a pail, and choose a baby salmon (smote) from a tank.  The children name the fish, and then, with the aid of a streamkeeper, release the salmon into Mcdonald Creek.  The Streamkeepers provide education about salmon to the children throughout the process.

North Shore Outdoor School

The Outdoor School at Brackendale gives senior students a hands-on experience in stewardship of fisheries, forestry and other natural resources. The Salmonids in the Classroom programs are a credit to North Shore teachers, school administrators, and in many cases parents, as well as Canada Fisheries and Oceans staff members.