From Spanish Bank Streamkeepers:

The first of this season's Chum salmon returned to the Creek on the high tide Sunday evening, October 9th. That is the good news. The bad news is that it was intercepted as it was trying to make its way up the Creek. The fileted 30 inch carcass was found Monday morning near the mouth of the Creek. The remains of a fire were found above the high tide mark on the sand next to the Creek with indications that at least two people had enjoyed our salmon.

The Chum salmon returning this year were spawned four years ago at the Kanaka Creek hatchery in Maple Ridge. Kanaka Creek is a tributary of the Fraser River. Most of the Chum fry that were placed into the Creek in the Spring of 2002 were raised from eggs at the hatchery and the rest were raised by school children in Vancouver schools. Last year 65 Chum returned, the first four appearing on October 18th. We estimate that we had twenty pairs that spawned in the Creek close to Marine Drive.

Because of this recent poaching event the Streamkeepers will increase surveillance at the Creek especially during high tide, but we would also appreciate it if you could help us by watching for suspicious activity. If a car is involved make a note of its licence number and report the illegal activity to the Federal Fisheries ORR (Observe, Record, Report) line at 604 666-3500. Also please report the activity to Ron Gruber when you meet him at the Creek, or phone me at 604-228-9346. Thanks.

Dick Scarth
President, SBSk

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