Keep the Cowichan Wild

The Cowichan is a historic, wild river on Vancouver Island, capable of producing exceptional runs of wild coho, chinook, chum, and steelhead. However, in recent years, returns have declined because of lower ocean survival and local mismanagement in the watershed. Every steelhead angler wishes for abundant returns on their home river, and for many Islanders, that river is the Cowichan.

Recently, a petition proposing the construction of a steelhead hatchery has circulated, generating significant debate. Should this proposal proceed, the essence of the Cowichan—one of the few untamed major rivers on the Island—would be at risk.

The BC Federation of Fly Fishers opposes the construction of a steelhead hatchery. While we support improvements in steelhead abundance, the scientific consensus is clear: hatcheries pose a significant threat to wild fish. Our primary concern is the preservation of the Cowichan’s unique genetic diversity, which is crucial for the long-term survival and adaptability of its steelhead.

So where’s ‘the Cow’ at? First, the Cowichan is extremely fortunate to have wild steelhead and predominantly wild salmon returns, something many systems lost long ago. The returning fish are genetically superior, making them better able to survive, adapt and sustain their population. And so long as we don’t damage their habitat, a functioning ecosystem provides these runs to us for free. Second, their population is abundant enough to support angling—though below historical levels. So, would building a hatchery put us on a better trajectory?

Absolutely not. To start, Provincial policy prioritizes conserving wild stocks. Introducing hatchery fish substantially weakens genetics, leading to decline. The provincial experience with steelhead hatcheries bears this out, with dozens attempted and only a handful remaining. There is virtually no chance the Province would consent to a steelhead hatchery on this river. Second, hatcheries cost a fortune. The U.S. hatchery experience shows that taxpayers can pay hundreds of dollars per returning fish, subsidizing what many consider an elitist pastime. This would not fly in our current fiscal climate, and wastes resources we can use to improve habitat, secure critical flows, and reduce pollution.

Wild rivers, with their intact ecosystems, have a proven capacity to support healthy populations of Pacific salmon and steelhead. Investing in the protection and restoration of these natural habitats is a more sustainable and cost-effective approach than relying on artificial propagation.

The Cowichan River is the perfect candidate for such an investment. Despite its mistreatment, it has proven to be a resilient and productive system. It can support robust runs of wild steelhead. If Cowichan anglers have ideas about how to improve steelhead habitat or how to better manage angling on the river, the BCFFF has a conservation fund that federation members can tap. The BCFFF is also part of a Pacific Northwest steelhead collaboration that encapsulates some of the most experienced steelhead advocates on the continent who could lend their expertise.

The construction of a steelhead hatchery on the Cowichan River would be a costly and misguided endeavour. It would jeopardize the genetic integrity of wild steelhead populations, undermine the river’s natural productivity, and divert resources from more effective conservation strategies. If we work together, we can ensure critical flows, repair and improve habitat, reduce pollution, and manage angling pressure. We can keep the Cowichan wild and ensure a future for its legendary steelhead.