Southeast Alaska's fishing fleet is over-harvesting vitally important salmon and steelhead from across the Pacific Northwest—many from populations that are in trouble. In just four days of interception-fishing, American fishers killed half-a-million B.C. salmon, undermining our efforts to protect and rebuild our endangered fish stocks.
The long term solution is to renegotiate the out-of-date Pacific Salmon Treaty. However, Canadian politicians must stand up for our salmon and the communities that depend upon them right now. Since salmon contribute immeasurably to our society and are the backbone of B.C.'s ecosystems, this shouldn't be hard.
Unlike other salmon fisheries, Southeast Alaskan fishers aren’t required to report their by-catch or release fish alive. This allows them to hide the true impact their fisheries are having on endangered Chinook and steelhead.
Senior Canadian leaders need to take a much tougher stance with the Americans. Our Fisheries Minister, and the Minister Responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade need to stand up for our fishing communities.