The Perseverance Creek Watershed spans from the uplands forests above Cumberland through the Lower perseverance Corridor to Comox Lake. The Perseverance Creek Streamkeepers are the “eyes on the creek” that runs through this watershed and they carry out fish rescue on an “as-needed” basis every spring and summer. Streamkeepers also participate in creek side plantings, water quality monitoring projects and public education.
Perseverance Creek Streamkeepers work closely with DFO and have the training and equipment to ensure safe capture and transport. The fish need special handling so rescues should not be attempted without aeration equipment. If you happen to come across isolated pools along Perseverance Creek which are no longer connected to the main channel and contain concentrations of fish, please contact Heather Mathers at 250-702-8708 or email hjlmathers@gmail.com or email info@cumberlandforest.com
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Perseverance Creek Streamkeepers please fill out a CCFS volunteer application form HERE
Fish rescues happen in late spring and late summer, when the water flow in stretches of Perseverance Creek sinks below the gravel, leaving trout and salmon stranded in isolating pools. This is when small groups of Streamkeepers work as a team to net the pools , placing the fish we catch (which can be from 1” to 16″ long) into aerated buckets of water , which are then transferred downstream to pools that will provide shelter until the fall rains.
Rescues are organized several days in advance, but the water level can drop quickly, so sometimes we have to respond with little notice. If you are new to this, we can teach you while we rescue. The creek is shallow, so hip waders aren’t necessary. Gumboots or water shoes work well . There are often mosquitos by the creek, so its a good idea to wear a quick drying long sleeve shirt and pants. Volunteers are asked to participate in orientation and training sessions and be available at short notice to be called on for fish rescues.