Westslope Cutthroat Protected

Photo, courtesy Kevin Turner/Oldman Oldman River Chapter- Trout Unlimited Canada

"Trout Unlimited Canada was pleased to learn that DFO registered and published a Critical Habitat Order for the Alberta population of Westslope Cutthroat Trout ". Read more here: http://www.tucanada.org/index.asp?p=2055&vn=399

Cutthroat trout get habitat protection from federal government

by Colette Derworiz, Calgary Herald, December 2, 2015 

Alberta’s threatened population of westslope cutthroat trout is getting additional protection from the federal government.

The critical habitat order — registered by Department of Fisheries and Oceans Minister Hunter Tootoo on Nov. 20 and announced in Wednesday’s issue of the Canada Gazette — prohibits the destruction of the native trout’s habitat.

“The prohibition will apply to anyone undertaking activities in and around the critical habitat that would result in the destruction of any part of it,” according to an email from a Fisheries and Oceans biologist that was obtained by the Herald.

The prohibition pertains to any recreational, commercial or industrial use that could destroy trout streams in the southern Alberta foothills.

Conservation groups said they are thrilled with the additional protection provided by the federal government.

Read more here: http://calgaryherald.com/…/westslope-cutthroat-trout-get-cr…

‪#‎bowriver‬ | ‪#‎cutthroattrout‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬

Alberta Conservation Groups Launch Court Action Against Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Westslope Cutthroat Trout hold position in spawning habitat, 8 July 2012. These fish are part of a pure population introduced into Rawson Lake, Kananaskis Country. (Photo credit D. Mayhood)

Alberta Conservation Groups Launch Court Action Against Fisheries and Oceans Canada

News release, Sept 22, 2015

The Alberta Wilderness Association and Timberwolf Wilderness Society are taking the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to Federal Court over her failure to issue a critical habitat order for Alberta’s threatened population of westslope cutthroat trout. The order is required by law under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

“The Minister’s critical habitat order, or an equivalent protection statement, has not been issued within the statutory time limit, and is now almost one year overdue,” says Brittany Verbeek, AWA Conservation Specialist.

The Environmental Law Clinic, operating in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law, filed the application with the Federal Court of Canada on Friday, 18 September 2015.

Read more here: http://hosted-p0.vresp.com/456864/afbd74ca31/ARCHIVE

H/T to Oldman River Chapter- Trout Unlimited Canada

Cooler water temperatures lead to fisheries reopening

Cooler water temperatures lead to fisheries reopening

All previously closed streams are now open to angling except for the St. Mary River downstream of the St. Mary Reservoir and its tributaries.

Read more here: http://alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=38435349357A6-FBE4-1FCA-63A5ADB7E9C8A4E2

#bowriver | #flyfishing | #yyc | #KeepEmWet

Trout struggling to breathe in Alberta's warm rivers and streams

The bull trout are particularly susceptible to high water temperatures in Alberta's rivers and streams. Alberta Environment / Calgary Herald archives

Trout struggling to breathe in Alberta's warm rivers and streams

Colette Derworiz, Calgary Herald, Aug 17, 2015

As the province closes streams and lakes in southern Alberta to fishing, scientists say the high temperatures in the waterways could still be deadly for some species — particularly trout.

Officials with Alberta Environment and Parks have closed more than 18 fisheries in the past week to protect fish populations in areas with water temperatures rising as high as 24 Celsius from the normal 15 to 18 C.

It’s the first time in recent memory that streams and rivers have been closed for temperature-related reasons.

“Considering some of the extremely hot temperatures that we’ve seen this summer, combined with extremely low flows of our flowing waters, we’ve taken the step of closing angling in some streams where we think the impact of even catch-and-release fishing on fish populations could be problematic,” said Paul Christensen, senior fisheries biologist with Alberta Environment and Parks.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1NBSMJR

#‎bowriver‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬ | ‪#‎KeepEmWet‬ |

Continued high water temperatures lead to additional fishing closures

Continued high water temperatures lead to additional fishing closures

from Alberta Environment and Parks, August 14, 2015

Temporary closures of additional fisheries are needed to safeguard fish populations in areas that have exceeded temperature thresholds.

Low water flows combined with hot weather have resulted in high water temperatures in several rivers and streams throughout Southern Alberta. Angling in these areas presents a high risk to fish populations and may result in mortalities, even when using catch and release practices.

To best protect fish populations, the following areas are closed to all fishing until further notice:

*Threepoint Creek and tributaries;
*Jumpingpound Creek from headwaters to the Bow River;
*Little Red Deer River and tributaries from headwaters downstream to Red Deer River, including Dogpound Creek and tributaries;
*Waterton River and all tributaries upstream of Waterton Reservoir, including Drywood Creek;
*Waterton River downstream of Waterton Reservoir, river only;
*Castle River and tributaries downstream of SH 507 to Highway 3, including Screwdriver Creek, Beaver Mines Creek and Mill Creek;
*Pincher Creek and tributaries;
*Oldman River from Highway 22 downstream to Secondary Road 510, river only; and
*Willow Creek, main stem and tributaries from Chain Lakes downstream to Pine Coulee Reservoir Diversion Head pond.

Read more here: http://alberta.ca/release.cfm…

‪#‎bowriver‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬ | ‪#‎KeepEmWet‬

Fishing experts want more done to save the fish population

Fishing experts want more done to save the fish population 

The province of Alberta has put a fishing ban on some rivers in an effort to save the fish population from scorching heat, but as Doug Vaessen reports, some experts say it’s not enough.

View news story here: http://globalnews.ca/…/alberta-fly-fishers-divided-on-whet…/

@amberpayliss | @thebugparade | @AaronFeltham | Bow River Troutfitters | @MikeGifford | Country Pleasures Fly Fishing

‪#‎bowriver‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬ | ‪#‎KeepEmWet‬

Trout Unlimited Canada comments on fisheries closures

Trout Unlimited Canada comments on fisheries closures

With the recently implemented fisheries closures on selected southern Alberta streams CBC News Calgary invited TUC CEO Silvia D'Amelio to speak on camera regarding TUC's perspective.

View news story here (00:50 to 06:00): http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Calgary/ID/2673486171/

‪#‎bowriver‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬ | ‪#‎KeepEmWet‬

Continued high water temperatures lead to fishing closures

Continued high water temperatures lead to fishing closures
 
from Alberta Environment and Parks, August 11, 2015

Temporary closures of certain fisheries are needed to safeguard fish populations in areas that have exceeded temperature thresholds. 

Low water flows combined with hot weather have resulted in high water temperatures in several rivers and streams throughout Southern Alberta. Angling in these areas presents a high risk to fish populations and may result in mortalities, even when using catch and release practices.

To best protect fish populations, the following areas are closed to all fishing until further notice:

*Sheep River from headwaters to Highwood River;
*Highwood River from headwaters to Bow River;
*St. Mary River, downstream of the St. Mary Reservoir and tributaries;
*Belly River, downstream of Secondary Road 800;
*Bow River from Bearspaw Reservoir to the W.H.D. Weir;
*Bow River from W.H.D Weir to the Carseland Weir;
*Bow River from Carseland Weir to Highway 24 bridge;
*Bow River from Highway 24 bridge downstream to Bassano Dam; and
*Elbow River from Glenmore Reservoir to the Bow River confluence.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1J2zIVg

#‎bowriver‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬ | ‪#‎KeepEmWet‬

Anglers urged to follow safe fish handling procedures

Photo, courtesy Alberta Environment & Parks

Anglers urged to follow safe fish handling procedures

by Alberta Environment & Parks, July 31, 2015

Ongoing hot weather combined with low water levels are resulting in high water temperatures in rivers and streams across Southern Alberta.

There is an increased risk to fish populations resulting from the stress of current conditions combined with catch and release angling. Until conditions improve, Albertans are encouraged to follow safe handling procedures to minimize fish mortality.

While anglers should be mindful throughout the Southern Alberta region, extra caution should be taken in the following areas:

• Castle River and tributaries from Highway 3 upstream to Westcastle River;
• Oldman River from Racehorse Creek downstream to Oldman Reservoir; and from Highway 2 near Fort Macleod downstream to Highway 3 in Lethbridge;
• Crowsnest River from Crowsnest Lake downstream to Oldman Reservoir;
• Belly River downstream of Secondary Road 800;
• Waterton River downstream of Waterton Reservoir;
• St. Mary and tributaries downstream of St. Mary Reservoir;
• Sheep River from Gorge Creek downstream to Highwood River;
• Highwood River from Kananaskis Country Boundary downstream to the mouth of Bow River; and
• Bow River from the Western Irrigation District weir to Bassano Dam.

To minimize risk to fish in Southern Alberta, anglers are encouraged to be mindful of the following angling practices:

• Fish in stocked ponds and lakes;
• Fish early in the mornings; and
• Minimize handling time and release fish as quickly as possible.

Alberta Environment and Parks staff will continue to monitor water levels and temperatures and may consider initiating angling restrictions if necessary.

Southern Alberta trout streams threatened despite recovery plan, says survey

A new survey of trout streams in southwest Alberta suggests that virtually all of them are threatened by industrial development or overuse. Bull trout like the one pictured here have lost more than 70 per cent of their historic waters. Photo, courtesy Kevin Turner / The Canadian Press

Southern Alberta trout streams threatened despite recovery plan, says survey

by Bob Weber, Calgary Herald/The Canadian Press, July 12, 2015

EDMONTON — Virtually all southern Alberta streams that spawn native trout are threatened by industrial development or overuse, says a survey from a respected fisheries biologist.

That’s even though both bull and rainbow trout are protected under federal law and are supposed to be benefiting from a recovery plan, says Lorne Fitch.

“I have watched habitat and fish populations crater,” says Fitch, an adjunct professor at the University of Calgary, who spent 35 years as a leading provincial biologist. “All of our systems are under extreme pressure.”

Fitch studied 54 small rivers and streams that flow into the Oldman River and hold bull and cutthroat trout. He found nearly every one of the waterways face multiple pressures: from logging roads to energy development to off-highway vehicle trails.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1CCVbU6

‪#‎bowriver‬ | ‪#‎flyfishing‬ | ‪#‎BullTrout‬ | ‪#‎CutthroatTrout‬ | ‪#‎yyc‬

War on Trout: Destructive Activities Cripple Native Trout Populations

War on Trout: Destructive Activities Cripple Native Trout Populations

Alberta Wilderness Association, June 09, 2015

Human-caused threats to bull trout and cutthroat trout in the Oldman watershed combined with snail’s pace recovery action by the provincial and federal governments has led to severe limits on population recovery. A new review of overlapping human impacts throughout this watershed shows virtually every creek and river home to native trout has been negatively impacted or is threatened by logging, off-highway vehicle use, stream crossings, oil and gas development, coal mining, overharvesting, roads, dam operations or combinations of these. (See map below)

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1KJjG39

H/T to @Kevin Van Tigham

Study shows Athabasca fishery in decline

Arctic grayling have all but disappeared from the Athabasca region. The provincial government is looking at catch-and-release rules for the fish in the northeast in an attempt to revive the population.
Photograph by: Dave Park, Alberta Fish and Wildlife

Study shows Athabasca fishery in decline

Catch-and-release regulations vital for Arctic grayling revival

By Sheila Pratt, Calgary Herald/Edmonton Journal February 2, 2015

EDMONTON - When Mike Sullivan was a young boy, he and his father would throw a line in almost any small stream around Fort McMurray and pull out Arctic grayling.

Now, grayling has virtually disappeared from the northeast rivers, according to a new study that also says two other migratory species — mountain whitefish and long nose suckers — have declined dramatically the past 40 years.

Fish health in the Athabasca watershed has showed “significant change,” especially since the 1990s when oilsands development expanded dramatically, says the new study by University of Lethbridge biologists Astrid Schwalb and Joe Rasmussen.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1uW5g4R

Ash spilled in train derailment could harm fish in Banff creek

Crews deal with a 15 car train derailment in Banff at the rail bridge over 40 Mile Creek. Photo, Gavin Young / Calgary Herald

Ash spilled in train derailment could harm fish in Banff creek

by Reid Southwick, Calgary Herald, December 30, 2014 

Authorities are concerned about the long-term health of fish in a Banff creek after a freight train derailed last week, spilling several hundred tonnes of potentially toxic cargo into the water and surrounding area.

A Parks Canada official said Monday much of the spilled fly ash — a byproduct of coal production that can disrupt the local ecosystem — has settled to the bottom of 40 Mile Creek.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1Aor66L

Provincial Fisheries Regulation Revision - Stakeholder Consultation

Provincial Fisheries Regulation Revision - Stakeholder Consultation  

Click this link: http://conta.cc/1E4z1K0

Alberta government kills commercial fishing industry as stocks decline

Métis commercial fisherman and trapper Raymond Ladouceur poses for a photo on Lake Athabasca in Fort Chipewyan in September 2013.
Photograph by: Ryan Jackson , Edmonton Journal

Alberta government kills commercial fishing industry as stocks decline

By Brent Wittmeier, Edmonton Journal October 6, 2014

EDMONTON - October is golden caviar season in Alberta, right before the whitefish spawn in Lesser Slave Lake’s shallows.

But Finnish cruise-goers and gourmands will have to find other roe to hoe. After years of conflict and decline, the province finally cut bait in August with its 174 remaining licensed commercial fishermen, effectively killing the caviar hub on the west side of the giant lake 250 kilometres north of Edmonton.

Read story here: http://bit.ly/1vIF0Nq

Fish Conservation and Management Strategy

Fish Conservation and Management Strategy

AESRD - Sept 11, 2014

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Minister Robin Campbell is pleased to present the latest Fish Conservation and Management Strategy for Alberta.

Alberta's Fish Conservation and Management Strategy is an important document that provides a framework for Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development to ensure Alberta's fish benefit present and future Albertans. Within this mandate is the responsibility of managing the sustainable use of our fish resources and their conservation.

Read document here: http://bit.ly/1rBxiV3

More info here: http://bit.ly/1onw8rk

Banff highway twinning project a boon for fish

(Photo, courtesy Shelley Humphries/Parks Canada) Sierra Sullivan with Parks Canada holds a westslope cutthroat trout. Prior to the Bath Creek culvert removal no westslope cutthroat trout were caught above the culvert.

Banff highway twinning project a boon for fish

By Colette Derworiz, Calgary Herald June 13, 2014

....“We were completely elated to find westslope cutthroat trout as well, which are our threatened fish inside the park.

“This is just a win for the fish.”....

Read article here: http://bit.ly/1nVEmbN

The problem is land use, the solution is land use

 The problem is land use, the solution is land use

Bow River Shuttles writes: Two articles regarding Alberta agriculture and the environment appeared recently. One in the Edmonton Journal - "Alberta fish kill this year could be worst ever (with video)" - and one in the Calgary Herald - "Farmers urged to cut footprint."

The info in the first article is the most worrying, regarding water quality and our fishery. Here is an excerpt:

"...Fish normally get oxygen from the water that passes through their gills so they don’t get much from the open air, but they are desperate.

The situation is going to be worse than usual this summer because of what’s happened in the province the past two years.

Lake Isle is like the canary in the coal mine or early warning system because it’s shallow and it’s located near headwaters that contain a lot of phosphate produced by all the ranches, feedlots and cows in that watershed, Sullivan said, noting that 80 per cent of Alberta’s watersheds are exactly the same.

“The problem is land use, the solution is land use,” he said. “We need more wetlands to filter the water, we need more riparian (riverbank) areas to filter water, we need to pay the farmers so they don’t have to grow every single acre and put it into production.”"

Read full article here: http://bit.ly/1mAtQoT
 
Read 'cut footprint' article here: http://bit.ly/1ktqYZF

Looking back along the Bow River - 2012 Season

Photo, Copyright Bow River Shuttles All rights reserved 2012

 

Trout Unlimited Canada Alberta Provincial Biologist Brian Meagher presenting "Canaries in the Creek". May 2012

Learn more HERE: http://bit.ly/13CawMA

Red Deer River Fisheries Management Plan

For a larger, readable, version of poster, please CLICK HERE 

More information here 

Red Deer Meeting: January 16, 2013