Over half of all pacific salmon populations are in decline, according to the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s newest report.
Steelhead and Chum are the hardest hit among the 6 species.
For steelhead, levels are nearing record lows, with spawner abundance below the long-term average in every region except the Nass.
Chum salmon have seen the quickest decline of any species, and are also below average everywhere but the Nass.
Chinook are slightly higher, but still below averages in every northern region except Haida Gwaii.
Populations for both them and steelhead are listed as at risk of local extinction in the Columbia watershed.
While coho populations are down across the north, they are up in most southern regions.
On the plus side, sockeye spawns were above average everywhere but east Vancouver Island, although 2026 returns are still below predictions.
