The B.C. government says the ban is cautionary to protect the Fraser River watershed.
Article content
Lakes and rivers in B.C.’s Mount Robson Park will be closed for recreational use starting Monday in an effort prevent the spread of whirling disease in fish.
Article content
The B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks says the use of watercraft and wading gear will be prohibited in all lakes, rivers and creeks to stop the disease from entering the Fraser River watershed.
Article content
Article content
The restrictions apply to all motorized and non-motorized boats, such as canoes, kayaks and paddle boards, along with waders and boots typically used for fishing.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
Ministry staff say the restrictions are similar to measures recently announced in Banff and Jasper national parks to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Article content
Sunrise
Article content
Although the disease has not been detected at Mount Robson Park, the ministry said there is no treatment for it so a decision was made to take preventive measures.
Article content
B.C. Parks and Parks Canada are trying to prevent the spread throughout parks in the Rocky Mountains, including new restrictions on water activities in Banff and Jasper national parks, and restrictions in Yoho, Kootenay and Waterton national parks, along with Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.
Article content
Article content
Whirling disease is an infectious fin fish disease caused by a microscopic parasite that attacks the head, and spinal and nervous tissue of fish, according to a statement from the ministry. The disease damages the brain stem and spinal cord, resulting in an erratic swimming pattern.
Article content
The movement of fish, mud and water can spread whirling disease. It can also be transmitted through spores that attach to equipment used for outdoor recreation.
Article content
Juvenile trout, salmon and whitefish are the species most susceptible and can die from the disease.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
Whirling disease is not a health risk to humans or pets, according to the ministry.
Article content
The first case of whirling disease in Canada was detected in Banff in 2016. Then, in December 2023, B.C. recorded its first case of whirling disease at Yoho National Park in the Columbia River watershed. It has since spread to Kootenay Lake.
