“Bring Back the Salmon” hits the Humber

OFAH FILE: 842
May 27, 2011

“Bring Back the Salmon” hits the Humber
Humber River to be stocked with Atlantic Salmon for first time in 100 years

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More than a hundred and fifty years ago, Atlantic Salmon lived in the Humber River and many other tributaries of Lake Ontario. Sadly, they were one of the first fish species to be extirpated from the lake. Today, more than 40 partners are working together through the Bring Back the Salmon program to restore a wild, self-sustaining population of Atlantic Salmon to Lake Ontario and its tributaries. Five years into this historic undertaking, the signs are good that the program is working.

On May 30, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Toronto and Region Conservation will celebrate the expansion of the restoration program into the Humber River by stocking approximately 30,000 Atlantic Salmon fry at the river’s edge in the Albion Hills Conservation Area. Stocking sites on the Humber River have been added to the restoration effort as part of Phase II of the Bring Back the Salmon program, which launched in mid-May and will run through 2015.

Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison and supporters of the program will attend the outdoor event to help release Atlantic Salmon. Grade five students from nearby Palgrave Public School will also release their classroom-raised Atlantic Salmon.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) jointly lead the Bring Back the Salmon program, with support from lead sponsor, Ontario Power Generation, and sponsors LCBO, Banrock Station Wines and TD Friends of the Environment. More than 40 partners contribute to the program, government and nongovernment organizations, corporate partners, several conservation authorities and landowners. For more information about the restoration program, visit www.bringbackthesalmon.ca.

With over 50 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) helps people understand, enjoy and look-after the natural environment. Their vision is for The Living City