Lesley England
Community Advisor: Paul Neufield
Over the last 15 years, I have been an avid fisherwoman who respects and supports the efforts of the Department of Oceans and Fisheries (DFO) mandate to ensure that survival of all species of Pacific Salmon remain sustainable. My knowledge base on the importance that Pacific Salmon play in the environmental cycle, issues relating to environmental factors, and the intricacies of numerous stakeholders input, has increased during the last few years through my volunteer time at the Tynehead Hatchery.
I am constantly looking for other ways and groups that can add to my knowledge and provide me with avenues that allow me to make a difference in the healthy survival of Pacific Salmon. One avenue has been sitting as a Director of the Serpentine Enhancement Society (SES) that operates the Tynehead Hatchery. This has allowed me the opportunity to gain knowledge of resources (local and provincial), and of other stakeholders who are working for the common goal of Pacific Salmon survival.
It is through partnerships and collaborative practices between Salmon Hatcheries in British Columbia and other stakeholders/experts such as the DFO and the aquatic stewardship community that will lead to the healthy survival of the Pacific Salmon: a common goal shared by SES. One group cannot work in isolation to achieve a common goal.
The aquatic stewardship community is a community comprised of both small and large organizations throughout British Columbia. Collaborative practice can be as simple as inviting other aquatic organizations to be part of Salmon Hatchery events where sharing of educational knowledge for the public can occur. It also leads to networking and inclusion in other stewardship activities. Collaboration enables new partnerships and sharing of knowledge and materials. It also allows for sharing of common issues. However, aquatic stewardship does not need to be a group: it can be an individual.
Supporting University student researchers working on their environmental and Salmon programs allows education, sharing of information and activities that lead to a collaborative effort to enhance our local rivers. This includes bringing on these students as volunteers/members within the Hatchery environment itself.
Partnerships and collaborative practice between Salmon Hatcheries in British Columbia and the DFO is also important. This occurs with Salmon Hatcheries maintaining a positive partnership with their DFO Community Advisor (CA). Each CA oversees numerous hatcheries: DFO and Volunteer operated. The CA is a valuable resource for resolving issues, providing appropriate resources (i.e. River Restoration Engineer), acquiring appropriate materials and providing education and educational materials. Partnership with the CA also provides both the CA and the Salmon Hatcheries an understanding of common issues as they arise; thus, allowing for faster interventions at both micro and macro levels.
Survival of the Pacific Salmon is a common goal for the DFO, the aquatic stewardship community and Salmon Hatchery’s throughout British Columbia. All require collaborative partnerships for this goal to occur.