Cloud of Smolts … A new partnership with Goldstream Hatchery means an improved salmon
program for the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre.
Sidney, BC – The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre has recently welcomed 200 new visitors to the
aquarium… 200 salmon smolt visitors, to be exact. Continuing with their tradition of creating the least
amount of impact during animal collection as possible, Curator Paula Romagosa has recently struck up a
deal with Goldstream Hatchery to “borrow ” some of their Chinook salmon to display in one of the
aquarium’s exhibits, with the plan to release them into the ocean at a later date.
Having the ability to release the salmon once they’re fully grown is new and exciting prospect for the
Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. “For a variety of reasons, we were not permitted to release our salmon
in the past. Instead, we would donate those that had grown too large to Wild Arc,” said Romagosa.
“Now with this recently formed partnership with Goldstream, we’ll keep these salmon for only two or
three years before releasing them into the ocean to continue on their journey to spawn.”
The not-for-profit aquarium is thrilled about this recent improvement to their salmon program,
especially in light of recent statistics that show a dwindling number of Chinook spawning in the area
over the last couple of years. “Keeping the smolts here is a great way to ensure that they will grow to
their full potential without falling victim to predators or disease”, said Romagosa. And the release will be
one of the easiest yet for the aquarium. “We’ll basically be able to walk out our front door and release
them right to the ocean in Sidney.”
The recently arrived smolts, who have taken nicely to their new digs at the aquarium, had about 7
months to grow in the Goldstream Hatchery before making their move to Sidney. The Hatchery uses
water from Goldstream River to raise fry and smolts, and it is there that most of them will ultimately
return. “Salmon use their instincts to find their way back their river of origin,” said Romagosa, “Their
familiarity with the river from when they were young will lead them back.”
These adorable little smolts are now on full display at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre from 10am to
5pm, seven days per week.
Media Contact: Christina Smethurst, Marketing Manager-250.665.7511-marketing@oceandiscovery.ca
The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is an aquarium and marine education centre focused on the diverse ecosystem
of the Salish Sea. www.oceandiscovery.ca. It is a not-for-profit community facility. Funds to operate the aquarium
and associated education programs come from admissions revenues, memberships and generous community
support through donations. Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is governed, funded, and owned by the New Marine
Centre Society a registered charity. The centre is located at 9811 Seaport Pl on the waterfront in Sidney, BC .