Hatchery
Annual Coho Release
Nearly 10,000 salmon fry were released into the wild this month by students who raised them in the Mark Hobson Hatchery – a facility unique to Shawnigan among schools in British Columbia.
The students in Science 9 and Environmental Science 11 and 12 have been nurturing the fish since November, when they caught fish in Shawnigan Creek to use as broodstock, then harvested eggs from the females and fertilized them with milt (semen) from the males. The eggs hatched into alevin – a phase where they are still carrying yolk – then grew into fry in March. Transferred into larger tanks at that point, they were fed and cared for over the following months until they were ready for release into Hartl and Shawnigan creeks.
According to Hatchery Lead and Experiential Learning Instructor Mr. Louis Chancellor, the number of fish released this year was nearly double the amount released last year, thanks in part to some changes and improvements made to the system. He says it should be even better next year.
Prior to the release, the Grade 11 Environmental Science classes studied the creeks to determine what locations would give the fry the best chances of survival based on water depth, flow, sun exposure, shade, security and space to grow.
When the release took place, the Grade 12s were joined by youngsters from the Montessori Preschool located on campus, including some children of staff members.
After being raised in Shawnigan Lake water, the fish will continue to grow in fresh water for about two years. Then it’s off to the ocean, where they will continue their life cycle. Those who survive should return to spawn in the creeks where they were released in the fall of 2027 – by which time this year’s Grade 9s will have graduated from Shawnigan.
While many schools in coastal BC have programs that give students a glimpse into the lives of young salmon, including releases, the Hatchery is a unique experiential learning opportunity for Shawnigan students. And the students aren’t the only ones who benefit – the program contributes to the recreational salmon fishery, and feeds animals like bears and orcas who might intercept the salmon on their way back to spawn.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
