Many human activities have the potential to negatively affect wild salmon in their natural habitat. For example, agricultural, industrial and household chemicals can kill young salmon. Urban development can cause “runoff” - water that runs off quickly into storm drains, ditches and sewer systems and eventually ends up in rivers and lakes, polluting water and killing fish. The more runoff, the more risk of flooding, which can erode stream banks and destroy spawning beds.
The health of the salmon population depends on the health of their natural habitat. Please consider doing your part to help conserve our salmon stocks.
Ways you can help to reduce runoff and protect salmon habitat:- Reduce or eliminate pesticides and chemicals in your garden
- Water lawns and gardens carefully
- Plant trees; avoid landscaping plastic and limit use of bark mulch
- Read and follow the directions on any lawn and garden chemicals carefully and dispose of them properly
- Sweep walkways and driveways rather than hosing them down
- Keep your exhaust clean
- Fix leaky crankcases and transmissions
- Use low-phosphate soaps when you wash your car
- Recycle used crankcase oil
In the Pacific Region of Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has a long history of stewardship and community involvement through initiatives such as the Salmonid Enhancement Program. The DFO website also provides resources to assist Canadians on the Pacific coast in their stewardship and community involvement activities.
Source: Adapted from Home Tips for Clean Streams, a brochure produced by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
