Ibex Salmon Incubation: The 1994 ES class conducted a number of studies on the Ibex which led to information about an historical salmon run on the river. Subsequent classes conducted additional studies to see if it would be possible to restore these populations. We followed a range of inquiries and information collection strategies. After canoeing the Ibex downstream from the Scout Lake water metering station, it became apparent that restorations would need to be established down stream from the confluence of the Arkell.
Following visits to the Campbell River Quinsam Hatchery where they were experimenting with self release in-stream incubation boxes. We decided to explore this as an option with required modifications. We recognized that we would need to explore sites for appropriate substrate conditions for over-winter survival and we would need to design an incubator that would not freeze in the winter and would no be removed by the spring break-up. In 1997 ES students installed 3 four channel data loggers near the Arkel, one upstream, one at the confluence and one down stream about 100 meters. We placed one recorded under the substrate 50 cm, the second at the top of the substrate , the third in the water column and the fourth in the air. We secured the loggers to large trees and protected the cables from anticipated ice formation and movement. The data we collected showed that the substrate at the Arkel confluence did not go below 0 C. We were give DFO approval to conduct a serier of trials and applied for and received an HRSEP grant for the project. |
Stream side incubators would freeze up an in remote situations like the Ibex, heating the boxes proved infeasible.
The in-stream aluminum boxes that extend above the surface of the water would freeze and would also be taken out by break-up ice movement.
Plastic Scotties were also not feasible for the Ibex. They would need to be buried below the surface of the substrate. This posed problems in loading and recovering the boxes.
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ES students designed an incubator made from a 45 gallon plastic food barrel, cut to 50 cm height. An intake pipe was located at the bottom edge of the barrel and an egg holding tray was set 10 cm from the top. A long pipe in a geotec sock was embedded upstream to create an upwelling within the barrel. The barrel was then set into the substrate so the top was slightly below the surface of the substrate. The barrel was then filled with a screened and washed gravel suitable for alevin habitat (1-3 cm in size). ES classes conducted seasonal monitoring of the site. The first barrel was removed by spring ice so the second was embedded deeper and moved to a quieter stream location. The Ibex location in a bit inaccessible. It is about a one hour drive needing four wheel drive and about a one hour walk along a route without an established trail.