Learning to live in harmony with our environment, fostering respect and protection of these resources are at the heart of the North Shore Streamkeepers and the many projects we undertake.
We raise funds from both public entities and private businesses & individuals in order to restore salmon habitat, prevent erosion, and improve salmonid populations.
Fisheries & Oceans Canada approved salmon habitat enhancement works for Mosquito Creek (Kwenimach) in North Vancouver in September 2020.
A collaboration between the BCIT Rivers Institute and the North Shore Streamkeepers with key involvement by the DNV and DFO to create a nursery for young salmon.
Streamkeepers take part in a variety of work in order to preserve, maintain, and improve the waterways in the North Shore.
In order to determine the presence and abundance of young salmonids, we trap and identify small fish in the creeks. Our procedure is described in Streamkeepers Module 11 – Juvenile fish trapping and identification.
We typically do this at two times during the year – in early spring to identify smolt just before they leave for the ocean and in mid-summer to identify fry hatched that spring.
In order to determine the presence and abundance of returning salmonids, we walk the banks of streams several times during spawning season, counting fish and monitoring their condition. Our procedure is described in Streamkeepers Module 12 – Salmonid spawner survey.
In North Vancouver, chum return in September, followed by pinks (odd years) and finally coho. We typically look for coho in November and December in the upper sections of North Vancouver streams.
Restoration of streamside riparian areas involves activities such as weed pulling and planting of new shrubs or saplings.
When we pull weeds they are mostly classified as alien plants: that is, plants that are not native to our parks. Some examples are ivy, lamium, blackbery, holly, knotweed and hogweed. Our procedure is described in Streamkeepers Module 7 – Streamside Planting
North Shore Streamkeepers aim to inform and connect with our local communities to build awareness and educate the public on issues related to stream habitat.
Our programs include community art projects, water cycle related field trips, and workshops for the wider community.
Local projects that we participate in include the Morten Creek SEP, Mackay Creek SEP (North Shore Fish and Game Club – look under “Conservation”), and Seymour River Fish Hatchery and Education Centre.
We work with our local governments to protect, enhance and restore habitat for salmon ecosystems
NSSK attends consultations within the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver to speak up for our riparian habitat and the critters who live there.
We occasionally hold workshops to inform and connect with local community members on issues related to stream habitat.
Contact the BC Government:
Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP)
24 hr hotline: 1‐877‐952‐7277
Contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada if
salmon are involved:
Observe, Record, Report
1‐800‐465‐4336
DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
