May 15, 2019

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge has pledged to scale down its salmon fishing program in an effort to reduce its ecological impact, and raise awareness about the diminishing wild salmon populations in Clayoquot Sound.

Native Chinook Salmon stocks have decreased at an alarming rate in recent years, which causes devastating collateral damage for the entire ecosystem. Most alarmingly, the endangered southern resident Orcas which feed solely on the fish. A combination of climate change, logging, overfishing, marine pollution, aquaculture and disease are some of the factors contributing to the decline.

While salmon fishing is one of the main attractions to the region and has been part of Clayoquot’s adventure programming since the lodge opened in 2000, in a considered decision based on the evidence seen in Clayoquot’s own backyard on the Bedwell River that Chinook are going extinct, the activity will be scaled down.

The remote luxury wilderness lodge is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, 40 minutes boat ride from Tofino, and great pride is taken in the sustainability practices implemented on site. An environmental legacy program is funded by the lodge directly as well as 3% environmental tax for guests. These days almost all funds raised go towards salmon conservation and rehabilitation.