Long may they run

Sustainable fisheries are fundamental to the health of coastal and inland communities, and to the survival of wildlife such as killer whales, bears, and wolves that depend on salmon. Raincoast champions fisheries management that can restore and protect wild, abundant, and diverse salmon runs, ensuring they reach their spawning grounds in the smallest creeks and the largest rivers.

To achieve this, we engage directly in fisheries management — both within federal decision making processes and independent of them. This year, we assessed fishing plans and submitted science-based recommendations for all salmon species. We provided scientific advice on the health of salmon populations under review through the Fisheries Act, and offered input on issues from hatchery policy to prey for endangered killer whales.

We worked with government and stakeholders to advance the application of new research on mortality rates of Chinook salmon released in sport fisheries. In 2024, almost 240,000 Chinook were released in southern BC recreational fisheries. Adequately accounting for the potential mortality that might result from catch and release practices is critical to responsible management, particularly where endangered Chinook populations overlap with healthier runs that support fisheries.

Beyond these processes, we spoke up when government contracts for vital “creekwalkers” were delayed — leaving the guardians who count spawning salmon, and underpin fisheries management, out of the rivers. We published new research assessing the Wild Salmon Policy on its 20 year anniversary, had our solutions for Chinook recovery featured in the documentary Shared Waters, Shared Crisis, and released two new videos exploring the issue of shrinking Chinook salmon and prey for killer whales. Each of these efforts amplifies science, advocacy, and public awareness to help rebuild the health and resilience of BC’s wild salmon.