Tag Archives: Puntledge River

No Chum in Basil Creek yet, but the outlook for salmon may be improving

It is November 26 and there are still no Chum Salmon in Basil Creek. Normally they would have returned a month ago, but there was a prolonged drought this year. While the water level has risen, there are still no fish.

“It’s getting to be late for Chum, but we’re seeing other populations come in late. We might see Chum return into the next few weeks, it’s very possible. This year is definitely characterized by a lot of weird conditions,” said Matthew Clarke, DFO’s Head for stock assessment in North Vancouver Island, from Black Creek to Cape Caution (which is actually on the Mainland). His area also includes Cortes and Quadra Islands.    

Continue reading No Chum in Basil Creek yet, but the outlook for salmon may be improving

Salmon Runs in the midst of a West Coast Drought

The drought conditions settling throughout the West Coast are another example of what Fisheries and Oceans Canada has identified as the #1 threat to BC’s endangered salmon population.

“While there are many stressors that affect Pacific salmon survival, climate change is rapidly superseding these threats,” DFO media spokesperson Lara Sloan emailed Cortes Currents.

Continue reading Salmon Runs in the midst of a West Coast Drought

Campbell River estuary is a restoration showcase to save salmon habitat from climate change

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Jim Van Tine points out a grassy marsh bench sloping into a tranquil pond populated by ducks and ringed by a mix of salmonberry shrubs and alder and cottonwood trees at the heart of the Campbell River estuary. 

The site — Mill Pond in the Baikie Island Reserve — was an industrial wasteland little more than 20 years ago, stuffed full of log booms and surrounded by timber yards, Van Tine said.

Continue reading Campbell River estuary is a restoration showcase to save salmon habitat from climate change

Vancouver Island watersheds set to rise with new surge of storms

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As a trio of new storms approaches, BC Hydro is warning Vancouver Island residents to prepare for outages and avoid river systems with hydroelectric facilities because water is being released from dams to make room for the heavy rainfall. 

Continue reading Vancouver Island watersheds set to rise with new surge of storms