Programs
Accomplishments
Launched the Sakhalin Salmon Initiative. This public-private partnership brings together businesses, local communities, and nongovernmental organizations to develop a long-term strategy for the conservation and sustainable use of wild salmon on Sakhalin Island and the natural areas on which they depend. WSC joined with the Sakhalin Oblast Administration and Sakhalin Energy Investment Company to sign a declaration supporting international cooperation on salmon conservation and sustainable development.
A network of watershed councils established. Public salmon councils on Sakhalin are leading efforts on anti-poaching, stream restoration and monitoring, public education, and community involvement in management of their salmon and fresh water resources. Sakhalin’s success serves as a model for other watershed councils throughout the Russian Far East.
Constructing Sakhalin Salmon Park. Designs are complete and construction has begun for the Sakhalin Salmon Park on the Lutoga River. It will host a visitor's center and ecological trail, and will provide field trip facilities and educational activities focused on salmon and river conservation.
Received Prestigious Award. The Corporate Donor of Russia Awards named SSI "Best program demonstrating corporate philanthropy policy and social investment principles."
Siuslaw-Sakhalin Restoration Partnership Established. WSC launched an effort to develop a pilot river restoration project on Sakhalin. The partnership has facilitated exchanges between Sakhalin and Oregon community leaders and specialists to conduct watershed assessments and learn about restoration approaches.
Facilitated International Salmon Forum. U.S. and Russian youth from Sakhalin, Oregon, and Alaska came together to discuss salmon conservation issues and draft a "declaration" about the future of Pacific salmon from the young generation’s perspective.
Initiated Genetic Research Study Program. This collaborative effort with the Russian Academy of Sciences focuses on the critically endangered taimen. Under the auspices of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these studies have supported the development of protections for Sakhalin's Dagi River.
Vostochny Refuge Re-established. The refuge protects 166,000 acres of two entire ocean-draining river basins, the Vengeri and Pursh-Pursh rivers, and some of the last intact forests and natural areas on Sakhalin Island.
Sakhalin Fishery Receives MSC certification. Gidrostroy, a pink and chum salmon fishery on the Kuril Island of Iturup, has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as the first sustainable fishery in Russia. SSI has begun to compile a database required for completing environmental certification for additional fisheries.