Tag Archives: DFO

Rivers & Oceans

Lack of regulations leaves humpback at risk despite BC Ferries slowdown, experts say

By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Researchers welcome a slowdown by BC Ferries through one of the region’s key humpback whale corridors, but warn it’s not enough without binding federal rules for foreign cruise lines and surging LNG tankers.

The company will reduce speeds starting June 1, after one of its ships struck and killed a humpback whale named Midnight in Wright Sound last year.

Continue reading Lack of regulations leaves humpback at risk despite BC Ferries slowdown, experts say →
Rivers & Oceans

Ottawa’s renewed salmon funding spawns both hope and skepticism

By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ottawa’s $412-million salmon recovery program offers a lifeline to BC’s struggling fisheries — but comes at the same time budget cuts are dismantling monitoring systems conservationists, experts and First Nations say are essential to protect them.

Continue reading Ottawa’s renewed salmon funding spawns both hope and skepticism →
Politics

7 PM April 9: Aaron Gunn Town Hall on Cortes Island

 Hi, this is Aaron Gun, your member of Parliament for North Island-Powell River. I’m reaching out to personally invite you to join me on Cortes for a public town hall this Thursday, April 9th, starting at 7:00 PM at Manson’s Hall. Doors will open at 6:30.

Continue reading 7 PM April 9: Aaron Gunn Town Hall on Cortes Island →
Rivers & Oceans

In wake of right whale’s death, feds launch overdue whale-safe gear strategy

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Canada has rolled out its overdue whale-safe fishing gear strategy days after an endangered North Atlantic right whale, known as Division, died from entanglement after more than a month of suffering. 

The four-year old male, which had been spotted in Canadian waters during the summer, was next sighted off the Georgia coast in early December severely ensnared by fishing lines cutting across his head and blowhole. Rescue crews were able to remove some of the gear and continued efforts to track and intercept the whale — but its health continued to decline before being confirmed dead on Jan. 27. 

Continue reading In wake of right whale’s death, feds launch overdue whale-safe gear strategy →
Rivers & Oceans

Appeal court ruling backs Discovery Islands salmon farm closures

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Conservationists and many First Nations are celebrating a Federal Court of Appeal decision that upholds the closure of salmon farms in BC’s Discovery Islands. 

A battle over the ultimate fate of open-net pen salmon farms in the region’s waters, between the mainland and northeastern Vancouver Island, has spanned close to five years. 

Continue reading Appeal court ruling backs Discovery Islands salmon farm closures →