ADAMS RIVER - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that the 2002 "Salute to the Sockeye" will be taking place at the Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park near Squilax, BC from October 5 to October 25, 2002.

Since 1974, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has partnered with the Adams River Salmon Society and BC Parks to host the "Salute to the Sockeye," a celebration of the journey and life cycle of the Late run Adams River sockeye salmon. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a historical partnership and involvement celebrating this world-famous sockeye run, spanning 40 years.

Current projections of the total returning abundance for the Late run Fraser River sockeye are estimated at more than 7.5 million. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to meeting conservation goals for this stock. Due to a recent trend of unusually early entry into the Fraser River and associated high pre-spawning mortality rates, extraordinary conservation measures have been required. Consequently, of the total return of 7.5 million Late run sockeye, it is estimated that more than two million spawners will reach the Adams River area.

Given recent conservation concerns about the survival of the Late run sockeye, the focus of this year's "Salute to the Sockeye" will be on education, community involvement and public awareness. During the month of October, the return of Late run sockeye salmon to the Adams River brings 300,000 people to the park, including thousands of school children, to see this phenomenal sight. This year will be no exception.

Visitors to the event will be able to walk the many beautiful trails and discover the natural beauty of the park. They will be able to talk to knowledgeable Fisheries and Oceans Canada staff, on hand to provide information and guided tours. In addition, a variety of displays by the Department will be showcased throughout the "Salute to the Sockeye," including the life cycle and biology of salmon, changes to the environment over the years, the importance of healthy habitat and the role of conservation and protection.

Displays by community stewardship groups, local First Nations, the Pacific Salmon Commission as well as local and international scientific research partnerships will be highlighted.

A local artisan tent will be on site at the park as well as a souvenir tent and concession stands run by local charitable organisations. Parking is available in the park.

Please join us as we celebrate the journey of the Adams River sockeye salmon. Additional information on the "Salute" can be found on the Adams RiverSalmon Society's web site at: www.salmonsociety.com.

Media contacts:

Elan Park
Project Manager for "Salute to the Sockeye"
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
Phone: (604) 775-5588
Cell: (604) 813-9475