SRIG 23-46: Kwikwetlem River Water Quality Study

What was the issue being addressed?

Sockeye salmon, which historically had a healthy population inhabiting the Coquitlam River, have experienced declines over the last few decades. The sockeye in Coquitlam River would have spawned in Coquitlam Lake, which has been dammed since the early 20th Century, preventing them from accessing nursery waters. Kwikwetlem First Nation has collaborated with several other stakeholders to build a sockeye hatchery south of Coquitlam Dam to bring the fish back to the Coquitlam River. This project looked at water quality in the river and looked to identify any issues that could impact adult and fry sockeye as they migrate through the river.     

Provide a brief, lay description of the work undertaken/initiative.

The goal of the study was to determine if the water quality of the Coquitlam River was suitable for the re-establishing of a sockeye salmon population through a hatchery. Five predetermined sampling locations were selected along Coquitlam River, and samples were collected roughly every three weeks. Some parameters (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity) were tested in the field while additional samples for metals, nitrates, phosphates and sulphates were collected to analyse in the lab.

What is the expected impact this project will have on the community?

Sockeye salmon are both ecologically and culturally important in this river system. A healthy return would enhance environmental health at multiple ecosystem levels.