Goldstream Chum Salmon 'wiped out' by 2011 fuel spill.

[chris73]

Neighbouring streams often have similar genetics as the occasional stray fish will mix in. That's why transplanting within a genetic region can be successful. As said above, Nitinat Chinook are only raised in the Goldstream hatchery but released around the corner in Esquimaly. Goldstream River is part of the southern ECVI genetic region. Nitinat is part of the Oak Bay - Bamfield area. Biologists of DFO have created maps that show these regions with similar genetics where a transplant could be attempted within (not sure what their official title is). If your interested you can probably find these maps online somewhere. Remember, there are 2 components that bring salmon back to where they belong: genetics and smell.

 

[Dave S]

Forgot to post this. I was out there with the family last weekend and the volunteer guys were reporting a much higher pre spawn death of chum this year over last. They were concerned and so was I. Wonder if this is something that would concern dfo.