Not so long ago, a mere 60 coho a year returned to the Chapman Creek stream
system to spawn. Since the Sunshine Coast Salmonid Enhancement Society opened the hatchery
facility in 1992, the annual coho run has ballooned to more than 1,500 and has been vital in the
society's goal to rebuild local salmon and trout stocks to historic levels.
"I love it. This is what I do," says Hatchery Manager Bob Anstead, a veteran
with 30 years hatchery experience. "We are a big asset to the community. We attract recreational
fishermen and educate thousands of school kids about the salmon."
Arnstead overseas one part-time assistant and an army of community volunteers
who commit hundreds of hours of daily labour to keep the facility operating.
The Chapman Creek Hatchery's 35 fish rearing tanks and incubation building
capable of rearing 2 million eggs annually produce between 400,000 and 800,000 salmonids (coho,
chinook, pink, chum, steelhead and searun cutthroat).
From August through December, spawning salmon can be seen from the viewing
platform or from the trail leading upstream to a newly developed side stream, with wintering
habitat for juvenile fish.
The hatchery's free tours, and its two-hour "Water, Wetlands and Salmon
Sciences" seminar (which appeals to all ages), both focus on the watershed and its inhabitants.
Seminars includes classroom time, a chance to view the watershed model, and a river tour in the
fee (ranging from $60 to $100, depending on group size). Seminars must be booked in advance by
calling Diane Sanford at 604-885-6283 or e-mailing salmon@sunshine.net. Tours are available
year-round.
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Annual events focus on family fun at the hatchery, starting with "Good Bye
Salmon Fry" on May 15. Kids of all ages are invited to come and assist in the release of young
salmon into Chapman Creek, enjoy salmon burgers, hot dogs, outdoor displays and more.
Catch-a-Trout Day held annually on the first weekend in July features salmon
burgers, displays by Fisheries and Oceans, the Sechelt Indian Band, face painting, balloons,
entertainment and the chance to catch a trout all included in the $10 per person admission
price.
On October 16, the annual Rivers Day Salmon Festival features displays, paper
making workshops, tours, and a chance to view the returning salmon.
Directions: At Wilson Creek (between Roberts Creek and Sechelt) on Highway
101 (Sunshine Coast Highway) turn north at the traffic light on Field Road. From Field Road
turn left onto Parkway Drive and continue straight to the hatchery.
For more information contact Sunshine Coast Salmonid Enhancement Society,
4381 Parkway Drive, Sechelt, BC V0N 3A1. Phone: 604-885 4136 or e-mail
salmon@sunshine.net.
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