The Tsilhqot'in National Government (TNG) is asking people not to fish for Chinook or sockeye salmon as they try to support salmon passage back to their spawning grounds.
TNG and the TNG-led Emergency Salmon Taks Force have reported a substantial increase in salmon passage past the site of the Chilcotin (Tŝilhqox) landslide, however the returns are at a critical level of conservation concern due to very low ocean returns and the ongoing severe impacts of the landslide.
While some of the Chinook (Jaŝ) and sockeye (Tseman) are able to pass the slide area, it is a small fraction of what they say is already a very low return. In addition, these fish still have a long way to go before they reach their spawning grounds once they are past the slide area. The fish are also in a high state of stress due to their delayed migration and prolonged exposure to high turbidity (muddy/silty water) and high temperatures in the Fraser River. Under these conditions, every fish that reaches the spawning ground counts, said the TNG and their task force, in a press release.
"Protection of every fish is critical to support their recovery and long-term sustainability," said the statement.
A fishery closure notice was issued by the TNG council of chiefs on Aug. 8, 2024, asking members not to fish for Chinook and sockeye anywhere in Tŝilhqox, Cheẑqox, or Dasiqox (Chilcotin, Chilko, or Taseko) waters for the duration of the 2024 season to aid in their protection and recovery. The council of chiefs is also asking for support from downstream First Nations, government, the Pacific Salmon Commission and others to immediately cease all fisheries which may impact Tŝilhqot’in-bound salmon.
BACKGROUND:
A major landslide occurred on the Chilcotin River the night of July 30, 2024, which continues to dramatically impact this year’s returning sockeye and Chinook populations. In response to the slide, TNG rapidly formed a technical tripartite Emergency Salmon Task Force to assess the impacts on Tŝilhqot’in-bound salmon populations.
The task force shares regular situation reports to update on key developments and milestones. All situation reports and landslide updates are posted on the TNG website at www.tsilhqotin.ca/our-territory/fisheries/communications and on the TNG Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Tsilhqotin.
For questions please email tngsalmontaskforce@tsilhqotin.ca.
