In 2009, just 1.6 million Fraser River sockeye returned from the Pacific Ocean to spawn, shockingly lower than the originally anticipated 10.6 million. This crisis triggered a federal commission led by BC Supreme Court Justice Bruce Cohen — a 1100+ page report consisting of 75 recommendations to turn things around for Fraser River sockeye salmon.
One of the key drivers in wild salmon decline in the Fraser is the net pen salmon farms on the BC coast, particularly in the Discovery Islands. Cohen decided that these net pen salmon farms were a serious threat to Fraser sockeye, but there were too many scientific unknowns, and decided to give DFO eight years to fill the knowledge gaps. He recommended that come September 30, 2020, fish farms should be prohibited unless they were proven to have minimal risk to Fraser River sockeye.
Aquatic ecologists have found overwhelming evidence that the current open-net pen farm mode is extremely harmful to wild salmon, with an emphasis on the damaging effects sea lice have on wild fish. The deadline to end fish farming on Discovery Islands is quickly approaching and likely won’t be met.
This isn’t just an issue for Fraser River sockeye. Up along the central and north coasts of BC, fish farms are wreaking havoc on other populations of wild salmon migrating through river systems and coastal waters of the Great Bear Rainforest. It’s time to #GetFishFarmsOut of our province!
#SalmonCount
Read more via a new Hakai Magazine article: https://www.hakaimagazine.com/news/little-action-from-canadian-government-as-deadline-to-remove-salmon-farms-looms/
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Words like “aggressive,” “dangerous,” and “conflict” often dominate media headlines and government reports, shaping public perceptions of wildlife, especially large carnivores like bears and wolves. These words instill fear and misunderstanding, unfairly placing blame on animals rather than addressing human behavior and perspectives.
Irrational fears and misconceptions hinder conservation efforts and media sensationalism perpetuates myths and overshadows instances of peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife. Pacific Wild advocates for a shift toward a compassionate understanding of our wild neighbors. Bears and wolves have individual personalities and exhibit a wide range of different behaviours.
“No conservation effort can succeed without a profound change in our attitudes towards wildlife.” Dr. Gosia Bryja.
We must strive for fairer portrayals in the media and foster empathy for wildlife to ensure their protection and our coexistence.
Check the link in our bio to learn more and take action.
🎥 Ian McAllister
#grizzlies #savebcbears #wilflifeprotection #wildlifeconservation #coexistence
🛥️ Alert Giveaway! Have you always dreamed of exploring the landscapes and biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest? Now is your chance! 🥳
@frsclipper is partnering with @pacificwild to offer you a round-trip between Victoria and Seattle and give you the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Vancouver Island and Washington state. 🤩
To enter:
🌲 Follow @frsclipper and @pacificwild on instagram
🌲Like this post and tag the travel buddy you want to make this trip with in the comments (you can tag as much people as you like, 1 tag = 1 entry)
🌲 Share in your story and tag us to increase your chance to be selected
Winners will be announced on May 6. Good luck! 🍀
In addition, for every trip booked throughout the month of April, @frsclipper will be donating a percentage of all onboard galley food sales to support Pacific Wild’s campaigns. If you’ve ever wanted to take this scenic passenger trip between these iconic cities and want to participate in conservation actions, April is the month to do it, and be sure to visit the galley during your trip.
🎥 @frsclipper, @iantmcallister
#collaboration #seattle #victoriaBC #giveaway #travel #pnw #vancouverisland #wildlifephotography #washingtonstate
🐳 Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a sampling technique that allows scientists to monitor biodiversity by collecting and analyzing genetic material (secretions, eggs, feces,...) that organisms shed into their environment. The non-profit conservation group Ocean Wise are using eDNA to study Bigg`s killer whales, North Pacific humpback whales and B.C.`s endangered Southern Resident killer whales. The research aims to provide valuable insights into whale populations, movements and distribution patterns to help inform conservation efforts and better understand their habitat needs.
🤝🏻 “The Council of the Haida Nation and the B.C. Government signed an agreement Sunday, officially recognizing Haida Gwaii’s ‘Aboriginal title,’ more than 20 years after the nation launched a legal action seeking formal recognition.” This historic pact shifts ownership and jurisdiction of land from the Crown to the Haida Nation in Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands). The transfer of title is a monumental step towards recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and marks a milestone in Canada`s ongoing efforts towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
🐟In an effort to help recover the Yukon River Chinook salmon run, the federal government and the State of Alaska have agreed to a 7 year moratorium on commercial and recreational fishing for the species, in the mainstem Yukon River and its Canadian tributaries. Although limited ceremonial harvest may be allowed depending on the health of the run, both sides recognize the importance of a healthy Canadian Chinook salmon run and the preservation of cultural practices of the Yukon First Nations and Alaska NativeTribes.
🐺The Mexican wolf population has grown continuously for the 8th year in a row. According to the latest count, the population has seen an increase, signifying positive strides in conservation efforts. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service credits various initiatives and collaborations aimed at protecting and restoring habitats, managing conflicts and bolstering breeding programs for this achievement. This upward trend reflects a promising advancement in the preservation of a critically endangered species.
Similar to humans, wolves live in social groups. These groups, known as packs, vary in structure from small nuclear families consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring to larger extended families that include aunts, uncles, grandparents, and adopted siblings.
Wolves engage in activities such as playing, bonding, and feeding together that mirror human social behaviors. The size and composition of a pack is determined by factors such as landscape and prey availability. The loss of a pack member, as seen in events such as the B.C. wolf cull program or wildlife killing contests, can have a profound effect not only on the ecosystem dynamic but also on the remaining members, causing devastation and trauma.
Show your support for keeping wolf families together and help us stop the wolf cull and inhumane wildlife killing contests (link in our bio).
🎥 & 📷 @iantmcallister
#wolves #savebcwolves #wolfcull #wildlifeprotection #wildlifeconservation
Over the last few weeks, southern Vancouver Island has been captivated by Emerson, the northern elephant seal. Like his southern hemisphere counterpart, @neiltheseal22 of Tasmania, Emerson has formed a habit of hauling out in city limits. Unfortunately for Emerson, his preferred haul out locations offer little privacy, putting him in the path of hundreds of walkers, joggers, photographers, dogs and a handful of vehicles in just a few short days.
It is moulting season for elephant seals, a process in which they haul out on land for several weeks at a time to shed their fur and skin. It is an uncomfortable process that can put the seals in an agitated state where interactions with other species add unnecessary additional stress.
Thanks to the continued efforts of Fisheries and Oceans staff, Emerson has been relocated to a remote area where he can moult in peace. As a reminder, under the federal marine mammal regulations, people (and pets) must avoid approaching marine and coastal wildlife including seals closer than 100 metres. If you see an elephant seal or other marine mammal, please maintain a respectful distance, keep pets on leash and watch children at all times.
Let’s work together to help keep our marine life safe!
🎥 @sydneycdixon & @pacificimagery *
📷 @wa_orcanetwork & Eli Katz *
📝Stitch @couriermail
** captured with a telephoto lens and cropped
#marineprotection #marineconservation #vancouverisland #elephantseal #marinemammals #relocation
Did you know wildlife killing contests are legal in British Columbia? Contestants are awarded points for the most and largest animals killed - for cash, prizes and entertainment.
These months-long “predator tournaments” are currently ongoing, some culminating in mid-April, and are often advertised by gun clubs, or outdoor stores. The targeted species range from ravens to racoons, with a focus on large predators like bears, cougars, wolves and coyotes and are often falsely branded by hunters as “predator control” or “ungulate survival” to entice participation. Read more on our website about how these tournaments operate under the guise of wildlife management.
Not only are these contests cruel and inhumane, but they also pose serious threats to the delicate balance of our ecosystems. By targeting specific species without regard for their ecological roles, these contests disrupt natural predator-prey dynamics and can have cascading effects on entire ecosystems.
For a province that prides itself on its native wildlife and whose economy relies heavily on ecotourism, it is shocking that B.C. continues to allow these competitions to take place. The provincial and federal governments have a responsibility to steward wildlife in trust for broader ecosystem needs and for future generations.
Add your voice by sending our pre-written letter to the government demanding an end to these unethical competitions. Let’s call for policies that promote evidence-based wildlife management practices and prioritise the well being of all species.
🎥 Bear and wolf footage from @iantmcallister
#stopkillingcontests #wildlifeconservation #wildlifephotography #visualstorytelling #protectwildlife
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