Community Stewardship

Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society volunteers at Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery collecting salmon fry for release from round tanks

A Shared Journey of Community Stewardship

At the Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery, community stewardship is at the heart of our mission. Recognizing the local significance of salmon, our work resonates with our local community. Beyond the immediate impact on salmon populations, our initiatives ripple through the ecosystem, benefiting the southern resident killer whale population, commercial and recreational fishermen, the First Nation’s Fishery, and the overall environmental health.

We believe in the power of knowledge to drive change. That’s why we’re committed to community education, spreading awareness about salmon enhancement in Sooke, and fostering understanding of environmental stewardship. Volunteering becomes a hands-on way to actively participation in preserving our local waters. Together, we build a community united by a shared commitment to the well-being of our natural habitats.

A Shared Journey of Community Stewardship

At the Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery, community stewardship is at the heart of our mission. Recognizing the local significance of salmon, our work resonates with our local community. Beyond the immediate impact on salmon populations, our initiatives ripple through the ecosystem, benefiting the southern resident killer whale population, commercial and recreational fishermen, the First Nation’s Fishery, and the overall environmental health.

We believe in the power of knowledge to drive change. That’s why we are committed to community education, spreading awareness about salmon enhancement in Sooke, and fostering understanding of environmental stewardship. Volunteering becomes a hands-on way to actively participate in preserving salmon. Together, we build a community united by a shared commitment and passion for salmon species and the marine environment.

Dedicated to more than just raising salmon

Bridging Communities Through Outreach

We are deeply committed to fostering connections within our community on education. Through collaborative efforts and meaningful partnerships, we strive to give back to the community that supports us. We partner with those within our community who encourage learning about salmon and the Salish Sea. Together, our reach has an impact.

One partnership we are proud to have is with the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. Each year we donate salmon fry to enrich their exhibits and educational programs, showcasing the wonders of our local marine life. When you visit their aquarium, you will find a large round tank with shimmering Chinook Salmon fry swimming around. Here, you can read about the stages of salmon and their role in the Salish Sea as a keystone species.

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Each year, volunteers from the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society participate in the Sooke Harbourside Lions Club Annual Duck Day Race, a yearly event that brings together families, friends, and local businesses in support of the community. As dedicated stewards of the environment, our volunteers happily help guide the rubber ducks along the scenic Sooke River and collecting the ducks at the end of the race.

Rubber ducks on Sooke River for the Sooke Harbourside Lions Club annual duck day race

A local program we have is Fish in the Classroom. We donate Coho Salmon eggs to schools to raise from eggs to fry until they are ready for release. This provides a hands-on learning experience to watch part of the life-cycle of salmon. Read more about the program by clicking the button below.

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Bridging Communities Through Outreach

Dedicated to more than just raising salmon

We are deeply committed to fostering connections within our community on education. Through collaborative efforts and meaningful partnerships, we strive to give back to the community that supports us. We partner with those within our community who encourage learning about salmon and the Salish Sea. Together, our reach has an impact.

One partnership we are proud to have is with the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. Each year we donate salmon fry to enrich their exhibits and educational programs, showcasing the wonders of our local marine life. When you visit their aquarium, you will find a large round tank with shimmering Chinook Salmon fry swimming around. Here, you can read about the stages of salmon and their role in the Salish Sea as a keystone species.

IMG_4978
Rubber ducks on Sooke River for the Sooke Harbourside Lions Club annual duck day race

Each year, volunteers from the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society participate in the Sooke Harbourside Lions Club Annual Duck Day Race, a yearly event that brings together families, friends, and local businesses in support of the community. As dedicated stewards of the environment, our volunteers happily help guide the rubber ducks along the scenic Sooke River and collecting the ducks at the end of the race.

Another local program we have is Fish in the Classroom. We donate Coho Salmon eggs to schools to raise from eggs to fry until they are ready for release. This provides a hands-on learning experience to watch part of the life-cycle of salmon. Read more about the program by clicking the button below.

IMG_5980

A Lasting Impact and Timeless Contribution Lives On

We are proud to continue the vision of Jack Brooks through our work today. As a dedicated steward of salmon and the ocean, each and every volunteer today upholds the same commitment to preserving and enhancing our precious marine habitats, safeguarding their biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable future for all.

We proudly collaborate with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society, and the Capital Regional District. Our shared vision is brought to life at the Charters River Interpretive Centre, nestled on Sooke River Road, where the Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society operates with a commitment to the conservation of and education about salmon and their vital roles.

This collaborative effort extends beyond organizational partnerships. We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Pacific Salmon Foundation, local businesses, and a dedicated team of volunteers. Their tireless work, coupled with the generosity of numerous individuals who contribute to our cause, has made our new site an amazing example of ongoing community involvement and commitment.

A Lasting Impact and Timeless Contribution Lives On

We are proud to continue the vision of Jack Brooks through our work today. As a dedicated steward of salmon and the ocean, each and every volunteer today upholds the same commitment to preserving and enhancing our precious marine habitats, safeguarding their biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable future for all

We proudly collaborate with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans of Canada (DFO), the Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society, and the Capital Regional District. Our shared vision is brought to life at the Charters River Interpretive Centre, nestled on Sooke River Road, where we operate with a commitment to conservation and education.

This collaborative effort extends beyond organizational partnerships. We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Pacific Salmon Foundation, local businesses, and a dedicated team of volunteers. Their tireless work, coupled with the generosity of numerous individuals who contribute to our cause, has made our new site a reality