Science to Inform Management of Skeena River Salmon and Steelhead Stocks
Science to Inform Management of Skeena River Salmon and Steelhead Stocks
Vancouver, B.C.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Province of British Columbia have asked the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) to lead a fully independent scientific review process designed to enhance the management and conservation of Skeena River salmon and steelhead populations, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, federal Minister
of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable Barry Penner, British
Columbia?s Minister of the Environment, announced today. This process
is supported by the generous financial support of the Gordon and Betty
Moore Foundation.
“With this scientific review we are confirming that conservation of
wild Skeena River salmon and steelhead continues to be the highest
priority for both Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Province
of British Columbia in our management of these precious resources,”
said Minister Hearn. “Our objective is to ensure that future
recreational and commercial fisheries continue to be sustainable and
viable for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of Canada.”
“Skeena River steelhead, coho and chinook offer amazing recreational
opportunities to British Columbians and visitors from around the
world,” said Minister Penner. “The independent scientific review and
subsequent stakeholder consultations will support the conservation and
proper management of these amazing species. Fisheries management
decisions for the Skeena River system based on the best available
science, including Aboriginal traditional knowledge, will help protect
the resource while maintaining economic benefits for local communities.”
The Pacific Salmon Foundation is coordinating the independent
scientific review together with the introduction of a new watershed
process on concerns over the status of salmon and steelhead stocks
from the Skeena River. This will help DFO implement the Wild Salmon
Policy, including the introduction of conservation units and an
eco-system approach to fisheries management in the Skeena River.
The independent scientific review is being led by fisheries scientists
from Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia and
the United States. It includes an assessment of the current status of
fish stocks in the river and the existing in-season fisheries
management and stock assessment tools. Advice will be provided on the
best approach to consider and respond to risk related to climate
change and uncertain marine survival. As well, the review is
evaluating ways to address the recovery of depleted stocks from the
Skeena River.
The report of the scientific panel, expected in the coming months,
will support and provide input to a watershed planning process that
will involve First Nations, commercial, recreational and other
non-government organizations. Both the scientific review and watershed
planning process are intended to complement, not replace, the policies
and obligations that the federal and provincial governments have to
First Nations. A planning session to begin to develop a watershed
process is currently underway.