So, over the past few weeks I have come across an alarming number of Steelhead that are showing signs of predators. well over 50% of the fish landed are marked, bitten, or scarred. I have also seen 2 seals in the Cowichan this season, up to just below Stoltz, and have been hearing of many other sightings up to horseshoe bend. IMPO this is a BIG problem and needs to be addressed - the more fodder for some targeted harvesting of seals the better chance it will have of happening. I am not advocating for a coast-wide cull, just a select harvest of problem/nuisance seals. I observed some similar scarred fish in the Gold River in the Mid 2000's and fear that if nothing is done that we may end up in a similar situation with only a handful of fish returning. The Cowichan is one of VERY FEW remaining functioning winter Steelhead runs on the coast. PLEASE!!! post pics of injured/marked fish and any sightings of seals.
some from this year between me and others.
some from this year between me and others.