A certain excitement is building when it comes to our marine environment. The dolphins are returning to Howe Sound, lured by an abundance of herring. After a presentation about herring enhancement last year, the Bowen Island Fish and Wildlife Club has renewed interest in what Bowen Islanders can do to ensure that the Sound's revitalization continues. At the Eco-Alliance's annual general meeting on Saturday, March 24, at 1 p.m. at Collins Hall, a presentation titled Return of the Dolphins, Herring and Salmon, Bowen's Role will draw attention to ongoing and new initiatives of the Fish and Wildlife Club.
Bill Newport, president of the club, explained that he had visits from John Matsen from the Squamish Streamkeepers. "What happened in Squamish is that they wrapped the creosoted pilings of the Squamish Terminal in an effort to save the herring eggs. It was a huge success. And we had discussions about wrapping the pilings in Snug Cove where the ferry comes in."
Newport said that these measures prevent herring eggs from being killed but they don't necessarily attract the fish. "If they come here, we want to make sure there is a successful hatch," Newport said but added that the herring haven't found their way to Bowen Island yet.
Both creosote and concrete pilings destroy the eggs but it doesn't take much to change that, according to Newport. "You can use landscape fabric, that is the cheapest. A more expensive but better solution is a type of plastic that is not oil based. [Wrapping the pilings] is inexpensive and I have already talked with the municipality to get permission. All we have to do is ensure that the material stays in place during storms and the ferry wash so it doesn't become a boating hazard."
Newport explained that the herring haven't spawned around Bowen because of the lack of seaweed. He said, "There was lots of seaweed around here in the 40s and 50s. Most of it has disappeared, due to the influence of man. Herring cannot lay their eggs in the water. They need floating plant material or lay eggs on a submerged evergreen branch. But to recreate that would be too much of an effort."
Wrapping the pilings is much easier, Newport said. "We had the Squamish Streamkeepers here who looked at the docks. The Mt. Gardner and Tunstall Bay dock pilings are not suitable. In low tide, they are dry for too many hours. The only dock where it would work is in the cove. We can also put [landscape fabric] on the floats at Dallas Marina and the Mt. Gardner float." Newport explained that the fabric can be secured under the float and provide a space for herring eggs.
Even though the herring haven't arrived yet, Newport said that the revitalization of Howe Sound has led the Fish and Wildlife Club to consider expanding its activities. "We were mostly focused on raising wild salmon in the hatchery and streamkeeping activities. But if we can keep the interest and the membership up, we would like to look at the marine environment around the island."
Newport said that the club first started out as an organization concerned with fish and deer. "At that point, you could get fish and deer anytime," he said. "The club evolved from the time when Minnow Davies held salmon derbies because the fish stopped and you couldn't hunt any more. Later on, some members decided to get into salmon enhancement." The club started with a small building the size of an outhouse. "We raised eggs in there and were very successful. Then, in '82, the first part of hatchery building went up."
"In 1995, the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation was formed," Newport said. "Bill Rush and Mike von Zuben started that on Bowen and the club evolved again. It took on additional roles that involved rebuilding and rehabilitating streams."
Jim Bydak is a member of the club and has taken courses in streamkeeping. At the Eco-Alliance AGM, he will speak about streamkeeping. He said, "We study Bowen Island streams and determine whether they are maintaining their health or need help. Our primary task is to observe, record and suggest possible restorative solutions. We started with Terminal Creek. We've done the low water observation and will soon do the high water observation."
Newport explained that Terminal Creek was picked because it supplies the water to the hatchery. "It is one of the main sources of water to the lagoon and it has dried up a few times because of municipal wrongdoings. We will study other salmon-bearing streams as time permits. Terminal Creek is also under pressure because of development."
Newport also mentioned the Davies Creek rehabilitation a project where many organizations worked together. "Lots of groups were involved and helped mostly with dealing with invasive plant species." Newport said that a small wintering pond at Davies Creek plays a vital role. "It doesn't look like much. People walk by without taking notice but it's very important for Coho and Cutthroat Trout to have an area to stay for the winter." Bydak added, "And summertime testing in the pool found it chock-full of Coho that had migrated to the pool when the creek was low."
This is the first time that the Fish and Wildlife Club shares a formal event with the Eco-Alliance but members of both organizations have collaborated before. "Some people from the Eco-Alliance helped with the Davies Creek project on invasive plants," Newport said. "We aren't officially involved together but our members work on common projects." He added that the club is always looking for interested individuals to join its ranks.
The latest boost in numbers is partially due to the return of marine life. "When islanders see the dolphins, they have a great interest in our marine environment," Newport said. "Because of that, we have additional people who help with the salmon enhancement and streamkeeping. And they champion the oceans around Bowen Island." Bydak added, "Some of our members joined the Fish and Wildlife Club to be part of wrapping the piles to encourage herring to hatch in our waters."
Newport promises to act quickly if the herring show up. "At the first sign, we'll do everything possible to ensure a successful hatch but if they are not here, we can't do much to attract them," he said adding that the club has lots of volunteers and enough money for the initiative.
