Grade 6 students from Sunderland Public School in Ontario took part in a hands-on conservation effort on May 29, 2026, releasing 93 Atlantic salmon into Duffins Creek in Ajax as part of the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program.
Restoring a Native Species
The program, coordinated by Ben Teskey, aims to reintroduce Atlantic salmon to Lake Ontario, where the species was extirpated due to overfishing, habitat loss, and dam construction. The students helped release the young salmon, known as smolts, into the creek, which flows into Lake Ontario.
“It’s a great opportunity for the kids to learn about the environment and the importance of bringing back a native species,” Teskey said. “They’re actively participating in restoration.”
Community and Educational Impact
The event combined environmental science with hands-on learning. Students Caleb Snoddon and Charlotte Aston were among those who released the fish, guided by Teskey. The program has involved multiple schools and community groups over the years, releasing thousands of salmon into Lake Ontario tributaries.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Atlantic salmon were once abundant in Lake Ontario but disappeared by the late 19th century. Restoration efforts began in the 2000s, with stocking programs and habitat improvements.
Broader Conservation Goals
The Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program is a partnership between government agencies, conservation groups, and local communities. It includes monitoring fish survival rates, improving spawning habitats, and educating the public. The 93 salmon released by the Sunderland class represent a small but significant contribution to the larger goal of establishing a self-sustaining population.
“Every release helps,” Teskey added. “We’re seeing more returns each year, which is promising.”
