The Skeena Fisheries Commission is calling for immediate federal action after in-season counts show salmon returns are falling far below expectations.
The Commission represents the Gitksan, Gitanyow, Wet’suwet’en and Lake Babine Nations. It says the Babine Lake fence, a key tool for validating Skeena sockeye returns, is tracking toward about 630,000 fish, below the 900,000 escapement target.
SFC Chair Charlie Muldon says the situation is particularly concerning for First Nations that rely on salmon for food.
“Our Nations are facing a crisis,” Muldon said in an interview with CFNR News. “Every day it becomes more clear that our people will not have enough salmon to feed their families this year.”
Muldon says early-season estimates from the Tyee test fishery were too high, and commercial and recreational fisheries were opened based on those numbers. He says First Nations had cautioned DFO to use a lower harvest rate while more information came in.
He says the current management system needs to change, with First Nations involved in decisions alongside DFO.
“We need to put the fish first,” Muldon said. “If we look after the fish, the fish in turn will look after us.”
The Commission is requesting an independent review of 2026 management decisions, a true co-management regime and planning for potentially poor returns between 2027 and 2029. It is also asking for a closure of fisheries impacting Skeena salmon while fish are still returning.
