Wildfire News August 14, 2015

Click here to view the August 14th Newsletter from the Coastal Fire Centre.

Whale Watching from Private Boats

Friday's amazing Orca show was marred by the irresponsibility of the boaters and kayakers.  If we should be so fortunate to see this display again, it is hoped that private boat operators will understand the rights and wrongs of viewing. 

From Fisheries & Oceans Canada

Marine Mammal Regulations:

Regulatory amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations are being proposed to reduce human disturbance of marine mammals. There is concern that the cumulative effects of repetitive exposure and interaction with humans may interrupt or prevent marine mammals from completing normal life processes (e.g. mating, calving and nursing), cause habituation of the animals with human activities, and threaten the overall survival of individual animals.

Whale and marine mammal watching is an exciting boating activity enjoyed by Canadians and visitors to Canada every year. Viewing marine mammals in their natural surroundings provides an opportunity for the public to gain a better appreciation of these majestic creatures. 

In our excitement, we sometimes forget that our presence has an effect on wildlife and their habitat. Just like us, marine mammals need space to find food, choose mates, raise young, socialize, and rest.

When we get too close, approach too fast, or make too much noise, we may be disrupting these activities and causing unnecessary stress to the mammal. In some cases, we may be threatening their lives.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to the welfare of marine mammals, and as such would like to provide the public with the following whale watching tips for boaters to ensure you enjoy your wildlife encounter while reducing the risk of disturbing marine wildlife. 

• Keep your distance: Make sure to keep your vessel a safe distance away from the mammal at all times.   
• Slow down: Reduce your speed as you approach the mammal. Don’t change directions quickly.
• Approach from the side: Never approach a mammal head on as this will cut-off the mammals’ movements. Don’t park your boat in the path of a marine mammal.
• Keep clear: Never encircle mammals with boats or place your boat between individual mammals. If there are already several boats present, don’t approach. 

When engaged in whale watching look for the following signs that indicate a mammal is being disturbed:

• Continually changing its swimming speed or direction
• Diving more often 
• Discontinuing its activities of vocalizing, feeding, resting, nursing or socializing.
• Leaving the area
• Beginning or discontinuing aerial behaviors such as lob-tailing, flippering, or breaching

If you notice any of these signs, carefully move your boat away from the whale. 

You can help us protect marine mammals by visiting our Report a Fisheries Violation web page to report any activities that may be disturbing marine mammals.

Photo by Kathleen Thompson - Aug 2013 off of Botanical Beach 

Friendly Reminder ~ Water Storage Tank Access

Please remember that the TIVFD needs to be able to have clear truck access to the water storage tank on Foster Point Road at the Highways Yard during an emergency. Although trailers are often stored on the wide road allowance there, the Ministry of Highways has not granted permits for this use. The trailers can be a hazard to the efficient delivery of water to a fire.

TIVFD 

Nothing to do this Sunday?

Head down to the Sunday Market, at Telegraph Harbour Marina.

10AM to 1PM

Thank-you ~

A big thank you to all my friends who donated wine to my "Basket of Wine" for the Summer Soiree Fundraiser. I hear it was popular and that it went to a great group of people. (hint, hint).

Gloria Taylor

Lost! ~ Amethyst Gemstone

Amethyst gemstone lost from a ring setting.  Possibly went missing in Chemainus ferry lineup.  Stone is a smooth purple color and approximately 1/2" x 3/4". 

If found, please call Char at 604-997-7292.

Thanks.

Found: Bench in Memory of Teddy Suiker

Good news. Some kind dwarfs took the bench from the ferry to repair it. All is back and we can enjoy the view or a nice chat on it. Thank you.

Ralf Kempe

Update: Smoky Skies Advisory

Click here to view Advisory.

TIVFD

Lizard Lake Fire Update

Click on image to read bulletin.

Wanted: a small dome tent to borrow...

Our 2-person dome tent is on holiday with rellies in the Rockies and we’ve just been informed that houseguests are coming – a particular 5 year old who NEEDS a tent to sleep and play in that can be set up in our sunroom.  Has anyone got one we can borrow for the weekend? 

This Nana would be most grateful.

Cecilia (innessmc@telus.net)

Organic Garlic for Sale

My son, Noah, grows organic garlic on Galiano. He has two hardnecked varieties for sale: Georgian Fire (spicy) and Korean Purple. The price is $10/lb with about 8-10 heads per pound. The cloves are 175-2.25 inches in diameter. He will deliver them to me by boat before the end of the month. If anyone is interested in making an order, contact me at 250-246-8176.

Thanks. Ann Eriksson

Missing: Bench in Memory of Teddy Suiker

The bench in memory of Teddy Suiker normally located at the ferry information booth has disappeared. If anybody has any information on the whereabouts please contact Ralf Kempe 250-252-0053 or the Capernwray office 250-246-9440