Embedded Files
January 27, 2026 - Stoney Creek Water Sampling Begins
January 27, 2026 - Stoney Creek Water Sampling Begins
The sight of large numbers of dead and dying coho spawners this past season brought about increased concern about Stoney Creek water quality. It was thought that the salmon mortality may have been partially caused by the presence of a major environmental pollutant, 6PPD-Quinone, known to be especially harmful to Coho. It is chemical additive to vehicle tires, and is in the rubber dust flushed off streets and into storm drains when it rains. There is a storm drain outfall below Bridge 1, where these photos were taken.
The sight of large numbers of dead and dying coho spawners this past season brought about increased concern about Stoney Creek water quality. It was thought that the salmon mortality may have been partially caused by the presence of a major environmental pollutant, 6PPD-Quinone, known to be especially harmful to Coho. It is chemical additive to vehicle tires, and is in the rubber dust flushed off streets and into storm drains when it rains. There is a storm drain outfall below Bridge 1, where these photos were taken.
With the help of John MacDonald, the biologist at Sumas First Nation, ARPSES volunteers have connected with scientists at the Scholes Lab at UBC who can determine if there is 6PPD-Quinone in Stoney Creek water. It will be necessary to collect a series of water samples at regular intervals prior to and after rainfalls.
With the help of John MacDonald, the biologist at Sumas First Nation, ARPSES volunteers have connected with scientists at the Scholes Lab at UBC who can determine if there is 6PPD-Quinone in Stoney Creek water. It will be necessary to collect a series of water samples at regular intervals prior to and after rainfalls.
Using a cooking thermometer, Dale Taylor measures the water temperature below the storm drain outfall where runoff from nearby streets enters the creek.
Using a cooking thermometer, Dale Taylor measures the water temperature below the storm drain outfall where runoff from nearby streets enters the creek.
He also checks the temperature of the water in the main stream. There was a temperature difference of about two degrees between the two locations.
He also checks the temperature of the water in the main stream. There was a temperature difference of about two degrees between the two locations.
If there is 6PPD-Q in the water, it will be in extremely low concentration. The tinted glass helps prevent any degradation of the water sample.
If there is 6PPD-Q in the water, it will be in extremely low concentration. The tinted glass helps prevent any degradation of the water sample.
Dale and Neal Mutadi are volunteers, while Paul Neufeld is our local Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) representative.
Dale and Neal Mutadi are volunteers, while Paul Neufeld is our local Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) representative.
The first sample was collected by hand in mid-afternoon on January 27th, as rain was expected the following night. The water temperature, time of sampling, and geographic location were recorded and the sample put directly into a pre-cleaned 250 mL amber jar. It will be stored frozen to prevent degradation. The accumulated jars of samples will be taken to the Scholes Lab where the contents will be analyzed with complex equipment such as a mass spectrometer and the resulting data processed by computer software. The presence or absence of 6PPD-Q is yet to be determined.
The first sample was collected by hand in mid-afternoon on January 27th, as rain was expected the following night. The water temperature, time of sampling, and geographic location were recorded and the sample put directly into a pre-cleaned 250 mL amber jar. It will be stored frozen to prevent degradation. The accumulated jars of samples will be taken to the Scholes Lab where the contents will be analyzed with complex equipment such as a mass spectrometer and the resulting data processed by computer software. The presence or absence of 6PPD-Q is yet to be determined.
January 21, 2026 - Salmon Egg Delivery to Thomas Swift School
January 21, 2026 - Salmon Egg Delivery to Thomas Swift School
Dale Taylor, ARPSES president, brought coho eggs from the hatchery as part of the Salmon Stewardship Program for Grade 2 and 3 students in Mrs. Spenard’s and Mrs. Stroet’s classes.
Dale Taylor, ARPSES president, brought coho eggs from the hatchery as part of the Salmon Stewardship Program for Grade 2 and 3 students in Mrs. Spenard’s and Mrs. Stroet’s classes.
Mr. Taylor introduces two containers of eggs to show the colour difference between live and dead ones, before they are passed around for the students to examine more closely.
Mr. Taylor introduces two containers of eggs to show the colour difference between live and dead ones, before they are passed around for the students to examine more closely.
The 50 eggs have been in the hatchery incubator for two months and are at the eyed stage. Mrs. Spenard is ready to put them in the aquarium. The water is kept at 6°C and constantly circulated by a pump to imitate the water flow of a creek .
The 50 eggs have been in the hatchery incubator for two months and are at the eyed stage. Mrs. Spenard is ready to put them in the aquarium. The water is kept at 6°C and constantly circulated by a pump to imitate the water flow of a creek .
She carefully lowers the container onto a patch of gravel at the bottom of the aquarium. After hatching and passing through the alevin stage, they will become fry and be ready for release into Stoney Creek in May.
She carefully lowers the container onto a patch of gravel at the bottom of the aquarium. After hatching and passing through the alevin stage, they will become fry and be ready for release into Stoney Creek in May.
Stoney Creek Water Testing
Stoney Creek Water Testing
The quality of the water in Stoney Creek is of concern to the ARPSES hatchery staff, who release salmon smolt into Stoney every year. The water quality should be monitored.
The quality of the water in Stoney Creek is of concern to the ARPSES hatchery staff, who release salmon smolt into Stoney every year. The water quality should be monitored.
Fortunately, Doug Gosling, one of our streamkeepers, has taken responsibilty for doing water tests. They are done in two locations: near Laburnum Avenue and at the pond below Bridge 1 near Bateman Road.
Fortunately, Doug Gosling, one of our streamkeepers, has taken responsibilty for doing water tests. They are done in two locations: near Laburnum Avenue and at the pond below Bridge 1 near Bateman Road.
He is using a LaMotte Waterlink SpinTouch FX device provided by Paul Neufeld of the DFO.
He is using a LaMotte Waterlink SpinTouch FX device provided by Paul Neufeld of the DFO.
On the left is the data sheet that Doug fills out after each test. The Spin Touch can measure seven parameters: alkalinity, ammonia, hardness, nitrate, nitrite, pH, and phosphate. The last three parameters, water temperature, air temperature and oxygen level are measured using another device in his kit, the OxyGuard Polaris C Oxygen/Temperature meter.
On the left is the data sheet that Doug fills out after each test. The Spin Touch can measure seven parameters: alkalinity, ammonia, hardness, nitrate, nitrite, pH, and phosphate. The last three parameters, water temperature, air temperature and oxygen level are measured using another device in his kit, the OxyGuard Polaris C Oxygen/Temperature meter.
2026-01-17
2026-01-17
The Waterlink SpinTouch
The SpinTouch reagent disk
All the equipment, including the SpinTouch unit, is kept in a small suitcase.
The Polaris meter has a sensor to measure three parameters directly from the water.
The creek water in the sample bottle will be analysed later by the SpinTouch.
With the Polaris sensor cable down in the water, Doug prepares to photograph its display.
For accuracy, it is important that the Polaris sensor is placed in moving water.
The oxygen saturation (%), dissolved oxygen (mg/L) and water temperature are displayed.
Doug unpacks a fresh reagent disk. In it are several small chambers for holding water.
When the disk is filled with creek water, it will go in the top of the spinner.
A fine-tipped syringe injects the sample water through a tiny hole into the disk.
The disk, now in place in the top of the spinner, is ready for processing.
The battery powered spinner takes less than five minutes to analyse the creek water.
Seven of the ten parameters are displayed for recording on the data sheet.
Spawner Survey Results for 2025
Spawner Survey Results for 2025
Clayburn chart based on data from six surveys from Nov. 8 to Nov. 29 done by ARPSES streamkeepers Dale and Rob
McLennan chart based on data from nine surveys from Oct, 15 to Dec. 7 done by ARPSES streamkeepers John and Tom
Stoney chart based on data from 16 surveys from Oct, 15 to Dec. 7 done by ARPSES streamkeepers Bruce, Alexandra, Dale, Dennis, Doug, Ellery, and Rob.
Major Difficulties for Spawning Coho (updated December 20, 2025)
Major Difficulties for Spawning Coho (updated December 20, 2025)
Over the past few weeks, our Streamkeepers and local DFO representatives have focused on a serious problem, the unusually high number of pre-spawn deaths (coho that died before they had a chance to spawn).
Over the past few weeks, our Streamkeepers and local DFO representatives have focused on a serious problem, the unusually high number of pre-spawn deaths (coho that died before they had a chance to spawn).
At first it was thought that poor water quality may have been the cause: pollution from stormwater runoff, nearby construction, or even an unreported spill. Some water testing was done and the results looked normal, although nitrate levels were a bit higher than usual. More sampling is ongoing, and results from federal investigations have yet to be shared with us.
At first it was thought that poor water quality may have been the cause: pollution from stormwater runoff, nearby construction, or even an unreported spill. Some water testing was done and the results looked normal, although nitrate levels were a bit higher than usual. More sampling is ongoing, and results from federal investigations have yet to be shared with us.
Another obvious issue was the large number of leeches found on both live and dead fish. Leeches are normally present in salmon streams and don’t usually kill fish on their own. However, heavy infestations—especially around the gills—can stress the fish, cause blood loss, make it harder for them to breathe, and open the door to infections. These leeches can also carry a microscopic parasite that damages red blood cells. When infections are severe, this can lead to anemia and death before spawning.
Another obvious issue was the large number of leeches found on both live and dead fish. Leeches are normally present in salmon streams and don’t usually kill fish on their own. However, heavy infestations—especially around the gills—can stress the fish, cause blood loss, make it harder for them to breathe, and open the door to infections. These leeches can also carry a microscopic parasite that damages red blood cells. When infections are severe, this can lead to anemia and death before spawning.
The salmon observed by the Streamkeepers during weekly surveys showed signs of serious stress, including lethargy, gasping at the surface, poor balance, and heavy slime buildup. Overall (as of December 16), federal authorities thought the deaths were probably caused by a combination of factors—parasites, possible water quality problems, and other environmental stresses—rather than a single cause.
The salmon observed by the Streamkeepers during weekly surveys showed signs of serious stress, including lethargy, gasping at the surface, poor balance, and heavy slime buildup. Overall (as of December 16), federal authorities thought the deaths were probably caused by a combination of factors—parasites, possible water quality problems, and other environmental stresses—rather than a single cause.
(Photos by Alexandra Munday)
Our intrepid Streamkeepers (L to R): Alexandra, Doug, Dennis and Ellery. Doug has been an ARPSES volunteer for 15+ years. Dennis and Ellery are from the DFO and volunteering their time. Alexandra is currently with the BC Conservation Foundation but will join the DFO next spring.
Our intrepid Streamkeepers (L to R): Alexandra, Doug, Dennis and Ellery. Doug has been an ARPSES volunteer for 15+ years. Dennis and Ellery are from the DFO and volunteering their time. Alexandra is currently with the BC Conservation Foundation but will join the DFO next spring.
November 26, 2025 — The Annual Egg Take
November 26, 2025 — The Annual Egg Take
Update: December 19:
Update: December 19:
In order to get a sufficient quantity of eggs, four egg takes were done: Nov 26 - 6327 eggs, Dec. 4 - 2820 eggs, Dec. 9 - 4417 eggs and Dec 15 - 2340 eggs. All brood stock came from Clayburn Creek except for 1 male and 1 female from Chilliwack Hatchery . There were 7 female and 7 male coho in all.
In order to get a sufficient quantity of eggs, four egg takes were done: Nov 26 - 6327 eggs, Dec. 4 - 2820 eggs, Dec. 9 - 4417 eggs and Dec 15 - 2340 eggs. All brood stock came from Clayburn Creek except for 1 male and 1 female from Chilliwack Hatchery . There were 7 female and 7 male coho in all.
The spread between the dates means that each batch will have different ATUs, so they will need to be processed at different times and be raised in four different Cap troughs after hatching.
The spread between the dates means that each batch will have different ATUs, so they will need to be processed at different times and be raised in four different Cap troughs after hatching.
The brood stock coho from Clayburn Creek have been held for a week in a big tank.
The brood stock coho from Clayburn Creek have been held for a week in a big tank.
The fish are removed one by one using hand nets. All three females and one of the two males had no adipose fin, marking them as having been raised in the hatchery from a previous egg take.
The fish are removed one by one using hand nets. All three females and one of the two males had no adipose fin, marking them as having been raised in the hatchery from a previous egg take.
Rob removes supplementary brood stock that have been brought from the Chilliwack hatchery.
Rob removes supplementary brood stock that have been brought from the Chilliwack hatchery.
Tysan checks to see if the eggs are ripe.
Tysan checks to see if the eggs are ripe.
He bonks the female, killing it.
He bonks the female, killing it.
The females are hung to bleed out because any blood would contaminate the eggs.
The females are hung to bleed out because any blood would contaminate the eggs.
A special cutting tool is needed.
A special cutting tool is needed.
Tristan cuts the belly open with the tool.
Tristan cuts the belly open with the tool.
With John's help, he strips the eggs out of their sacs.
With John's help, he strips the eggs out of their sacs.
The skein, the organ which produces the eggs, is also stripped.
The skein, the organ which produces the eggs, is also stripped.
Milt from the males is mixed with the eggs.
Milt from the males is mixed with the eggs.
Water is added, allowing fertilization.
Water is added, allowing fertilization.
The fertilized eggs have a distinctive glow.
The fertilized eggs have a distinctive glow.
The eggs are thoroughly rinsed.
The eggs are thoroughly rinsed.
First, the number of eggs in 30 g is found, then the total weight of all the eggs is measured.
First, the number of eggs in 30 g is found, then the total weight of all the eggs is measured.
By using arithmetic, the total number of eggs can be calculated. In this case, it was about 6,300.
By using arithmetic, the total number of eggs can be calculated. In this case, it was about 6,300.
The fertilized eggs are doused with disinfectant to prevent possible fungal infection.
The fertilized eggs are doused with disinfectant to prevent possible fungal infection.
All the eggs are placed in one incubator tray and will remain untouched there until the "Egg Shock" operation in January.
All the eggs are placed in one incubator tray and will remain untouched there until the "Egg Shock" operation in January.
November 19, 2025 — The Annual Brood Stock Netting
November 19, 2025 — The Annual Brood Stock Netting
The volunteers at the hatchery before they headed down to Clayburn Creek: Tysan, John, Dale, Paul, Tom and Alexandra
The volunteers at the hatchery before they headed down to Clayburn Creek: Tysan, John, Dale, Paul, Tom and Alexandra
Sasha and Francis from Sumas First Nation (along with John McDonald, who took these two photos) came to assist in the operation. The captured coho were transported to the hatchery in a large tank on one of those trucks.
Sasha and Francis from Sumas First Nation (along with John McDonald, who took these two photos) came to assist in the operation. The captured coho were transported to the hatchery in a large tank on one of those trucks.
In the creek, just above the Clayburn Road bridge, barrier nets were spread to trap potential donor coho. Hand held dip nets were used to remove the chosen fish.
In the creek, just above the Clayburn Road bridge, barrier nets were spread to trap potential donor coho. Hand held dip nets were used to remove the chosen fish.
The crew successfully captured six female and eight male coho which were put in this brood stock tub back at the hatchery.
The crew successfully captured six female and eight male coho which were put in this brood stock tub back at the hatchery.
There were some very fresh, healthy looking coho in this group. Three were clipped (missing adipose fins), marking them as hatchery fish.
There were some very fresh, healthy looking coho in this group. Three were clipped (missing adipose fins), marking them as hatchery fish.
November 11, 2025: A Clayburn Creek Spawner Survey
November 11, 2025: A Clayburn Creek Spawner Survey
Rob parked his truck near where Straiton Road joins Clayburn Road. This was the second survey of the season at Clayburn Creek.
Rob parked his truck near where Straiton Road joins Clayburn Road. This was the second survey of the season at Clayburn Creek.
Just downstream from the surveyed area, the creek goes under the Clayburn Road bridge,
Just downstream from the surveyed area, the creek goes under the Clayburn Road bridge,
Rob spotted just 3 chum, 2 live and 1 dead. Sufficient water levels due to rain came too late for the chum run this year, but just right for the coho.
Rob spotted just 3 chum, 2 live and 1 dead. Sufficient water levels due to rain came too late for the chum run this year, but just right for the coho.
The coho tally was much larger: 53 live and 1 dead. Most were seen between the Clayburn and Straiton Road bridges.
The coho tally was much larger: 53 live and 1 dead. Most were seen between the Clayburn and Straiton Road bridges.
Photos by Dale Taylor
Photos by Dale Taylor
November 8, 2025: A Stoney Creek Salmon Spawner Survey
November 8, 2025: A Stoney Creek Salmon Spawner Survey
ARPSES surveys began this year on October 25th and will be carried out approximately weekly through December. This was the third one of the season in Stoney Creek.
ARPSES surveys began this year on October 25th and will be carried out approximately weekly through December. This was the third one of the season in Stoney Creek.
Doug and Alexandra started at the pond near Bridge 1. They surveyed the lower section of the creek, from there up to Bridge 5.
Doug and Alexandra started at the pond near Bridge 1. They surveyed the lower section of the creek, from there up to Bridge 5.
Alexandra is holding a jack coho, a small male that has returned to the creek a year earlier than normal.
Alexandra is holding a jack coho, a small male that has returned to the creek a year earlier than normal.
Doug uses a stick to retrieve a dead fish. The survey records the numbers of both live and dead fish, male and female, and whether the females are still holding eggs.
Doug uses a stick to retrieve a dead fish. The survey records the numbers of both live and dead fish, male and female, and whether the females are still holding eggs.
After the details are recorded, its head will be removed so it will not be counted a second time in the next survey. The remains will be returned to the water as food for the small critters that will nourish the next generation of salmon fry.
After the details are recorded, its head will be removed so it will not be counted a second time in the next survey. The remains will be returned to the water as food for the small critters that will nourish the next generation of salmon fry.
September 19, 2025: Stoney Creek Macroinvertebrate Survey
September 19, 2025: Stoney Creek Macroinvertebrate Survey
ZoAnn, from Pacific Streamkeepers, chooses a location where vegetation overhangs the water.
ZoAnn, from Pacific Streamkeepers, chooses a location where vegetation overhangs the water.
Hatchery volunteers, John and Quirien, remove large pebbles and place the D-net in position.
Hatchery volunteers, John and Quirien, remove large pebbles and place the D-net in position.
Quirien distributes the trays in which the invertebrates will be isolated for counting.
Quirien distributes the trays in which the invertebrates will be isolated for counting.
John, Quirien, Bruce and Dave find invertebrates in the tubs and transfer them into the trays.
John, Quirien, Bruce and Dave find invertebrates in the tubs and transfer them into the trays.
Caddisfly larvae have attached themselves to the underside of a pebble.
Caddisfly larvae have attached themselves to the underside of a pebble.
Stonefly naiads are large and easy to find in a distribution tub.
Stonefly naiads are large and easy to find in a distribution tub.
The Water Quality is indicated by the number of insect larvae found. There are three categories:
The Water Quality is indicated by the number of insect larvae found. There are three categories:
Category 1 (EPT): pollution intolerant (most important); caddisfly, mayfly, stonefly.
Category 1 (EPT): pollution intolerant (most important); caddisfly, mayfly, stonefly.
Category 2: somewhat pollution tolerant; e.g. cranefly.
Category 2: somewhat pollution tolerant; e.g. cranefly.
Category 3: pollution tolerant; e.g. blackfly
Category 3: pollution tolerant; e.g. blackfly
The survey had very positive results. It was done much further upstream than last year's sampling location.
The survey had very positive results. It was done much further upstream than last year's sampling location.
August 8, 2025: Annual sediment removal from Stoney Creek Pond
August 8, 2025: Annual sediment removal from Stoney Creek Pond
Just before Stoney Creek flows through a culvert under Bateman Road and out of the Park, it widens into a large pond. This is the location where the one-year-old Coho smolts from the Hatchery are released every May. During the high water events caused by winter rains, the Pond fills with sediment.
Just before Stoney Creek flows through a culvert under Bateman Road and out of the Park, it widens into a large pond. This is the location where the one-year-old Coho smolts from the Hatchery are released every May. During the high water events caused by winter rains, the Pond fills with sediment.
Subsequently, every August some of the gravel and sand are removed by the City. This year, about 25 truck loads were taken, deepening about half the Pond area and creating a stretch of quiet water for the benefit of last winter's generation of wild coho fry as well as resident crayfish, trout and other critters.
Subsequently, every August some of the gravel and sand are removed by the City. This year, about 25 truck loads were taken, deepening about half the Pond area and creating a stretch of quiet water for the benefit of last winter's generation of wild coho fry as well as resident crayfish, trout and other critters.
June 24, 2025: Annual Smolt Transfer
June 24, 2025: Annual Smolt Transfer
A heavy plastic tub in the back of a DFO truck was used to carry coho fry from the Cap trough in the hatchery down into the ravine. In all, 11,200 fish were transferred in two trips to the rearing pond.
A heavy plastic tub in the back of a DFO truck was used to carry coho fry from the Cap trough in the hatchery down into the ravine. In all, 11,200 fish were transferred in two trips to the rearing pond.
The large predator net had already been moved aside on May 15th when last year's generation of smolts was removed from the pond.
The large predator net had already been moved aside on May 15th when last year's generation of smolts was removed from the pond.
Chris looks on while Tristan dumps a netful of fry.
Chris looks on while Tristan dumps a netful of fry.
The water flowing through the pond comes from a natural spring in the ravine. The water used in the Cap trough comes from the the same source, so the shock to the fry would be minimal.
The water flowing through the pond comes from a natural spring in the ravine. The water used in the Cap trough comes from the the same source, so the shock to the fry would be minimal.
It took an hour to move the predator net back into place afterwards.
It took an hour to move the predator net back into place afterwards.
Anchored by large plastic tent pegs and steel posts, it prevents the smolts from being preyed upon by kingfishers, herons, owls and raccoons. It has been very effective—the smolt survival rate was about 93%.
Anchored by large plastic tent pegs and steel posts, it prevents the smolts from being preyed upon by kingfishers, herons, owls and raccoons. It has been very effective—the smolt survival rate was about 93%.
The crew: Paul, Chris and Tristan
The crew: Paul, Chris and Tristan
The coho fry, which had been kept in the Hatchery since December, will now live in the pond and be hand-fed four times per week for another year. They will be released as smolts into Stoney and Clayburn creeks next May, 2026.
The coho fry, which had been kept in the Hatchery since December, will now live in the pond and be hand-fed four times per week for another year. They will be released as smolts into Stoney and Clayburn creeks next May, 2026.
Photos by Dale Taylor
Photos by Dale Taylor
June 4, 2025: The Annual Fin Clipping Event
June 4, 2025: The Annual Fin Clipping Event
On June 4th and 5th, 22 Volunteers and 3 DFO personnel clipped the adipose fins of 11,370 coho fry presently residing in cap troughs at the hatchery. The support we received from the City of Abbotsford, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Abbotsford/Mission Nature Club and ARPSES volunteers made this all possible.
On June 4th and 5th, 22 Volunteers and 3 DFO personnel clipped the adipose fins of 11,370 coho fry presently residing in cap troughs at the hatchery. The support we received from the City of Abbotsford, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Abbotsford/Mission Nature Club and ARPSES volunteers made this all possible.
These fry will remain in the cap troughs to be fed and cared for daily for a few more weeks. They will then be transferred to our pond in Ravine Park where they will be nurtured until they are released into local streams as smolts next May.
These fry will remain in the cap troughs to be fed and cared for daily for a few more weeks. They will then be transferred to our pond in Ravine Park where they will be nurtured until they are released into local streams as smolts next May.
The clipping table, which is new this year, allows for up to 10 people to be involved. All the equipment, including these specialized scissors, is supplied by the DFO and is used at all the other volunteer hatcheries in the Lower Mainland.
The clipping table, which is new this year, allows for up to 10 people to be involved. All the equipment, including these specialized scissors, is supplied by the DFO and is used at all the other volunteer hatcheries in the Lower Mainland.
This is what goes on at a clipping station. The previously anesthetized fry are processed with special scissors (notice the collection of tiny fins), then placed in the water moving down that narrow trough. The water flushes them to the bottom end of the table.
This is what goes on at a clipping station. The previously anesthetized fry are processed with special scissors (notice the collection of tiny fins), then placed in the water moving down that narrow trough. The water flushes them to the bottom end of the table.
Arlene is stationed at the bottom end of the table, clicking the hand counter each time a clipped fish goes by on its way into that white pipe which will carry it back to the Cap trough.
Arlene is stationed at the bottom end of the table, clicking the hand counter each time a clipped fish goes by on its way into that white pipe which will carry it back to the Cap trough.
May 15, 2025: The Annual Smolt Release
May 15, 2025: The Annual Smolt Release
Helping with the operation were several ARPSES volunteers and, for the first time, a welcome crew from the City staff. Here they are, all lined up beside Clayburn Creek in front of the tank truck.
Helping with the operation were several ARPSES volunteers and, for the first time, a welcome crew from the City staff. Here they are, all lined up beside Clayburn Creek in front of the tank truck.
The operation begins with Paul lugging the seine net down to the rearing pond in the ravine below the hatchery.
The operation begins with Paul lugging the seine net down to the rearing pond in the ravine below the hatchery.
Tristan, Bruce, Chris and Jasmyn spread the net out. As you can see, the cold water is almost waist deep.
Tristan, Bruce, Chris and Jasmyn spread the net out. As you can see, the cold water is almost waist deep.
John is removing vegetation trapped in the net when it is dragged along the bottom of the pond.
John is removing vegetation trapped in the net when it is dragged along the bottom of the pond.
Jasmyn has to pull hard to move the 15-metre-long, 1.5-metre-wide net.
Jasmyn has to pull hard to move the 15-metre-long, 1.5-metre-wide net.
Paul, as community representative of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, supervised the operation.
Paul, as community representative of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, supervised the operation.
The smolts, which have been living in the pond for a year, are gradually rounded up for transfer to the tank truck.
The smolts, which have been living in the pond for a year, are gradually rounded up for transfer to the tank truck.
Paul was very happy with the condition of the fish: "a very healthy length-to-weight ratio, great fin condition, color and rigor." Between the ponding of the fry last year and the smolt stage this week, the survival rate was around 93%. This was likely due to the large nets used to keep predators out of the rearing pond. The number of smolts was much larger than usual—too many for one tank load, so some had to be held back for a second trip.
Paul was very happy with the condition of the fish: "a very healthy length-to-weight ratio, great fin condition, color and rigor." Between the ponding of the fry last year and the smolt stage this week, the survival rate was around 93%. This was likely due to the large nets used to keep predators out of the rearing pond. The number of smolts was much larger than usual—too many for one tank load, so some had to be held back for a second trip.
Tysan and Jasmyn with Rob, who is holding a dip net load of smolts.
Tysan and Jasmyn with Rob, who is holding a dip net load of smolts.
One of several netloads is relayed quickly to the nearby tank truck.
One of several netloads is relayed quickly to the nearby tank truck.
On the way to Stoney Creek, the first destination (five kilometres away), it became evident that crowding in the tank was stressing the smolts and that they needed to be released as soon as possible. Moving by hand using dip nets would have been too slow, so they were transferred using the pipe method.
On the way to Stoney Creek, the first destination (five kilometres away), it became evident that crowding in the tank was stressing the smolts and that they needed to be released as soon as possible. Moving by hand using dip nets would have been too slow, so they were transferred using the pipe method.
The water level in Stoney Creek, a tributary of Clayburn Creek, was low, but there had been some rain the previous night and there was enough water depth to release all 12,800 smolts into the pond beside Bateman Road. Later, the second tank load of 3000 smolts was delivered to nearby Clayburn Creek. They went into the sediment trap pond on the west side of Wright Street, across from the Clayburn Village church.
The water level in Stoney Creek, a tributary of Clayburn Creek, was low, but there had been some rain the previous night and there was enough water depth to release all 12,800 smolts into the pond beside Bateman Road. Later, the second tank load of 3000 smolts was delivered to nearby Clayburn Creek. They went into the sediment trap pond on the west side of Wright Street, across from the Clayburn Village church.
John holds the pipe as the smolts shoot down from the tank truck into Clayburn Creek.
John holds the pipe as the smolts shoot down from the tank truck into Clayburn Creek.
These smolts were born in the hatchery in the winter of 2023/24, confined for a year in the ravine pond, and now free to head for the open ocean. What a remarkable life change!
These smolts were born in the hatchery in the winter of 2023/24, confined for a year in the ravine pond, and now free to head for the open ocean. What a remarkable life change!
The following day, ARPSES president Dale Taylor had a look for the smolts in the Stoney Creek pond and didn’t see any. This means they were already on their way downstream to the Fraser River which will take them to the Salish Sea. Two years from now, the survivors (maybe 3%) will be returning to spawn in our creeks.
The following day, ARPSES president Dale Taylor had a look for the smolts in the Stoney Creek pond and didn’t see any. This means they were already on their way downstream to the Fraser River which will take them to the Salish Sea. Two years from now, the survivors (maybe 3%) will be returning to spawn in our creeks.
May 2, 2025: Hatchery Enhancements
May 2, 2025: Hatchery Enhancements
To enhance the hatchery facilities, Rudy and Hank from the Abbotsford Mission Nature Club, with committee approval, designed an entrance portico intended to feature First Nations artwork. The concept was readily accepted by the City Parks Department.
To enhance the hatchery facilities, Rudy and Hank from the Abbotsford Mission Nature Club, with committee approval, designed an entrance portico intended to feature First Nations artwork. The concept was readily accepted by the City Parks Department.
The components of the portico were then milled from a cedar log in Rudy’s workshop in Yarrow, while the hardware and other materials were funded by a $200 gift certificate from RONA Building Supplies. Once the foundation was in place, a crew of club volunteers completed the structure in one day.
The components of the portico were then milled from a cedar log in Rudy’s workshop in Yarrow, while the hardware and other materials were funded by a $200 gift certificate from RONA Building Supplies. Once the foundation was in place, a crew of club volunteers completed the structure in one day.
The Club also donated new chairs and tables, making the meeting room more attractive for hosting activities. The old chairs were taken apart and recycled.
The Club also donated new chairs and tables, making the meeting room more attractive for hosting activities. The old chairs were taken apart and recycled.
After the new portico was in place, ARPSES president Dale Taylor asked his long-time friend, Don Froese of the Seabird Island Band, to provide the artwork.
After the new portico was in place, ARPSES president Dale Taylor asked his long-time friend, Don Froese of the Seabird Island Band, to provide the artwork.
Don has also involved students from Godson, Sumas, and Dormick Park elementary schools in carving projects. In the past, he has installed artwork in the USA, Europe, and the Middle East.
Don has also involved students from Godson, Sumas, and Dormick Park elementary schools in carving projects. In the past, he has installed artwork in the USA, Europe, and the Middle East.
The artwork is typical Coast Salish. It is painted on a yellow cedar plank cut from a tree near Boston Bar. Traditionally, the paint was made from Devil’s club and natural iron oxide mixed with bear grease. However, these images are rendered in acrylic paint. The salmon and the eagle are depicted in a symmetrical design, facing each other. In this way, they represent the balance between two powerful forces that sustain life in the great cycle of natural existence.
The artwork is typical Coast Salish. It is painted on a yellow cedar plank cut from a tree near Boston Bar. Traditionally, the paint was made from Devil’s club and natural iron oxide mixed with bear grease. However, these images are rendered in acrylic paint. The salmon and the eagle are depicted in a symmetrical design, facing each other. In this way, they represent the balance between two powerful forces that sustain life in the great cycle of natural existence.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse