This article deals with some things that really affect the fish, and you'll notice it dosen't mention mortality rates by snaggers
Rather it sticks to real issues.
Rich area of Fraser River in jeopardy
Urgent action needed to preserve one of Canada's most important ecosystems, report warns
Larry Pynn
Vancouver Sun
Monday, November 26, 2007
Swift and sweeping action is needed by all government levels to protect the 90-km gravel reach between Hope and Mission that represents the most biologically rich part of the Fraser River, says a report today for the Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation Council.
The 111-page report, entitled Saving the Heart of the Fraser, said the reach represents "some of Canada's most biologically significant riparian and aquatic ecosystems" and is under "extreme stress" from activities such as urban growth, agriculture, resource extraction and industrial development.
The Fraser River flows 1,370 km from its headwaters at Mount Robson Provincial Park to the Strait of Georgia at Vancouver, draining 236,000 square km or about one-quarter of the province.
At least 30 different species of fish spawn, rear or migrate through this part of the lower Fraser River, including more than 10 million pink salmon in peak years and an endangered population of sturgeon that is the source of a popular catch-and-release sport fishery.
The report says current environmental law is "insufficient to protect this environmentally unique and economically valuable Canadian ecosystem," noting habitat is at risk from a "bias towards development and the momentum generated by the growing population in the region."
The report is authored by council deputy chair Mark Angelo and biologist Marvin Rosenau, a former provincial fish biologist, both of whom are with BCIT's fish, wildlife and recreation program.
"The heart of the Fraser has internationally renowned fisheries values and is one of the most productive stretches of river anywhere in the world," Angelo said.
The report states that despite 150 years of impact, there is much biodiversity in the lower Fraser River that can still be saved. It recommends:
- All levels of government -- federal, provincial, local and first nations -- devise a consensus-based plan of immediate measures to stem the losses of irreplaceable ecosystems.
- Research to identify the sites needing immediate protection, purchasing private sites where possible or protecting them via covenant, perhaps through organizations such as The Nature Trust or the Sto:lo Trust.
- Converting important Crown sites -- and perhaps even reserve lands, with first nations approval -- to protected areas, with the use of land trades to preserve aboriginal interests.
- Restoring areas of the river that have been damaged over the years, including potential removal of non-essential rip-rap armour used for shoreline protection.
- Reducing shoreline damage associated with commercial cottonwood plantations as well as gravel extraction, and stemming the loss of agricultural land.
- Investigating the importance of large woody debris as habitat in the lower Fraser River, and the effect on fish of the Agassiz debris trap, which is meant to reduce damage to boats downstream.
- Better law enforcement in the lower river, and the recognition that damaging fish habitat should be considered a serious violation.
The council provides independent policy advice to the B.C. and federal governments for a sustainable fish resource, including protection of habitat.
Council board members include former federal fisheries minister John Fraser, chairman and retired University of B.C. oceanography professor Paul LeBlond, B.C. Aboriginal Fisheries Commission chairman Arnie Narcisse, and Jeff Marliave, vice-president of marine science at the Vancouver Aquarium.
For further information on protecting the lower Fraser,
www.heartofthefraser.bcit.ca.
lpynn@png.canwest.com---
SAVING LOWER FRASER RIVER'S ECOSYSTEM
A new report warns that the area's delicate environment is under threat from human activity and recommends steps to repair it
The lower Fraser River (pictured above, and shown in locator map below), midway between Hope and Chilliwack, is part of an ecologically rich stretch dubbed Heart of the Fraser that the Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation Council is seeking to protect. The area represents some of Canada's most biologically significant riparian and aquatic systems, but it's under extreme stress and current environmental law is insufficient to protect it.
A new report warns that the area's delicate environment is under threat from human activity and recommends steps to repair it
The lower Fraser River (pictured above, and shown in locator map below), midway between Hope and Chilliwack, is part of an ecologically rich stretch dubbed Heart of the Fraser that the Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation Council is seeking to protect. The area represents some of Canada's most biologically significant riparian and aquatic systems, but it's under extreme stress and current environmental law is insufficient to protect it.
© The Vancouver Sun 2007
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