The Kokish River Hatchery received a $10,000 boost toward its salmon enhancement efforts Friday, thanks to the efforts of a coalition of North Island businesses.
The companies teamed to commit more than $10,000 in both direct funding and in-kind support to the hatchery's program to recover salmon stocks in the river.
“This is a really tremendous partnership between Vancouver Island businesses and dedicated volunteers, all in support of fish and fish habitat," said Ken Kollman, program coordinator for the hatchery. “We are very pleased that the facility will be able continue to operate as an important part of salmon conservation on the North Island.”
The companies supporting the Kokish River Hatchery include TimberWest Forest Corp., Strategic Group, Marine Harvest Canada, Kwagis Power LP, and Western Forest Products. All five have operations on Northern Vancouver Island and value the contribution the Kokish River Hatchery makes to salmon conservation in the area.
The hatchery is operated by the Port McNeill Chinook Club and is dedicated to salmon enhancement in the Kokish River.
The Kokish River Hatchery is a Department of Fisheries and Oceans licensed facility that has released over five million salmon into the Kokish River over the last 25 years. The mission of the Kokish River Hatchery is to recover salmon stocks to a healthy, self-sustaining level. The program operates entirely thanks to a host of dedicated volunteers.