About

Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery

Established 1981

Welcome to Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery, a registered Canadian charity based near Sooke on Vancouver Island, where a desire to protect salmon and natural ecosystems thrive.

Our hatchery is run by volunteers with a passion for salmon and the environment, making up the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society. Each member believes in Fish for Our Future, a vision for salmon to thrive for years to come.

Our missions extend beyond the hatchery’s borders. We actively engage in community education, environmental stewardship, and collaborative initiatives. With the invaluable support of volunteers, donors, and partners, we are dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the precious species we aim to conserve and protect. Explore our work, and join us in the shared journey of safeguarding our natural heritage.

Fish for Our Future

As a commitment to generations yet to come, ‘Fish for Our Future’ is a pledge to safeguard Chinook and Coho salmon. Our vision aims to ensure the abundance and vitality of these salmon for the benefit of the marine ecosystem and future communities.

This is our call to action, a commitment to stewardship, education, and community engagement.  Our vision invites everyone to join us in the collective effort of nurturing our ecosystems, protecting our waters, and leaving a legacy of abundant salmon populations for generations to come.

We Have Three Core Missions

To safeguard the Salish Sea’s biodiversity by restoring Chinook and Coho salmon populations, fostering harmony between marine life and our community.

To empower stewards, our hatchery focuses on educating all generations about the vital role of salmon, instilling a sense of responsibility and hope for our local environment.

Dedicated to knowledge-driven change, we actively engage the community through impactful education, highlighting the importance of salmon enhancement in the Sooke River, its tributaries, and beyond.

The Legacy of Jack Brooks

Jack Brooks, a visionary and beloved figure, left an indelible mark on the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society and the local salmon conservation movement. Arriving in Sooke in the early 1950s, Jack witnessed the thriving era of commercial fishing but foresaw its decline. Fearless and relentless, he spearheaded salmon restoration.

From humble beginnings, his vision led to the birth of the Jack Brooks Hatchery in 1981, a beacon of hope for dwindling salmon populations. The hatchery remains a symbol of resilience and commitment to preserving salmon for future generations, while Jack’s legacy lives on through devoted volunteers who continue his work. Click to read the full inspiring story.

Our New Location

Our journey to establish the new location of Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery has been truly remarkable. With steadfast support from partners, corporate donors, and volunteers, the new hatchery opened its doors in 2019. This milestone was made possible through the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) and the invaluable assistance of the board of directors at the Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society. The Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society is deeply grateful for our shared vision of protecting and restoring our precious wild fish stocks, including the iconic salmon. The community’s passion shines through in the enduring spirit of generosity embraced by all involved.

Our New Location

Our journey to establish the new location of Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery has been truly remarkable. With steadfast support from partners, corporate donors, and volunteers, the new hatchery opened its doors in 2019. This milestone was made possible through the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) and the invaluable assistance of the board of directors at the Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society. The Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society is deeply grateful for our shared vision of protecting and restoring our precious wild fish stocks, including the iconic salmon. The community’s passion shines through in the enduring spirit of generosity embraced by all involved.

Join Us as a Volunteer

Anyone passionate about salmon conservation can make a difference at the Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery. Our vital work relies on dedicated volunteers of all backgrounds. Whether you’re a student, nature lover, or community enthusiast, you can play a crucial role in preserving our local waters and supporting the legacy of Jack Brooks. Join us in fostering a sustainable environment – become a valued member of our volunteer community today!

Our Team

Our dynamic community of 90+ volunteers forms the backbone of the Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery, each contributing immeasurable passion and commitment to our shared mission of salmon conservation