Could salmon spawn in Bowker Creek
by OB BCould salmon spawn in Bowker Creek? In this playlist we will look at the facts and find out!
By OB B
Archives suggest that salmon have spawned in the creek. The most recent attempt was in November 2003 when a male spawning salmon was found in Bowker creek.
By OB B
Salmon most likely didn’t come back, because of their habitat being destroyed. The creek is no longer suitable for a spawn which caused the most likely caused the salmon to find another place to spawn.
By OB B
The creek is no longer suitable for salmon spawn, it is has been very heavily developed from its natural condition. A lot of the creek is now in pipes, and most of it is no longer in is original condition.
By OB B
Both chum and coho salmon feed on insects, insects are plentiful in Bowker creek so food should not be an issue. A common aquatic insect in Bowker creek is the flatworm.
By OB B
Parts of Bowker creek, such as the section adjacent to oak bay fire hall, would require a fish ladder since there is concrete barriers. Without a fish ladder salmon would not be able to swim down the creek.
By OB B
No, the creek has been developed, modified and covered. Bowker creek is no longer a natural creek, the majority of it is in pipes and a lot of the creek is now concrete. Bowker creek has a lot less natural filtration since it goes through culverts. Unless Bowker creek was restored, it will most likely never support a salmon spawn again as the CRD website explains.
By OB B
Quite a bit of work has been done to restore Bowker Creek including many restorations such as: Oak Bay High School, Monteith street, St. patrick's school and more. A bowker creek 100 year restoration plan has been created, called the Bowker creek blueprint.
By OB B
If the creek was restored to its natural condition, chum and coho salmon could spawn in the creek as they did in the past.
By OB B
To introduce salmon back to creek would probably cost millions of dollars, the creek would need to be restored extensively. It is very unlikely that the creek will ever be restored to its natural state.