British Columbia’s government has issued a protection order for the Salmon River, saying severe drought in the Thompson-Okanagan region is threatening Chinook salmon populations.
The temporary order restricts water use for forage crops and some industrial purposes, affecting more than 450 water license holders.
The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship said flows in the Salmon River have been well below the minimum threshold needed to support the fish population.
“Provincial staff are monitoring the situation and working to balance water uses with environmental flow needs,” it said in a statement Tuesday. “An order may be repealed if streamflow recovery is sufficient to protect the survival of fish populations.”
The ministry noted there are programs offering support for crop failure, loss of income and increased costs due to drought.
It’s the fourth time the province has issued a protection order for the Salmon River under the Water Sustainability Act since 2021.
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