News

August-September 2001

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

Chiefs Protest Fish Farms

In June, a press conference by First Nations Chiefs from the Broughton Archipelago region was convened in Victoria, to protest the unfolding tragedy of wild salmon they say are infested with sea lice come from fish farms.

Chief Bill Cranmer, Chairman of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council read a list of demands, including the removal of fish farms from his traditional territories, a continuation of the provincial moratorium on new fish farms and rapid response from government scientists to study and remedy the situation.

"The fish farm industry has desecrated our territory," said Chief Percy Williams, the elected leader of the Kwicksutaineuk Ah-kwa-ah-mish Tribes. "Our people are prepared to do what it takes to protect our water, land and resources," said Williams.

Without prompt government response, "We are put in the position of taking direct action to protect our elders and the future of our people," warned Chief Charlie Williams, hereditary chief of the Gwawaenuk Tribe.

"The moratorium (on new salmon farms) must stay in place," said Chief Simon Lucas of the BC Aboriginal Fisheries Commission. For more, see A Preventable Catastrophe

Archaeology in Broken Group

The Tseshaht First Nation and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada are once again working on cooperative archeological projects on Benson and Clark Islands in the Broken Group Islands. Benson Island or Ts'ishaa will be closed to campers and restricted to day use from July 3rd to August 16th, 2001. There should be no impact to visitors on Clark Island.

Benson Island/ Ts'ishaa is, according to legend, the birthplace of the Tseshaht people who live in Port Alberni today. Their oral histories state that the first man and woman were created there.

The archeological team has excavated several deep trenches across the remains of the village over the past two years. Evidence uncovered at the main site suggests a diet consisting mainly of fish, sea lions and whales. Accounts by native elders of the great whalers who once lived at this village were supported by several discoveries of large piles of whale bones. In addition, over 700 artifacts were recovered. Another, smaller site, indicates occupation to 5900 years ago.

On site Tseshaht staff will offer scheduled interpretive tours daily during the dig and provide visitors with an explanation of the Tseshaht history of the Broken Group Islands.

The Broken Group Islands are rich in both natural and cultural history and protected under Canada's National Parks Act. In addition, all archaeological sites and materials are protected under the BC Heritage Conservation Act. Do not disturb any archaeological sites, artifacts, or remains.

Paddlers Lead Cleanup Push

Early Sunday morning once a month, a team of volunteers in Vancouver, BC load water quality sampling kits into kayaks and canoes, and paddle off to check toxin, nutrient and bacteria levels in the city's waterway known as False Creek. The two billion juvenile salmon that migrate down the Fraser River every year are found schooling along the shorelines of False Creek, Sturgeon Bank, Roberts Bank and Burrard Inlet before they head out to sea. But these areas are some of the most polluted in the province, especially False Creek.

Tonnes of toxic sediments sit on the ocean floor, a sad legacy of the heavy industries that once lined the shores. Seven combined sewer outfalls continue to dump raw sewage whenever there is a heavy rain. Juvenile salmon are particularly susceptible to even low levels of toxins at this stage in their development as they acclimatize to salt water. Toxins can damage their immune systems and can change feeding and swimming behaviour, causing early death. Sampling has shown elevated levels of heavy metals such as copper, mercury and silver. Such sediments are acutely toxic to amphipods, causing 100% mortality. Fecal coliform counts are also high.

But Friends of False Creek chair Fred Mah is optimistic. He points out that the water is getting cleaner now that most heavy industries have left. Herring have finally come back to spawn for three consecutive years, after decades of absence. The biggest remaining problem is the raw sewage discharging from the combined sewer outfalls.

For more information contact David Lane of the T. Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation. Phone: 604-255-8819.

Adopt a River

Adopt A River conducts bi-monthly river cleanups on waterways in North Central Florida. The main objectives are to preserve and protect the rivers' water quality and prevent further degradation. A group of volunteers meets at the designated site to conduct cleanups on river sections which have been abused and neglected for years. All collected trash is sorted for recyclables, weighed, recorded, and disposed of properly. Photographs record litter type and volume as well as volunteer activities. Volunteers are educated about the potential for contamination between surface and ground water. Awareness about litter problems and the importance of recycling to protect our waterways is enhanced.

To find out about participating in a cleanup or other activities, contact Fritzi Olson at aar@currentproblems.org or call (352) 264-6827

Paddling Industry Notes:

* This spring, Rick Hayes, of Purple Hayes School of Kayaking, Chilliwack, BC lost his life doing what he loved best. Rick loved pretty much everything about whitewater boating- the gear, the water, the places it took him, the adrenaline pump, and most of all, the people he met while pursuing the sport. Introducing new converts to the sport through the kayak school was how he got his kicks. Seeing his paddling buddies improve their skills spurred him on with pride as well as determination to keep up. After 21 years of kayaking he was still going strong, out there on the water at least a few times a week, all year long. His passion, enthusiasm, and love of the sport inspired others. His generosity, ability to teach others, and his motto of "good clean fun" attracted others to him like a magnet.

Rick lived life fully in spite of his diabetes. Managing the twice daily injections, meal plans and blood testing was a challenge but it rarely got in the way of a good day of boating. Rick taught more than whitewater kayaking. His training as a recreation therapist and his playful spirit taught us to go out and have fun, enjoy life to the fullest, and give it all you've got. Even though his life was cut short, he left these lessons behind for us.

Due to the overwhelming support of Rick's professional staff, colleagues, and friends Purple Hayes School of Kayaking will continue to offer classes to share his love of the sport. (604) 858-2888

* Adventure Fitness is Back! Owner Walter Greaven is once again offering sales and rentals of Seaward, Wilderness Systems, Ocean Kayak and Nova Craft canoes and kayaks. He is located 1475 Hunter Street, North Vancouver, conveniently close to the highway for ferry travellers heading to Vancouver Island via Horseshoe Bay. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. Ph: 604-715-7175

* Tofino Expeditions is now offering Mothership and Inn to Inn paddling trips in Norway. More info: www.tofino.com/norway-intro.htm

* The Pacific National Park Reserve was officially proclaimed under the Canadian National Parks Act in February. One new feature to park proclamation is the requirement for all businesses operating within the park (e.g. kayak touring, trail guiding, marine mammal viewing companies, etc.) to obtain a national park business license. The park is compiling a data base of businesses that conduct tours/charters etc. within the boundaries of the park. This includes Broken Group, West Coast Trail and Long Beach. Guidelines for commercial operators will be developed so it is important that all those operating or planning to operate business inside the park contact Parks to ensure they are consulted during this process
.
To add the name of your business to the data base contact Park Information at 250-726-7721 ext.0 or email: pacrim_info @pch.gc.ca or mail Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Box 280 Ucluelet BC V0R 3A0.

* The first annual Paddlesports Summit was held in the American Canoe Association offices in Springfield, Virginia in June, with representative of the major players in the US paddling community. Access issues, environmental lobbying efforts, risk management, safety, instructional certification, small business development and industry economic issues were discussed. All parties indicated a willingness to explore the possibilities of collaboration, and they plan to enhance communications with an electronic mail list, an annual meeting, reciprocal memberships, sharing of industry and participant data and the opportunity to endorse each other's activities and events. The group collectively represents 60,000 individual paddlers, 600 paddling clubs and 900 commercial paddlesports entities on which some 9000 people rely for work. The US paddlesports industry generates approximately 300 million dollars directly per year.
For more information, contact Chris Mitchell, TAPS: 360-855-9434.

* Rainforest Kayak Adventures of Tofino was recently nominated for the 2001 Ethics in Action Award. The award recognizes businesses, and individuals in business, whose actions and decisions have made a positive impact on our communities. Now in its second season, Rainforest Kayak Adventures is owned and operated by Dan Lewis (WaveLength columnist) and Bonny Glambeck. The company, based in Tofino BC, runs sea kayak courses and tours exclusively in Clayoquot Sound. Lewis is one of the pioneers of sea kayak instruction in Canada. Some of Rainforest Kayak Adventures innovations include a menu featuring organically grown food, teaching kayak and leadership skills to local First Nations youth, and kayak adventure slide shows which deliver a strong conservation message. Recently the pair returned from a slide show tour in Japan hosted by Patagonia.

For information contact Dan and Bonny at 250-725-3117 or mail@rainforestkayak.com

* Bob Blad of Spirit Sails in Campbell River, BC has come up with an innovative sailing rig which requires no lines to operate. The compact, lightweight, freestanding rig is intended for hands-free sailing in winds to 15 mph. It raises and lowers in less than one minute, and detaches for easy stowing in seconds. The deck mount locks in three positions and accepts a fishing rod holder. We tried it and we like it! It's easy to use and stow.

Bob welcomes dealer inquiries. He can be reached at 250-830-0405, email: info@spiritsails.com, web: www. spiritsails.com

Wildlife Updates:

* Pelagic and Double-Crested Cormorants are large black seabirds that dive from the surface to catch fish. They live and feed in the rich waters in the Strait of Georgia and nest on the ground of various cliffs and islets. On Gabriola Island there is a large colony of Pelagic Cormorants on the cliffs opposite Duke Point. There are colonies of Double-Crested Cormorants and Pelagic Cormorants on Snake Island, Hudson Rocks and Five-Fingers Islands.

The numbers of nesting cormorants have drastically declined in the Strait of Georgia in the last decade. A survey conducted by the Ministry of Environment in 2000 showed that nesting Pelagic Cormorants have declined by approximately half and Double-Crested Cormorants have declined by over two-thirds since the last complete survey in 1987. Double-Crested Cormorants are now on the Province's Red (Threatened or Endangered) list of Species-at-Risk.Although biologists do not know the exact cause of the decline, they suspect declining fish populations and disturbances by eagles and boaters. When cormorants are disturbed, they fly away from their nests exposing eggs or chicks to predation by crows, gulls or eagles.

Paddlers must make every attempt to minimize human disturbance. Observe cormorants from a distance using binoculars. Do not land on cormorant colonies during nesting season (May through October). If you see cormorants raising their long necks, showing signs of agitation, or flying off, you are too close!

It is an offence under the Wildlife Act to molest nesting birds. If you see such activity, you can report through the Provincial Observe, Record and Report Program at: 1-800-663-9453.

* Seven killer whales from BC's fragile southern resident orca population are presumed dead, triggering alarm in the scientific and whale-watching communities. Six of the seven are from one of the three southern resident pods. Orca expert Dr. John Ford, said: "It's of concern because southern residents appear to be a closed breeding population. With these animals dying this year it brings it down to three mature males in that whole community."

Ford believes the losses are caused by too little food, too many toxins and too much noise from whale-watching boats and other vessels. About 50 companies operate out of Victoria and the US.

Studies show very high levels of toxins, such as PCBs, have accumulated in the blubber of orcas. As the top animal in the food chain, the whales accumulate the toxins from their prey. Mothers pass toxins on to their offspring.

One southern resident that washed ashore last year was found to have about 90 times the concentration of PCBs found in humans.

If it is a question of toxin build up, it's not going to stop at the whales. We're on top of the food chain too.

* Lifeforce, a Vancouver-based non-profit group has produced two laminated educational cards about whale watching. The first is a list of Whale Watch Guidelines for Southern BC and Washington. The seven cetacean and three pinniped species commonly seen are illustrated in colour with the natural history of each species.

The second is a Field Guide to Killer Whale Watching in Southern BC and Washington. Ten colour photographs depict common behaviours. Life Facts, Identification by behaviour, Identification by markings and a Home Territory map is also provided.

The cards are distributed to boaters on the water and through marinas/boat organizations through Lifeforce's Lifewatch Boater Awareness Program. A $5 donation to cover costs and mailing is requested.

To receive the cards or information contact Lifeforce at (604) 669-4673. Email: lifeforcefoundation@3web.net

* Scientists are questioning whether the deaths of two rare beaked whales were caused by US Navy tests of sonar equipment. The whales beached at Vero Beach, Florida. The adult male was dead by the time rescue teams arrived, and biologists had to euthanize the juvenile male that was badly injured. For the last several years the Navy has been moving ahead with plans to deploy a submarine-detection sonar system that will blast the oceans with noise billions of times more intense than that known to disturb whales. In this case, the Navy didn't admit to any sonar testing, but confirmed detonating four 10,000-pound explosive charges to test the shock resistance of a new guided missile destroyer.

Go to: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/prot_res/PR2/Acoustics_Program/acoustics.html for more information on the dangers of the Navy's sonar system.

Paddle Leadership Program

A flotilla of voyageur canoes, featuring student & public leaders will paddle the Fraser River during 'Fraser 2001'. The Rivershed Society of BC (RSBC) will host secondary school and university-aged student leader paddlers as they get to know their rivershed, paddling the Fraser River & Burrard Inlet in 35' Voyageur canoes, September 28-30. BC Rivers Day is Sunday September 30th. The Paddle will feature educators from the Environmental Educators of BC as interpreters and naturalists on board each student canoe discussing local water issues. Student paddlers will do hands-on water testing, complete a personal Rivershed Resolution and lead Project WET activities.

For more information contact Rivershed Society of BC's Fin Donnelly, Executive Director. Ph: 604-941-5937, email: fin@rivershed. bc.ca

Green Boating

If you're boating around the Nanaimo, BC area this summer, expect to see Mike Richards and Veronica Holroyd out on the water distributing green boating information from the Georgia Strait Alliance's new Green Boat, the Cynthia, a 14-foot Zodiac, powered by a four-stroke outboard motor.

Nanaimo is a central stopping-off point for Canadian and US boaters travelling north to Desolation Sound and other vacation destinations, as well as home port for thousands of local boaters, so GSA expects it will be a busy summer for their Green Boating program.

Many thanks to all of those who donated to this project, especially GSA member Joe Rea, as well as Big Island Inflata-Boats, Zodiac Canada and Ajac's Equipment for their tremendous efforts and support.

If you'd like information on Green Boating, contact Mike or Veronica at 250-753-3459 or mike@georgia strait.org.