After 90% Collapse In Fraser River Sockeye Run, Scientists Cite Food-Poor, Predator-Rich Warming Sea

[hatrack]

VANCOUVER, B.C. - Food-poor, predator-rich ocean waters caused by climate change likely played a significant role in decimating millions of sockeye salmon in British Columbia's Fraser River ahead of what was supposed to be a bumper year, says a scientific think tank. A group of more than 20 ocean and ecology experts gathered in Vancouver this week to discuss possible explanations for this year's salmon collapse and announced their assessment on Wednesday, saying they want to keep the issue afloat with a judicial inquiry approaching.

Last month, Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed a B.C. Supreme Court judge to probe the collapse of the stocks, but the scientists say there's much work that can be done in the meantime. The group recommended improved forecasting, more ocean-based marine research and a more precautionary approach to fisheries management.

"It's really important that we don't just sit back and do nothing for 18 months while the inquiry is unfolding," said Mark Angelo, chair of the Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation Council.

The federal Fisheries Department had estimated more than 10 million sockeye would return to the Fraser River this year, but only about one tenth of that figure showed up. That huge shortfall forced the closure of commercial fisheries along the Fraser, as well as aboriginal food fisheries for First Nations in the area.

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http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver/live/article/392827--climate-change-played-key-role-in-b-c-sockeye-stocks-collapse-say-scientists

[Birthmark]

1. Amazing!

How did those climatologists convince the predators to spawn, let alone "trick" the salmon into letting themselves be eaten? Didn't these fish read the Hack Attack emails?

[HowHasItComeToThis]

2. ASK THE JAPANESE

[GliderGuider]

3. There's a joke going around DFO (The Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans)

Q: How can we get rid of all these zebra mussels?
A: Declare them an endangered species and put them under the protection of the same guys looking after the salmon and the cod -- they'll be extinct in two years.