Who started the program?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) started the\u00a0Yellow Fish Road<\/a>\u00a0program in 1991. Over 220 Canadian communities have approved or implemented the water quality initiative since its inception.\u00a0<\/p>\n What kind of things can pollute water that goes into storm drains?<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Who can participate in the program?<\/p>\n The program is open to everyone<\/a> curious about how human behaviour and the sewer system impact\u00a0the environment, and how to protect it. Some people\u00a0who may be interested include students, environmental groups, and church groups, according to the City of Vancouver.\u00a0<\/p>\n How to choose a catch basin using the Adopt-a-City platform<\/p>\n To participate in the\u00a0Yellow Fish Program<\/a>,\u00a0register 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.<\/p>\n Follow-up instructions will be provided in a welcome email once you are registered.\u00a0<\/p>\n Once you are registered, the city will provide\u00a0the supplies needed to mark the catch basins.<\/p>\n There are two\u00a0ways you can mark the fish on the pavement: Paint with a stencil or apply a decal using a rubber mallet<\/p>\n A marking kit includes door hangers to use in the neighbourhood where you mark your fish. The doorhangers help spread awareness about the program.<\/p>\n Safety tips for when you’re marking your basin<\/p>\n For safety, only children old enough to understand road safety should participate. The city’s kits include\u00a0reflective traffic cones\u00a0and 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Don’t attempt to pick up dangerous materials, such as needles, broken glass, or deceased wildlife,\u00a0while participating in the program.\u00a0Report hazardous materials with Van311<\/a>\u00a0or phone 311.<\/p>\n![\"yellow-fish-storm-basin-vancouver-programjpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/yellow-fish-storm-basin-vancouver-programjpg.png;w=960.png\"\/)
\nPhoto: City of Vancouver
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