Environmental advocate Quinn Barabash hopes to have a big turnout to this year’s Swim for the Salmon event so he can get his message out to the masses.

The second annual swim will be held on July 29 and again its focus will be on educating people about the alarming decline in the local salmon stocks.

“The progress we made on our project since last year’s swim is marked by the heightened sense of awareness people on the Sunshine Coast now have regarding this issue,” Barabash said. “As long as people know that present fish populations pale in comparison to historical ones on account of poor management and habitat destruction and that we have not only the responsibility to restore these stocks, but also the power to do so, our message is getting out.”

Last year’s event saw Barabash swim alone from Egmont to Sechelt covering approximately 35 km through the inlet. Some people took part in portions of the swim, but it proved too long and difficult for most.

This year Barabash wants more swimmers to take part so he’s changed the route to start and end at Porpoise Bay Provincial Park.

Swimmers will be asked to take to the water for a three km trek at 10 a.m. on July 29. From the park, participants will travel around Poise Island and back to their starting point.

Barabash notes swimmers should plan to come with support boats like kayaks or canoes to ensure no one gets hurt.

Following the swim there will be a potluck for participants at the park, scheduled for around 5 p.m. There Barabash will give his talk, highlighting the need for action.

“Every creek and stream that has been wiped out or drastically reduced needs to be addressed,” he said. “The Sunshine Coast used to have some of the best salmon fishing in the world — ask anyone who lived here prior to 1990. There is no good reason why it can’t and shouldn’t be that way again.”

To find out more about the Swim for the Salmon event, email Barabash at captainquinnis@gmail.com or visit his website at www.captainquinn.com.