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

Saving Stranded Salmon

, ,
Extreme climate events like drought and flood can wreak havoc on salmon migrations. PSF worked with partners across B.C. this summer and fall during an unprecedented, province-wide drought to improve fish passage in rivers like xʔəl̓ilwətaʔɬ where salmon were stranded.

Urgent action allows thousands of salmon to pass through Bridge Rapids

,
A collaborative effort near Lillooet has given thousands of salmon the chance to migrate upstream to spawning grounds after being stuck at a drought-stricken rapids section.

Drought Strikes B.C. Again.

, ,
As the province warns of “long-term, significant drought” this summer, impacts on salmon are imminent. While those exact impacts are to be determined, PSF and partners seek innovative, cost-effective solutions to help salmon adapt.