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Fraser River at 'Crossroads': Swimmers Make a Splash for Conservation
23 Aug
Summary
- Swimmers are undertaking a 1,375-km relay swim down the Fraser River.
- The expedition aims to protect 30% of the Fraser rivershed by 2030.
- The Fraser River faces threats from industrial development and climate change.
A dedicated relay team is currently swimming the entire 1,375-kilometre length of British Columbia's Fraser River. This ambitious journey began on August 7 and is set to conclude around September 4.
The expedition, organized by the Fraser Riverkeeper Society, aims to bring attention to the vital importance of protecting the Fraser rivershed. Their goal is to achieve protection for 30% of the rivershed by the year 2030, a significant increase from the current 17.6% protected area.
Swimmers are covering approximately 40 kilometres daily, navigating the river's currents and rapids. They have been in the water since August 7, starting at Tête Jaune Cache and are expected to finish at Garry Point Park in Richmond. This journey offers a unique perspective on the river's health.
The Fraser River is described as being at a "crossroads." It faces severe threats from habitat fragmentation due to industrial activities, as well as the escalating impacts of climate change, including warmer waters, drought, floods, and wildfires. The river is crucial for salmon populations, forests, farms, and communities.
