DFO restricts vehicle access to recreational area on Fraser River in effort to protect fish habitat

DFO restricts vehicle access to recreational area on Fraser River in effort to protect fish habitat

By Michelle Gomez

Source: MSN

7/29/2022

Credit: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Officers locked a road access gate early Thursday morning, restricting vehicles from entering parts of provincial Crown land that lead to the gravel bar and side channels.

Gill Bar contains important fish habitat — including all five Pacific salmon species — and holds cultural significance for local First Nations, according to a statement from the DFO.

DFO fishery officer Mike Fraser said the impact of vehicles on the fish habitat has been a concern for many years, particularly following an increase in use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Fish habitat is not the place to be operating off-road vehicles," he said.

Concerned citizens and environmental groups have expressed concern about the impact of motor vehicles on Gill Bar during the past few years, said Fraser.