The Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery was featured in an article in BC Outdoors: Jack’s Legacy Lives On
Nestled in the picturesque town of Sooke, the Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery stands as a testament to the community’s deep-rooted commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Since 1981, our hatchery has been a beacon of hope for the local salmon populations, thanks to the visionary leadership of individuals like Jack Brooks. Our mission, embodied in the vision “Fish for Our Future,” underscores our dedication to safeguarding salmon stocks for generations to come. Recently featured in a compelling article in BC Outdoors detailing our rich history and ongoing conservation efforts, we’re proud to share our story with the world.
“In the 1950s, one person set the course for the community’s conservation ethic. He was Jack Brooks…”
The hatchery is comprised solely of volunteers, making up the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society (SESS). We continue on the work Jack Brooks started with pride and perseverance, driven by a shared commitment to safeguarding Sooke’s salmon populations for generations to come. From salvaging Coho fry to advocating for fish traps and dams, Brooks’ foresight laid the foundation for our ongoing mission.
The article vividly captures the journey of the Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery is one of resilience and community spirit. Through the dedication of volunteers like Bill Pedneault and Wally Vowles, we’ve been able to overcome challenges and make significant strides in salmon conservation. As one of our volunteers passionately expressed, “Our goal is not just to have salmon in the river, but to ensure their survival for future generations.“
Our journey is marked by collaboration and partnership with local governments, First Nations, and businesses. Through collective effort and support, we’ve overcome challenges and achieved significant milestones, including the recent relocation of the hatchery to Charters Creek. “We believe that without our work, we’d have very few chinook left,” emphasizes the importance of our collaborative endeavors in ensuring the survival of salmon stocks.
A heartfelt thank you extends to BC Outdoors for capturing the essence of the Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery and sharing our story with the world. Your dedication to showcasing the importance of conservation efforts like ours is invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be featured.
“This story shows what happens when people work together for the betterment of their community, and for the betterment of the environment.”
Be sure to read the full article here!
Become a Volunteer!
Join us in our mission to protect and restore salmon populations by becoming a valued volunteer at the Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery! Whether you’re interested in volunteering, learning more about salmon conservation, or simply supporting our cause, there are numerous ways to get involved. Join us in our journey to safeguard our rivers, our communities, and our future. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a sustainable future for Sooke’s salmon populations.