Matt releases a net full of coho into the transfer tank.
Hoy/Scott Watershed Society volunteers were busy on August 15, working alongside our Community Advisor, Eric from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), to relocate surplus Coho salmon to suitable habitat in other areas of Hoy and Scott Creeks.
It was also great to have Matt back in town to lend a hand with the fish transfer!
Why Do We Have Surplus Coho?
Each year, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society operates under its federal aquaculture licence, which permits us to incubate up to 25,000 Coho eggs.
However, our release limit is 5,000 one-year-old Coho smolts.
That means we can have more young Coho than we are permitted to release as smolts from the hatchery. Rather than letting those surplus fish go to waste, we can give them an opportunity to contribute to the watershed by relocating them to suitable habitat throughout Hoy and Scott Creeks.
This work helps distribute young salmon throughout the watershed and gives them access to additional areas where they can continue their development.
Eric and Anne scoop up fish for transfer.
Every Fish Matters
Projects like this are made possible through the combined efforts of volunteers, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society and our partners at Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
A big thank you to everyone who helped with the relocation — and to Eric and DFO for their ongoing support and guidance.
Every fish matters. Every creek matters. And every helping hand makes a difference.
Growing salmon. Restoring habitat. Supporting a healthy Hoy/Scott watershed.
Coho introduced to another area of Hoy Creek via a hose from the transfer tank.