By Rodney Hsu

On this gorgeous sunny Saturday, volunteers, kids, parents and teachers gathered at Stoney Creek Community School. Tents were set up, bbq were sizzling, and the sound of music created a festive mood among the crowd. This was not a carnival, it was the annual Great Salmon Send-off in Burnaby!

With the help of Federal Department of Fisheries & Oceans, Stoney Creek Environment Committee has gradually revived a tiny stream that runs through a busy section of Greater Vancouver region. Each year, it brings the entire community together and shows what little positive actions can make a giant difference.

The day began with an opening blessing by Chief Henry Charles. Hundreds of curious and eager eyes looked on as Maurice Coulter-Boisvert, A local DFO community advisor, scooped several fish out of the transporting tank. Oohs and ahs emerged as the first bag of fish was given out. This may be the first time many little new comers had a chance to see a juvenile salmon. Slowly, these small fingerlings were gently released into the small pools of Stoney Creek.

2,500 coho smolts were released on this day. These tiny fish weighed only 20 grams, in a few years time they will return as large spawning adults. Stoney Creek is the largest tributary of Brunette River, which runs into the Lower Fraser River. Just like other urban streams, it is endangered and faces numerous problems such as habitat degradation and water pollution.

The Great Salmon Sendoff has taken place every spring since 1990. Stoney Creek Environment Committee hopes to use this event to raise public awareness of this fragile stream. Participants are able to have hands-on experience, learn about salmonid's life cycle and find out what they can do to minimize the urban threats imposed on the stream.

Other advocacy groups were also on site to provide information for the curious minds. The Pacific Streamkeepers Federation demonstrated the importance of aquatic insects in streams and their role as an indicator of water quality. After releasing their fish, children were able to play numerous educational games so they could become familiar with the insects and fish that they rarely encounter.

Stoney Creek Environmental Committee has demonstrated that negative human impacts on the environment are reversible, with some hard work and dedication. Events such as the Great Salmon Sendoff are crucially needed, otherwise our younger generations will continue to drift away from the natural beauty that British Columbians should be proud of.

To find out more about the Stoney Creek Environmental Committee, please visit their website. If you wish to participate in similar events such as this or help out your local streams, please visit Pacific Streamkeepers Federation.