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Animal-rights Group Urges Cull Alternative
posted on April 13, 2008
DFO looks for solution to fish-nabbing seals
Animal-rights group urges cull alternative
Judith Lavoie, Times Colonist
Published: Saturday, April 12, 2008
Some seals on the Puntledge River in Courtenay have found the ultimate answer to catching salmon, but they're in for a lethal surprise.
Several animals have taken up position by the fish ladder at the Puntledge River Hatchery, said Gary Taccogna, Department of Fisheries and Oceans area operations manager.
"They're taking the salmon and steelhead right off the fish ladder," he said. "There are about four of them, but we're not sure if it's the same four seals or if they are taking turns.
"Salmon runs on the Puntledge are already being battered by seals which lie in the shadows of the Fifth Street Bridge in Courtenay and DFO has issued a licence to kill nuisance seals.
In an effort to get rid of the animals by the fish ladder, a prototype trap has been constructed, which will allow salmon through, but the hinged gate will close behind seals.
Once trapped, the seals will be shot, as shooting and clubbing are the only approved methods of killing them, Taccogna said.
Meanwhile, in an effort to limit the number of seals which have to be killed, an underwater electric deterrent, which puts a low-level pulse into the water, will be installed in the river April 27.
During a brief trial last year it did appear to deter the seals and the Pacific Salmon Commission has now approved an extended trial, Taccogna said.
The idea of shooting seals is not sitting well with Peter Hamilton of Lifeforce, a Vancouver based animal rights group, who wants to try out his "playback" method of discouraging seals.
The sounds of predators, played through an underwater speaker, often deters them, he said.
"I am waiting for a response from DFO," said Hamilton, who would also like the baby salmon from the hatchery released into the ocean, not the river.
"Shooting seals is not only inhumane, but it won't work," he said.
jlavoie@tc.canwest.com |
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