By OBG OBG
In my opinion, this is a realistic goal. even though it won't happen anytime soon, with enough money and support from the community and government this could happen.
By OBG OBG
Bowker Creek is an 8 km long stream in an urban environment on Vancouver Island. Over 60% is underground in culverts and 30% is covered by impermeable surfaces.
By OBG OBG
Returning the salmon run would return the ecosystem to a more natural state. It would also improve creek health. A healthy salmon run means you have a healthy creek.
By OBG OBG
There are many culverts in the creek. Some of them such as the one under fireman's park are too steep for the salmon to get up so a fish ladder would need to be installed.
By OBG OBG
Historically, coho and chum salmon would spawn here but the habitat was no longer suitable for them. However, with more restoration to the creek chum salmon would most likely be the best fit for the ecosystem due to their pollution tolerance.
By OBG OBG
At Goldstream during the salmon run, you can see many wild animals (bears, eagles, ravens, cougars, etc.). With more fish in the creek, there would probably be an increase in these types of animals in the area.
By OB M
In the Riparian zones along the creek you can find microbes living among hydrophilic plants. These areas have unsaturated soil. Unfortunately Bowker Creek doesn’t have many Riparian zones left, so these microbes aren’t as common as they used to be. Bacteria can also be found in and around Bowker Creek.
By OB M
Bowker Creek is a functional ecosystem because it is balanced. If the ecosystem was unbalanced then many species would either go extinct or become too abundant. For example, if the ducks went extinct then there would be too many leeches in the creek. The leeches could take over and become the main species.