The British Columbia government has issued a new temporary protection order for the Salmon River watershed, where chinook salmon have returned to spawn.

The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship says in a news release that the order aims to ensure enough water remains in the river amid ongoing drought conditions and low streamflow, which threaten fish survival.

It says technical staff have been monitoring conditions since a previous temporary protection order was issued on July 28, and then rescinded on Aug. 8, as farmers and ranchers dealt with increased wildfire risk in the region.

The salmon are endangered and the ministry says more than 200 chinook have entered the watershed at a critical stage in their life cycle.

The order now in effect means 458 surface water and groundwater licences and transitioning groundwater users in the watershed must stop using water for irrigation of forage crops, lawns, fairways and garden industrial purposes.

The ministry says those impacted will be contacted directly with a copy of the signed order.

It says provincial staff will continue monitoring streamflow, fish populations and watershed conditions throughout the season, and the order will be rescinded as soon as possible.

It says that will come “once conditions improve sufficiently to protect fish populations and critical environmental flows.”

“If a wildfire or firefighting occurs in the area of the temporary protection order, the Water Sustainability Act allows for water to be used,” the release says.

It notes that programs are in place to support farmers who experience crop failure due to drought, noting B.C.’s Agriculture Ministry is available to answer their questions and respond to claims.