Question Period Note: Fraser Sockeye – Pacific Salmon Commission Secretariat

What is Canada doing about the United States fisheries on Fraser sockeye, based on recommendations from the Pacific Salmon Commission Secretariat?

• On August 18th, the Pacific Salmon Commission Secretariat made run size recommendations for Fraser sockeye that Canada felt were too optimistic.
• Canadian officials were clear in their opposition to the recommendation from the Secretariat
• As a result, Canada took a more precautionary approach by electing to delay commercial and recreational fishery openings while the United States opened commercial and recreational fisheries for two days.
• Canada and the United States have subsequently worked through the established Pacific Salmon Commission process to adjust run size recommendations, leading to the closure of United States fisheries.

• At a special meeting of the Fraser Panel on August 18th, as part of the implementation process for the Pacific Salmon Treaty, the Pacific Salmon Commission staff made run size recommendations for Summer and Late runs of Fraser sockeye that Canada felt were too optimistic given the poor returns and early timing pattern observed at that time.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Policies (Wild Salmon Policy, Salmon Allocation policy and the Sustainable Fisheries Framework) all emphasize that for DFO the primary goal is conservation. Further, the precautionary approach sets out the importance of proceeding cautiously when information is uncertain.
• The United States (US) supported the Pacific Salmon Commission Secretariat’s overly optimistic run size projection and put forward some fisheries proposals, which were opposed by Canada.
• The language in the Treaty (Chapter 4 Fraser River Sockeye and Pink Salmon) requires only one party to agree with the Pacific Salmon Commission Secretariat recommendations for them to be adopted: “if the panel does not mutually decide on additional escapement amounts, the Commission staff shall make a recommendation that shall become effective upon consent by at least one National Section of the Panel”. This essentially overrules one of the parties if the PSC staff and the other party are in agreement (i.e. 2/3rds rule).
• As a result, the US opened an “All Citizens” and “Tribal” fishery on August 20 and 21, while Canada maintained both a commercial and recreational fishery closure for Fraser River Sockeye.
• Canada communicated concerns at a small bilateral working group (Chair to Chair) discussion during the Panel meeting following the run size recommendation. Canadian officials were clear in their opposition to the recommendation from the Secretariat.
• Canada also reminded the US that they have previously stated that they are committed to conservation and are willing to share in the burden of conservation as both countries work together.
• Furthermore, Canada was open to considering reduced fisheries and/or delaying decisions until the regular scheduled panel meeting the next day when more information would be available for consideration.
• At a Special Fraser Panel Meeting held on August 22, based on updated information, the Pacific Salmon Commission Secretariat recommended run size reductions for Summer and Late run Sockeye stocks to 3.5 million and 1.2 million respectively resulting in the closure of the Sockeye fishery in the US.
• Canada was able to course correct by working through the established Pacific Salmon Commission process; however, the US overage on late run fish has impacted Canada’s ability to harvest its total allowable catch (TAC).
• This is the first time that Canada and the US have not managed to come to bilateral agreement on run sizes and fishing plans since the clause was included in the Chapter 4 language.
• Canada is continuing to work through the Pacific Salmon Commission, including with the Secretariat and the US, through the established process on in-season decisions.
• Conservation remains Canada’s priority and harvest opportunities will be supported, where possible, based on the latest science information.
• Canada has several options for review of the outcomes of the Fraser Panel process in the post-season, with annual reports being prepared by the panel, as well as a post-season panel meeting in September, and Annual Pacific Salmon Treaty meetings in January and February of 2023.

If pressed
• Canada continues to work with the Pacific Salmon Commission and the United States through the established process on in-season decisions.
• Canada continues to ensure decisions are based on the best available science and reflect a precautionary approach based on conservation.