Fishing is banned in certain rivers of the western province of Alberta because warmer-than-usual water temperatures are stressing the fish. Record-high temperatures and extremely low rainfalls across western Canada are causing the worst drought in more than a decade. And a lack of snow last winter means there is less than the usual amount of water usually provided when it melts.
That has led to low water levels in several rivers and streams in southern Alberta, higher water temperatures and lower oxygen levels. As a result, provincial authorities have banned fishing and have even forbidden the practice of catch and release on certain waterways.
Drought causes worse fires, crop failures
The drought has also worsened wildfires in British Columbia and caused headaches for many farmers. Several counties in Alberta have declared agricultural emergencies. Neighbouring Saskatchewan is loosening crop insurance rules and the federal government will defer taxes for livestock producers suffering losses because of feed shortages.
Conditions are prompting westerners to wonder if the extreme weather has to do with climate change.
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