Drought Affecting Salmon

If you see drought conditions in your area that are impacting salmon habitat or might be impeding salmon migration, please use the reporting tool below.

With much of B.C. expected to experience drought this summer, we will likely see adverse effects on habitat.  Warm stream temperatures and drought are two significant factors that can affect salmon survival and reproductive success. Parched streams and side-channels along rivers become unviable habitat for returning adult salmon and juveniles.

NOTE

Reports received through this Drought Affecting Salmon Reporting Tool will improve our collective knowledge of climate change with more eyes on the ground, and will be shared with DFO, the Province of B.C., and other technical experts.

OBSERVE

Look for low water levels that are leaving fish stranded or impeding the passage of salmon to their spawning grounds.

DOCUMENT

Note the location and adverse conditions you are seeing, along with any other details you think might be helpful. If you can, document with photos.

REPORT

Report the details using PSF’s drought reporting tool and provide your contact information so we can get in touch with you if further information is needed.

For concerns regarding human activities impacting salmon, such as damage to fish habitat or pollution, or for enforcement issues, please contact the DFO ORR line via email or phone.

(Email: DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Call toll free: 1-800-465-4336, In greater Vancouver call: 604-607-4186)

For questions or assistance with this reporting tool, please contact emergencyresponse@psf.ca

News and Updates

Drought risk remains a pressing issue for salmon in B.C.

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Record-low snowpack, below-average freshet, and lingering drought conditions from 2023 set the stage for a challenging summer in salmon-bearing watersheds. Drought conditions in British Columbia stretching back to 2022 continue to put pressure…

New Wildfire Playbook promotes salmon recovery in post-blaze strategy

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PSF’s new Wildfire Playbook is a first to offer solutions to help salmon and their habitats recover after wildfires burn in salmon-bearing watersheds. June 25, 2024 Vancouver, B.C. – As wildfires in British Columbia grow larger and more…

The burning issue: wildfires and salmon

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The 2024 wildfire season has already begun in British Columbia. The fire and drought impacts this summer will depend on how much rain falls throughout June, yet experts have predicted a long and dry fire season ahead. Unfortunately, this…