Surrey’s Yellow Fish Challenge: Paint to Protect Salmon Streams
If you’ve seen yellow fish painted near storm drains in Surrey lately, there’s a deeper meaning behind those bright markings. It’s part of a city-wide effort to remind residents that every storm drain leads directly to local streams—many of which are home to salmon and other aquatic life.
That means anything entering those drains—like oil, paint, or soap—flows untreated into the natural waterways. “Only rain should go down the drain,” says a city release, stressing how pollution threatens fish habitats and the overall health of Surrey’s streams.
A Fun Way to Make a Big Difference
To raise awareness and get more drains painted, the City of Surrey has launched its annual Storm Drain Marking Challenge, running now through August 15. This initiative encourages families, community groups, and individuals to participate in a hands-on way to support environmental protection—while enjoying the outdoors.
Free marking kits are available at five local recreation centres: Clayton, Fleetwood, Fraser Heights, Newton, and South Surrey. The kits include everything you need to safely and clearly mark storm drains with yellow fish symbols.
Use the COSMOS App to Plan Your Route
Participants are encouraged to use Surrey’s COSMOS mapping app, which shows storm drains as red, yellow, or green fish icons—similar to traffic light colors—so volunteers can choose low-traffic areas to work in safely.
The project is part of Surrey’s Salmon Tracks program in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, aimed at protecting salmon habitat by preventing pollutants from entering the ecosystem.
Whether you’re marking just a few drains or taking on a whole block, your effort helps raise awareness and contributes to cleaner, safer waterways for fish and wildlife.
For more information or to get involved, call 604-591-4321 or email salmontracks@surrey.ca.
Stay tuned to SurreySpeak for more ways you can help keep your neighbourhood green, clean, and connected to nature.
