Salmon Returns on the Rise Thanks to Northshore Streamkeepers
North Shore Streamkeepers (NSSK) is a volunteer organization focused on monitoring and improving streams and waterways in our community.
One of their most successful, ongoing projects is the Lower Mosquito Creek restoration initiative. This project aims to restore salmon habitats and prevent ecosystem erosion near Bewicke Avenue bridge and Second Street bridge.
Since work on Mosquito Creek began in 2020—when fewer than 10 fish were seen—there has been a significant increase in year over year returns, with over 300 chum and 200 coho identified in last year’s run.
“We are heading into Phase 3 of this work,” says Keegan Casidy, President, NSSK. “There has been such a strong uptick in salmon returns with just 600 metres of restoration; imagine what we can do with even more habitat!”
The Mosquito Creek watershed includes the tributaries Thain, Wagg, and Mission creeks, and drains directly into Burrard Inlet at the site of the Mosquito Creek Marina on Squamish Nation lands.
“Without support from corporate partners like Neptune, we wouldn’t be able to move forward with quick and urgent projects like removing flood debris,” Keegan adds.
“If you live on the North Shore, it’s worth taking a look at the habitat at 707 – 2nd Street West in North Vancouver. We are also always looking for volunteers to become streamkeepers.”
northshorestreamkeepers.ca