Salmon health: past, present and future

Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE - For Immediate Release

MARCH 11, 2013

Salmon health: past, present and future

Vancouver, BC – Genome British Columbia, the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are embarking on a remarkable partnership to discover the microbes present in salmon in BC that may be undermining the productivity of BC’s Pacific salmon. The project will conduct epidemiological assessments to explore the transmission dynamics and historical presence of detected microbes, with key focus on microbes that are suspected globally to be causing disease in salmon. Researchers will apply genomic technology to identify and verify which microbes are presently carried by BC’s wild and cultured fish.

The project is being managed in four sequential Phases with Phase 1 valued at $930,000. The first phase is taking place over 12 months, concluding mid-2013, and comprises the collection phase of both cultured and wild salmon. While later phases are subject to final funding, Phase 2 involves rigorous analysis of the tissue samples collected in Phase 1 and in previous research. Using molecular and genomic tools, the research team will attempt to determine when and where microbes may have been transmitted.  The research results will begin to rank microbes by their potential to cause disease in BC salmon based on relationships with microbes associated with disease in other parts of the world and histological evidence from salmon in BC.  Phase 3will focus in on the microbes identified in Phase 2, with an emphasis on microbesthat have not been extensively researched and that are thought to be of pathological significance in salmon. Phase 4 will include reporting of research and presentations to management agencies on the potential utility of methods developed and the application of outcomes to future monitoring.

More than 90 per cent of juvenile salmon migrating from freshwater into the ocean will die before returning to freshwater to spawn. The scientific community believes that mortality is highest during the first few months in the marine environment and that disease may be a significant factor in this mortality, but not enough is known about what pathogens or diseases might be involved.

What is already known comes almost exclusively from observations of cultured fish (both in hatcheries and in aquaculture). Consequently, there is a fair understanding of pathogens and diseases that impact salmon in freshwater hatcheries and sea-water net pens, but a much poorer understanding of pathogens affecting Pacific salmon in the ocean.   

Uncertainty about pathogens and diseases was highlighted in the final report of the Cohen Commission Inquiry into the Decline of Fraser River Sockeye Salmon. In this report, Justice Bruce Cohen noted that more research is needed to make accurate assessments about the range of possible impacts on wild fish stocks. The research conducted by the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and funded in part by Genome BC, will address specific recommendations from the Cohen Commission report and build on the body of research referenced by the Commission.

Phase I is being led by Dr. Brian Riddell of the Pacific Salmon Foundation and co-led by Dr. Kristi Miller of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

“This project is about developing effective monitoring tools to assess the microbes in BC’s salmon, assessing the risk of these microbes to Pacific salmon, and establishing public confidence that people are watching over the health of our wild salmon populations,” said Dr. Brian Riddell, president and CEO of the Pacific Salmon Foundation. “The uniqueness of the project is its comprehensiveness.  We are bringing a strong team of scientists together to assess the risk of disease to all species of wild salmon, including salmon produced in our hatcheries and salmon from aquaculture. We will also engage the full range of stakeholders, including government, industry, communities and conservation groups that have an interest in this research.”

From the outset of the project, the development of a stakeholder consultation process that enhances understanding and dialogue about the health of our Pacific salmon is paramount. The stakeholder group will provide input to information needs, public engagement and communications and on ways to integrate research on microbes and disease on BC salmon. This group of stakeholders will encompass a wide cross-section of BC citizens with an interest in  British Columbia’s salmon (including wild, hatchery, and farm raised salmon), including regulators, managers, harvesters, environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) and farmers.

“This is a unique and collaborative approach to an issue that affects a diverse group of stakeholders,” said Dr. Alan Winter, President and CEO of Genome British Columbia. “It is gratifying to see part of Genome BC’s $37.5 million investment in salmonid research being used as a foundation for this significant project.”

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About Genome British Columbia:

Genome British Columbia is a catalyst for the life sciences cluster on Canada’s West Coast, and manages a cumulative portfolio of over $550M in research projects and science and technology platforms. Working with governments, academia and industry across sectors such as forestry, fisheries, agriculture, environment, bioenergy, mining and human health, the goal of the organization is to generate social and economic benefits for British Columbia and Canada. www.genomebc.ca

About the Pacific Salmon Foundation:

The Pacific Salmon Foundation was created in 1987 as an independent, non-government, charitable organization to protect, conserve and rebuild Pacific Salmon populations in British Columbia and the Yukon. The Foundation’s mission is to be the trusted voice for conservation and restoration of wild Pacific salmon and their ecosystems and works to bring salmon back stream by stream through the strategic use of resources and mobilization of local communities. www.psf.ca

Contact:

Sally Greenwood
Vice President, Communications and Education
Genome BC
Phone: 604-637-4374
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Michael Meneer
Vice President - Development, Communications and Marketing
Pacific Salmon Foundation
Phone: 604-664-7664, extension 127
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Statement of Pacific Salmon Foundation President and CEO Dr. Brian Riddell

Press Releases

February 21, 2013
 

Commenting on Legislation Introduced to Make Pacific Salmon an Official B.C. Symbol

VANCOUVER - Brian Riddell, president and CEO of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, made the following statement following news that Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond introduced legislation in the B.C. Legislature on February 20 to designate Pacific salmon an official provincial symbol. The proposed designation was included in Bill 8, the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act of 2013.

Dr. Riddell said:  “We commend the government’s action, because, whether people recognize it or not, Pacific salmon are vital to B.C.’s environment, cultures, and economy. Designating Pacific salmon as an official symbol sends a strong message that we place a high priority on protecting Pacific salmon for generations to come. The idea complements the provincial government’s significant investment in Pacific salmon and their habitats.”

Since 2006, the provincial government has invested $22 million through the B.C. Living Rivers Trust, which has funded more than 330 projects to support habitat restoration, increased capacity for management and First Nations, and localized watershed planning. Funds directed to the Fraser River basin were partially matched by the Government of Canada to support Pacific Salmon conservation in an area that encompasses roughly one-third of the province. The Pacific Salmon Foundation partnered with two other environmental organizations, the Fraser Basin Council and Living Rivers Georgia Basin/Vancouver Island, to implement the mandate of the Living Rivers Trust, as well as to call for the designation of Pacific salmon as an official B.C. symbol. 

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Contact: Michael Meneer, Pacific Salmon Foundation, (604) 664-7664 X 127,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

NEW PARTNERSHIP WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR SALMON CONSERVATION

Press Releases

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31 2013

NEW PARTNERSHIP WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR SALMON CONSERVATION
Save-on-Foods Partners with Pacific Salmon Foundation

VANCOUVER - Pacific Salmon Foundation has announced an exciting new partnership with Save-on-Foods in Campbell River. A donation matching program was launched in early January and will support salmon conservation, enhancement and restoration activities in the local region. The Foundation is looking towards its annual Campbell River Dinner & Auction on Saturday, February 9, at which Save-on-Foods support will be highlighted.

The partnership is based on the More Rewards program, which enables shoppers to accumulate points with each purchase. Customers may visit the Campbell River Save-on-Foods store any time to donate 1000 More Rewards points to generate $1 for the Foundation. Store manager Dave Maziuk has committed to matching each donation.

Volunteer dinner chairman and publisher of Island Fisherman magazine, Larry E. Stefanyk, visited the store in early January to unveil the new program. Several fun in-store activities were featured, including a spin the wheel promotion and a fly tying demonstration.

“Save-on-Foods is a great partner for us to become involved with because their mandate to give back to the communities in which their stores are located aligns with our community based, volunteer-oriented programming,” said Stefanyk.

In 2012, Pacific Salmon Foundation granted $6,750 to three salmon projects in the Campbell River region. Since 1990, more than $790,000 has been directed into 109 projects in the area. Through local fundraising efforts and community partnerships, volunteers have leveraged that funding to equal a total value of more than $5.5 million.

The Foundation’s annual Campbell River Dinner & Auction will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall. This year’s event will be Caribbean themed (costumes encouraged but not required). The evening will kick off at 5:30 pm with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner at 7:00 pm and a live auction at 8:30 pm. It will feature delicious seafood appetizers, a gourmet buffet dinner, and exciting raffles & auctions. The event is nearly sold out, but if you are interested in purchasing tickets or supporting the Pacific Salmon Foundation please contact Larry E. Stefanyk at 250.923.0939 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Contact:                              
Larry E. Stefanyk, Campbell River Dinner Chair                    250.923.0939, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Christina McIntyre, Pacific Salmon Foundation                  604.664.7664 ext. 116, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About the Pacific Salmon Foundation: 
The Pacific Salmon Foundation was created in 1987 as an independent, non-government, charitable organization to protect, conserve and rebuild Pacific Salmon populations in British Columbia and the Yukon. Since 1989, the Foundation has invested more than $9 million to support Pacific salmon conservation projects. Pacific Salmon Foundation’s mission is to be the trusted voice for conservation and restoration of wild Pacific salmon and their ecosystems and works to bring salmon back stream by stream through the strategic use of resources where local communities are mobilized. www.psf.ca

OCEANSIDE GALA WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR SALMON CONSERVATION

Press Releases

NEWS RELEASE
January 11 2013

 January 26^thGala Supports Local Streamkeeper Projects

QUALICUM BEACH – The Pacific Salmon Foundation has announced that tickets are still available for the its annual Oceanside Dinner/Dance & Auction on Saturday, January 26. Funds raised will be directed towards local Pacific salmon conservation, enhancement, and restoration activities through the Foundation’s flagship Community Salmon Program.

 “The event is a unique opportunity for conservationists and anglers to come together to share stories and enjoy themselves while raising money for salmon projects in the area,” said volunteer dinner chair Al Ehrenberg, owner of Gone Fishin’ hunting and tackle stores.

“For twelve years now, we’ve had tremendous support in this community. From student volunteers, to individual and corporate supporters, to local streamkeeping groups, thousands of people have contributed to the success of our Oceanside Gala and Community Salmon Program,” said Brenda McIntyre, Director of Events for the Pacific Salmon Foundation.

Since 1999, the Pacific Salmon Foundation has granted more than $382,000 to 60 volunteer-driven salmon projects in the Parksville/Qualicum region. Volunteers leveraged the funds through local fundraising and community partnerships to equal a total community investment valued at more than $2.1 million. 

In 2012, four salmon projects in the Oceanside area received Foundation funding. The Nile Creek Enhancement Society was granted $15,000 to assist in funding the removal of barriers to salmon migration in Thames Creek. The society also received a grant towards the replacement of key hatchery equipment.  The Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society received $2,050 to improve salmon habitat in Center Creek. The Friends of French Creek Conservation Society received $1,500 in funding to monitor stream flow and help educate the public on the value of water conservation.

The dinner will kick off at 5:30 pm with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner at 7:00 pm and a live auction at 8:30 pm. The event will feature delicious seafood appetizers, a gourmet buffet dinner, and exciting raffles & auctions followed by dancing with music by local DJ Pat Nicholson. Tickets for the event are $60 each and tables of ten are available for $550. Tickets can be purchased at Gone Fishin’ (600 – 2980 North Island Highway, Nanaimo) or by contacting Al Ehrenberg at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 250.752.1083.

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Contact:                
Al Ehrenberg, Dinner Chair                               250.752.1083, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Christina McIntyre, Pacific Salmon Foundation     604.664.7664 ext 116, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About the Pacific Salmon Foundation: 
The Pacific Salmon Foundation was created in 1987 as an independent, non-government, charitable organization to protect, conserve and rebuild Pacific Salmon populations in British Columbia and the Yukon. Since 1989, the Foundation has invested more than $9 million to support Pacific salmon conservation projects. Pacific Salmon Foundation’s mission is to be the trusted voice for conservation and restoration of wild Pacific salmon and their ecosystems and works to bring salmon back stream by stream through the strategic use of resources where local communities are mobilized. www.psf.ca