Salmon are crucial for the health of Pacific ecosystems, serving as a vital food source for Canadians and local wildlife. They hold immense cultural importance for Indigenous communities and support recreational, commercial fisheries, and tourism.
To protect and restore Yukon River Chinook salmon populations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, alongside the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, have forged a landmark seven-year agreement. Reflecting the severity of the species’ decline, the agreement mandates the suspension of all commercial, recreational, and domestic fisheries for Canadian-origin Yukon River Chinook salmon for a full lifecycle (seven years). This suspension will be enforced irrespective of salmon run abundance.
This historic agreement, developed in close partnership with Yukon First Nation Governments and the Salmon Sub-Committee, establishes enduring principles for the conservation and recovery of Canadian-origin Chinook salmon populations in the Yukon River watershed. Moreover, it commits the signatories to supporting Traditional Knowledge research and scientific investigations to:
- Investigate the causes of the decline
- Enhance efforts to minimize bycatch of Yukon River Chinook salmon in marine fisheries
- Allow for a limited ceremonial harvest of Chinook salmon when populations permit
- Undertake activities for habitat and stock restoration
- Develop a comprehensive long-term rebuilding plan for the salmon stock
Additionally, the agreement recognizes the necessity of addressing the cumulative, long-term impacts on Chinook salmon and their habitats arising from mining, hydroelectric development, and other factors affecting marine and freshwater environments’ condition and productivity.
The Yukon River Chinook salmon agreement underscores the significance of collaboration in effecting positive change. This commitment is essential to supporting the long-term recovery and rebuilding of Chinook salmon populations in the Yukon River.