Thornton Creek Hatchery was originally built by DFO in the mid 1970’s to create a Chum run and fishery in Ucluelet Harbour. This project utilised Japanese style keeper channels and operated successfully for a few years. In 1981 the Thornton Creek Enhancement Society was formed to operate the hatchery as a DFO Community Economic Development Project focused on enhancing Chinook, Coho and Chum in Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds. In addition to raising salmon fry our staff conduct snorkel surveys and stream walks and collect valuable enumeration data and DNA samples for DFO. We operate a small floating Chinook hatchery at Toquaht Lake. We partner with local schools by providing eggs that students raise in aquariums for release into local streams. We provide educational tours for school groups and university students and we benefit from the help of numerous volunteers. Thornton Creek Hatchery is a popular destination for visitors during the fall salmon run, offering hatchery tours by donation.