Transboundary Panel
In March 1985, Canada and the United States agreed to co-operate in the management, conservation, harvest sharing, research and enhancement of Pacific salmon stocks of mutual concern by ratifying the Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST). In fulfilling these obligations, both countries agreed to take into account: the desirability, in most cases, of reducing interceptions; the desirability of avoiding undue disruptions of existing fisheries; and, annual variations in abundance of the stocks.
The Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC), established under the PST, provides regulatory and policy advice as well as recommendations to Canada and the United States (US) with respect to the interception of salmon fisheries.
Under the terms of the PST, the responsibility for in-season management of all species rests with the Parties to the treaty, except for the in-season management of Fraser River sockeye and pink salmon, where the Fraser River Panel is specifically delegated the responsibility for in-season management, with assistance from PSC staff.
One of the arrangements reached in 1999 under the PST was the creation of a Transboundary Panel (the Panel), which has been meeting bilaterally since late 1999. The Panel is comprised of no more than six representatives and alternatives from each country and reflects a range of governmental and fishing interests. Membership on the Canadian section of the Panel is done through appointment by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The Panel is assigned responsibility for salmon stocks originating in the Yukon/Transboundary rivers area and provides a forum for Canada/US consultations. In particular, the geographical area of responsibility for the Panel includes the Alsek, Taku and Stikine River drainages, but does not include the Yukon River drainage. The Panel provides recommendations and comments on the management of the fisheries in these drainages before and after each season's harvest. This is done by reviewing technical data on annual fishing plans and regulations and the salmon enhancement programs of each country. The Panel provides the PSC with specific recommendations for the development of fishery plans. Agreement of both sides is needed for any decision or recommendation.
The PST also established a Transboundary Technical Committee (TTC), which provides technical expertise to the Panel. The TTC, which has existed since the 1980s, supports the PSC and the Panel and usually meets times annually.
The Panel itself meets at least twice annually (generally in conjunction with PSC meetings) to review the conduct of fisheries, examine stock status and review other information relevant to the Transboundary rivers and to negotiate new fishing arrangements pertaining to the Transboundary rivers. Records are kept by the Panel and TTC chairs and, or, by the PSC.
Additional background information, news releases and in-season information relating to the Transboundary Panel and the PST can be viewed online at www.psc.org and on DFO's Pacific Salmon web page.
Transboundary Panel meetings
| Date | Meeting | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 160208February 8-12, 2016 | Annual Meeting | Vancouver, BC |
| 160111January 11-15, 2016 | Post-Season Meeting | Portland, Oregon |
| 150209February 9-13, 2015 | Annual Meeting | Portland, Oregon |
| 150112January 12-16, 2015 | Post-Season Meeting | Vancouver, BC |
| 140210February 10-14, 2014 | Annual Meeting | Vancouver, BC |
| 140113January 13-17, 2014 | Post-season Meeting | Portland, Oregon |
Related materials
Contact us
Steve Gotch
Email: Steve.Gotch@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Phone: 867-393-6719
Fax: 867-393-6738
Area Director and Transboundary Panel Co-Chair
Yukon/Transboundary rivers area
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