Chinook Salmon Accidentally Caught in B.C. Trawlers Raises Conservation Alarms
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Reveals the Unintentional Capture of Thousands of Chinook Salmon by B.C. Trawlers. The majority of salmon caught by B.C. trawlers in the 2022–2023 season, identified as Chinook, raises conservation concerns. Unfortunately, these prized fish were not the intended catch and were subsequently discarded.
The DFO's report estimates that over 20,000 Chinook salmon may have been tossed overboard, with an additional 3,700 potentially discarded on land. The unintentional catch poses a significant threat, as Chinook salmon is a primary food source for the critically endangered southern resident killer whale. Moreover, Chinook salmon are listed as threatened or endangered species in various regions of southern British Columbia.
Sidney Dixon expressed concern over the ecological impact of this accidental catch, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect the fragile marine ecosystem. "This is a huge issue because they are a primary food source for our critically endangered southern resident killer whale," Dixon stated. "Chinook salmon are a threatened or endangered species in many places in southern British Columbia."
In response to the findings, fishing associations are acknowledging the issue and pledging to revise their techniques. Plans are underway to deploy new technology aimed at reducing the unintentional capture of Chinook salmon.
Pacific Wild, an environmental group, commended Fisheries and Oceans Canada for conducting the groundbreaking study, considered the first of its kind. The organization hopes that similar studies will be conducted for other economically, culturally, and ecologically important species along the British Columbia coast, such as Pacific herring.
"Imagine what we would find if they started doing enhanced monitoring for other economically, culturally, and ecologically important species on our coast, like Pacific herring," suggested Sidney Dixon of Pacific Wild.
As the accidental catch of Chinook salmon raises conservation concerns, stakeholders are urged to prioritize sustainable fishing practices and collaborate on initiatives to safeguard the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
