Salmon Enhancement

The purpose of this salmon enhancement program is to support in the rebuilding of salmon stocks that are considered vulnerable.  This supports food harvest opportunities as well as commercial fishing dependant on return of salmon stocks. Habitat is created to enhance and sustain salmon populations through local hatchery program at McLoughlin Bay River.    The hatchery was established forty years ago and is operated by trained Heiltsuk manager and technicians.  The current program manager, Adrean Larsen, has held this position for 18 years.  The success of this program is due to the retention of local people who are experts in this field.   With the general decline in salmon fish stocks as well as the climate change concerns, it is more evident that this program’s role is critical in supporting and protecting this vulnerable fish stock that has been the mainstay of Heiltsuk diet and survival over 1000s of years.