Question Period Note: British Columbia Salmon Spawning

What is Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) doing to address the deaths of salmon reported by the Heiltsuk First Nation in Neekas Creek, British Columbia (BC)?

• The Neekas Creek area is experiencing extremely low water levels which, combined with warm temperatures, result in physiological stress on salmon.
• DFO is communicating with the Heiltsuk Nation and monitoring the water level situation in creeks throughout the Central Coast and BC.
• DFO Science is working to understand the broader impacts of climate change on Pacific salmon.
• The Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) represents the largest-ever Government of Canada investment to restore and protect Pacific salmon, and build resilience to climate change.

• On October 4, 2022, the Heiltsuk First Nation identified the death of approximately 63,000 adult Pink and 300 Chum salmon in Neekas Creek, located in the Central Coast area approximately 25 km north of Bella Bella, B.C. The apparent cause is extreme low water and low dissolved oxygen in the local creeks due to recent dry conditions.
• On September 18, 2022, a smaller pre-spawn die-off was initially reported by DFO Charter Patrol with concern raised over additional deaths if no rain events occurred. Low water levels and salmon escapements to this area have been low in recent years, with no commercial fisheries since 2017.
• DFO is monitoring the situation in Central Coast and other areas of the province experiencing similar dry conditions.
• Vancouver Island has also been experiencing an extended period of dry weather. Coupled with warmer water temperatures, current conditions for salmon in smaller river systems are generally poor, and there is unlikely to be sufficient rain to improve conditions within the next seven to ten days.
• In general, fish are not moving into systems in the area, rather they are staging in front of rivers, or in deep pools in rivers where possible to find cooler and more oxygenated water. Some species have commenced spawning (e.g. Pink Salmon or early-timed populations of Chum and Chinook Salmon) and their eggs are likely safe, provided they remain moist through groundwater or subsurface flows.
• A small number of flow-controlled systems are seeing water levels more typical for this time of year (e.g. Cowichan, Campbell, Qualicum and Stamp Rivers). However, reduction to flows in these systems are being implemented or may be required, should drought conditions persist. DFO is working with counterparts at the Province and BC Hydro, plus First Nations and Catalyst Crofton Paper in the Cowichan River, to manage the available water storage to mitigate negative impacts on salmon.
• In 2021-22, PSSI provided increased funding for climate change research, building on the 2019 State of Pacific salmon report, as well as introducing key activities and collaborative efforts needed to reduce the vulnerability of our social, economic and ecological systems to climate change.
• The Conservation and Stewardship pillar of PSSI focuses on taking action to improve Pacific salmon conservation, including the habitats and ecosystems that salmon rely on. Under this pillar, DFO is making investments in research, stock assessment, habitat restoration, and enforcement, both domestically and in international waters. The work under this pillar will also provide innovative ways to advance restoration outcomes, strengthen Pacific salmon stocks, and build resilience for climate change.

If pressed
• Pacific salmon stocks are facing persistent and severe challenges, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change.
• DFO’s State of Pacific Salmon report outlines how salmon are responding to climate and habitat changes, including increasing air and water temperatures, as well as changes in precipitation patterns.