Count me as one who also suggests that before action is taken a far more in depth study of the Bow River fish population needs to occur.
It has been suggested that angling is the primary factor in population reduction/harm.
However, many of us have observed that over the past 20 or more years the increasing large populations of fish eating predatory birds (some that weren't seen here prior, such as the pelicans) that have moved into the region and hunt the bow every day, 365 days a year. Pelicans and Cormorants eat alot of fish and there are alot of Pelicans and Cormorants to sustain these days.
Efforts to reduce angling pressure could have little effect without addressing the Pelican, Cormorant, Eagle, and other bird pressure along the river.
It's been widely recognized from Ontario to Lac La Biche in Walleye repopulation efforst that preditory bird population control, particularly Cormorants, is a critical part of sustaining healthy sport fish populations.
The Bow River fishery is no different.
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