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The Pacific Salmon Foundation, Fraser Basin Council and Living Rivers - Georgia Basin / Vancouver Island consulted with people from across British Columbia on their views about the proposal to designate wild Pacific salmon* as an official provincial symbol under the Provincial Honours and Symbols Act.. Their report on this consultation recommends the province move forward with the designation. The report is available here. 
Our consultation indicates that the BC public supports the designation of wild Pacific salmon as an official symbol of the province. Pacific salmon are a precious natural inheritance and valuable economic resource. If we are careful, they will be an important legacy to pass to future generations of British Columbians. Consider:
*Note on Pacific Salmon: The starting point for this discussion is that all species of Pacific salmon would be considered collectively as "Pacific Salmon."
What do YOU think? Should wild Pacific salmon become one of our official provincial emblems, alongside the Pacific dogwood, the Kermode bear and western red cedar? Please share your views about the role of salmon in BC life and its designation as a provincial symbol. Actions could include:
Follow the conversation The proposal to make wild Pacific salmon an official symbol of British Columbia is being discussed by many stakeholders:
The Pacific Salmon Foundation, Fraser Basin Council and Living Rivers - Georgia Basin/Vancouver Island invite the people of British Columbia to express their views on a proposal to designate wild Pacific salmon* as an official provincial symbol under the Provincial Honours and Symbols Act. Pacific salmon are a precious natural inheritance and valuable economic resource. If we are careful, they will be an important legacy to pass to future generations of British Columbians. 
Wild Pacific salmon are a cornerstone of our environmental, cultural and economic strength in British Columbia. Consider:
*Note on Pacific Salmon: The starting point for this discussion is that all species of Pacific salmon would be considered collectively as "Pacific Salmon."
Should wild Pacific salmon become one of our official provincial emblems, alongside the Pacific dogwood, the Kermode bear and western red cedar?
Please share your views by doing one of three things:
What others have said: Salmon in the ecosystem
—Sophie Verrier, Kamloops "The Pacific salmon embody the essence of the coastal ecosystem from the sea to the forest. They are a powerful cultural and biotic symbol." —Jefferson Blair, Victoria "The salmon life cycle is remarkable and fascinating. Healthy salmon populations mean healthy marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems." —Jan Verspoor, Vancouver "Salmon are vital to the ecosystems of our wild forests and rugged shoreline." —NQ Christina Burns, Victoria "I love eating salmon and they feed the forests also. They are a key in the ecosystem." —Kevin Adam, Chase "Pacific salmon is THE dominant species in coastal British Columbia...It is life-sustaining, not just for humans, but for many other species on the coast. It is emblematic, and an indicator species of the environmental health of the coast. Salmon are our call to action on climate change, ocean protection, and coastal, indeed global, ecology." —Arthur Caldicott, Victoria "Sensitive to ecosystem change so it is a key indicator species for resource extraction practices like forestry and mining and sensitive to global temperature increases." —Chloe Faught, Victoria "Pacific salmon are the lifeblood of BC. They feed everything - the bears, the trees, the soil, the people. ...they migrate far inland upriver - an unbelievable distance from the sea. This is unique to BC - Atlantic salmon do not die when they spawn, so they do not feed the soil as Pacific salmon do." —Cynthia Callahan-Maureen, Victoria "It is central to the life cycles of much of B.C.'s wildlife species." —Pamela Fitzpatrick, Vancouver Join the conversation The proposal to make wild Pacific salmon an official symbol of British Columbia is being discussed by many stakeholders:
We will post regular updates based on the comments collected and emerging coverage. Check back here to find out the latest!
The Pacific Salmon Foundation, Fraser Basin Council and Living Rivers - Georgia Basin / Vancouver Island collected comments from across British Columbia on a proposal to designate wild Pacific salmon as an official provincial symbol. Click here to access the report on our consultation, which includes all comments collected. Pacific salmon are a precious natural inheritance and valuable economic resource. If we are careful, they will be an important legacy to pass to future generations of British Columbians. What others have said Selected comments
Through Farmland Riparian Interface Stewardship Program (FRISP), the BC Cattleman's Association offers services to the agricultural community from their peers about how and why to improve the ecological value of riparian land. While funded by FSWP, this program has provided:
 To help the fish, cows are sometimes kept out of the streams. Posted by Megan Moser in "Water & Habitat" on 5/4
Every sector of the economy, every aspect of life is linked to the precious resource of water and its natural flow through the provincial watersheds. Our natural capital, particularly access to enough clean water, is fundamental to both the health and economic prosperity of British Columbians. As with human health, keeping our ecosystems healthy is far more economical than curing them or, worse, losing them altogether. BC’s wild Pacific Salmon run from rugged mountain streams to spectacular coastal waters, and poignantly reflect our spirit of strength, resilience and survival. Salmon feed us, inspire us, and provide the nutrients that our forests and wild animals depend on for life. Fraser Salmon & Watersheds Program seeks to inspire individuals, organizations and government agencies to “Think Salmon:” to contribute to the best possible conditions and environment for British Columbia’s Pacific salmon. What is good for salmon is good for us. If we all play a part in helping salmon to thrive, we protect beautiful BC for future generations. British Columbia watersheds face critical challenges brought about by climate change and development pressure, including rising water temperatures, water shortages and declining salmon stocks. Government plans such Living Water Smart and the Climate Adaption Strategy set the direction for addressing these challenges. However, government alone cannot implement these plans with its traditional tools of regulation and enforcement. First, this approach is prohibitively expensive, especially in these tough economic times. Second, the centralized approach is not suited to the complexity and uncertainty of the situation. Living Rivers was established by the government of British Columbia to create a legacy for the province based on healthy watersheds, sustainable ecosystems and thriving communities. The Living Rivers Advisory Group has used the $21 million fund to support innovative programs in the Fraser Basin, in the Georgia Basin and Vancouver Island and in the Skeena River watershed. Recognizing the need to change how people work together, these Living Rivers programs address the health and sustainability of water by fostering collaboration and an attitude of stewardship within communities. The Living Rivers approach can provide leaner plan implementation that integrates policy with community concerns and local knowledge. With this approach, government is a partner that sets priorities and provides basic funds for communities to strategize about those priorities. This engages communities to apply the priorities in their local context and to participate in whatever ways make sense, including co-funding and outreach to other partners. In 2006, Living Rivers funded a plan for the Fraser Basin, co-managed by Pacific Salmon Foundation and Fraser Basin Council, to inspire changes in human behaviour for the benefit of salmon and watersheds. The $10 million from Living Rivers motivated Fisheries and Oceans Canada to contribute an additional $5 million in cash and $5 million in services, and the Fraser Salmon & Watersheds Program (FSWP) was launched. In its first four years of operation plus the year currently underway, FSWP has distributed $12.2 million to over 275 projects. Based on data for 2007 through 2009, every project dollar from Living Rivers has been matched by $3.30 from the federal contribution together with other sources estimated by project leaders. Think Salmon teamWith the Pacific Salmon Foundation:
With the Fraser Basin Council:
Posted by Megan Moser on 5/3
From the summer of 2009 to spring 2010, the Artist Response Team (ART) has been busy sharing their concern for our local watersheds through creative and uplifting songs. Professional musicians Holly Arntzen and Kevin Wright have already produced three fantastic concerts with children from Williams Lake, Vancouver and Surrey, and have plans to produce a fourth at the Cultch in East Vancouver on April 15th. The ‘Up Your Watershed’ concerts are the culmination of four days of musical fun and learning about local salmon and watershed issues.  Surrey children sing the Up Your Watershed song Credit: Artist Response Team. One of ART’s successes is building connections within a community. In Williams Lake, the concerts prompted the generosity of the business community, where a video production company agreed to create a DVD of the concert for free. Connections also take place between the students from different schools and their teachers; a main component of ART’s ‘Up Your Watershed’ program brings together students from multiple schools and puts them on equal ground with their teachers and the ART performers. The funding from the Fraser Salmon and Watershed Program (FSWP) allowed the ART team to produce the 3 fantastic concerts, train two upcoming artists, and to visit a more remote Fraser Valley city as a part of the ‘Up your Watershed’ tour. The ART songs are an inspirational opportunity for both children and their parents to become aware of issues they may never have considered before, and to learn about ways they can act on this new information. These songs can act as a first opportunity to learn about environmental issues and how to become involved. This marriage of music and social activism will become a lasting memory for the children and their families, and just might create a whole new generation of salmon-aware environmentalists. To learn more about ART and Holly, please visit her website at: http://www.cycleoflife.ca/ Posted by Megan Moser in "Engagement" on 4/14
 The Pacific Salmon Commission's goals are conservation, management and optimum production of Pacific Salmon. This body implements the Pacific Salmon Treaty, struck in 1985 by the US and Canada. The Treaty is a means for both countries to achieve long-term goals for the benefit of Pacific Salmon stocks that pass through Canadian waters bound for US rivers and vice versa. The Commission is composed of delegates appointed by the Canadian and US governments and represents the interests of commercial and recreational fisheries, environmental organizations, Canadian First Nations and federal, provincial, state, and U.S. tribal governments. One function of the body is to provide regulatory advice and recommendations to both countries regarding the management of Fraser River sockeye and pink salmon. Pre-season and in-season snapshots are offered in the form of news releases and regulatory announcements. See PSC's website for the most up to date announcements about the Fraser River sockeye and pink salmon fisheries. Posted by Megan Moser in "Governance" on 3/27
Compare coho in the ocean with coho ready to spawn. How long do salmon survive in a river once they have left saltwater, and how quickly do they change colour once there? For example, if I catch and release a very bright coho in a coastal river, is his lifespan only one or two days till spawning, or is it weeks? I’m curious because when we catch a bright coho, my son says that the next day the fish would be too dark, but I think it must be several weeks before they turn dark. We fish twenty to thirty miles downstream from the salmons’ spawning grounds and catch the salmon at a time when their eggs aren’t yet loose. Under these circumstances, could the fish turn from silver dollar bright to spawned out red in two or three days? Thanks for your expertise, this is a very helpful website and I appreciate your time. Mikey
Hi Mikey, Depending on their species, salmon may be in freshwater upon their return from their ocean phase for many months. For example, summer run steelhead (yes, a salmon, not a trout) enter freshwater from April to October and do not spawn until late February. They hide out in deep, cool water pools during the wait. Coho and other salmon you may be more familiar with may enter the river up to a few weeks before spawning. Some sockeye are in freshwater just over a month before spawning. As for their changes in colouration during this period, each species, watershed and individual fish responds differently in fresh water. The length of time it takes a salmon to change colour depends on factors such as distance to spawning grounds, holding time in near-shore habitat prior to river entry, presence of a mate or population density, water temperature, and predation stress. If you are fishing very close to their spawning ground or in short river systems, the salmon you see might change colour very rapidly, even within three to four days. Professor Salmon Posted by Megan Moser in "Fish & Fisheries" on 3/16
Adams River streamkeepers. Streamkeepers protect and enhance streams and watersheds, and are guided by both short-term and long-term goals. Photo: Adams River Salmon Society Participate in local volunteer efforts within your own community. Stencil storm drains. Join in riparian planting for salmon habitat. Be part of a stewardship group that monitors fish, habitat, and water quality. Reduce your water and energy consumption. Bike or take public transit to work instead of driving. The list is endless, and every effort helps. About StewardshipWhen you take it upon yourself to contribute in a positive way to salmon conservation—no matter how small the contribution—you become a salmon steward, or ambassador. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has a nice, concise explanation of what it means to be a steward:  Young folks we talk to are keen to show how they Think Salmon. Photo: Monique Trottier Stewardship, simply stated, means Canadians—including landowners and other individual citizens, private companies and volunteers—are caring for our land, air, and water, and sustaining the natural processes on which life depends. (Canada Stewardship Agenda: Naturally Connecting Canadians, 2002). The DFO notes that: "the concept of stewardship goes beyond legal obligations to encompass moral obligations and a sense of responsible care. It refers to a wide range of actions and activities of individuals, communities, groups and organizations acting alone or in partnership, to promote, monitor, and conserve and restore freshwater and oceans ecosystems." When you participate in Think Salmon, you're exhibiting responsible care and concern for the world we all live in. Posted by Travis Smith in "In the Community" on 3/3
BC’s Environment Minister Barry Penner encourages the public to report all poachers and polluters by calling 1-877-952-RAPP (7277), #RAPP (7277) on the TELUS Mobility Network or by visiting the RAPP website. Observe, Record, and Report: 1-800-465-4336 DFO Operators are standing by 24 hours, 7 days a week
Posted by Susannah Gardner in "In the Community" on 3/3
DFO’s publication on Where and When to See Salmon lists all the major hatcheries in BC and the best viewing times to see the salmon return. Read about the Think Salmon team’s trip to Adam’s River for the “Salute to the Sockeye” festival. Posted by Susannah Gardner in "In the Community" on 3/3
 Photo credit: Fisheries and Oceans Canada The yellow fish are there to remind us that storm drains on our roadways empty directly into local streams. We need to keep harmful things out of the storm drains. Storm Drain Marking is a conservation and education project developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. For information on storm drain marking in your neighbourhood, contact your local Community Advisor or Education Coordinator. You can also e-mail Joanne Day, Information Coordinator, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or phone (604) 666-6614. Posted by Susannah Gardner in "In the Community" on 3/3
Turn Your Dogwalks Into Salmon-Friendly OccasionsThere are few things as joyful as walking your canine companion in a beautiful environment, whether it be a grassy field or along the banks of a stream or river. Unfortunately, all the fun your dog may be having chasing a stick near or on a riverbank may be deadly for salmon. Adult salmon can be disturbed from spawning, and/or the eggs they deposit in the gravel can be torn up and washed away. The threat is most severe when water levels are low, making escape harder for the salmon. But there’s good news! Your dog can actually act on behalf of salmon, with your help. When you walk your dog alongside a stream or river, you can be the eyes and ears for the salmon. Look out for:
And help your dog be good to salmon:
The Maple Creek Streamkeepers’ Dogs 4 Salmon Community Program
Their owners learn about the seasonal use of the stream by fish and wildlife, and how there are eggs in the gravel during certain times of the year:
Posted by Kiley Turner in "In the Community" on 3/3
 A little boy releases a fry into freshwater. Get Your Feet Wet!Take an active role in the health of your local watershed—take the plunge and become a streamkeeper! The Streamkeepers Program helps citizens protect and preserve freshwater habitats. Community stewardship is essential for the long-term protection of the environment of our communities. Training takes place over a two-day period. To get involved, call The Pacific Streamkeepers Federation at 604-986-5059, or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or call your nearest Community Advisor at Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Posted by Susannah Gardner in "In the Community" on 3/3
Share your story! Tell us how you think salmon. Make a Salmon-Smart Pledge Today! See what others are doing! Posted by Travis Smith in "On the Internet" on 3/3
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The tips above come straight from a community streamkeeper program already happenning. It’s Dogs 4 Salmon, headed up by Diane Ramage. So far, it’s limited to the Maple Creek area. Salmon-sensitive dogs in this program get:
