Tag Archives: Graham Murrell

Experts expect mild winter conditions, concerns for drought season next year

Editor’s note: This story is of interest to Cortes, Read and Quadra Island readers because we are going through another El Niño phase, which calls for warmer temperatures and less precipitation. In addition, the BC Government’s model for Climate Change is: “Warmer temperatures in all seasons; smaller snowpacks and loss of glaciers; Stronger storm surges and rising sea levels.”

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After a summer of extreme drought, experts are concerned for conditions next year as they predict mild winter weather, with a November precipitation deficit.

Armel Castellan, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, says the last several weeks have seen less precipitation than a typical fall.

Continue reading Experts expect mild winter conditions, concerns for drought season next year

Will the second consecutive year of extreme drought impact salmon runs?

Editor’s note: A disturbing question, which is also pertinent on Cortes and neighbouring areas.

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Vancouver Island, BC – Since July 13, Vancouver Island has been in a drought level five, making for an earlier dry season than last year. Some experts say that smaller salmon bearing streams could face impacts from the early drought if no substantial and sustained rainfall begins.

With last year’s drought causing weeks of delay, entailing salmon holding up and awaiting rainfall, this year is the first time that Jim Lane, manager of biologists with Uu-a-thluk, has seen extreme drought two years consecutively.

Continue reading Will the second consecutive year of extreme drought impact salmon runs?

Lack of rainfall cause for up to three weeks of delay for salmon spawning this season

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Port Alberni, BC – In early October Vancouver Island reached a drought Level 4 which impacted wildlife across the coast. After a mass salmon die off in Bella Bella, concern grew regarding drought and a delayed salmon spawning season.

Currently east Vancouver Island is at a drought level of 3, which means adverse impacts are possible, while west Vancouver Island is at a drought level of 2 with less likely impacts.

Dave Rolson, Tseshaht First Nation’s fisheries manager, said, “Timing is everything, really, when it comes to fish and when it comes to environmental conditions.” 

Continue reading Lack of rainfall cause for up to three weeks of delay for salmon spawning this season