“So, what watershed are you protecting?” It’s a question I’ve been asked many times over my 16 years at Watershed Watch. While I understand why people might think we’re focusing on one particular waterway, our name actually means so much more.

So, what watershed are we protecting? The short answer, is all of them. We’re standing up for B.C.’s wild salmon by tackling threats from salmon farms, over-fishing, habitat degradation, and water shortages always keeping an eye on the big picture and working from a strong science base.

Watershed Watch Salmon Society formed in 1998 with a group of passionate salmon protectors committed to tackling the long list of threats facing B.C.’s wild salmon. The small team knew from the beginning that these problems couldn’t be solved solely at the local level. From the start, Watershed Watch focused on the “big picture,” working hard to get to the root cause of problems.

It’s always been a lofty goal, and we know we can’t do it alone. Thankfully, B.C.’s wild salmon mean so much to so many people. Partnerships, collaborations, and providing opportunities for the public to engage on issues they’re passionate about are essential to the work we do.

As Watershed Watch celebrates our 20th anniversary in 2018, it’s wonderful to look back and see at all the waterways, and salmon that call them home, that have benefitted from our “big picture” focus. The meaning behind our name is as important as it was when we first started out, and we will continue standing up for B.C.’s wild salmon in every way we can.

Trish Hall

Operations Director