Media links for stories about salmon and their habitats
Media links for stories about salmon and their habitats
B.C. groups’ bid to classify Alaskan fishery as unsustainable rejected | Times Colonist
Evidence in the complaint prompted Canadian-based OceanWise to pull its ‘sustainable’ recommendation for southeast Alaska salmon over the summer.
B.C. election candidates must prioritize watershed security to reduce flood risk | Tricity News
The next government should commit to a three-fold plan that restores healthy floodplains in the Lower Mainland, writes Jason Lum, Chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District, and Lina Azeez of Watershed Watch Salmon Society
What does the future of salmon farming look like in B.C.? | The Narwhal
Opponents say open-net pen salmon farming has negatively impacted B.C.’s wild salmon stocks, but shifting fish farms to dry land won’t be easy.
Coree Tull: Why B.C.’s rivers and watersheds should be a priority this election | The Province
B.C.’s communities are grappling with the growing frequency and severity of droughts, wildfires and floods.
Coquitlam River records historic return of sockeye salmon | Tri-Cities Dispatch
A dozen sockeye salmon have returned to just below the Coquitlam Dam this summer, matching the total from the past eight years combined.
Low water levels affecting salmon migration in B.C. streams: DFO | CBC News
Salmon need a steady stream of cool, fresh water to survive and reach their spawning grounds, but Murray Manson, the section head of the Fisheries Department’s Habitat Restoration Centre of Expertise, told a briefing Friday that he is expecting fish to start appearing in some low-water areas.
B.C. First Nations lawsuits claim salmon farms infringe upon Aboriginal fishing rights | Castanet
Two B.C. First Nations are taking the federal government and fish farm companies to court trying to overturn a decision that allows the farms to continue to operate off B.C.’s coast for another five years.
A fifth of a louse — environmental groups push for improvement in salmon farm rule change | National Observer
A coalition of environmental groups is urging Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier to strengthen those conditions under the new licensing agreements that will last until the end of this decade.
Poll: How do you feel about open-pen salmon farming in B.C.?
Is there support for open-net salmon farms in Vancouver?
Ocean Wise pulls eco-labels from southeast Alaskan salmon
Canada’s largest seafood eco-certification body now lists southeast Alaskan fisheries as unsustainable.
Canada to ban open net fish farms in B.C. by 2029 | Times Colonist
The Canadian federal government says it will ban open net salmon farms in British Columbia starting in 2029 in a plan that will renew more than 60 licences across the province for another five years.
Ottawa set to stop open-net salmon farms in B.C., giving the industry 5 years to transition
Sources say the government will renew the licences for open-net fish farms until 2029, after which the industry must dismantle its open-net pens and move to land-based operations
Federal Court rejects bid to review not renewing licences of B.C. fish farms | CBC News
The Federal Court has rejected a bid by two First Nations and salmon farm operators to review Ottawa’s decision to not renew licences for 15 open-net Atlantic salmon farms in the waters off British Columbia.
B.C. communities devastated by 2021 floods denied federal recovery funding: mayors | CBC News
B.C. communities ravaged by flooding in November 2021 say they’ve been left high and dry after being denied federal disaster funding.
Fish-friendly floodgate near Deroche to help restore salmon migration
New infrastructure restores fish passage to Joe’s Lake after over 70 years
Opinion: B.C. needs local watershed boards to avoid water wars | Vancouver Sun
Water for new housing pitted against water to grow food — water for salmon versus water for livestock. But conflict is not inevitable in B.C.
B.C. groups challenge Alaska’s ‘sustainable’ fisheries status
Alaskan fisheries are selling fish as ‘sustainable’ while intercepting vulnerable populations of B.C.-bound salmon — actions that amount ‘eco-fraud,’ claims conservation group.
See what WA’s most expensive salmon program is trying to fix, in illustrations | The Seattle Times
Multiple barriers along Washington’s waterways can block salmon as they swim upstream to spawn. This graphic shows one salmon’s perilous journey.
Salmon-spilling company ends fight to resume farming at Puget Sound sites | KUOW
The company behind a massive spill of Atlantic salmon in 2017 has thrown in the towel on its efforts to keep farming fish at two sites in Puget Sound.
In B.C.’s forests, a debate over watershed science with lives and billions at stake - BC | Global News
In B.C., a forest-harvest plan is raising hard questions and charged debate about the effects of logging on forest hydrology and flooding.
B.C. snowpack levels have increased, but still below normal, say meteorologists | CBC News
Despite a recent increase in snowpack levels, new data suggests the amount of snow in B.C. is still 34 per cent below normal with an anticipated warm spring and early snowmelt expected in the months ahead.
Oil spilled by Fraser River sturgeon habitat. Why did it take almost 3 months to start cleaning up? | The Narwhal
A landslide in early December caused a spill that First Nations leaders say endangers prime sturgeon habitat in the Fraser River. They’re left wondering why it’s taken so long to address
Antibiotics found in wild fish near Tasmanian salmon farms at nearly five times allowed limit, report shows
Testing shows blue mackerel caught near salmon pens with antibiotic residues of 960µg/kg, making fish ‘not fit for human consumption’
Dry January: why a dash of snow and rain can’t solve B.C.’s water woes | The Narwhal
Arno Kopecky set out to write about B.C.’s winter heat and drought. Then the polar vortex arrived.
As glaciers melt, potential salmon habitat collides with outdated mining laws | High Country News
In Alaska and British Columbia, climate change may open new rivers to wild salmon – and also to mining.
Once nearly dead, creek through BCIT marks another milestone in salmon restoration | Global News
Work was recently completed on a “fishway” for Guichon Creek at BCIT’s Burnaby Campus, that will allow salmon to reach an upper section of the waterway.
Castle Fun Park sues insurers for $6 million to cover flood damage | Fraser Valley Current
Abbotsford amusement attraction says it incurred more than $10 million in damages after 2021 storms.
Former chief was lifelong defender of ’Namgis First Nation culture | Times Colonist
Bill Cranmer’s contributions to ‘Namgis Nation and Indigenous culture were ‘immeasurable’
Chilliwack First Nations hope to see popular Fraser River off-road area become protected zone | Vancouver Sun
A campground could be possible for Gill Bar after Pilalt Tribes restore fish habitat harmed by motorized recreation along the Fraser River.
B.C. salmon farms linked to explosive spike in wild fish deaths | Coast Reporter
An estimated 817,265 herring were killed by B.C. salmon farms in 2022, many found with their ‘eyes blown out’ after getting sucked into a machine that removes sea lice.
Living in this flood-prone B.C. community is like living on an active volcano, city manager warns | CBC News
Residents and municipal officials in Merritt say they are concerned about the possibility of a future disaster damaging homes and infrastructure again, as funding sources for flood prevention efforts remain unclear.
Sto:lo Nation reflects on Fraser Valley floods, two years later | The Early Edition with Stephen Quinn | Live Radio | CBC Listen
Share Segment
B.C. Indigenous leaders lobby for transition from open-net salmon farms | CBC News
Indigenous leaders from British Columbia have called on the federal government to stand by plans to transition away from open-net salmon farms, but an industry spokesperson has suggested the leaders were wading into political waters.
Salmon SWAT teams deployed in B.C to help fish during drought | Penticton Herald
A provincewide drought this summer dried up B.C. rivers and jeopardized the survival of already stressed salmon stocks.
Alleged salmon price-fixing scheme prompts $5.2M Canadian settlement | Coast Reporter
Firms agree on $5.2-million settlement for Canadian consumers. The deal still faces federal court approval at the end of November.
What will B.C. do when disaster strikes again? | The Narwhal
Experts weigh in on proposed changes to province’s decades-old emergency legislation.
VIDEO: Self-regulating floodgates help enhance Pacific salmon habitats | BCIT News
Zach Sherker, a UBC salmon ecology and conservation PhD student, is studying floodgate restoration and activity of a floodplain habitat in the Lower Fraser River.
Fish farm giant Mowi suing fisheries ministers, taxpayers for Discovery Islands closures | Canada's National Observer
The lawsuit appears to be the first tied to the Discovery Islands closures intent on making the federal government and taxpayers pay for decisions by ministers with the authority to protect Canadian fisheries and oceans, says a B.C. salmon conservation group.
Bob Chamberlin: Reconciliation can benefit everyone | The Province
Rehabilitating salmon habitat could achieve province-wide reconciliation while providing economic and environmental benefits for all.
123 First Nations renew call to close B.C. salmon farms as DFO weakens promise | Clearwater Times
The federal government needs to follow through on its promise to fully phase out open-net pen salmon farms in B.C., says a coalition of 123 First Nations, environmental groups and tourism associations.
CSI Tofino | The Salmon People Podcast
Last season we heard a lot about fish farms on the east side of Vancouver Island, the farms in the Discovery Islands and the Broughton Archipelago. The west side of the island has 20 fish farms, 14 of them operated by Cermaq, one of the big three Norwegian-based companies.
Water wise: Mismanagement has created a water emergency | Comox Valley Record
Most of B.C.’s watersheds are now in Level 5 drought conditions, meaning that impacts to water users and ecosystems are almost certain, writes Watershed Watch advisor Tanis Gower.
Two decades of change: the land | Fraser Valley Current
Aerial images show how the Fraser Valley's landscape has changed in the last 20 years.
B.C. First Nation steps in to rescue at-risk salmon | CBC Vancouver
In Chilliwack, the Cheam First Nation has taken on the task of rescuing at-risk salmon by relocating them to cooler water. But, as our Camille Vernet reports, warm temperatures aren’t the only thing affecting salmon habitats.
B.C. puts fish protection orders in place as heat, drought persists | Burnaby Now
More than 80 per cent of the province has reached Level 4 or 5 drought conditions, the highest possible rankings, after months of little or no rain.
Canada’s wettest province faces historic drought — and a precarious new future | The Narwhal
From grasshopper infestations to water restrictions, B.C.’s drought is affecting all corners of the province in ways surprising and predictable. Is the government doing enough to lead?
B.C. clear-cut logging makes 100-year flood 10 times more likely, study finds | Vancouver Is Awesome
A new study found B.C. clear-cut logging was linked to up to an 84% spike in flood size. The bigger the flood, the more likely it will come back with more frequency, raising concerns over the ability of dikes to hold back floodwaters.
More B.C. First Nations sign on to group opposing open-net fish farms | Global News
The First Nations Wild Salmon Alliance now claims 120 B.C. members, which has grown 18 per cent since the federal Liberals announced consultations on the eventual phase-out of open net salmon farms on the B.C. coast.
B.C. groups’ bid to classify Alaskan fishery as unsustainable rejected | Times Colonist
Evidence in the complaint prompted Canadian-based OceanWise to pull its ‘sustainable’ recommendation for southeast Alaska salmon over the summer.
B.C. election candidates must prioritize watershed security to reduce flood risk | Tricity News
The next government should commit to a three-fold plan that restores healthy floodplains in the Lower Mainland, Jason Lum Chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District and Lina Azeez of Watershed Watch Salmon Society.
What does the future of salmon farming look like in B.C.? | The Narwhal
Opponents say open-net pen salmon farming has negatively impacted B.C.’s wild salmon stocks, but shifting fish farms to dry land won’t be easy.
Coree Tull: Why B.C.’s rivers and watersheds should be a priority this election | The Province
B.C.’s communities are grappling with the growing frequency and severity of droughts, wildfires and floods.
Coquitlam River records historic return of sockeye salmon | Tri-Cities Dispatch
A dozen sockeye salmon have returned to just below the Coquitlam Dam this summer, matching the total from the past eight years combined.
Low water levels affecting salmon migration in B.C. streams: DFO | CBC News
Salmon need a steady stream of cool, fresh water to survive and reach their spawning grounds, but Murray Manson, the section head of the Fisheries Department’s Habitat Restoration Centre of Expertise, told a briefing Friday that he is expecting fish to start appearing in some low-water areas.
Salmon survival at risk after years of heat and drought, experts warn
As salmon begin migrating into B.C.’s rivers to lay their eggs, federal fisheries experts are warning that low water levels, after years of heat and drought, are threatening their survival. Yvette Brend reports.
B.C. First Nations lawsuit claims salmon farms infringe upon Aboriginal fishing rights | Castanet
Two B.C. First Nations are taking the federal government and fish farm companies to court trying to overturn a decision that allows the farms to continue to operate off B.C.’s coast for another five years.
A fifth of a louse — environmental groups push for improvement in salmon farm rule change | National Observer
A coalition of environmental groups is urging Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier to strengthen those conditions under the new licensing agreements that will last until the end of this decade.
Canada to ban open net fish farms in B.C. by 2029 | Times Colonist
The Canadian federal government says it will ban open net salmon farms in British Columbia starting in 2029 in a plan that will renew more than 60 licences across the province for another five years.
Opinion: B.C. needs local watershed boards to avoid water wars | Vancouver Sun
Water for new housing pitted against water to grow food — water for salmon versus water for livestock. But conflict is not inevitable in B.C.
See what WA’s most expensive salmon program is trying to fix, in illustrations | The Seattle Times
Multiple barriers along Washington’s waterways can block salmon as they swim upstream to spawn. This graphic shows one salmon’s perilous journey.
Salmon-spilling company ends fight to resume farming at Puget Sound sites | KUOW
The company behind a massive spill of Atlantic salmon in 2017 has thrown in the towel on its efforts to keep farming fish at two sites in Puget Sound.
In B.C.’s forests, a debate over watershed science with lives and billions at stake - BC | Global News
In B.C., a forest-harvest plan is raising hard questions and charged debate about the effects of logging on forest hydrology and flooding.
B.C. snowpack levels have increased, but still below normal, say meteorologists | CBC News
Despite a recent increase in snowpack levels, new data suggests the amount of snow in B.C. is still 34 per cent below normal with an anticipated warm spring and early snowmelt expected in the months ahead.
Oil spilled by Fraser River sturgeon habitat. Why did it take almost 3 months to start cleaning up? | The Narwhal
A landslide in early December caused a spill that First Nations leaders say endangers prime sturgeon habitat in the Fraser River. They’re left wondering why it’s taken so long to address
Strong turnout for Gill Bar restoration event in Chilliwack
If attendance figures are any indication, there’s strong interest in seeing what the restoration…
Antibiotics found in wild fish near Tasmanian salmon farms at nearly five times allowed limit, report shows
Testing shows blue mackerel caught near salmon pens with antibiotic residues of 960µg/kg, making fish ‘not fit for human consumption’
B.C. snowpack about 40% below normal, as Eby worries of ‘dramatic drought conditions’
B.C.’s average snowpack is almost 40 per cent lower than normal, raising concerns about what Premier David Eby says are “some of the most dramatic drought conditions that have been seen in our lifetime.”
Dry January: why a dash of snow and rain can’t solve B.C.’s water woes | The Narwhal
Arno Kopecky set out to write about B.C.’s winter heat and drought. Then the polar vortex arrived.
Conservation advocates serve notice of intent to sue over Columbia River hatchery programs harming wild salmon recovery | theOrcasonian.com
Wild Fish Conservancy and The Conservation Angler issued a 60-day Notice of Intent to sue federal, state, and local agencies for chronic and ongoing violations of the Endangered Species Act.
As glaciers melt, potential salmon habitat collides with outdated mining laws | High Country News
In Alaska and British Columbia, climate change may open new rivers to wild salmon – and also to mining.
Climate change drove ‘unusual’ spike in Canada’s temperatures, study finds | Vancouver Is Awesome
Analysis finds climate change drove hot December temperatures across Canada. Some worry trend could threaten wildlife and spark another record wildfire season.
Once nearly dead, creek through BCIT marks another milestone in salmon restoration | Global News
Work was recently completed on a “fishway” for Guichon Creek at BCIT’s Burnaby Campus, that will allow salmon to reach an upper section of the waterway.
Castle Fun Park sues insurers for $6 million to cover flood damage | Fraser Valley Current
Abbotsford amusement attraction says it incurred more than $10 million in damages after 2021 storms.
Former chief was lifelong defender of ’Namgis First Nation culture | Times Colonist
Bill Cranmer’s contributions to ‘Namgis Nation and Indigenous culture were ‘immeasurable’
Chilliwack First Nations hope to see popular Fraser River off-road area become protected zone | Vancouver Sun
A campground could be possible for Gill Bar after Pilalt Tribes restore fish habitat harmed by motorized recreation along the Fraser River.
B.C. salmon farms linked to explosive spike in wild fish deaths | Coast Reporter
An estimated 817,265 herring were killed by B.C. salmon farms in 2022, many found with their ‘eyes blown out’ after getting sucked into a machine that removes sea lice.
Living in this flood-prone B.C. community is like living on an active volcano, city manager warns | CBC News
Residents and municipal officials in Merritt say they are concerned about the possibility of a future disaster damaging homes and infrastructure again, as funding sources for flood prevention efforts remain unclear.
Sto:lo Nation reflects on Fraser Valley floods, two years later | The Early Edition with Stephen Quinn | Live Radio | CBC Listen
Share Segment
B.C. Indigenous leaders lobby for transition from open-net salmon farms | CBC News
Indigenous leaders from British Columbia have called on the federal government to stand by plans to transition away from open-net salmon farms, but an industry spokesperson has suggested the leaders were wading into political waters.
Salmon SWAT teams deployed in B.C to help fish during drought | Penticton Herald
A provincewide drought this summer dried up B.C. rivers and jeopardized the survival of already stressed salmon stocks.
Alleged salmon price-fixing scheme prompts $5.2M Canadian settlement | Coast Reporter
Firms agree on $5.2-million settlement for Canadian consumers. The deal still faces federal court approval at the end of November.
What will B.C. do when disaster strikes again? | The Narwhal
Experts weigh in on proposed changes to province’s decades-old emergency legislation.
VIDEO: Self-regulating floodgates help enhance Pacific salmon habitats | BCIT News
Zach Sherker, a UBC salmon ecology and conservation PhD student, is studying floodgate restoration and activity of a floodplain habitat in the Lower Fraser River.
Fish farm giant Mowi suing fisheries ministers, taxpayers for Discovery Islands closures | Canada's National Observer
The lawsuit appears to be the first tied to the Discovery Islands closures intent on making the federal government and taxpayers pay for decisions by ministers with the authority to protect Canadian fisheries and oceans, says a B.C. salmon conservation group.
Bob Chamberlin: Reconciliation can benefit everyone | The Province
Rehabilitating salmon habitat could achieve province-wide reconciliation while providing economic and environmental benefits for all.
123 First Nations renew call to close B.C. salmon farms as DFO weakens promise | Clearwater Times
The federal government needs to follow through on its promise to fully phase out open-net pen salmon farms in B.C., says a coalition of 123 First Nations, environmental groups and tourism associations.
CSI Tofino | The Salmon People Podcast
Last season we heard a lot about fish farms on the east side of Vancouver Island, the farms in the Discovery Islands and the Broughton Archipelago. The west side of the island has 20 fish farms, 14 of them operated by Cermaq, one of the big three Norwegian-based companies.
Water wise: Mismanagement has created a water emergency | Comox Valley Record
Most of B.C.’s watersheds are now in Level 5 drought conditions, meaning that impacts to water users and ecosystems are almost certain, writes Watershed Watch advisor Tanis Gower.
Two decades of change: the land | Fraser Valley Current
Aerial images show how the Fraser Valley's landscape has changed in the last 20 years.
B.C. First Nation steps in to rescue at-risk salmon | CBC Vancouver
In Chilliwack, the Cheam First Nation has taken on the task of rescuing at-risk salmon by relocating them to cooler water. But, as our Camille Vernet reports, warm temperatures aren’t the only thing affecting salmon habitats.
B.C. puts fish protection orders in place as heat, drought persists | Burnaby Now
More than 80 per cent of the province has reached Level 4 or 5 drought conditions, the highest possible rankings, after months of little or no rain.
Canada’s wettest province faces historic drought — and a precarious new future | The Narwhal
From grasshopper infestations to water restrictions, B.C.’s drought is affecting all corners of the province in ways surprising and predictable. Is the government doing enough to lead?
B.C. clear-cut logging makes 100-year flood 10 times more likely, study finds | Vancouver Is Awesome
A new study found B.C. clear-cut logging was linked to up to an 84% spike in flood size. The bigger the flood, the more likely it will come back with more frequency, raising concerns over the ability of dikes to hold back floodwaters.