Boating and fishing are banned for another year in Kootenay and Yoho National Parks as Parks Canada seeks to contain the spread of whirling disease.
The ban was initially put into place in March of 2024, with plans to lift it on March 25, 2025.
However, Parks Canada says the prevalence of the parasite-borne illness made extending the closure until March 31, 2026, necessary.
“The closures are designed to help protect fish species vulnerable to whirling disease, including several trout species and Kokanee salmon,” said Francois Masse, Superintendent for Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.
“The closures will also provide Parks Canada with an opportunity to conduct further sampling and monitoring actions, which will inform future management actions.”
The extension is meant to limit the spread of whirling disease as Parks Canada makes plans to handle the illness.
B.C. government officials say whirling disease is caused by a microscopic parasite that attaches itself to fish and aquatic worms.
The parasite damages its host’s brain stem and spinal cord, causing it to swim in an erratic whirling pattern.
Masse says the illness cannot be spread to humans, but it is particularly deadly to juvenile fish.
“Whirling disease mortality rates can reach 90 per cent in young fish,” explained Masse.
“There is no treatment for whirling disease and once established, it is very difficult to eradicate.”
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