Bull Trout
The
bull trout is the largest stream-dwelling char in Alberta.
They can weigh up to 12 kg (26 lbs.) and have been known to
reach lengths of 70 cm (28 inches) but sizes smaller than
this are more common in Waterton Park. It was once found in
large numbers in most eastern slopes drainages of Alberta,
including the Waterton and Belly River drainages of Waterton
Lakes and Glacier National Parks. In the 1920's, the bull
trout was chosen as a symbol of Waterton Lakes National Park
and used on the park entry license plate. The bull trout is
commonly referred to by anglers as the Dolly Varden (an
ocean and freshwater species occurring west of the
continental divide) but it is a separate species native to
Alberta and various western US states.
"No Black, Put it Back!"
It's not too late for the bull trout though! Waterton
Lakes National Park and the Province of Alberta are taking
steps to aid its recovery. In 1995, a complete ban was
implemented on the possession of bull trout by anglers. The
slogan developed to aid anglers in identification was
"No Black, Put it Back!" referring to the lack of
black spots or lines on the back or dorsal fin of the bull
trout. A bait ban was also introduced in the Belly and
Waterton Rivers and their tributaries to reduce hooking
mortality. Bull trout tend to swallow bait deeply and it is
often difficult to remove the hook without hurting or
killing the fish. Additionally, the North Fork of the Belly
River, known bull trout spawning habitat, was closed to all
fishing. Work is also being done to reduce the impacts of on
stream structures like culverts, dams, and weirs on bull
trout.
Parks Canada policies prioritize protection and
management of native species such as bull trout. This fish
contributes to biodiversity since it is suspected every bull
trout in the Province is a pure native with its original
gene pool intact. This genetic diversity should contribute
to recovery efforts by providing healthy, hardy breeding
fish and offspring. It's fortunate that some headwater areas
are protected in Waterton Lakes and Glacier, but outside the
parks habitat is often degraded or migration routes blocked.
Continued cooperation with outside agencies and individuals
will be needed to address these issues. It is very possible
that bull trout populations can be brought back to levels
approaching their historic numbers.
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