One of the newest members of the Tyee Club is helping to support future generations of salmon on the Campbell River.
On Tuesday, MP John Duncan handed over $20,500 to the Campbell River Salmon Foundation on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The money will go to the gravel replacement project on the river, specifically a site favoured by spawning chinook.
“Gravel placement is an important part of rebuilding the iconic Campbell River chinook salmon population,” said foundation chairman Martin Buchanan. “This funding, as well as the funding from the BC Hydro Fish and Wildlife Compensation fund...is greatly appreciated in carrying out the ongoing gravel placement projects.”
Duncan presented the funds on Monday and knows well the value of local chinook salmon. Within a 12-hour span on Aug. 16-17, the longtime politician caught two chinook over 30 pounds – 33 and 30 pounds respectively – which earned him a place in the exclusive Tyee Club.
“Recreational fishing is a popular leisure activity in Campbell River that not only brings family and friends together, but also contributes to our economy by attracting tourists and creating jobs,” said Duncan. “Through partnering with our local groups like the Campbell River Salmon Foundation who work on the ground to conserve fish habitat, the Government of Canada helps promote investments in recreational fisheries habitat restoration in our province, for the benefit of our communities in years to come.”
The money is coming from a $1.9 million fund to support recreational fishing projects throughout B.C.