Urban hangouts for salmon in the city
Urban
Salmon Project was a three-year effort to document where B.C.’s iconic species
hang out in the Metro Vancouver area.
By SeaWestNews
Drawn by a passion for salmon, international
biologist, photographer and storyteller Fernando Lessa has documented where
B.C.’s iconic species hang out in the Metro Vancouver area.
“Our
precious wild, Pacific salmon are constantly in the news these days…but few
understand that we actually have a wide range of salmonids right under our
noses here in Metro Vancouver, said Lessa, who recently completed his Urban
Salmon Project.
“My overall goal was to create awareness
for the salmon,” said Lessa (pictured).
“I’m passionate about the freshwater
environment, and when I realised that most people were not aware of how close
salmon are to us, I decided I had to do something.”
As
part of the Project, Lessa visited more than 25 creeks and rivers in West and
North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey and Langley. All five species of
salmonids – Chinook, Sockeye, Pink, Coho and Chum – were found in our local
waters.
“As
usual, I started this project with online research – finding the story of the
places, historical and updated information, those kinds of things,” added Lessa.
“Then before actually coming to the water,
I visited the locations and checked out hazards, access points, etc. to be sure I will be able to get what I want.
Once I was happy, I came back with my diving gear and camera. I was very lucky
to have support and help by many stream keeper groups.”
As
part of the project, Lessa also documented all of these salmon species – along
with other amazing underwater life – with over 200 photographs. Many of these
pictures are included in a coffee table book he has produced to commemorate the
project.
“The
book was an important way to get the story registered and maybe reach some
people that are not used to getting information online,” concluded Lessa.
“As well, I think that the pleasure of
flicking through a book will never be matched by the internet, so I wanted
people to have the same enjoyment I had exploring the Metro Vancouver waters!”
Lessa is now out sharing the results with
communities and groups around Metro Vancouver. He also has copies of the
commemorative book for sale at his presentations and online at
www.urbansalmon.com/book.
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