The Cowichan River Elders Drift

Darin George, Cowichan Tribes First Nations with Derick Devison rowing

The Drift

The BC Recreational Fishing Association (BCRFA) recently participated as co-hosts in the Cowichan River Elders Drift (The Drift) with our friend and fishing ally, Darin George. Darin is a member of the Cowichan Tribes – the largest single First Nation Band in British Columbia (BC). As stewards of the Cowichan River and area for millennia, Darin and the elders continue to witness a troubling and swift decline in steelhead numbers, as their habitats diminish, and water conditions deteriorate. In fact, the concern is so severe the Cowichan Tribes recognizes that the natural ability to revitalize stocks before extinction is not attainable.

The Drift along the Cowichan River included Elders Wilson Daniels and Albert Daniels, along with community members, fellow anglers, local river guide, Riverquest Charters, artists, and supporters from Victoria, Saanich, and Sooke. The Elders shared stories as the convoy of boats drifted down the river, and the teachings shared along the voyage were a reminder of how it continues to provide massive inputs of nutrients to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. As well, as how the steelhead fishery is an essential part of culture, stewardship practices, and community.

Darin George and Cowichan Tribes on a Steelhead Hatchery

Introduced by Darin George, the Drift initiative is an urgent call to action to ensure the revival of our precious ecosystem. The Cowichan Tribes are proposing the reinstatement of a steelhead hatchery. The proposed hatchery site already exists for salmon; thus, minimizing start-up and operational costs. In 2008 the provincial government closed the steelhead hatchery citing it was too expensive to operate and that survival rates were too low. Fast forward to 2025 – although efforts have been made to try and restore habitat and reduce human-induced mortality – the stocks continue to decline. Now, others are raising the alarm about the swift action required to prevent extinction of the steelhead populations, not just on the Cowichan River, but in all regions across BC.

A recent 2024 report, The Status of Steelhead Populations in BC: 2024 Snapshot Report published by the Pacific Salmon Foundation, highlighted significant concerns including declining populations, and a lack of sufficient data; however, in the conservation areas with well-documented declines, it is believed similar trends are occurring across BC. The report calls for improved monitoring, better documentation of existing data, and revised conservation management strategies.

A 2018 University of British Columbia steelhead stock assessment study estimate suggested only 300 to 1,000 steelhead return per season. Steelhead fry density also continues to be below the 5-year average. Other jurisdictions, such as the State of Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife uses Hatchery Genetic Management Plans developed with genomics technology – the use of genomics assists hatcheries in managing with science-based data to minimize potential negative impacts on wild populations. It can be argued there are positive and negative impacts from hatcheries; however, the argument on their negative impacts is considered by many as irrelevant now. To ensure we avoid extinction of wild stocks, and with responsible and well-planned genomics technology and science-based hatchery management plans, we could successfully supplement wild stocks, while at the same time protect the genetic integrity of wild populations.

The situation on the Cowichan River serves as a reminder of the critical need for collective action to restore and protect our rivers and the wildlife that depend on them.

Together, we can advocate for a steelhead hatchery program, and protect our waterways, engage in restoration efforts, and provide educational outreach. Each small action contributes to a larger movement, and collectively, we can ensure a sustainable and healthier future for our rivers and the vibrant life they support.

Huy’ch’qa to the Cowichan Tribes for continuing to be responsible stewards and calling for immediate restorative action to prevent the extinction of the steelhead population. The BCRFA encourages all partners to join us in supporting this important mission to ensure a thriving Cowichan River ecosystem for generations to come. To learn more, visit the Cowichan Tribes Members Working Together to Save the Cowichan River Facebook Group.

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Additional Resources:

A Review of Pacific Salmon Hatcheries in British Columbia, Canada, and Interactions With Natural Populations – Riddell – 2024 – Fisheries – Wiley Online Library

What’s Next for B.C. Hatcheries? | Pacific Salmon Foundation

Provincial Framework for Steelhead Management in British Columbia

A conservation hatchery could give hope to steelhead beset by deteriorating habitat and pinniped predation | B.C. Wildlife Federation