A mature Chum Salmon takes a twirl in Napoleon Creek metres away from  the Nanaimo River Hatchery. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

fish fundraiser

Nanaimo River Hatchery event shines spotlight on critical resource

Nov 5, 2023 | 6:50 AM

NANAIMO — Raising money for vulnerable salmon populations in a fun, educational setting is what you can expect at the annual Spawning Day Fundraiser south of Nanaimo.

Nanaimo River Hatchery hosts the event on Sunday, Nov. 5 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 2775 Rugby Rd. located behind the Cassidy Rest Stop off the Trans Canada Hwy.

Hatchery manager Brian Banks said the admission by donation, rain-or-shine event features educational programs and the presence of mature Chum Salmon.

“You’ll be able to see how we take the eggs and milt from the salmon, we’ll be doing dissections, we’ll also be doing guided or unguided stream walks with the Chum spawning behind the hatchery,” Banks told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Attendees who donate upon entrance will receive ballots for numerous prizes, Banks said, while a silent auction is also taking place.

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Itinerary for the 2023 Spawning Day Fundraiser at Nanaimo River Hatchery. (Nanaimo River Stewardship Society)

Barbecue salmon burgers courtesy of the Nanaimo Fish and Game, as well as coffee and hot chocolate will be served.

Referencing ever-present challenges brought on by climate change, Banks said their Spawning Day Fundraiser is integral in promoting and generating funds to benefit the overall health of the Nanaimo River ecosystem.

“With everything that’s happening in nature, the floods and the dry spells, us helping the survivals of these Salmon is really important. It’s great to have the kids out to teach them about that at a young age.”

He said all funds generated through the popular event supports various Nanaimo River salmon enhancement initiatives.

In the range of 100,000 salmon return to spawn in Nanaimo River annually, while the hatchery produces about 2.5 million salmon eggs each year, Banks said.

He said Pink Salmon have completed their end-of-life journey back to the Nanaimo River system, while a few final Chinook’s are re-appearing, noting local returns for both populations have been strong.

He said 10 to 20,000 mature Chum Salmon, below projections both locally and throughout the coast, are expected to spawn in Nanaimo River this fall.

Some of those fish can be viewed now in the Napoleon Creek side-channel behind the Nanaimo River Hatchery.

Enticed by continued rainfall, Coho are slated to return to Nanaimo River spawning grounds throughout the fall and winter, Banks said.

“We do have four of the five species return to the river, it’s staying healthy and looking good.”

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes