Hungry seals shocked for salmon
By Colleen Dane - Comox Valley Record - April 30, 2008 | | | |

a new electronic seal deterrent was installed last week in the Courtenay River. PHOTO by kim leming
Boaters and swimmers are being warned about the new electronic seal deterrent now in place under the Fifth Street bridge.

An ad appearing in the Record notifies people who might be using the Courtenay River about the low-voltage deterrent, which is made of a series of lines strung underwater from shore to shore.

After preliminary tests for the equipment were run last year, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans decided to use it again this spring and summer as a way of stopping seals from feasting on migrating salmon in the lights under the bridge.

Restoration groups have said the seals are having a devastating effect on the fry, who are being caught in the riverway bottleneck by the mammals with an unnatural advantage.

Gary Taccogna, DFO’s salmon enhancement operations manager for the south coast, said the electronic deterrent is a part of a broader plan, which includes a licence to trap and kill seals targeting the fish ladder close to the Puntledge Hatchery.

He said they will monitor the electronic fence’s effectiveness, before considering further a cull downstream.

Boaters and swimmers are being warned about the deterrent —  which will be turned on from dusk to dawn until May 26, and then 24 hours a day from May 27 to July 18.

An operator will be on-site to de-energize the line if people are boating or swimming in the area. The public is asked to follow directions and posted signs.

Anyone with further questions can phone 703-0908. reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/comoxvalleyrecord/news/18387479.html