The Pacific Salmon Foundation was founded in 1987 with a start-up grant from the federal fisheries minister of the day, Tom Siddon, an MP representing Richmond. John Fraser, another MP from British Columbia who had served as fisheries minister, was an instrumental advocate in Ottawa for the idea of an independent foundation that could complement the community-based work of the federal fisheries ministry. Chartered with the mission of “expanding B.C.’s salmon resource,” a volunteer board of directors was assembled.
In 1989, the Pacific Salmon Foundation launched its Community Salmon Program and made its first grants to five projects. Core funding for grants was made possible that same year following the creation of the Chinook Stamp, later renamed the Salmon Conservation Stamp, by the federal government. Since that time, the support of anglers through purchases of the Salmon Conservation Stamp has provided nearly $7 million for grantmaking by the Foundation.
There remain many mysteries about factors that reduce Pacific salmon abundance. To help provide clarity, the Foundation approved a strategic plan for 2013 – 2015 that included a goal to expand its work in the field of science and research. Our salmon research has grown ever since.
In October 2012, Clean Energy BC asked the Foundation to conduct an independent science review of run-of-river power. The full ROR Report can be read here.
In 2013, the Foundation embarked on a first-of-its-kind partnership with Genome BC and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The Salmon Health Initiative was started to understand the high loss of young salmon as they enter salt water. There is some belief that disease may be a factor and the project includes sampling of wild, hatchery-raised and farmed salmon.
2013 also saw the launch of the $20 million Salish Sea Marine Survival Project in partnership with Seattle-based Long Live the Kings. The Salish Sea comprises U.S. – Canadian waters including the Strait of Georgia, Puget Sound and Strait of Juan de Fuca. The findings of this major research initiative are driving key programs today. Learn more about this landmark effort here.
Today, our core programs include; Community Salmon Program – grantmaking focused on community-led restoration and enhancement initiatives; Marine Science Program – research and applied action to better understand the environmental and limiting factors affecting salmon populations; Climate Adaptation – focused on the impacts of climate change on salmon habitat and the areas where people can help them adapt; Watersheds – data and monitoring to support critical management decisions through open source sharing of information.