Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)'s Salmon Enhancement Program installed a salmon trap under the causeway between Mannion Bay and the lagoon the morning of Aug. 17 with assistance from Bowen Island Fish and Wildlife volunteers and the Weismillers (on the excavator).
DFO engineers have determined that the Bridal Veil Falls fish ladders – built in the 1980s, according to BIFWC’s Tim Pardee – don’t allow for the spawning salmon to get from the waters below to the spawning habitat of upper terminal creek. Instead, during spawning season, BIFWC volunteers will check the cage daily and will themselves transport any spawning salmon to the creek above. Outside of spawning season (or when there aren’t many spawning salmon), the cage will remain open.
Ultimately, the hope is to build a whole new fish ladder that will see the salmon be able to swim themselves up the falls, said Pardee.
