Marion Baker Salmon Enhancement Project

08/29/2026

Thank you to everyone who donated to the Marion Baker Salmon Hatchery last week! Your incredible generosity made our fundraiser a grand success.
Because of you, our “Small Fry” School Program will be full-steam ahead this coming year.
We couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers and supportive community!

After answering the skill testing question, the following people have won prizes. Congratulations to all and thank you once again for your participation.
Karen A., Bob P., Carla A., Nancy R., Tina A., Barb R., Tom B., Lynne P., Kelly B., Steve R., Camille D., Tricia S., Nola D., James S., Lucinda D., Mike W., Carol F., Mave W., Lee F., Wendy Z., Randy G., Jennifer G., Tina G., Gene G., James G., Tracy G., Henry Range Work Crew, Doug H., Mark H., Marilyn I., Geraldine K., Hash K., Carolyn K., Dee K., Don L., Saxon L., Kelly L., and Louise M.

08/28/2026

FROM BCWF - Coho Salmon Face High Mortality After Catch and Release

Anglers should avoid over-handling salmon
Use gaff release to minimize injury
Coho appear more likely to die from injuries sustained in recreational fisheries than other Pacific salmon species, according to a UBC-led study.

The two-year study tagged and tracked coho salmon caught in recreational fisheries and subsequently released. So-called catch and release fishing is used as a conservation tool to protect species of concern, with the assumption that released salmon live and reproduce in high numbers.

Gathering evidence that C&R works is difficult and many estimates are generated from lab-based studies rather than in the wild. This study required that the coho travelling back to their natal streams were caught by anglers associated with the researchers and released after having an acoustic transmitter attached behind the dorsal fin. The researchers collected data about the condition of the fish, injuries from fishing gear, and air exposure.

The tagged coho were then tracked by an array of acoustic receivers placed in multiple locations from Puget Sound to the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Fraser River.

More than 31 per cent of the tagged coho died within 50 km of their release location.

Researchers led by Emma L Lunzmann-Cooke, reported: “Scale loss, eye damage, bleeding, and smaller body size of coho salmon were associated with increased odds of mortality. Scale loss and smaller body size were also associated with slower migration rate post-release.”

Coho mortality appears to be considerably higher than estimates of C&R-related mortality used in coho fisheries management, and higher than estimates for other Pacific salmon species.

To minimize the risk of mortality from C&R, try to identify the species of salmon on your line before bringing it out of the water. If you intend to release the fish, use the gaff release method to remove the hook.

08/27/2026

Heh Volunteers. Check your emails as the Fall Edition of "The Fry Report" newsletter is out.

08/23/2026

Are you concerned about how the drought is affecting the salmon in our streams and rivers?
Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society's Annual General Meeting is on Saturday, September 19th 10- 12 at St. Edmunds Church 407 Wembley Road, Parksville.
GUEST SPEAKER: Marc Porter from PSF.
Who's planning to attend ??

08/23/2026

08/21/2026

ONE MORE SLEEP !!!! Our volunteers are ready and will be standing by to answer your questions tomorrow morning at Café 356, French Creek Marina.
Remember, we’ll be there from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
And as for the prizes to be won… we’ve lost count! 🎉
Come by, say hello, learn more about the Marion Baker Salmon Hatchery, and see the amazing support our community has shown us.
We can’t wait to see you there! 🐟

08/17/2026

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON. Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, August 22, and join us at Café 356 (at French Creek Marina) for our Fundraising Event in support of the Marion Baker Salmon Hatchery’s “Small Fry” school education program.
Our volunteers will be manning the tables from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to answer all your questions, share a little more about our hatchery, and tell you how you can help support this important community program.
Come by, say hello, and enter the contest for some great prizes while supporting your local hatchery!

08/13/2026

08/07/2026

08/03/2026

An interesting and informative webinar if anyone wishes to tune-in.
https://bcwf.bc.ca/webinar-catch-release-improving-salmon-survival/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTdmKZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0RExyUG9ZNk93OEVvVXJhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrlrTxcq30ofMQf06qL7fFQBYOZVmlCQ77jJZkMM_Ea-MyqWXins-tNvN4nO_aem_9rfs92d4SlqQjm7mg5FVXw

Dr. Scott Hinch shares 15 science-backed ways to improve post-release salmon survival — covering hooks, nets, and handling practices