The Tsilhqot’in Nation is calling for urgent action to stop the interception of Fraser bound sockeye by Alaska fisheries due to dire forecasts about the state of Fraser River sockeye returns this season.
The Nation said the Alaska District 104 Fishery, located in Alaskan waters north of Haida Gwaii, targets Canadian-bound salmon, including Fraser River sockeye, in addition to U-S bound pink salmon.
In recent years, Tsilhqot’in Chiefs have called on the Pacific Salmon Commission to address critical problems with the Alaska District 104 Fishery.
“The stakes are too high for our Tsilhqot’in communities who rely on Chilko sockeye as the foundation of our traditional fishery.” Tribal Chair Chief Joe Alphonse stated in a release, “Our Nation has consistently and repeatedly called on Canada, the U-S, and Alaska to take urgent action and remove the unacceptable risk to our fish.”
The Tsilhqot’in Nation stated that Fisheries and Oceans Canada predicts the return of Fraser sockeye this year to be the “lowest on record.”
“Record-low returns of Chilko sockeye hurts the Tsilhqot’in people’s way of life and immediate action is critical,” Alphonse stated.
The Alaska District 104 Fishery is authorized by Canada and the U-S under the Pacific Salmon Treaty and is managed by Alaska.
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