Waterways in B.C.’s Mount Robson Park closed to prevent whirling disease in fish
The B.C. government says the ban is cautionary to protect the Fraser River watershed.
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Lakes and rivers in B.C.’s Mount Robson Park will be closed for recreational use starting Monday in an effort to prevent the spread of whirling disease in fish to the world’s largest salmon-producing river.
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The B.C. Environment and Parks Ministry says the use of watercraft and wading gear will be prohibited in all lakes, rivers and creeks to stop the disease from entering the Fraser River watershed.
The restrictions apply to all motorized and non-motorized boats, such as canoes, kayaks and paddle boards, along with waders and boots typically used for fishing.
Ministry staff say the restrictions are similar to measures recently announced in Banff and Jasper national parks to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Although the disease hasn’t been detected at Mount Robson Park, the ministry said there is no treatment for it so a decision was made to take preventive measures.
B.C. Parks and Parks Canada are trying to prevent the spread throughout parks in the Rocky Mountains, also including restrictions in Yoho, Kootenay and Waterton national parks, along with Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.
Whirling disease is an infectious fin fish disease caused by a microscopic parasite that attacks the head, and spinal and nervous tissue of fish, according to a statement from the ministry. The disease damages the brain stem and spinal cord, resulting in an erratic swimming pattern.
The movement of fish, mud and water can spread whirling disease. It can also be transmitted through spores that attach to equipment used for outdoor recreation.
Juvenile trout, salmon and whitefish are the species most susceptible and can die from the disease, meaning that if it got into the Fraser River watershed, it could be devastating to the salmon population.
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Whirling disease isn’t a health risk to humans or pets, however the economic and ecological impact of this disease on the Fraser River system is considered “extremely high,” according to the B.C. government.
This is because once introduced, the disease is nearly impossible to eradicate in wild fish populations. It can persist in sediment and water, with spores surviving for more than 30 years.
“The potential impact of whirling disease in the Fraser River watershed is difficult to predict,” said the province in a statement.
The first case of whirling disease in Canada was detected in Banff in 2016. Then, in December 2023, B.C. recorded its first case of whirling disease at Yoho National Park in the Columbia River watershed. It has since spread to Kootenay Lake, and has also been detected in the neighbouring provinces and states of Alberta, Idaho, Montana and Washington.
As of 2024, it’s mandatory to remove drain plugs when transporting any watercraft to prevent the movement of the parasite between provinces and regions. All equipment such as boats and kayaks must be cleaned, drained and dried for at least 24 hours between water bodies.
In a statement the province said its main focus now is on co-ordinating disease response activities such as surveillance in the Columbia River watershed, installing warning signs at boat launches and in provincial parks, and a co-ordinated education campaign at watercraft inspection stations.
