SVIAC is actively fundraising to support next year’s Sooke Chinook Enhancement Initiative. Did you know that since 2017, more than 4,130,000 juvenile Chinook salmon have been successfully raised and released into the Sooke Basin. Over 500,000 have been coded-wire-tagged and adipose fin clipped to allow for identification and stock assessment purposes. So far, there has been no monetary support from government. Over $400,000 of private money has been raised to fund SCEI equipment purchases and pay operational expenses.

In 2023, we successfully raised another 630,000 Chinook that were released from our TME in April and May. The same or more are planned for 2024. Operating this initiative and releasing this many chinook requires funding to cover brood stock collection, hatchery rearing, special fish food, medication, electricity, fin clipping, inserting coded-wire-tags, transportation, TME equipment maintenance, net repairs, moorage fees and storage, plus the professional services of an aquaculturist. This coming year, the net pens need significant net repair or possible partial replacement. Total annual budget is approximately $70K every year.

So there you have it – this project needs your help! There are many different ways to support the project, including via donations to the upcoming online fundraiser, supporting derbies, becoming a member and with direct donations. We have some great businesses in and around Southern Vancouver Island who have long supported our efforts, and we welcome more! We also have some great examples of individual contributions. Read about one such contribution below!

* Longstanding individual donation pledge and challenge: Tom and Betty Cole have made an individual family donation to SVIAC to support the Sooke Chinook Enhancement Initiative since the project began! Their annual donation of $500 is an incredible contribution to the operating costs of the project. For 2024’s project, they have already pledged their donation and challenge the sportfishers out there to match their donation! SVIAC would be grateful if you’d consider doing just that!