The summer of 2015 wasn’t what we were hoping for. Campfire bans in combination with provincial restrictions on fishing, made many feel they didn’t get to enjoy the summer. The reality of a rapidly warming climate is of significant concern to the hydrology of British Columbia.
The region-wide closures that we experienced this year are unprecedented. The cumulative impacts of a meager snow pack and record-breaking heat waves resulted in drought and dangerous levels of warming in our lakes and rivers.
The combination of increased water temperature and decreased flow, create a favorable environment for abundant algae growth, which is detrimental to spawning habitat, the invertebrate community and water quality.
Current climate models are predicting future seasons to consist of mild, wet winters, and long hot summers.
The impacts of this changing climate will continue to become calamitous for many species. With this awareness we have the opportunity and responsibility to work with management as they continue to develop the best practices as changes occur.
This is not an isolated problem, but one of the many consequences of excessive carbon emissions.
The preservation of natural resources must be of paramount concern. It is important to be respectful of future restrictions to sustain fish populations. If fishing is in our future, we have to start mitigating for expected challenges. We can all start by living and supporting a low carbon lifestyle.
Ashley McWhirter
Genelle