Curious about what it takes to keep salmon populations thriving? Then, welcome to the Capilano River Hatchery. This place plays a vital role in sustaining local salmon stocks.
Completed in 1971, the Capilano River Hatchery was built to counteract the impact of the Cleveland Dam. The dam affected the natural salmon habitats. Without this hatchery, the river would be practically devoid of fish. It serves as a mitigation hatchery.
The Capilano River Hatchery is smaller than others in the Lower Mainland. It releases about one million smolts each year. Larger hatcheries release millions more. Coho, Chinook, and steelhead smolts stay in tanks for up to two years. They remain until deemed ocean-ready. Chum salmon fry are released immediately after hatching.
Each year, the Capilano River Hatchery welcomes around 400,000 visitors. Admission is free. Here, you can witness the fascinating journey of salmon. You’ll see them develop from eggs to juveniles. These young fish are released into the river each spring.
The interpretive center offers a self-guided tour. It details the life cycles of British Columbia’s salmon species. Glass walls allow visitors to observe salmon climbing fish ladders. They jump from pool to pool, reaching a large holding tank.
The best times to view specific species vary. Chinook adults appear from October to November. Coho adults can be seen from June to November. Steelhead adults are visible in March and April. Coho juveniles are present year-round. Chinook juveniles are around from March to May.
The Capilano River Hatchery also supports local fisheries. Returning salmon are crucial for the Squamish First Nation. They provide an important food and ceremonial resource.
Reid Schrul is the acting watershed-enhancement manager at the Capilano River Hatchery. He notes that the hatchery has an average intake of 14,000 to 16,000 fish. Some are kept for breeding. Others are transported above the dam into Capilano Lake. Some are used for classroom demonstrations. The surplus is given to the Squamish First Nation.
The building itself is award-winning. In 1980, it received an award for its innovative design. The concrete structure blends seamlessly with its granite surroundings. It is also wheelchair accessible.
Located within Capilano River Regional Park, the hatchery is easily accessible. Hiking trails and picnic areas surround it. Short walks lead to bridges. During spawning season, you can observe the vibrant red fish. Watch them jump and struggle upstream. Remember that the canyon can be dangerous. Its banks are steep and slippery. River levels can rise quickly.
The Capilano River Hatchery produces millions of salmon smolts annually. The process begins with collecting adult salmon. Eggs and sperm are extracted and fertilized. They are incubated until they hatch into alevins. The alevins are moved to larger tanks to develop into fry. The fry are fed and cared for until they are ready for release.
So, as you explore the Capilano River Hatchery, consider the vital role it plays. It helps in conserving salmon populations. It also provides educational opportunities for all.