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| Old Man River, Summer 2014 |
As of 2013 there were an estimated 4.0 million people living in Alberta (according to Alberta Population Projections by Census Division). This number is expected to reach 6.2 million people by 2041. Calgary particularly will be an area of massive growth in Alberta. According to Calgary Economic Development the Calgary Economic Region had 1,419,800 people in 2014. By 2021 this figure is expected to climb to 1,536,500.
Growth is typically a positive thing from an economic perspective. While I personally am looking forward to welcoming many more Albertans in the coming years, the impact on our fisheries could be very serious. Speaking hypothetically, if even 1% of these new Albertans actively use fisheries in Southern Alberta we can anticipate as many as 1,167 new anglers in the next eight years.
Our rivers aren't suddenly going to be flooded with more fish to accommodate this surge in population. Fish aren't going to suddenly start spawning more to accommodate these new anglers. Think your favorite fishing holes are crowded now? Imagine where we will be by 2030.
I don't want anyone reading this to get the idea that I'm promoting Albertan isolationism. I am a born and bred Albertan and I am proud to see my province grow and prosper. That being said, we need to ensure that our natural beauty is sustained so that our future generations can grow up with the same incredible backyard that we currently enjoy.
Fish and Wildlife do not have the proper resources to properly police our fisheries. Their budget is tight and is likely going to get tighter Last summer Guide Dionne and I met a Conservation Officer near Nature's Hideaway. That CO told us that there are only two dedicated officers for the Bow River system from the Calgary city limits to Bassano Dam. That is nearly 200 km of river!
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| Bow River, July 2014 |
Poaching is an huge threat to the sustainability of our fisheries. While I observe countless examples of responsible fishermen that respect the rules and regulations, there are just as many unspoken accounts of anglers that refuse to play by the rules. According to Report a Poacher, in 2011 there were an average of 8 poaching events in Alberta every single day. In 2011 293 poachers were arrested in Alberta. By that math we convict roughly 10% of all reported cases of poaching. Now factor in the large number of poaching events that go unreported every year.
So what can you do? As responsible users of this amazing outdoor playground, we have a responsibility to be more vigilant and hold each other responsible. It is your responsibility as an angler to know the rules and regulations on every body of water you cast a line into. Not knowing is not an excuse.
Think you have witnessed someone in the process of poaching? Call 1-800-642-3800. Not only will you be doing the right thing, you may even qualify for a reward. All caller information is strictly confidential, and even callers that remain anonymous can qualify for a reward. Accurate and comprehensive information is the best way to assure a poacher is arrested. Some information you will need to consider:
- date, time and location of the offense
- licence plate number of the vehicle
- vehicle description, including any identifying features, dents, stickers, etc.
- description of the person(s) involved
- description of the evidence at the scene, or evidence of the crime that the violators took with them
- details of the violation
You can find more valuable information about identifying poachers at www.reportapoacher.com.
Alberta is one of the most incredible places in the entire world, let's work together to keep it that way.
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| Lake of the Falls, September 2014 |
Great post man! Looks like you really put some effort into the numbers above, the extra time spent makes your argument so much stronger and eye opening than the regular bitching in forums you see from most.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a follow up post coming aimed at a solution? I am new to the area but can already see the damage being done (especially further south you go). I've racked my brain as well for a solution but can't think of anything that is either fair for all or financially feasible.
I'm a young dude(30), like you (from the looks of your pics) so it's really refreshing to see others at least flinging it at the wall in hopes of an idea sticking!
Great post, I'll be back to read more.
E
Thanks for the feedback Eric! Finding a solution is really difficult. I will be discussing some of the proposed reg changes for the Bow River in an upcoming post. The Bow will be moving to catch and release only with a fall closure, and I think that is a very positive thing to keep it a world class fishery.
DeleteWe find solutions to these problems by having an open and public conversation. Resources are really tight, so we need to be more innovative than ever to find solutions. I'll look forward to continuing this conversation with you!