This summer, Northwestern residents have reported an unpleasant sight: rotting fish parts littering shores. This issue highlights the importance of following proper fish disposal practices and adhering to local fishing regulations.
So, what should you do with those unused fish parts? Michael Price, SkeenaWild’s Director of Science, has a clear answer: “Truly, it should just go back into the river where the fish was caught. Ideally, you’re simply returning those nutrients back to the river system... Those nutrients are going to go back to the river.”
Returning fish remains to the river mimics the natural cycle of salmon spawning and dying, where vital nutrients are released back into the ecosystem. Removing these parts disrupts this cycle.
Beyond disposal, other key rules apply:
- Catch Limits & Timing: Regulations vary by region and body of water, dictating which species can be caught, when, and at what size. Always check local guidelines before fishing.
- Fish Identification: Fisheries Officers need to be able to identify your catch. As Michael Price explains, “You can’t remove the skin so that the identifying features of a species are removed, so you got to keep the skin on... you’d need to leave it in a form that officers, if you’re stopped, can identify the fish and see you have a license to catch those fish.”
By being mindful of these regulations and returning unused fish parts to the river, anglers contribute to a healthier ecosystem and ensure sustainable fishing for the future. Price urges everyone to be considerate of others when cleaning fish and to prioritize returning nutrients to the river. This simple act helps maintain the delicate balance that allows people to enjoy fishing in the first place.