Make Your Freshwater Fisheries Conservation Effort

Do your part and take initiatives to ensure a healthy and sustainable environment throughout BC.

by

Words by Jessica Greinke, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC

We often hear from anglers who want to volunteer their services and time to help conserve and enhance British Columbia’s freshwater fisheries. With a number of diverse fishing opportunities throughout the province, including the Okanagan Valley, many anglers are looking for ways to contribute back to the resource that they enjoy and help protect for future generations.

So, how can you help? The first step is getting informed and following best practices to reduce your impact on the aquatic environment and the fisheries that it supports. You can also make donations to fund the efforts of conservation groups. Local stewardship organizations offer many activities to participate right in the field and you can contribute in so many ways including:

Purchase Your Fishing License

By simply purchasing your freshwater fishing license, you are giving back to the fisheries resource. Under an agreement with the province and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, the Society receives 100 percent of the revenue generated from fishing licenses and uses it to fund research, monitoring plus conservation and educational programs. Improving angler access and delivering the stocking program are also supported.

The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation also receives 100 percent of the surcharge revenue from fishing license sales to provide grants for fish conservation projects.

Be an Environmentally-Friendly Angler

Protecting fish habitat starts with an individual effort. While at the lake or river, follow our guide at www.gofishbc.com to minimize your impact on the fishery and leave the area cleaner than you found it. If you practice catch-and-release, be sure to visit our website to learn certain tips to reduce harm and stress to fish.

Be Conservation-Minded Around Your Home

There are steps you can also take around your home to protect and enhance your local watershed. This is especially important if you live in an urban landscape where water often flows quickly across impermeable surfaces into storm drains, which lead to waterways and the ocean. Pollutants in the water and increased water turbidity can negatively affect spawning areas and the fish habitat. You can act in several ways by:

  • Preventing pollutants from entering storm sewers or the groundwater. For example, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, bleach, and soap – that are all commonly used household liquids – can have significant negative impacts on the health of fish and water quality.
  • Creating permeable surfaces on your property (e.g., gravel versus solid pavement) and supporting a diverse variety of plants to help moderate surface and groundwater flow during high rainfall events that can cause erosion and flash floods in nearby streams. Such events can wipe out developing fish eggs and vulnerable juvenile fish.
  • Reducing water use, especially during dry summer months. The use of native plant species suited to local conditions means less watering. Also, consider alternatives to thirsty monoculture lawns.
  • Limiting your carbon footprint. Drought and warm water associated with climate change have a negative impact on fish. In BC, native trout and salmon are especially vulnerable. Since households contribute approximately 20 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, individual choices are not insignificant.

Volunteer with a Stewardship Group

Contribute directly to conservation efforts in your community by volunteering your time and services to a local environmental organization. There are hundreds of groups across BC that may need volunteers for stream clean-up tasks, habitat rehabilitation, water and fish monitoring, advocacy, public outreach, and other efforts.

Reach out to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC

The Society occasionally invites volunteers to assist with seasonal work at our hatcheries. Contact your closest hatchery at www.gofishfbc.com to learn more about opportunities in your area.

Donate to any one of the Fisheries Conservation Organizations

Again, there are many options to choose from but some of the major groups include:

Inquire About Grants

Have a conservation project in mind but require the funding to make it happen? There are several fish and wildlife grants available to individuals and small organizations each year. Some of these include:

By making these efforts, you are not only reducing your carbon footprint but providing sustainability to the fisheries for future generations to enjoy and preserve.

Get in Touch with Province-Wide Organizations Including:

Reach to Organizations in Your Area:

Vancouver Island

Lower Mainland

BC Interior

Northern BC

Many local fishing clubs also pursue various conservation-focused activities. Be sure to check out one near you.