Canadian government to fund BC wild salmon restoration efforts

The federal government of Canada and the provincial government of British Columbia have confirmed that funding will be made available for four projects with the aim of restoring and protecting salmon stocks and habitat in BC waters.

Over the next four years, more than CA$4 million (US$3.13 million) in funding will be delivered to support projects under the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF).

The latest projects that will receive funding through BCSRIF are the following:

• The Osoyoos Indian Band will support post-mudslide restoration and effectiveness monitoring for Inkaneep Creek and its floodplain. Restoration work will improve the survivability of Okanagan Steelhead, Rainbow trout, and Chinook salmon and apply an innovative combination of traditional knowledge and science towards sustainable fisheries co-management.
• The Adams Lake Indian Band will support restoration of the Upper Adams early summer run sockeye to a sustainable level, and improve opportunities for sustainable use.
• The Seymour Salmonid Society will undertake a multi-year, Seymour watershed-wide initiative. This will combine rockslide mitigation work to enable upstream fish passage, along with physical habitat enhancement and restoration work to improve the habitat quality and functionality within the watershed.
• The Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society will support upgrades to the Sooke River Jack Brooks hatchery facility and interpretive center. Facility upgrades will meet green building codes, include upgraded effluent treatments and the potential for stock assessment capability.

A total of 42 projects have now received BCSRIF funding, representing an investment of approximately CA$71 million (US$55.6 million).