Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society

The Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of salmon populations in the Sooke region of Vancouver Island. The society, registered under the business registration number 893029967RR0001, operates primarily through the Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery.

History

The society's roots trace back to the efforts of Jack Brooks, a pioneering fishery warden who foresaw the decline of local salmon stocks and began organizing local volunteers to address the issue. Over time, these efforts evolved into the formation of the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society. The organization has been instrumental in developing a thriving sports and charter fishery in the area, contributing to both ecological balance and local economic growth[5].

Mission and Activities

The Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society focuses on three core missions:

• Salmon Population Restoration: The society works towards safeguarding the Salish Sea’s biodiversity by restoring Chinook and Coho salmon populations, promoting harmony between marine life and the community[2].
• Community Education: The organization emphasizes educating all generations about the vital role of salmon, instilling a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship[2].
• Knowledge-Driven Community Engagement: Through impactful educational initiatives, the society highlights the importance of salmon enhancement in the Sooke River and its tributaries[2].

Partnerships and Funding

The society collaborates with other organizations, such as the Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society, to enhance salmon stocks and habitats. It also benefits from funding programs like the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF), which supports protection and restoration activities for wild fish stocks[1][3].

Operations and Achievements

The Sooke River Jack Brooks Hatchery has been operational since 1981 and is managed by volunteers passionate about salmon conservation. The hatchery's activities include raising and releasing salmon fry and smolts, contributing significantly to maintaining healthy salmon populations in the area. Notably, the society has released large numbers of salmon fry each year, maintaining a balance between conservation efforts and economic benefits[4][5].