It appears the harsh winter didn’t completely wipe out the fish population in Stoney Creek.
In January, the NOW reported local streamkeepers were worried about the effect salt would have on salmon eggs after some creeks were experiencing higher-than-normal salt levels as a result of snow removal.
An experiment done a few years ago showed eggs exposed to excess salt could cause higher mortality rates and deformities, according to John Templeton, chair of the Stoney Creek environment committee.
But on April 17, Templeton spotted some coho fry.
“I was surprised,” he said. “The winter’s been the worst winter I’ve ever been through.”
A tributary, located where SFU’s old salt shed used to be, was a major concern, added Templeton. Even though the shed was moved, the ground remains contaminated, he said.
“When it gets dry and the water of volume is less, the concentration goes up. Honestly, it’s a miracle we have fish in that tributary. ... There’s actually six of them in there,” Templeton told the NOW.
For comparison, last year, fish emerged from the gravel in February.
“So you can see there’s a huge difference in time. That wasn’t something that was just happening in Burnaby, it was happening right through all of the rivers and creeks in the Lower Mainland,” said Templeton.
2016 saw the best chum run in decades in the city, with at least 2,400 on the books.
On Saturday, May 13, volunteers will be releasing fry into Stoney Creek during the annual Great Salmon Send-Off. The family-friendly event is open to all ages.
It’s happening between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 2740 Beaverbrook Cres. (at the north end of the Stoney Creek Community School grounds, near Lougheed Town Centre.) Come early, though, while supplies last.
There will be environmental displays, activities for the kids and live entertainment.
