B.C. salmon could drastically decline due to extreme temperature events: UBC report
We’re used to seafood cooked in a pan or barbecue, but researchers say new findings show many ocean species could be heated to death in the ocean.
A new report led by researchers at the University of British Columbia shows scientists have been underestimating the effects of climate change on our oceans and the creatures that dwell within them.
"We haven't put into account these high temperature events,” said William Cheung, director of UBC’s Changing Oceans Research Unit.
The report shows extreme heat events, such as the B.C. “heat dome” in June have not been properly considered.
Scientist now say that with the normal rate of climate change and more frequent extreme heat events, ocean species could face a grim future.
According to the Changing Oceans Research Unit, 77 per cent of all global sea life could decline in the coming decades.
It also found that half of B.C.’s iconic salmon species could be wiped out by 2050.
"Writing has been on the wall now for many years of the lowered levels in our fish-bearing streams and increased temperatures,” said Richard McBride, general manager of the Finest At Sea seafood market in Victoria.
Seafood producers say they have always faced an uphill battle with government restrictions and shrinking catch allotments, and when adding a worsening climate future, their lives become even more difficult.
"Worse and worse every year,” said McBride. “It's getting bad.”
Researchers say their findings will significantly impact the fishing industry, coastal First Nations and communities which rely on the sea.
While the report focused on the future impacts of sea life, an island industry may already be playing the role of canary in the coal mine.
B.C’s Shellfish Growers Association says June’s “heat dome” caused a massive die-off on coastal farms.
According to the organization based in Courtenay, B.C., most producers suffered between 30 to 70 per cent mortality after the blazing sun cooked shorelines.
The heat wave also coincided with a low tide.
"Unfortunately, we understand that we can expect these events to happen more frequently and be more intense,” said Jim Russell with the Shellfish Growers Association. “Not good news for shellfish.”
UBC researchers say if we want to avoid their shocking, and not so distant predictions, two things need to happen.
Government must be able to implement local and up-to-the-hour fishing restrictions to save at risk species. And, the entire planet needs to focus on reducing climate change impacts, which are helping to heat oceans.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.