Question Period Note: Chinook salmon

What is the Department doing to protect Fraser River Chinook salmon?

• The challenges facing at risk Fraser River Chinook salmon stocks are multi­faceted. The road to recovery requires a long-term view and we are committed to continuing collaboration with all interested parties.
• Chinook salmon management measures have been difficult for harvesters, but are necessary to support conservation and rebuilding of these stocks.
• The measures for Fraser River Chinook were developed following consultation with Indigenous communities, recreational and commercial fishing organizations, and environmental organizations.

• All but one of 16 southern British Columbia (BC) Chinook runs have been designated as Endangered, Threatened, or of special concern by the COSEWIC in Canada.
• Management measures for 2020 Chinook were developed following consultation with Indigenous groups, recreational and commercial fishing organizations and environmental organizations. These measures are one component of a larger strategy for sustainability of at risk Pacific salmon populations. The measures include the following:
• Commercial fishing: commercial troll fisheries for Chinook was closed until August 20 in Northern BC, and August 1 on the west coast of Vancouver Island to avoid impacting Fraser Chinook stocks and to support conservation priorities;
• Recreational fishing: the 2020 management measures for recreational fisheries where at risk Chinook stocks may be encountered were designed to avoid impacts on Fraser Chinook stocks of concern. The measures for recreational fishing ranged from no retention during certain periods, no fishing for salmon near the Fraser River, reduced daily limits, and maximum size limits (i.e. to protect large female spawners). For the Fraser River, recreational fisheries are closed to salmon fishing.
• First Nations food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) fisheries: in-river fisheries, which have a constitutionally protected priority, were managed with very limited opportunities when at risk Chinook were present. To ensure the maximum possible number of Chinook salmon that manage to pass through the Big Bar landslide barrier successfully reach their spawning grounds, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is working with First Nations in these areas to minimize Chinook harvests above the slide site.

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