This Salmon Needs Protecting – and It’s Now Getting It!

A seven-year agreement was signed by the Canadian government and the American state of Alaska to protect the Yukon River chinook salmon, putting measures in place to ensure the survival of the species invaluable for First Nations sustenance needs.

“Traditional knowledge and traditional law have all of the solutions for what’s happening,” says Nicole Tom, chief of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation. “You don’t mess with the fish. I think what needs to be made clear is that this in no way infringes on [Little Salmon Carmacks citizens’] harvesting rights and the self-government agreements.”

The agreement includes a new conservation target established at 71,000 Canadian-origin fish at the border. During the seven years, a moratorium on chinook fishing will be observed, the bycatch of the species will be reduced, and in-river habitat will be restored. If more than 71,000 fish are projected to reach Canada, the governments “may consider providing limited subsistence fishing opportunity,” per the agreement. However, according to a 2022 Fisheries and Oceans Canada report, 10,000 chinook are needed to meet First Nations subsistence needs. Also, to meet escapement goals, the salmon’s run must exceed 141,000. Since some 15,000 fish crossed the border into Canada last year, far below the conservation target set to 42,500 chinook, concerted efforts must be deployed, including hydroelectric dams in Yukon – none on the Yukon River in Alaska. The territorial government is looking into how it can “potentially support” the new agreement and its implementation: “We remain committed to working with Yukon First Nations and all stakeholders to address challenges and advocate for sustainable practices to safeguard salmon.”