The Skeena Wild Conservation Trust presented to Smithers Council tonight (Tuesday) looking for a letter of support.
This would be sent to the Department of Oceans and Fisheries, along with Minister of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship Nathan Cullen to act against Alaskan overfishing.
Executive Director Greg Knox said, “Salmon have been going through some struggles in recent years.”
According to the presentation, Alaska harvests about 76 per cent of the Skeena Sockeye salmon currently as they travel down the state’s southeast panhandle back to the Skeena River.
About 20 years ago, the roles were reversed as Canadian fisheries harvested 76% of the salmon.
“Salmon and Steelhead are important far beyond just the dollar values. They’re part of the indigenous culture and it really is part of the identity of our communities,” said Knox.
“The Pacific Salmon Treaty is supposed to deal with these issues but the main reasons for it are to prevent overfishing and make sure both countries are receiving benefit,” he added.
Council will decide if they send the letter of support at the July 9th meeting.
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