110 Objects Archive
Hobson Hatchery
The Mark Hobson Hatchery serves the dual purpose of student education and enhancement of the local salmon population. It is named to honour Mark Hobson ’70 (Groves’) who returned to the School in 1974 to teach science. In 1980, the Grade 9 science curriculum was changed to include the Federal Fisheries Salmonid Enhancement Program, and Mark built a “mini hatchery” next to the Craig Block. Eggs and milt were harvested from adult salmon taken from the Goldstream River; they were successfully incubated, grown and released back into Goldstream. After some time, permission was granted by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to obtain brood stock for the hatchery from the entirely “man-made” coho run on Shawnigan Creek – one which has grown to be one of the most successful runs on all of Vancouver Island and has certainly benefited from the Mark Hobson Hatchery’s productivity.
Scott Noble '75 (Groves') took over management of the hatchery program when Mark left in 1983. In 2001, the area needed to be cleared for a new dining hall, and instead of trying to relocate the small hatchery, a new building was erected on the west shore of Lake Omar. The spacious new facility included modernized equipment, and room to teach groups of students. Its strategic location also allowed the use of water from Lake Omar. Significant contributors to the new hatchery were the Pacific Salmon Foundation, Shell Canada Environmental Fund, and the Shawnigan Foundation. Many others contributed in various ways by providing upgraded equipment.
When the broodstock arrives in November, eggs and milt are collected as the spawners “ripen.” Eggs are fertilized and placed in stacks of Heath Trays (incubation units). The developing salmon remain in the trays throughout the egg stage and, once hatched, the alevin stage during which their yolk sac continues to be their nutrient source. Once that is absorbed, they become fry and are transferred into rearing tanks. They are carefully weighed during this process to calculate the exact amount of feed needed. Belt feeders deliver food and are supplemented by daily hand-feeding. Usually by late April the young salmon are released into both Hartl and Shawnigan Creeks, the former being the creek that flows through the campus and is a tributary to Shawnigan Creek.
Over nearly four decades, Noble developed a robust program around Hatchery operations. Science 9 and Environment 11 students are actively involved in the work, supported by members of the Environment Club and the Fly-Tying Club, both now part of the School’s 360 Program. Students and staff eagerly watch for the exciting return of salmon coming to spawn in Hartl Creek each October.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
When the broodstock arrives in November, eggs and milt are collected as the spawners “ripen.” Eggs are fertilized and placed in stacks of Heath Trays (incubation units). The developing salmon remain in the trays throughout the egg stage and, once hatched, the alevin stage during which their yolk sac continues to be their nutrient source. Once that is absorbed, they become fry and are transferred into rearing tanks. They are carefully weighed during this process to calculate the exact amount of feed needed. Belt feeders deliver food and are supplemented by daily hand-feeding. Usually by late April the young salmon are released into both Hartl and Shawnigan Creeks, the former being the creek that flows through the campus and is a tributary to Shawnigan Creek.
Over nearly four decades, Noble developed a robust program around Hatchery operations. Science 9 and Environment 11 students are actively involved in the work, supported by members of the Environment Club and the Fly-Tying Club, both now part of the School’s 360 Program. Students and staff eagerly watch for the exciting return of salmon coming to spawn in Hartl Creek each October.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
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.
