Water & Fish Habitat

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BC Hydro is committed to protecting fish and their habitat through initiatives that limit the impact of our operations near reservoirs, rivers and streams.

We use a strict set of operating and reporting rules called an environmental management system to reduce impacts on fish and wildlife. We also identify, monitor and record the impacts on fish throughout the hydroelectric system and work to limit these.

With a hydroelectric-based system, a number of factors can affect fish in their natural habitats that BC Hydro mitigates through various programs.

At reservoirs

At our reservoirs, changes in water levels can affect the spawning cycles of certain species of fish. As well, changes in plant life and nutrient levels can have an impact on the food chain. Typically, the slower moving water found in reservoirs can trap nutrients important to fish survival. To mitigate this, BC Hydro has used fertilization programs to help maintain the production of fish food and sustain fish populations.

At dams

Dams can also alter the natural habitat of fish by stopping them from moving upstream to reach their spawning grounds. Fish moving downstream can be drawn through water intakes that also put their survival at risk. BC Hydro uses different methods to help fish safely bypass our installations. Fish ladders and screens have been built at certain facilities to allow fish to travel upstream or downstream of dams. Where water flows affect fish, we undertake downstream enhancement projects, such as placing gravel in riverbeds to avoid fish strandings, creating spawning areas and installing woody debris to help to improve fish habitat. The Upper Columbia White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative is just one example of a collaborative venture involving BC Hydro and other concerned groups working together to research and monitor the Columbia white sturgeon and protect its habitat.

Near power lines

Where vegetation near streams must be cleared to ensure the safety and reliability of power lines, fish living in these areas are impacted by the decrease in shade and cover which are important for their survival. Using a comprehensive vegetation management process, BC Hydro considers terrain, climate and soil stability to prescribe a method to clear vegetation effectively which will protect fish and their spawning, resting and hiding areas.

Water use planning

The Water Use Planning process helps us take many of these fish and habitat concerns into account when deciding how to find a balance between competing uses of water that is environmentally, socially and economically acceptable to all British Columbians. BC Hydro also sponsors three fish and wildlife programs for the Columbia, Peace-Williston and Bridge Coastal watersheds.