Fish Dying

[AdamJ]

August 3, 2007

 

 

 

Hot fish need help from Alberta anglers

 

 

 

Southern Alberta... Hot weather and the lower streamflows of summer are straining some fish at their critical limit. Angler cooperation is requested to avoid adding to the stress levels of these fish.

 

 

 

Some streams in the foothills between Rocky Mountain House and the Montana border are experiencing water temperatures as high as 26 C. Trout and mountain whitefish in those streams are particularly hard hit. The Alberta government is receiving reports of dead fish in shallow parts of rivers, reservoirs and lakes in the southern half of the province. Reports vary from a few to several hundred fish of various species in different locations.

 

 

 

While high temperatures persist, anglers can assist our fish populations by avoiding fishing in any foothills streams where water temperatures are found to be about 22 C or higher. Carrying a thermometer to check water temperature before you start fishing will be helpful.

 

 

 

The public is also asked to advise Fish and Wildlife staff if they see large numbers of dead fish. Please contact any Sustainable Resource Development office with information on numbers of dead fish, species if known, and location. Fish and Wildlife staff will closely monitor the situation to determine when conditions have improved, or if further restrictions are needed.

 

 

 

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Media enquiries may be directed to:

 

Dave Christiansen

 

Fish and Wildlife Division

 

Sustainable Resource Development

 

Rocky Mountain House

 

(403) 845-8269

Travis Ripley

 

Fish and Wildlife Division

 

Sustainable Resource Development

 

Calgary

 

(403) 355-4071

 

 

 

Dave Ealey

 

Communications

 

Sustainable Resource Development

 

Edmonton

 

(780) 427-8636

 

 

 

 

 

To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

[hydropsyche]

I'm surprised its optional. Maybe they should start thinking about mandatory closures during times like this.