Hatcheries

The Salmonid Enhancement Program (SEP) began in 1977 in response to the desires of the people of B.C. for stewardship over this valuable resource. The program has been closely linked to communities and citizens throughout the province ever since. We are fortunate to have two very successful and productive hatcheries operating here on Port Moody streams, the Mossom Creek and Noons Creek hatcheries.

Mossom Creek Hatchery

The Mossom Creek Hatchery started as a school salmon enhancement club in 1976. Centennial High School began with egg transplants to restock the "fished out" creek. It was a modest operation with one upwelling gravel incubation box and has grown to become a modern hatchery and teaching facility. It produces thousands of chum and Coho salmon annually, to stock neighbouring creeks at the head of Burrard Inlet.

Mossom Creek Hatchery has developed a unique high school science program that has received many awards including the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching Science, Math and Technology. The hatchery is jointly operated by the Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society and the Centennial School Salmon Project. The Mossom Creek watershed is almost intact in its original state. Tailed frogs, clean pristine water and many plant and animal species make this area a unique and special place.

Noons Creek Hatchery

The Noons Creek Hatchery began in 1978 in a local resident's backyard. With assistance from SEP advisors, they dug rearing ponds, installed Capilano troughs and released young fry yearly into Noons Creek. Their hard work and determination paid off as salmon began to return to their historic stream. The hatchery continued operating at this location until the residents moved out of the area in 1990.

The Port Moody Ecological Society was formed in 1991 and the City of Port Moody provided a three-and-one-half acre, parcel of land beside Noons Creek for the current hatchery location. Work began on the construction of rearing ponds and a side channel. The hatchery building was opened in June 1993. The society established a water quality lab and a water monitoring program in Noons Creek and other nearby streams. Today, it is home to thousands of young coho and chum salmon, and is an active learning centre for students, community groups and many visitors each year. Each May the Noons Creek Hatchery holds its annual Fingerling Festival.

For more information contact Environmental Services, 604.469.4572.