The Xwémalhkwu or Homalco First Nation have been the stewards of this land since time immemorial. We rely on the resources provided by these lands and take great measures to ensure that they still provide for future generations. We work diligently to enhance and revive native salmon stock, protect and preserve the bear population and maintain the health of the marine ecosystem through low-impact practices.
Through a small conservation fee, included in the price of our tour, we directly contribute to conservation efforts for wild salmon, grizzly bears, and marine mammals. Your support is helping us restore salmon populations in the Orford River and ensuring the sustainable development of marine mammal and grizzly bear tourism in British Columbia and Vancouver Island.
The Homalco-Taggares salmon hatchery is Located in Orford Bay (where our Great Bears of Bute Tour takes place) and was established in the early 1990s. We built the hatchery to provide supplemental backup to the struggling coho and chum salmon populations.
Our conservation efforts are focused on replenishing salmon stocks in the Orford River, encouraging an increase in the number of returning bears. More than 50 grizzly bears return to the area each year to feast on salmon, and preserving and enhancing stocks is fundamental to the survival of the bears and the overall health and prosperity of the forests surrounding the rivers.
In 2019, the Homalco Taggares Hatchery was severely damaged in a winter storm, resulting in the demolition of the original facility. We constructed a small temporary hatchery to carry out the salmon enhancement of the Chum and Coho in 2020.
Now, more than ever, the Homalco Taggares Hatchery needs friends and financial support to re-build the hatchery, protect and restore sensitive salmon habitat, conserve grizzly and wildlife habitat, and continue salmon enhancement efforts. If you would like to support our salmon conservation projects, please get in touch with us info@homalcotours.com.
The Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC (CBVA) was formed to promote sustainable bear viewing in British Columbia and aid in protecting wild bears and their ecosystems. The CBVA was established in 2001 and advocates for bears through science-based research.
The CBVA is an association comprised of 24 member companies and their guides, and together they set the industry standards for bear viewing. Our job as CBVA members and wildlife guides is to create as little impact on the animals as possible. Instead of getting guests as close to wildlife as possible, we show them wildlife in their most natural habitat (eating, drinking, sleeping or travelling), without disturbing them.
The North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) conducts conservation and business activities to benefit marine mammals, the economy and the marine environment off Northern Vancouver Island.
NIMMSA was incorporated in May 2007 after North Island-based marine eco-tourism company owners formed a society steering committee in April 2006. NIMMSA currently represents the shared vision of 25 organizations committed to sustainability and creating a positive balance between human activities and the health of the local marine ecosystem.
