Canada and Alaska have recently inked a significant seven-year agreement aimed at rejuvenating the declining king salmon populations in the Yukon River basin. The pact, signed between the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), entails a complete suspension of commercial, sport, domestic, and personal use king salmon fisheries along the Yukon River and its Canadian tributaries for the duration of seven years. This prolonged hiatus aligns with the life cycle of king salmon and signifies a shift towards long-term management strategies.
Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang of ADFG emphasized the necessity to move beyond short-term management approaches, highlighting the importance of considering multi-year strategies in response to feedback from communities along the river. Despite the moratorium on salmon fishing, provisions are made within the agreement to permit a limited harvest for cultural and ceremonial purposes, acknowledging the integral role of salmon in local traditions.
DFO Senior Director Steve Gotch underscored the significance of preserving the cultural heritage of communities along the Yukon River while focusing on salmon recovery efforts. The agreement also mandates the establishment of a collaborative effort with the Yukon Panel, comprising stakeholders from the region, to devise a comprehensive king salmon recovery plan. Gotch stressed the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific expertise to chart a sustainable path forward.
Despite previous closures aimed at aiding salmon recovery, salmon stocks in the Yukon River basin remain alarmingly depleted, prompting the U.S. Commerce Department to declare a disaster in the region. Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska highlighted the dire situation, citing record-low returns of chinook and summer chum salmon in recent years. In response, the U.S. Department of Commerce has allocated USD 1.6 million to mitigate the impacts on the Alaska Yukon River salmon fisheries in 2022.
This collaborative agreement between Canada and Alaska represents a concerted effort to address the pressing issue of declining salmon populations in the Yukon River basin through a holistic and inclusive approach, combining traditional knowledge with scientific insights to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital resource.
Source: Nathan Strout (April 19, 2024). Canada, Alaska sign 7-year agreement on Yukon River salmon recovery. Seafood Source. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/environment-sustainability/canada-alaska-sign-7-year-agreement-on-yukon-salmon-recovery
