First Nation Leads Historic Ghost Net Cleanup in B.C. Rivers
Lytton First Nation's 20-year effort to remove ghost nets from Fraser and Thompson rivers preserves salmon and aquatic ecosystems. Volunteers tackle rapids and rugged terrain.
Ghost Nets Threaten Salmon Ecosystems
Ghost nets—abandoned fishing gear left underwater—pose a severe threat to aquatic life, trapping and killing fish. For two decades, TLKemchEEN (Lytton First Nation) has spearheaded annual cleanups of the Fraser and Thompson rivers, aiming to protect salmon populations and restore river health.
A Community-Driven Effort
Volunteers, including members of the Stʼatʼimc Nation, gathered for a morning prayer and safety briefing before heading out. Over two days in September, 40 participants spent 20 combined hours navigating rapids and rugged terrain, from Lillooet to Yale. The cleanup traversed the challenging Hell’s Gate passage, where crews braved cold waters and watched over by eagles.
Volunteers Share Impact
Rebecca Riley, a Stʼatʼimc volunteer, described the experience as "gratifying and humbling." She noted, "I didn’t realize how much garbage and nets were left behind until I saw it with my own eyes." The cleanup fostered cultural exchange, with Indigenous participants sharing language and stories during breaks, while hot chocolate provided by Kumsheen Rafting warmed the crew.
A Legacy of Stewardship
TLKemchEEN’s program underscores a deep connection to the land and water, emphasizing that "the fishery is a communal right." The initiative, supported by local partnerships, continues to inspire community action and environmental stewardship across the region.