“Without the salmon, we’re not here. We wouldn’t be gathering like this if it wasn’t for these fish.”

This was Lawrence Vano speaking Sunday at his final fry release as the manager of the Whitehorse Fish Hatchery during the annual Yukon Fish and Game Association release at Wolf Creek.

Vano is retiring after 37 years at the hatchery.

This release was also a celebration of his decades of dedication to the fish and the youth he has encouraged and mentored throughout his career.

“What Lawrence has done for us has been amazing,” said association president Bryce Bekar.

The association awarded him the Clay Pugh Memorial Award for the second time and donated $2,500 to the Lawrence Vano Scholarship for Yukon students pursuing post-secondary education in aquaculture, fisheries science, biology or aquatic stewardship via the Yukon Foundation.

It’s in recognition of his passion and dedication for Yukon River chinook salmon and for mentoring our youth.

There was also a retirement cake.

Vano was also recognized by Michael Muller, vice-president, planning, environment and health and safety with the Yukon EnergyCorp., with a Chris Caldwell print and a $3,500 donation to the scholarship fund.

“You really have the fish at heart ... he’s always adamant that the fish go to Wolf Creek,” said Steve Smith, manager, Yukon River operations forFisheries and Oceans Canada.

“This is how we maintain our connection to them is by these activities, and over the decades Lawrence has been involved in this.

“He’s connected numerous generations of children with salmon that wouldn’t otherwise have that opportunity, and in my mind that is the real signifcance of this type of event and the work Lawrence has done,” Smith continued.

Ensero Solutions, an environmental and engineering consulting firm that runs the hatchery, also donated $1,000 to the scholarship.

Warren Kapaniuk is the new manager of the hatchery, along with new assistant Stephanie Barrett.

The release was held on Vano’s 65th birthday.

There were 2,500 chinook salmon fry released by the hundreds of people attending the event.

“I owe these finned creatures more than what I could ever put forward to you,” Vano said.

“We have to take care of these guys, you know, just like we do our kids.”