Bowker Creek’s Salmon Run
by OBG OBGIn this playlist, you will learn about how salmon would affect the Bowker creek ecosystem and how you could restore the salmon run.
By OBG OBG
Bowker Creek is located on the south tip of Vancouver Island. The creek starts at a wetland in the University of Victoria campus, flows through parts of Victoria, and eventually lets out in Oak Bay to the ocean.
By OBG OBG
There could be many reasons that the salmon never returned such as pollution, change in habitat, and not being able to access certain parts of the stream.
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
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.
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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
Bowker creek has a problem with pollution which means the organisms that the fry would eat cannot survive and even the fry might not survive. Also, there are some parts that would need a fish ladder.
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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.
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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
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
- Who should be responsible for returning the salmon?
- Where would the money come from?
- How would you control pollution?
- How long would it take to restore the salmon?