Chinook Salmon: Breaking Through

Winner of the 2021/2022 Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) Salmon Stamp Competition

At the end of their third summer at sea, Chinook salmon return to freshwater. As they near their natal streams they frequently linger closer to shore among kelp beds feasting on small herring-like fish as a final energy boost before tackling to the rigours of spawning. I love the stained glass effect that occurs when sunlight shines through the translucent kelp fronds and have tried to give the viewer a sense of this visual highlight.

Salmon Conservation Stamp

The Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) announced in January 2021 that Chinook Salmon: Breaking Through is the winning entry for the annual Salmon Conservation Stamp Competition. The Salmon Stamp is a decal that must be purchased annually by anglers and affixed to their saltwater fishing license to retain any species of Pacific salmon. The Revenue from the sale of these stamps is directed by the federal government to PSF, and provides over $1 million in funding for salmon restoration, conservation and enhancement each year through the Foundation’s Community Salmon Program. Since 1989, $18.2 million of this revenue has been directed to 2,693 unique salmon projects across British Columbia with a total value exceeding $157 million. Community Salmon Program grants support projects from across British Columbia and the Yukon, with a focus on habitat restoration, stewardship, salmon enhancement, science and education. In addition to funds generated from the Salmon Conservation Stamp, and from the Province of B.C., these grants are made possible by corporate donations from Trans Mountain, Mosaic Forest Management, Helijet, BC Hydro, Enbridge, Methanex, Seaspan, FortisBC Energy. Funds are also raised through Pacific Salmon Foundation fundraising events,  and donations from individuals, foundations and businesses.

Click here for more information on the PSF.

MARK HOBSON lives in Tofino, B.C. Canada on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, where he has painted professionally for over thirty years. Born in Vancouver in 1953 he grew up in various parts of B.C. alternating with living around the world in locations as far flung as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Portugal. His teenage years were spent in boarding schools, including two years in Northern Ireland. Drawing almost every day in his early years he gradually taught himself skills in watercolour, oils, and acrylics. Mark is best known for his passionate portrayals of the wildlife and landscapes of the Canadian Pacific coast. From pounding surf to misty coves, from rain forests to the underwater realm the careful use of light is always present enhancing subtle drama in his work. Professionally trained as a biologist, he taught high school science for nine years before devoting his career full time to painting.