Here's what's new at PSF

[Pacific Salmon Foundation]

We chat with a lot of you in person at different events around BC and realized that not everyone frequents our psf.ca website (which was just re-launched btw) on a weekly basis. Therefore, we thought we'd bring you up to date information on the salmon conservation work we are involved with on this forum and get a dialogue going here with any of you interested in providing your thoughts on getting towards our shared goals of healthy and diverse wild salmon populations throughout BC.

With that, 2014 was a very busy year at PSF. Here are a couple highlights:

1) Officially launched our $10-million Salish Sea Marine Survival Project intent on restoring Chinook and Coho populations in the Strait of Georgia to levels not seen in decades. A 3-min video on the research and restoration project can be seen here:

[9MLsb8ADk18]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MLsb8ADk18

2) We were able to grant out a record $1.6 million to 121 streamkeeping groups across BC. If your group would like to apply for a grant in 2015 do so here - https://www.psf.ca/what-we-do/community-salmon-program

3) We continue to engage with and receive great support from the Rec Fishing Community in BC though the Conservation Contribution program (the optional charge on invoices at lodges) and through derby proceeds and individual customer donations as a result of the lodges/guides talking conservation with guests.

We welcome your thoughts/comments on things PSF is doing well and also those things you think we should be focusing our efforts on more. Our organization relies on the engagement and passion of the thousands of volunteers and salmon lovers out there and as we enter 2015 we hope to strengthen these partnerships.

 

[tincan]

from the PSF blog. anyone interested in adding a few new pieces of equipment to your boat?

https://www.psf.ca/blog/citizen-science-boats-are-coming-communities-near-you

BC Volunteers to man fleet for data sampling

Next February, communities around the Strait of Georgia can keep an eye out for a fleet of civilian fishing boats retrofitted to collect oceanographic data. The fleet is part of the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project’s holistic approach to study all biological and environmental factors affecting salmon abundance. Previous recovery efforts targeted at the strait have been hampered by fragmented information.

BC volunteers will be trained to collect oceanographic data such as temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, nutrients and other factors that could be impacting salmon abundance. The volunteers will work in 10 overlapping areas of interest in the strait.

 

[Pacific Salmon Foundation]

Seals vs Salmon, Determining Predation Rates - Austen Thomas, Doctoral student
Austen Thomas gives an overview of his research project to determine predation rates of harbour seals over salmon. This innovative study is one small part of the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project.
-http://marinesurvivalproject.com/

[hGbAKtTejH0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGbAKtTejH0

 

[Cuba Libre]

Interesting study.... Thanks

 

[Pacific Salmon Foundation]

Looking for a last minute gift idea??

https://www.psf.ca/blog/new-strait-georgia-book-supported-pacific-salmon-foundation-launched

NEW STRAIT-OF-GEORGIA BOOK SUPPORTED BY PACIFIC SALMON FOUNDATION LAUNCHED
Thursday, 27 November 2014
The Sea Among Us – The Amazing Strait of Georgia


Authors: Richard Beamish and Gordon McFarlane
Foreword: The Honourable John Fraser
Introduction: Brian Riddell
The Pacific Salmon Foundation is proud to announce the release of a new book that compellingly chronicles the science, people and industry of the Strait of Georgia. The book is filled with facts, stories and photos about the “ocean” that is most familiar to British Columbians – The Strait of Georgia.

Published by Harbour Publishing, the book was made possible through a grant from the Pacific Salmon Foundation as part of its Salish Sea Marine Survival Project, along with support from the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia. All author royalties are being donated to the Pacific Salmon Foundation. The book can be purchased online at http://www.harbourpublishing.com for $39.95.

“The Sea Among Us is designed to be a comprehensive and entertaining reference for anyone living in the area, visiting, or just interested in learning about the strait. The book describes how the Strait of Georgia has been a central part of the development of Canada’s west coast. Most residents and visitors experience some part of the strait, yet despite this popularity there is not one reference that explains the history, documents what lives in the waters, explains how the strait functions as an ecosystem and what needs to be done to maintain its health.”

“Richard Beamish and Gordon McFarlane have combined the talents of true experts who have lived and worked in the Strait of Georgia and they have shared their knowledge and fascination of this area. This book is a unique combination of science, history, anthropology and biology that will hook your imagination and love of nature.

 

[Derby]

Hey guys..I looked at the book this weekend @ the SFAB meeting... very well done.... A must have...

 

[Pacific Salmon Foundation]

Thanks for the compliment on the book Derby! It's selling very well so far and I believe it just got into the BC Ferries gift shop so it should be even more accessible for those looking to purchase it.

Here's another short video of recent work in the Cowichan River Estuary with some of PSF partners in the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project - this one features Nikki Wright of SeaChange and Co-Chair of the Seagrass Conservation Working Group. The transplanting of eelgrass took place this past Summer (2014) in the Cowichan estuary and plans are to do similar work in several more estuaries in the Strait of Georgia in 2015.

[fSNQgEOyIQs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSNQgEOyIQs

 

[GLG]

Bought a copy today for a present.
May have to get another as it's looks very informative.

 

[chris73]

Very interesting. Just hope that we do not only study but also address the issues.

PSF, do you guys still leverage donations to salmon projects? If a group was to donate to a enhancement society or stream keeper group etc. would the PSF match that to double the amount? Who would I speak to about this?

 

[Pacific Salmon Foundation]

GLG, glad you like the book. There is a LOT of info in it so it will take some time to get through but there are also a LOT of nice pictures for those who want to flip through it quickly

Chris73, Below is some information on our Community Salmon Program (CSP) which is the vehicle at PSF used to support the 100's of streamkeeping groups across BC. In terms of leveraging donations, for every $1 PSF grants to these volunteer group, another $7 (on average) is raised at the local level through other cash and in-kind donations, monetized labour, etc. One of our current granting requirements/restrictions is that community groups must match dollar for dollar any grant PSF provides. This is a stipulation in our agreement with the federal government to manage the Salmon Conservation Stamp funds. Given the average 7:1 leverage ratio this is typically not an issue. However, for some projects in remote areas with limited volunteers and/or cash resources, it makes it challenging for us to provide grants to what could be very good salmon projects. This is where PSF relies on donations from individuals/lodges/corporations as we are able to use these donations to meet the minimum matching requirement. So to answer your question, we cannot outright match (double) the amount of a donation to a particular steamkeeping/enhancement group. However, if the group has a decent volunteer component and/or local support any grant provided by PSF will likely be leveraged several fold. If you would like to support some of the important projects that have difficulty finding that matching requirement we would be glad to discuss with you or anyone else who is considering donating to/through PSF. Thanks again for your interest and if you have a project that needs funding please remember to submit your application form prior to Feb. 15, 2015. Forms can be found at the link below!

=========

The Pacific Salmon Foundation’s Community Salmon Program is a grantmaking program that supports volunteer–driven organizations that undertake salmon conservation and restoration projects in British Columbia and the Yukon. The program makes annual grants totaling more than $1.8 million annually. Most of the funds for these grants are generated through sales of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Salmon Stamp, by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Since 1989, the Community Salmon Program has made grants to more than 1,500 projects;
Engaged more than 30,000 active stewardship volunteers;
Rehabilitated 1.1 million square meters of streams;
Planted 78,665 trees and shrubs;
Partnered with community grantees to raise an additional $7 for each $1 granted by the Foundation.

Contact our Salmon Programs staff to learn more about applying for the Community Salmon Program: salmon@psf.ca

Apply for a grant: https://www.psf.ca/what-we-do/community-salmon-program

 

[Pacific Salmon Foundation]

Another short video explaining the 5-yr Salish Sea Marine Survival Project and its goal of returning healthy Chinook and Coho populations to the Strait of Georgia

[pd_p3zvWzYY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd_p3zvWzYY

Dr. Dick Beamish is a scientific lead for the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project. Dr. Beamish discusses some of the shocking losses in salmon abundance in the Salish Sea and how science will help clarify the reasons for those losses.

 

[Pacific Salmon Foundation]

A few of the PSF fundraising dinners across BC are coming up soon:

01.31 - 2015 Oceanside Dinner/Dance & Auction
02.07 - 2015 Campbell River Dinner/Dance & Auction
02.21 - 2015 South Vancouver Island Dinner & Auction
04.16 - 2015 Vancouver Gala Dinner

For more details on these and other events see this link: https://www.psf.ca/events

Thank you to all of the volunteer organizing committees who do the hard work of putting on these successful events year in year out! If you have any questions on tickets or would like to donate an auction item or be a sponsor please contact Christina at PSF at cmcintyre@psf.ca or call 604.664.7664. We are also looking for more volunteers at some of these events so inquire if interested.

 

[searun]

Getting a table at Oceanside PSF dinner - putting the challenge out there to other forum members to put together groups and attend. Always a good time, and a great way to support salmon.

 

[Copper Moon]

I have a full table as well. The appies are spectacular every year. An event that is fun and worth supporting.

 

[Pacific Salmon Foundation]

Thanks for your support of our Oceanside dinner Searun, Copper Moon and any others on the forum who will be attending. If you are attending, make sure you say hi to our business development guy Cory who will also be there. He's a big fishing guy and frequents this forum so he's always keen to chat with fellow anglers who support PSF efforts.

For those looking for more information on the Saturday, Jan. 31st Oceanside Dinner please see the link below.

https://www.psf.ca/blog/local-salmon-conservation-gets-boost-oceanside-gala

Also, for any of you stream keeping groups out there, please note that February 15 is the deadline for applications for funding to the Pacific Salmon Foundation' s Community Salmon Program. The program makes annual grants totalling more than $1.8 million annually to volunteer-led streamkeeping groups that lead on salmon conservation projects in their communities. Most of the funds for these grants are generated through sales of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Salmon Stamp, by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. - See more at:

https://www.psf.ca/blog/funding-salmon-conservation-projects-february-15-deadline

 

[searun]

Last year there were quite a few forum members in attendance....anyone else going? We should try to say hi.

 

[Pacific Salmon Foundation]

Great turnout at the Oceanside dinner this past weekend in Qualicum. Thanks to those who attended and made it a great event!

There are a few more upcoming PSF dinners as follows:

02.07 - 2015 Campbell River Dinner/Dance & Auction
02.21 - 2015 South Vancouver Island Dinner & Auction
04.16 - 2015 Vancouver Gala Dinner

For more details on these and other events see this link: https://www.psf.ca/events

If you have any questions on tickets or would like to donate an auction item or be a sponsor please contact Christina at PSF at cmcintyre@psf.ca or call 604.664.7664. We are also looking for more volunteers at some of these events so inquire if interested.

 

[Pacific Salmon Foundation]

Latest news entry from the PSF page (click link for full story):

If you followed the news stories about salmon last year, you may remember the concern around salmon disease. Although disease is suspected to be a significant factor in the high mortality rate of salmon, scientists don't know enough about what specific pathogens or diseases may be involved.

Through the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project, the Pacific Salmon Foundation is partnering with Genome BC and Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Strategic Salmon Health Initiative. The initiative will investigate the possible presence of 47 known microbes of salmon in all species of wild salmon, hatchery-reared salmon, and aquaculture-raised (sea pens) Atlantic salmon. Just as the human body is full of bacteria, not all microbes in fish are necessarily harmful.

http://www.sportfishingbc.com/post.php?Is-disease-affecting-salmon-abundance-224

 

[Pacific Salmon Foundation]

For those of you interested in more detailed, specific aspects (and results) from PSF's Salish Sea Marine Survival Project, we have set up a separate website dedicated to the project here:

http://marinesurvivalproject.com/research-activities/bottom-up-studies/

You can browse around the Research Activities tab and find quite a bit of info on the following:

-Our Current Bottom-Up Activities
Calibrating techniques for estimating growth
Investigating life history, age, and growth of adult Puget Sound salmon using otolith microchemistry and scale morphometrics
Physical characteristics and primary production: Upgrading and utilizing the ORCAS buoy network and NANOOS
Zooplankton: Establishing a Puget Sound-wide sampling program
Juvenile salmon: Diagnosing critical growth periods
Additional Bottom-up Projects
Habitat Restoration & Protection
Moorings, Remote Sensing and Ferry Sampling
Citizen Science Program
Oceanographic Studies
Juvenile Salmon Studies

Our Current Top-Down Activities
Evaluating the effect of residency on marine survival
Analyzing pathogens, in particular Nanopheytus, as contributing factors
Puget Sound steelhead early marine survival research
Hatchery-Wild Interactions
Aquaculture-Wild Interactions
Disease and Health
Contaminants in the Strait of Georgia & Impacts on coho and Chinook
Predation

Each of the above activities has a link to the specifics so lots to read there for those interested.

 

[Pacific Salmon Foundation]

Would be happy to see all you Vancouver / Lower Mainland folks come out to support PSF's biggest fundraising event of the year if you are able to attend. Details below:

The Pacific Salmon Foundation’s annual Vancouver Gala Dinner & Auction plays a vital role in the creation of funds for community salmon programs. Since 1987, the Foundation has provided nearly $43 million to support salmon restoration, conservation and enhancement projects throughout British Columbia. These funds have been matched with in-kind contributions and money from corporate partners, First Nations, individuals, community organizations, and government for a total value of more than $156 million.Salmon Raku Sculpture Live Auction Item Vancouver Dinner

This major event will host approximately 700 guests with fine food and wine, exciting raffles, and auctions that have earned a well-deserved reputation for featuring unique and original items. Donors wanting to help make this event a success can do so by a variety of means: donating auction items or experiences, becoming a cash sponsor, or even just buying a ticket. If you are interested in supporting the gala, please contact Christina McIntyre at cmcintyre@psf.ca or 604-664-7664

http://psf.ca/event/2015-vancouver-gala-dinner