1. FAQ’s

· The Goldstream Volunteer Salmonid Enhancement Association (GVSEA) operates the Howard English Hatchery.

· GVSEA activities pre-date Salmonid Enhancement Program (1969).

· GVSEA generates $5 for every dollar granted by DFO via the Community Involvement Program.

· Consistency - GVSEA projects have been supported by only 3 Community Advisors since SEP began in 1978. Current CA is Sonora Butterfield.

· Volunteers staff the Howard English Hatchery six days/week, 365 days/year.

· Membership is 85.

2. The GVSEA Today – Partnerships, Partnerships

a. Enhancement:

· This year’s output is 750K fry (Coho, Chinook, chum). Capacity is 1M.

· Hatchery is a satellite re-stocking facility for Reay, Mt. Douglas, Shawnigan, Colquitz, Craigflower, Millstream, Lyall, Grieg, Ganges, Fulford watersheds.

· Enhancement partners include Greater Victoria Water District, Capital Regional District, City of Langford, Goldstream Provincial Park, Province of BC, Tsawout First Nation, Mt. Doug Streamkeepers, and many more.

b. Public Awareness/Education:

· Hatchery provides 20K eggs for schools, most of any facility including major federal facilities.

· As an urban watershed that annually receives an average of 30K chum spawners, the Goldstream River’s potential as a teaching tool is limitless.

· Tens of thousands witness the November return of chum.

· GVSEA volunteers serve as tour guides for schools and other groups, at the river and onsite.

· Partners include Habitat Acquisition Trust, Watership Foundation, Stream of Dreams, Goldstream Provincial Park, and public school districts.

c. Habitat Restoration – Work plans have evolved over 40 years to include significant habitat restoration projects, in partnership with Tsawout First Nation, City of Langford, Capital Regional District.

3. The Future Depends on Stability

· GVSEA projects rely on long-term contract technical support, as does the core of community involvement and education activities Regionally. Contract and education support costs are variable, not fixed, and are tendered annually at the discretion of Area Managers.

· The future of the Community Involvement Program, and all Program partners like GVSEA, rests on the Community Advisor’s ability to enhance the community’s capacity to reach goals that are shared by the Department. The CA’s ability to support community projects with time and money – directly, consistently and without political interference - are essential to this unique and successful delivery model.