The federal government ratified an agreement with the United States which provides updates to the Pacific Salmon Treaty, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced July 17.
The changes, which will be in effect between 2014 and 2019, are intended to promote long-term sustainability of stocks of Fraser River sockeye and pink salmon.
Going forward, total allowable catch for both sockeye and pink salmon will be considered throughout the season, as a way of addressing concerns about low sockeye numbers and large pink salmon returns.
“These changes to the Pacific Salmon Treaty will help people on both sides of the border benefit from sustainable fishing opportunities for years to come,” said Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Gail Shea. “The agreement will continue to foster cooperation between our countries as we manage our shared Fraser River salmon stocks.”
Fisheries and Oceans said it consulted extensively with First Nations in the process of changing the treaty.
More details about the treaty can be found here.
