Local South Vancouver anglers step up to support salmon conservation as federal funding declines
Prince George and Victoria, BC – At a time when salmon conservation faces growing financial challenges, the South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition (SVIAC) has announced a $10,000 donation to the Spruce City Wildlife Association to help offset significant reductions in federal funding and ensure vital Upper Fraser River Chinook salmon recovery enhancement work continues in the Prince George region.
“On behalf of all of us at Spruce City Wildlife Association and our Salmon Support Team, I want to express our sincere gratitude to SVIAC and its board for this generous commitment,” said Dustin Snyder, President of the Spruce City Wildlife Association. “Support of this magnitude allows us not only to purchase critical incubation equipment, but also to leverage additional funding that will help us continue growing our salmon enhancement capacity for future generations.”
SCWA operates an important community-based salmon enhancement program in the Upper Fraser region and has been working to expand its ability to rear larger numbers of Spring and Summer Chinook salmon. The additional incubation stacks will strengthen the hatchery’s infrastructure and improve its ability to seek larger egg allocations from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in future years.
If matching funding is secured, SCWA also plans to upgrade water supply and drainage infrastructure serving recently installed 10-foot round rearing tanks, improvements that would allow multiple tanks to operate simultaneously and create additional capacity for future fry production expansion.
Anglers Investing in Salmon Recovery
The donation reflects SVIAC’s ongoing commitment to practical, on-the-ground salmon conservation initiatives throughout British Columbia.
“Our members believe that healthy salmon populations require more than restrictions—they require investment,” said Bill Campbell, President of the South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition. “Volunteer hatcheries and community enhancement organizations are doing the hard work of raising fish, maintaining infrastructure and supporting watershed stewardship. We are proud to support Spruce City Wildlife Association’s efforts to expand salmon production capacity in the Upper Fraser.”
The announcement comes at a time when many community salmon enhancement organizations are facing increasing financial pressures and uncertainty surrounding long-term government funding for volunteer-driven hatchery operations.
SVIAC says the partnership demonstrates how recreational anglers, local sponsors and conservation volunteers can work together to deliver measurable conservation benefits that support Indigenous food fisheries, recreational fisheries, commercial fisheries and the long-term health of salmon ecosystems across British Columbia.
Local Tournament Supporting Province-Wide Conservation
The $10,000 donation is being made possible through funds raised by SVIAC’s annual Alpine / GFL Juan de Fuca Fishing Tournament, one of Vancouver Island’s premier recreational fishing events.
The 30th Annual Juan de Fuca Fishing Tournament will take place on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Pedder Bay Marina, featuring a $30,000 first prize and a total prize pool exceeding $57,000. Proceeds from the tournament directly support salmon enhancement, conservation initiatives and recreational fishing advocacy.
SVIAC acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors, participants and volunteers whose contributions make investments like the SCWA donation possible.
“This is exactly the kind of partnership that can make a real difference,” added Campbell. “By supporting organizations with the expertise and infrastructure already in place, local anglers can help create lasting benefits for salmon populations far beyond our own region.”
Media Invitation
Representatives from SVIAC and the Spruce City Wildlife Association are available for interviews regarding:
- SVIAC’s $10,000 donation to the Spruce City Wildlife Association
- Expansion of Upper Fraser salmon enhancement infrastructure
- Community hatchery funding and Pacific Salmon Foundation matching grants
- The role of volunteer salmon enhancement organizations in British Columbia
- The upcoming 30th Annual Juan de Fuca Fishing Tournament
Media Contacts:
Bill Campbell – President
South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition (SVIAC)
Website: www.sviac.ca
Email: bill@sviac.ca
Phone: 250-818-6367
Dustin J Snyder – President
Spruce Wildlife Association
Website: www.scwa.bc.ca
Email: dustinsnyderscwa@gmail.com
Phone: 250-613-9357