The Haisla Nation Council has instituted a program in Kitamaat Village to monitor how residents deal with fish waste.
“The purpose of the monitoring program is to reduce the prevalence of fish remains left in the open or improperly disposed of in the community,” said HNC spokesperson Cameron Orr.
“The improper disposal of this waste is not only a major attractant for wildlife but it is also unhealthy for residents in the community.”
Through the program, residents can call the HNC office to report issues with fish dumping in the community. They can also ask for special assistance with the collection of fish waste.
Orr said the program, together with the installation of bear-proof garbage bins earlier this year, was significantly reducing the number of bear-human interactions in the village. He added that most garbage bins in Kitamaat Village have been converted to being bear proof, with another bear-proof bin soon to be placed at the Haisla Harbour boat launch site.
“The monitoring program also hopes to collect data on how fish waste is being disposed of in Kitamaat Village and to track wildlife sightings. This information will help guide further projects to reduce potential conflicts in the future.”
Conservation officer Scott Senkiw said the program is crucial for the health of the bear population, especially in light of the fact that six bears had already been destroyed in the district this year alone.
“The Conservation Officer Service fully supports any initiative that the Haisla Nation Council moves forward with to reduce human-wildlife conflict,” said Senkiw.
He said as far as he is aware this is the only program of its kind in the province.
“Monitoring how fish waste is disposed of is crucial, especially with recreational fishing being so popular. We find a lot of fishermen don’t dispose of their waste properly.”