The British Columbia Salmon Fishery

in Jeopardy
Population Ecology
Biology 113 notes, 2014
Population Biology Meets Human Cultural Dynamics
How are salmon counted?
Combination of racial analysis, test fishing, hydroacoustics and actual catch
statistics
Recent sockeye salmon seasons in the Fraser River
In 2009, more than 11 million sockeye predicted but only 1.5 million showed
up
In 2010, more than 30 million (largest return in 100 years)!
In 2011, 4.5 million sockeye returned
In 2012, only 2.3 million showed up
In 2013, things started looking a bit better recovered sharply
What about 2014 and beyond?
If the early signals are correct, the Fraser River could have the biggest
salmon run in B.C. history this summer, with up to 72 million sockeye
returning.

min. 7.3 million; mid-range 23 million

Globe and Mail, March 5th, 2014

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/anticipated-salmonrun-could-overwhelm-fraser-river-this-summer-experts-say/article17336330/

Video:
Counter
currents: The
fight for fish
on the Fraser
River.
Kelowna,
B.C.:
Filmwest
Associates;
Vancouver, B.C.: Image Media Services [distributor], 1993. [Call number
SH 349.68]
Video notes:
What is the significance of the fishery to natives? To the non-natives? Do you see a
significant difference between these?
Natives saw themselves as guardians of the fishery. Economic & cultural survival
Non-natives see it as an industry to make money
The difference is that one cares about money, other cares abut maintaining balance

Points made by the non-native commercial salmon fishermen:

Based on race
Natives were overfishing
2

Rivers/fisheries were unmanageable

Points made by native salmon fishermen:

Points made by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans:

Providing economic benefits

What was the Sparrow decision? How do you think it might affect salmon
conservation?

The Salmon Fishery Debate

3 groups: (1) Aboriginal Fishery, (2) Commercial Fishery, (3) Department of Fisheries
and Oceans
Questions
1. What does your group see as the top 3 issues in the Fraser salmon fishery?
Ab- Overfishing, cultural importance, source of income
DFO- Balancing fisheries, lack of fish (invasive species, loss of habitat, pollution)
Com- Technology changing
2. How does your group see DFO could manage things better?
3

Ab- Hire more First Nation officers, better enforcement

DFO- Restrict fishing licenses, more funding
Com- Racially equalizing
3. What do you think about a racially divided catch?
Ab- 6000 year tradition, following traditional method
DFO- Natives catch less fish
Com- Problem of giving rights to a minority
4. What dimensions might a Christian environmental stewardship ethic add to the
situations?
Ab- Sharing
DFO- Take only what you need and dont be selfish, think ahead, better
communication and listening
Com- Respect 1st nation tradition and land