Tag Archives: Cortes Island Streamkeepers

Rivers & Oceans

High expectations for this year’s Chum returns

This program was funded by a grant from the Community Radio Fund of Canada and the Government of Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. 

According to data on the Pacific Salmon Explorer website, Northeastern Vancouver Island’s Chum runs have tended to be about 42% lower in the last decade. 2016 was an exception. Pete Calverley, from the Quadra Island Salmon Enhancement Society, recently told the National Observer,  “This year’s chum spawners are the result of a strong parent run four years ago.” The final numbers are not in yet, but there are high expectations for this year’s Chum returns. 

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Rivers & Oceans

The Chum have returned to Basil Creek

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This program was funded by a grant from the Community Radio Fund of Canada and the Government of Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative. 

The Chum have returned.

Squirrel Cove’s eagles have been announcing this to anyone listening, for weeks.

Three juveniles rose to flight, in response to the human presence at the mouth of Basil creek. They left their meal on the bank. The head of a salmon had been pecked off. Its body lay further up the bank.

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Rivers & Oceans

Increasing the salmon spawning potential of James Creek

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The Friends of Cortes Island (also known as FOCI) Streamkeepers are increasing the salmon spawning potential of James Creek, on Cortes Island. 

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Parks

FOCI: Maintaining Cortes Island Parks For 20 Years

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On February 10, 2020, the Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI) posted a notice, on the Tideline, about the installation of new rails along the trail at Mansons Spit. They also invited local residents to a broom bash on the Spit, Saturday, March 28th, 10am- 1pm. According to Executive Director Helen Hall, FOCI started maintaining Cortes Island parks twenty years ago.

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Rivers & Oceans

Last Fall’s Chum Returns On Cortes & Quadra

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Last fall’s chum runs were poor throughout British Columbia. Wilf Luedke, the chief biologist for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, described reports from the Sooke River, on Vancouver Island, as “the worst yet.” On the Fraser River, the Alouette River Management Society counted 500 instead of the 60,000 they expected. The chum returns on Cortes & Quadra Cortes were dismal. 

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