TUC Helps Rescue Stranded Fish

Trout Unlimited Canada biologists and volunteers have been busy helping to rescue fish that became stranded after the recent flooding in the Calgary area. As the Bow River flows surged and water spilled over the banks, many fish sought sanctuary by moving out of the main current into quieter waters. Some of these fish became stranded in isolated pools and channels as the water receded. Reports began to come in of people finding fish, both dead and alive, in their basements as they began flood clean up or as pools of standing water were pumped out. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (Fish and Wildlife) flew over a large reach of the Bow River to identify sites in which fish were potentially stranded. These areas were then visited by the rescue crews (including ESRD and TUC staff and volunteers) and fish captured by electrofishing and seine netting were returned to the Bow River.

TUC would like to sincerely thank all those volunteers that have lent a hand over the last week to help find and rescue fish throughout the Calgary area. Thanks also to those that have helped to spread the word through social media to draw attention to the rescue efforts and to help recruit volunteers. The fish rescue efforts that have occurred over the week came together without a lot of time to plan, but the volunteer response is a testament to the appreciation Calgarians have for the Bow River fishery.

For additional information on the fish rescue efforts to date please the recent National Post article.