Recently while on a Family Fun Fishing charter near the Lenard Island Lighthouse a Humpback Whale swam quite close to the boat and rolled over on its side.  That day we caught a bunch of Copper Rock Fish at a depth of about 15 m. , which we released. 

As an experienced ex-commercial fisherman who caught and supplied live Rock Fish for the (high-end) Asian restaurant market I know these fish will survive.  Fisheries studies show that 90% of these fish die, however, that study was done at 90 m. (300 ft) with commercial gear, however, almost all of the fishing we do on our fishing charters are at 12 to 20 m (40 to 65 ft).  Fishing at these much shallower depths and bringing the fish up much slower is considerably less damaging to the fish and the vast majority do survive.  As a `Live Cod Fisherman`, no buyer would have paid me 10x the price of a dead fish if they didn`t make to the restaurants alive.  I believe our `Catch & Policy` is a great way of educating up and coming fishers to ensure healthy sustainable fish populations.

 

Recently, while entering Ahous Bay for remote island surfing and camping drop-off on the West Side on Vargas Island, we encountered 4 Gray Whales feeding.  On the return cruise back to Tofino there were 8 whales in Ahous Bay, it is always great to see larger numbers of whales and wildlife in Clayoquot Sound. 

The Remote Surfing and Camping drop-off is at a very protected smaller cove just West of Ahous Bay, with a 5 minute hike through the forest to a beautiful prestine beach with a great surfing break on Vargas Island.  That beach with some sand dunes is known locally as Little BaJa; it is a great place to Camp, Surf, and Beachcomb.  I should mention there is a food cache and a toilet at the drop-off cove.  Few people go there and with plenty of beach you should be able to find your solitude if that's what you're looking for. 

Info from BC Parks is 1st `Comment`, I was unable to post the article directly.

Over this past week BC Parks has received numerous reports of close wolf encounters on Vargas Island.
A number of these reports indicate that one or more animal(s) is habituated and is looking for human food.

Further to this, following the steps below will help prevent wolves from habituating to humans and becoming food conditioned:

It is extremely important to discourage wolves from approaching people. The larger the space between you and the wolf, the safer it is for both you and the wolf.

If a wolf appears and acts unafraid, take the following action as soon as you notice the animal:

Remember: The wolves needs to know that you may be a threat to them.

It is extremely important that park visitors ensure all food and items smelling of food are stored out of reach of wildlife.

Please follow the above camping ethics when in wolf country and help keep wolves wild.

It is common for wolves to feed on seal and sea lion carcasses that have washed up on the shores of the coastal islands. To allow natural feeding, BC Parks is asking all hikers, campers, and kayakers to avoid camping or hanging out at locations where a seal or sea lion carcass has washed ashore. As well, if in a vessel or kayak, do not approach wolves that are foraging along the coastline or swimming across channels. The fact that you are on a vessel or in a kayak will not eliminate the course of habituation.

Please report wolf sighting to BC Parks staff; and report any wildlife - human interactions where public safety is at risk by dialing 24 hour hotline 1-877-952-7277.

BC Parks is asking all park users to, "Report any human-wildlife interaction where public safety is at risk."  This includes any activities like leaving food for wolves and/or 'baiting' animals to increase photo opportunities.  Any activity that habituates wild predatory animals to human contact most often leads to their demise and I'm sure none of us want to be responsible for the death of bears or wolves; or for that matter an animal attack on another person, particularly a child.

 

BC Parks is also asking us to report all wolf sightngs.

 

To report call 250 954-4618 or 250 725-2149.  For more information checkout www.bcparks.ca 

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations has just established a new trail-head at their village of Opitsat, however, at this time it is only open for hikers supervised by First Nations guides.  I'll get you more information including a contact number for the guides as the situation develops.  Return boat transport to and from the new closer landing has been reduced by $5 from the below prices.  The old landing at Kakawis is no longer open; so at this time if you want to hike Lone Cone, you must do it with a guide.

 

BC Parks is strongly recommending that DOGS not be brought to the island.  There was an attack recently in the Flores Island Prov. Park were a dog was killed.

Someone wrote about their concerns with regard to soil erosion and root damage on the Big Tree Trail 3km. Loop; unfortunately I somehow deleted that comment.  The person was advising not to hike beyond the boardwalk.  I should add that First Nations has been maintaining and upgrading the trail including the loop with funds from your trail access fee and hopefully their efforts will minimize the damage. 

 

Note to the concerned person who wrote the 'deleted comment':  Please post it again and I will keep it on my Blog. 

Sincerely,

Dennis Kay owner/operator Clayoquot Connections tours

 Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations is relocating the Lone Cone Trail drop-off location closer to Tofino.  That is expected to be ready by the Queen Victoria Day long weekend on May 18, when the new trail-head is open rates will be dropped be $5.