Marine Harvest Canada has grant funds to the Oyster River Enhancement Society and the Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society to boost their efforts restoring vital river habitat and protect local salmon populations. The Oyster River Enhancement Society (ORES) is a volunteer driven, non-profit British Columbia based Society (1983) and a Registered Canadian Charitable Organization. ORES’ major purpose is to enhance, restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat of the Oyster River watershed and relies entirely upon its volunteers, members and donors for their respective contributions.
ORES President Jim Loring said that funding from our local business community is critical to the continuation of our hatchery. He added that with the help of such fund they can work conserving salmon populations in the Oyster River. At Fanny Bay, President Judy Ackinclose is looking to replace an ageing egg taking shed. The hatchery, built by DFO in 1965, produces about 350,000 salmon fry to be released in local watersheds and much of the infrastructure is in need of upgrades.
Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society (FBSES) operates two hatcheries at Wilfred and Rosewall Creek with 55 volunteers dedicated to enhancement and habitat restoration of local watersheds. Marine Harvest produces fresh BC farm-raised salmon and is the largest private employer on Northern Vancouver Island.
