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Press Release
Tofino Area's Sport Fishing Best in Decade
July 09, 2009
West Coast Vancouver Island Destination's Nutrient-rich Waters Boost Salmon Stocks
Tofino, BC, July 9, 2009 - Tofino, the Vancouver Island destination known for its uncrowded beaches, variety of accommodations, restaurants and activities, is experiencing the best sport fishing season in ten years according to Tourism Tofino, the area's destination marketing organization.
"So far the 2009 season has been excellent for Chinook and Coho salmon - the two main sport fishing species in our area," said Jay Mohl, owner of Tofino's Clayoquot Ventures www.tofinofishing.com, a guide service specializing in sport fishing experiences that promote sustainable fisheries. "We expect to see significantly more wild salmon in the area than we have in almost a decade. Approximately two million Coho, up to one million Chinook and more than fifteen million Pink salmon will pass by Tofino waters this season."
The current increase in salmon stocks feeding in the Tofino area is due in part to higher levels of protein-rich northern Copepod (plankton), a significant local marine food source that had been depleted in the warmer waters caused by recent years of the Southern Oscillation ocean-atmosphere phenomenon, commonly referred to as the El Nino effect. Cooler springtime waters have boosted plankton levels, providing ample nourishment for juvenile salmon and improving ocean survival rates.
Along with the millions of salmon migrating past Tofino to hundreds of different Pacific Northwest watersheds to spawn, the area is a prime wintering area for many Chinook stocks in the second and third years of their life cycle. Cooler water temperatures have also had a positive effect on mature salmon food sources such as needlefish, herring and squid supporting the Tofino area's sustainable year-round fisheries. In addition to salmon sport fishing, anglers from around the world come to Tofino to fish for halibut, ling cod, rock fish and a variety of freshwater species including Native Steelhead and trout.
About the Tofino 2009 Sport Fishing Season
With sustainable year-round sport fishing opportunities, Tofino welcomes sport anglers from around the world to its celebrated coastline and the pristine and protected waters of Clayoquot Sound. Wild salmon inhabit the area all year with prime Chinook salmon (also known as King or Tyee salmon) fishing occurring from April through September. Coho salmon stocks are prevalent from June through October, and Pink and Sockeye salmon are often available from mid-July through August. Halibut Fishing is open all months of the year aside from January. Anglers must obtain a valid Tidal Fishing License available in 1-3-5 day or annual increments. The average price for a 1-day license for residents or non-residents is approximately $12 which includes a Salmon Conservation Stamp.
About Tofino
Tofino is a premier, year-round travel destination located on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Bounded by the open Pacific Ocean, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofino is known for its accessible beaches and unparalleled visitor experiences including whale and wildlife watching, saltwater and freshwater sport fishing, surfing, kayaking, boating, hiking, winter storm watching and tide pool discovery. Tofino also offers a wide variety of accommodation choices, fine dining and casual restaurants, health spas, and galleries featuring local and First Nations artists.
About Tourism Tofino www.tourismtofino.com
A division of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Tofino is a not-for-profit destination marketing organization (DMO) that promotes Tofino's extensive destination attributes, local events and hospitality industry businesses. Tourism Tofino also partners with other tourism organizations to create awareness of regional tourism initiatives for visitors word-wide.
Media Contact
Lynda Kaye
Kaye Public Relations for Tourism Tofino
250-725-235
lynda@kayepr.com