They may look adorable, but the yellow fish painted by Vancouver storm drains aren't there to put a smile on your face (although they might).
Yellow fish have been painted by storm drains for decades, reminding people that water (and anything else) goes directly into a local water body.
Canada has five major watersheds, and the Lower Mainland is part of the Pacific Ocean network. Water moving through local sewer systems collects pollutants, eventually contaminating water bodies including the Fraser River, Burrard Inlet, False Creek, and English Bay, according to the City of Vancouver.
Who started the program?
Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) started the Yellow Fish Road program in 1991. Over 220 Canadian communities have approved or implemented the water quality initiative since its inception.
What kind of things can pollute water that goes into storm drains?
Storm drains can be polluted by anything that isn't natural, so anything other than rain, snow, or hail. Some of the common contaminants include pesticides, oil, pet feces, garbage, grass clippings, car wash, and antifreeze. Polluted runoff can also make its way to storm drains from areas where the soil cannot absorb it.
Who can participate in the program?
The program is open to everyone curious about how human behaviour and the sewer system impact the environment, and how to protect it. Some people who may be interested include students, environmental groups, and church groups, according to the City of Vancouver.
How to choose a catch basin using the Adopt-a-City platform
To participate in the Yellow Fish Program, register for the Adopt-a-City platform and select a catch basin with the city. Some locals may already be registered for Adopt-a-City through other city programs, such as Snow Angels.
Follow-up instructions will be provided in a welcome email once you are registered.
Once you are registered, the city will provide the supplies needed to mark the catch basins.
There are two ways you can mark the fish on the pavement: Paint with a stencil or apply a decal using a rubber mallet
A marking kit includes door hangers to use in the neighbourhood where you mark your fish. The doorhangers help spread awareness about the program.
Safety tips for when you're marking your basin
For safety, only children old enough to understand road safety should participate. The city's kits include reflective traffic cones and hi-vis vests for safety. In addition to the vests, you should wear bright clothing. Someone should remain on the lookout for cars while others paint the basins.
Don't attempt to pick up dangerous materials, such as needles, broken glass, or deceased wildlife, while participating in the program. Report hazardous materials with Van311 or phone 311.
If you know of a catch basin that should be added, email the city at [email protected].
