Numerous fishers targeting sockeye salmon in the Fraser River are returning home without any catches, as this season has seen a disappointing run that led to the closure of fisheries.
“This year, we couldn’t even fill the boat once — not even once,” remarked Mike Baird, fisheries coordinator for the Tsawwassen First Nation.
He is not alone in observing this significant drop in numbers.
“Unfortunately, [in] the Fraser River, there are no fish,” stated Darin Chung, a fisher and proprietor of B.C. Live Spot Prawns & Seafood.
Mike Baird, fisheries coordinator for the Tsawwassen First Nation, noted that the decline in sockeye is a stark contrast to the 2010 run, when salmon were leaping around his boat near Steveston. (Steven Chua/CBC)
Closure of Fisheries
Consequently, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, commonly referred to as DFO, has halted sockeye fisheries in the Fraser River, although there may be some exceptions for First Nations’ food, social, and ceremonial needs.
“We initially forecasted 7.7 million, but the actual run size is now just above three million,” explained Fiona Martens, director of the Pacific Salmon Commission.
The decline in fish runs appears to be a persistent issue.
Sockeye salmon migrate up the Fraser River in cycles, with a dominant cycle occurring every four years when the highest numbers return.
Data from the Pacific Salmon Commission shows a drop in dominant salmon runs following a peak in 2010. (CBC)
However, in recent years, these numbers have been decreasing, with millions fewer returning each cycle, down from a high of 28 million in 2010.
Baird recalled that during that peak year, he witnessed salmon leaping out of the water around his boat while navigating off Steveston.
In just three hours, he was able to catch enough sockeye, contrasting sharply with this year’s disappointing results.
“This is likely the lowest dominant cycle that I can remember,” commented Greg Taylor, fisheries advisor with Watershed Watch Salmon Society, a conservation organization.
This decline is also impacting the livelihoods of fishers.
Darin Chung, a gillnet fisher, has had to seek other sources for fish due to the downturn in Fraser sockeye. (Steven Chua/CBC)
Darin Chung, a gillnet fisher, believes that Fraser River sockeye constitutes around 40 to 50 percent of his revenue.
“Without the Fraser River sockeye, we will face significant shortages … essentially from November through June of next year,” he stated.
Consequently, he has had to source sockeye from other locations, but he noted that it cannot match the Fraser catch, known for its rich Omega-3 content.
Reasons for the Low Run
Conservationists, fishers, and government officials are investigating the reasons behind the low return.
“Most attribute it to unusually high water temperatures,” Taylor noted.
He acknowledged the difficulty in determining the exact situation in the ocean, but also mentioned that lower runs have been observed in Alaska, Russia, and Japan.
“It seems to be connected to the oceanic environment,” Taylor said.
Baird attributes this year’s abnormal weather, which has caused wildfires throughout British Columbia, as a contributing factor.
Mike Baird believes that ongoing drought conditions are likely a significant factor in this year’s low Fraser sockeye run. (Steven Chua/CBC)
“We reside in a rainforest, yet we are experiencing drought,” he stated.
Baird also pointed out a potential issue with the overpopulation of seals and sea lions, which are preying on endangered fish species.
Chung, on his part, is advocating for bureaucratic changes.
“The management system is not functioning properly; the Government of Canada is failing in its duties,” he stated.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has indicated that low snowpack, forest fires, and drought conditions are posing challenges for the fish.
The agency has reported an investment of $412 million aimed at the conservation and restoration of wild Pacific salmon.
While numerous factors contribute to this year’s low run, a consensus exists among stakeholders.
“We all need to take responsibility for safeguarding the river,” Baird emphasized.
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