Editor:
The Sunshine Coast Salmon Enhancement Society runs and operates the Chapman Creek Hatchery, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to sustaining and building salmon and trout stocks in local waterways and facilitating public education regarding salmon habitat and life cycles.
The SCRD has experienced major domestic water shortages in recent years, with Stage 4 water restriction levels becoming the norm for summer months. In 2018, water in Chapman Creek rose to 23 C. At 16 C salmon start experiencing health problems and at 24 degrees they cannot survive. The water shortage directly impacts the quality and quantity of water available to the hatchery – we have had to reduce or cease operations that promote the existence and sustainability of fish stock available for Sunshine Coast residents, sports fishermen, businesses, and tourism.
By reducing our water usage in this community, we are insuring that there is enough water in the ecosystem to maintain required water flows and temperatures. Conserving water as a community will limit the duration or prevent the implementation of Stage 4 water restrictions, not only for humans, but for animals, vegetation, and fire prevention. For the Sunshine Coast Salmon Enhancement Society, it would take the pressure off sensitive habitats like Chapman Creek and allow the continued function of this community-based hatchery that works hard for the survival of the very important salmon stocks.
Pat Moore, President, Sunshine Coast Salmon Enhancement Society
