In 2019, a landslide in a remote canyon north of Lillooet, BC sent 125,000 cubic metres of rock debris into the Fraser River, creating a significant barrier to migrating salmon. Since 2019, Ecofish has been working as part of a multidisciplinary team comprised of government, First Nations, and technical experts to develop and implement mitigations to improve salmon migration past the Big Bar landslide.
Ecofish is working collaboratively with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Salmonid Enhancement Program and Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance to plan annual fish trap and transport programs and to plan, implement and coordinate hatchery enhancement programs targeting Sockeye and Chinook impeded by the landslide.
Ecofish also continues to contribute to technical working groups tasked with reviewing fish migration patterns and physical models to determine how best to rehabilitate the channel at the base of the landslide to improve fish passage.
In light of World Fish Migration Day, we would like to recognize all of the partners who have contributed their time and efforts to this cause. We are humbled to be surrounded by such a compassionate and dedicated team and look forward to continuing our work with you to restore sustainable fish passage for these vital species.
For more information on the Big Bar landslide response, visit: https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pacific-smon-pacifique/big-bar-landslide-eboulement/index-eng.html