Coho released under Rousseau bridge

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

Sugsaw hatchery update! Last week the fisheries team released the last batch of Coho. These Coho were taken as brood stock from the Pachena system and were successfully released back under the Rousseau bridge. There are healthy, wild Coho that resident in the Pachena, Rousseau and tributary systems.  

*COHO Fun Fact* – based on genetics and habitat some Coho decide to resident in river for their first 1.5 years!

Coho being transported to rivers.
(Photo by Tyra Fabrick).
Coho being offloaded to be put into river.
(Photo by Tyra Fabrick).
Cliff Nookemus Jr. releasing the Coho into the river.
(Photo by Tyra Fabrick).

A BIG thank you to Cliff Nookemus Jr. for his fisheries expertise, hard work, and dedication to this project. It was a successful release of all the Sugsaw hatchery salmon this spring.

Wild about Wolves – Wišqii’s Story

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications


Parks Canada is improving its knowledge of the wolf populations locally and the elements that could lead to conflict with humans. By educating visitors about the wolf species and the value of sharing space, the five-year research project Wild About Wolves hopes to further enhance coexistence between people and wolves.

Parks Canada teamed with Nuu-chah-nulth nations, to help progress their research because Indigenous people have coexisted with wolves for thousands of years. For Huu-ay-aht and other Nuu-chah-nulth nations, the wolf is sacred

For Huu-ay-aht First Nations, the wolf represents the spirit of unity, royalty, and family. It is a spirit guide, leader of ceremonies, and events.

See video below.

Wild about Wolves Video

2022 Micro-trolling contact complete

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications
Photo by Tom Joe

The Huu-ay-aht fisheries team has completed their 2022 WCVI Micro-trolling contract in partnership with DFO. On the boat the team sets up two down rigger lines with multiple small (de-barbed) hooks, with a soaking time of 5 minutes. Areas of the Barclay Sound are then trolled with the hopes of catching young salmonids for sampling. Most of the sampling the team does is non-lethal! The team collects data such as species, size, DNA/RNA, and the overall health of the salmon. Samples and data have been sent off to DFO to help monitor success of our salmon! This project helps the nation learn more about the juvenile salmon life stage (1-2 years) which can help us manage our fisheries better.

Photo by Tyra Fabrick

Chum and Chinook hatch at Sugsaw Hatchery

Posted on by Huu-ay-aht Communications

Spring at the Sugsaw Hatchery is in full swing! After a long, tough winter, the 2023 Chum and Coho have hatched. They are now being held in the holding tanks and fed until their release later this spring. The fisheries team can’t wait for their departure into the nation’s rivers. Follow along for updates!