Derby
Crew Member
Good afternoon, Cowichan-Gulf Islands SFAC members.
I am writing to inform you of an unexpected change to the recreational fishing regulations in the Cowichan River. As many of you know, the Cowichan River in the recent past has suffered from poor water quality in the peak summer months due to a variety of factors. I have been advised by the Province of BC that water quality has deteriorated quite rapidly over the last handful of days. High pH, ammonia levels, combined with increasing water temperatures, are creating a challenging environment for trout and salmon in the river, and conditions are expected to worsen over the coming days and weeks. As a result, the Province is looking to initiate the summertime fishing closure early this year. Typically, the summer time closure is from July 15 to August 31. The Province will be looking to move the beginning of the closure up so that it begins on or near June 15th. The Department is proposing to mirror this regulation change from the Province for 2025. It is not anticipated that this will significantly affect recreational angling as effort on the river has greatly decreased over the last few weeks.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Mark Frisson
Recreational Fisheries Coordinator
East Coast Vancouver Island
Email: Mark.Frisson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Cell: 236-255-1043
I am writing to inform you of an unexpected change to the recreational fishing regulations in the Cowichan River. As many of you know, the Cowichan River in the recent past has suffered from poor water quality in the peak summer months due to a variety of factors. I have been advised by the Province of BC that water quality has deteriorated quite rapidly over the last handful of days. High pH, ammonia levels, combined with increasing water temperatures, are creating a challenging environment for trout and salmon in the river, and conditions are expected to worsen over the coming days and weeks. As a result, the Province is looking to initiate the summertime fishing closure early this year. Typically, the summer time closure is from July 15 to August 31. The Province will be looking to move the beginning of the closure up so that it begins on or near June 15th. The Department is proposing to mirror this regulation change from the Province for 2025. It is not anticipated that this will significantly affect recreational angling as effort on the river has greatly decreased over the last few weeks.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Mark Frisson
Recreational Fisheries Coordinator
East Coast Vancouver Island
Email: Mark.Frisson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Cell: 236-255-1043
