Latest news with #DepartmentOfFisheries
CBC
6 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Churchill Falls fire now less active, but remains out of control, province says
Favourable weather and wind conditions have pushed a wildfire burning near Churchill Falls away from the community. Craig Coady, director of the wildfire program for the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, said crews remain on the scene to fight it.
CTV News
26-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Invasive fish captured in N.S. is first of such species found in Atlantic Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada says an invasive type of fish called a pond loach, seen in this handout image, has been found in Nova Scotia, marking the first such finding in Atlantic Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Fisheries and Oceans Canada NEW GERMANY — Fisheries and Oceans Canada says an invasive type of fish called a pond loach has been found in Nova Scotia, marking the first such finding in Atlantic Canada. A single, egg-bearing, female Oriental Weatherfish, or pond loach, was found in Morgans Falls, near New Germany, N.S., the federal department said in an emailed statement Monday. Fisheries and Oceans Canada said the fish species is native to eastern Asia, and that the one captured on April 29 was likely introduced to Nova Scotia after being released from an aquarium. Invasive species, such as the pond loach, are a problem because of the disruption they can cause to habitats and ecosystems. Pond loach can reproduce quickly, and once the fish is established in a new habitat, it may compete with native species for food, or prey on them directly. Releasing any aquatic species into a body of water where it is not native, unless authorized by federal, provincial or territorial law, is illegal under the federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations. 'To help prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species, do not let loose any aquatic species into a new body of water, down the drain, or into the sewers,' reads the statement from Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). The pond loach is brown or dark green with dark scattered speckles and a light-coloured underside. It has a long, cylindrical, eel-like body, that can measure between 10 and 25 centimetres in length. The fish also has between six and eight barbels, or whiskers, around its mouth. The fish prefer slow-moving, muddy or silty habitats, but the can survive in a range of environmental conditions. The pond loach has also been reported in southern British Columbia, the federal department said, but is not known to occur anywhere else in Canada. The DFO said it has not received any other reports of this species in Nova Scotia, and there are no loach species that are native to the province. If anyone suspects they have seen a pond loach, the DFO is asking them to report it, with pictures, if possible, to its aquatic invasive species division. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2025. The Canadian Press
CBC
17-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Having a fire this long weekend? A forest fire officer says campers need to be cautious
Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial forest fire duty officer says it's important to be cautious over the Victoria Day weekend, given the already high number of reported wildfires so far this year. The Newfoundland and Labrador active wildfire dashboard has reported 65 wildfires already this season. Jeff Motty said numbers have skyrocketed because of dry conditions. Just seven wildfires had been reported at the same time last year. A recent large-scale fire in the area of Adam's Cove, which saw homes destroyed, a state of emergency called and residents evacuated for days, points to the importance of keeping fires under control. Fire crews also fought a wildfire in the Whitbourne area earlier on Friday. "Fire chiefs and fire departments, they're all kind of concerned going into this weekend. Because we're going to see some nicer weather going into this weekend. And, you know, with nicer weather comes the opportunity to have campfires," Motty told CBC News on Friday. Motty said before any fire is started, it's important to first check local regulations, weather conditions and the risk of a wildfire in the area. The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture currently lists most of the province as having zero to low risk of a fire, but there are some exceptions. WATCH | Check the weather and your ATV muffler — for fire safety precautions: It's not just a stray spark that can cause a wildfire, warns N.L.'s fire officer ahead of long weekend 5 hours ago Duration 4:49 There have been 65 wildfires in Newfoundland and Labrador so far this year, compared to seven within the same time period last year. Jeff Motty, provincial forest fire duty officer, spoke with the CBC's Carolyn Stokes about the lesser-known precautions people need to take. Parts of central and southwestern Newfoundland, south of Flat Bay, are under a moderate risk. Terra Nova National Park was under a high risk on Friday. "You want to have your tools alongside you to be able to extinguish that campfire when you're done with it. So having a campfire, you want to make sure it's on a prepared site, [making sure] it's not too windy," Motty said. "You also want to make sure that you always keep that fire attended. And once you're done for the evening, you want to make sure you thoroughly soak that fire until you know it's out for sure." Motty said it's also important to keep any equipment you might use over the weekend — like an ATV or chainsaw — in clean, working order. He said they can be among the leading causes for human-caused wildfires. "That piece of dirt that gets up on the muffler, that can catch on fire and fall off behind you. You could be driving a long distance and not even know that you've created a wildfire behind you," he said. Motty said a provincial fire ban isn't being considered at the moment, but weather crews across the province are monitoring conditions.
CBC
07-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Fire crews responding to large wildfire near Badger Lake
Fire crews remain on the scene of a large wildfire near the Newfoundland community of Badger. Forest fire duty officer Jeff Motty told CBC News the size of the fire at Joes Lake, northwest of Badger, is yet to be determined. However, he said, it is currently 25 per cent contained and being held as of 3 p.m. NT Wednesday. "There's about 15 to 20 hotspots detected that the staff are continuing to work on," said Motty, adding there are no threats to infrastructure. The RCMP made a public advisory about the fire just after 1:30 p.m. NT on Wednesday. Firefighters are on the scene, along with members of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. A water bomber was also on the site, and has since returned to base, Motty said. The fire is not currently listed as active on the province's wildfire dashboard. Police say that roads are open, but traffic will be slow moving as crews remain on the scene.
