Tippets: Climate Change and Coldwater Fisheries, Closures Requested for Skeena Watershed, Green River Valley Gold Mine

June 27, 2018 By: Erin Block

  • A recent study published in the journal Science Magazine outlines the threat climate change poses to coldwater fisheries. “Trout are like canaries in a coal mine,” says lead author Clint Muhlfeld. “They are excellent indicators of disturbance, especially under climate change because of their sensitivity to temperature and freshwater stream flows.” Via The Flathead Beacon.
  • A complete closure of recreational fisheries on the Skeena Watershed, both freshwater and marine, has been requested by a group representing eight northwest First Nations. Bruce Watkinson, co-chair of the Skeena Nations Fish Secretariat, “says his group is also against the DFO’s decision to allow the recreational fishery to harvest Chinook during the current salmon crisis, and the province’s decision to issue guide outfitter permits and individual licenses to allow the recreational steelhead catch and release fishery to remain open.” Via CFTK.
  • A proposed gold and copper mine in the Green River valley, which lies just north of Mount St. Helens, threatens wild steelhead habitat. The Cascade Forest Conservancy and its coalition partners are leading the fight to protect wild fish populations. “The coalition hopes for a permanent end to mining in this valley and is asking our leaders in Congress to lead a solution that will preserve the area’s exceptional fish populations, wildlife habitat, and backcountry recreation opportunities.”