The second annual Swim for the Salmon, held last weekend in Sechelt, was another tremendous success according to event organizer Quinn Barabash.
More than 30 swimmers and boaters took to the water.
"We would like to thank everyone who came out to show their support for the cause," Barabash said. "Although the event was not a race, I think it is well worth mentioning that the first person back to shore was 68-year-old Sandra Buckingham, completing the approximately 2.5 km swim in 43 minutes and 46 seconds. The swim was immediately followed by a potluck lunch where swimmers, boaters and supporters enjoyed good food and good conversation.
"On Monday it was brought to my attention that some people showed up at 5 p.m. for the potluck. I would like to sincerely offer my apologies to these people for the confusion. The swimmers were all much quicker than we expected and were all out of the water within two hours, following which they wanted to get changed, get fed and then get home to bed. The event wrapped up around 3 p.m."
Barabash said the goal of the awareness-based event is to restore Pacific salmon populations on the Sunshine Coast to healthy historical numbers.
"Our success to date can be measured by a heightened sense of awareness around this issue," he said.
"In our efforts, we have identified several sites for restoration such as the Clowhom Lakes dam. This site has been targeted as a feasible site for restoration and with the right amount of co-operation could host a significant run of salmon and steelhead."
He said this year they are looking to start a project that will see conducting a present day fish assessment of all the creeks and streams on the Sunshine Coast.
"We will compare the information gathered through this research with historical data and use it as a base line for our restoration efforts," he said.
"We will be working with the Sunshine Coast Salmon Enhancement Society, the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, many dedicated volunteers and we kindly welcome anyone wishing to get involved."
Dates for a Sunshine Coast salmon summit, during which those attending will identify the first three feasible fresh water bodies to address for restoration, will be announced soon.
"We are very excited to get this project underway and know that it will not only be extremely rewarding, but also tons of fun," Barabash said.
For future updates or to become involved, see www.captainquinn.com or www.tenuk.org.
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