Why Fish Are Disappearing in the Southern Alberta Streams

[ntsougri]

There has been a lot of talk online about why the fish are disappearing in the southern Alberta streams. It seems that more fishing pressure is having an affect, but Whirling Disease has been quoted as the main reason for the declining numbers.

Yes, Whirling Disease has been confirmed by biologists as the main cause of the declining fish population in southern Alberta watersheds. There are less smaller fish than in past years. Whirling Disease has and is killing fry and juvenile trout. Have you seen or caught very many smaller fish on the Crow, Oldman, Livingstone, Castle or Highwood river lately?

We need to do something right now to stop the potential collapse of our southern Alberta fishery. Whirling Disease will not go away and there is no way to eradicate it. Look at our neighbours in the USA. Several rivers and nursery creeks have been completely destroyed. Regulations and stream closures did not work in the USA so we may need to consider a restocking program with Whirling Disease resistant trout strains.

I hope there will be a concerted effort between government and fish organizations to fight Whirling Disease. We all need to get involved to stop the spread. What are your thoughts?