Thousands of Chinook salmon are waiting to be released into the South Alouette River, and this Sunday, June 15, the Alouette River Management Society, (ARMS), is inviting the public to help release the fish.
The Father's Day Fish Release is an annual event and this year there are 5,000 salmon that will be released into the river.
In addition to releasing buckets of fish, the public will be able to learn more about the restoration work taking place at the Trethewey Spawning and Overwintering Channel on Coniagas Farm.
Last year the society led salmon habitat restoration efforts at Trethewey Channel, removing invasive reed canary grass and Himalayan blackberry, installing habitat features, and planting native species to create safe rearing habitat for juvenile salmon, explained Greta Borick-Cunningham, the society's executive director.
And, as part of ARMS’ June Giving Campaign, supporters can symbolically “Adopt a Bucket” of salmon to help reach a $5,000 fundraising goal.
"Each adoption directly supports habitat improvements," said Borick-Cunningham. "Like sediment removal, native planting, and the installation of large woody debris, to ensure future salmon returns. Every adopter receives a personalized certificate of thanks."
Borick-Cunningham noted that this Father’s Day event celebrates the community’s shared commitment to a healthier river and a thriving salmon population for generations to come.
“Releasing chinook salmon fry into the Alouette River has been a long-running tradition between ARMS, BC Corrections, ALLCO Fish Hatchery, and the public for many, many years and a highly anticipated community activity celebrating Father’s Day,” she added.
The Father's Day Fish Release is set to take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 24959 Alouette Rd, Maple Ridge.
To donate or adopt a bucket of salmon, visit: https://bit.ly/4kPRVuF.
For more information about ARMS go to: https://alouetteriver.org/.
