Return of the Coho

The return of coho started earlier than usual this year with heavy rains in late October bringing in large numbers to the mouth of Shawnigan Creek—and into the trap constructed by the Mill Bay Enhancement Society. E-Club members and Environmental Science 11 students at various times over the last few weeks assisted in the trapping and transporting of the returning spawners up into the Shawnigan watershed. In the end, record numbers were moved this year (nearly 1300!). In addition, SLS received its brood stock for this year from the Shawnigan Creek run—14 males and 14 females in total. As these fish matured (ripened), egg and milt 'takes' were then carried out by Science 9 classes, E-Club members and Environmental Science students over a period of two weeks. Now, approximately 19000 fertilized coho eggs are incubating in our hatchery.

But what is really cool is that we have also witnessed the migration and natural spawning of some of the lifted coho in Hartl Creek—right on our campus! One of the best viewing spots was from the bridge crossing to Strathcona House.

With all the disappointing news of record low returns to rivers and streams in the Georgia Basin, in 2009 Shawnigan Creek was an exception.

– Scott Noble