By Lindsey Doi

ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Sixteen teams competed for a cause as they drifted along the Umpqua River on Friday.

"This derby started 18 years ago when some guides thought we need to do something to enhance the fisheries of the Umpqua Basin," said Derby Committee Chairman Dale Roberts.

Anglers are reeling in awareness and funding as the Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby aims to increase the number of salmon in the Umpqua Basin. During the derby, volunteers transported wild mature fish to specific spawning grounds like Rock Creek to give their young the best chance for survival.

"It's really enjoyable to see in two to three years your efforts that come back as adult fish," said Ed Frankenstein of the Umpqua Fishermen's Association.

Organizers say the derby helps to protect fish populations. Over the last 18 years, the derby has raised about $760,000 for Umpqua Basin Enhancement projects like improving fish habitat and creating fish friendly passages.

"There's in stream placement of logs and boulders. And what that does is create spawning beds in streams and creates smaller pools of water for fish in the summertime, and it gives them a place to hide in the wintertime when the water flow is high," said Roberts.

The derby raised $40,000 for ten enhancement projects last year, but the chairman predicts they'll haul in even more this year thanks to a shift in economic tides.