Adams River, B.C. - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that the 2003 "Salute to the Sockeye" will be taking place at the Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park near Squilax, BC, from October 4 to October 19, 2003.  This year is a sub-dominant run, where the number of returning adult salmon have ranged from 150,000 to 1.2 million in recent years.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is partnering again this year 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 1.3 million, or roughly 17% of last year's dominant run. 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.

Given the continuing conservation concerns about the survival of the late run sockeye, the focus of this year's "Salute to the Sockeye" will again 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 organizations. 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 River Salmon Society's web site at: www.salmonsociety.com.

Contact:

Jeremy Heighton
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(250) 851-4824
Fisheries Inquiries

Barry Rosenberger
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(250) 851-4865