The Coho Society of the North Shore along with West Vancouver Streamkeeper Society, West Vancouver Library, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are excited to announce that this year’s Adopt-a-Fish will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Memorial Park on Saturday, April 23. Adopt-a-Fish lends a helping hand to the next generation of McDonald Creek Coho Salmon and teaches people about the lifecycle of these iconic fish and the pressures facing them. Elementary-aged school children will have the opportunity to release a one-year-old Coho Salmon (called a smolt) into McDonald Creek to begin its life in the wild.
“The popularity of Adopt-a-Fish speaks volumes about our community’s commitment to protect and preserve local salmon populations,” says John Barker, President of the West Vancouver Streamkeeper Society. “This is an important annual event that increases awareness about the salmon that return year after year to spawn in the local rivers and creeks in which they were born. I encourage everyone to attend this educational event that’s also a lot of fun.”
Starting at 11 a.m., they can pick up their Adopt-A-Fish Certificate outside the West Vancouver Memorial Library (1950 Marine Drive). Then and cross the street to Memorial Park to release a juvenile salmon into McDonald Creek. The Streamkeepers will be on hand to answer questions, provide information and assist with the release of the salmon, which are raised by Fisheries and Oceans Canada staff at the Capilano River Hatchery and transported to McDonald Creek on the day of the event. Plus! Children can come for a special ‘Fishy Fun Family Storytime’ at the library 11:00-11:30am in the Readers’ Rooftop. This outside under big tents so dress warm!
Adopt-a-Fish is open to elementary-aged school children and their families and will proceed rain or shine. No registration is required.
For more information, contact the West Vancouver Streamkeeper Society at westvanstreamkeepers@shaw.ca.
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