Redfish!

Who knew fish were so interesting? And beautiful?! In my years working as a naturalist at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, I have developed an admiration and interest in one fish in particular – the amazing Kokanee Salmon of Kootenay Lake. The Redfish.

There is so much to say and to learn about the fish. How they are the keystone species of this ecosystem. That they are an iconic metaphor for the “cycle of life” as they die and leave their bodies as nutrients for future generations of salmon – and for the ecosystem. How they managed to survive for 10,000 years in freshwater after being cut off from going to the ocean by the emergence of Bonnington Falls on the Kootenay River. How the dams on Kootenay and Columbia Rivers have affected the fish. And how climate change will affect the Redfish in the future.

The Redfish are synonymous with survival. Perhaps even with hope. I think so.

Enjoy the video – a fish-eye view of the life of the Kokanee Salmon (go-pro footage taken with permission). https://vimeo.com/1013732448

all writing, photos and videos copyright J.A. Siderius 2024