Urgent Search for Salmon Nests Begins in Saanich as Spawning Starts

UPDATE: As salmon commence their vital spawning journey, an urgent search for nests is underway in Saanich. Volunteers from the Peninsula Streams Society are mobilizing to meticulously scour the shoreline of the Colquitz River for salmon nests, known as redds, as part of a new monitoring initiative starting immediately.

This initiative aims to quantify salmon spawning activity within the watershed, which supports the largest urban salmon run in the region. The Peninsula Streams Society has restored over 1,200 metres of instream habitat and 2,500 square metres of riparian habitat, making it crucial to understand the effectiveness of these efforts.

According to Allison Weber, environmental support technician with the Peninsula Streams Society, this new formal monitoring program features three dedicated teams that will document spawning activity in designated sections of the Colquitz River. The teams will conduct weekly walks lasting one hour, starting at Cuthbert Holmes Park, Hyacinth Park, and Copley Park.

“This initiative should be super fun and a fantastic way to connect with the salmon right in our backyard,” said Weber. The data collected will not only help monitor the current spawning situation but will also guide future restoration efforts. If areas recently restored show active spawning, it’s a positive sign; quieter zones may require reevaluation for future work.

Weber emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “Monitoring is a huge part of restoration work. You want to know the effectiveness of what you’ve done. It’s essential to engage the community and witness the spawning process. The more people who connect with this, the more they will care.”

The redd monitoring program is set to run through the end of December 2023, and anyone interested in volunteering can find more information at peninsulastreams.ca. This is an incredible opportunity for locals to witness nature’s remarkable cycle while contributing to the health of the watershed.

As the salmon begin their journey home, the community’s efforts to monitor and protect these vital resources are more imperative than ever. Stay tuned for updates on the success of this initiative and the impact it has on the local environment.