Update on Progress - Implementation of the Wild Salmon Policy

October 2008

The Wild Salmon Policy is currently being implemented under the first four strategies set out in the policy document.

Strategy 1: Standardized Monitoring of Wild Salmon Status

• A scientific approach has been developed to identify conservation units.
•  Using this approach, the Department identified a list of CUs for British Columbia and released the list for public comment. A list of CUs for the Yukon is currently under development.
•  Conservation units will be reviewed and revised on a regular basis, incorporating information from First Nations and stakeholders.
•  The methodology to identify benchmarks to assess the health of a CU is under development.
•  Benchmarks will be identified based on biological criteria.
•  Monitoring frameworks will be developed to outline the process for data gathering and assessment of CUs.

Strategy 2: The Assessment of Habitat Status

• Templates have been developed for Overview and Habitat Status reports to identify and track highly productive and limiting habitats.
•  Habitat indicators, metrics and benchmarks have been identified for rivers, lakes and estuaries.
•  DFO is undertaking a scientific review of methodology for habitat indicators.
•  DFO is developing a habitat monitoring framework to guide monitoring of habitat pressures and conditions;and collaborating with partners on habitat monitoring and data sharing.

Strategy 3: Inclusion of Ecosystem Values and Monitoring

• DFO is undertaking work to identify ecosystem objectives, indicators, benchmarks, and management options for scientific peer review.
•  DFO is integrating climate and ocean data on salmon into the Department’s annual State of the Ocean reports.

Strategy 4: Integrated Strategic Planning

• DFO is initiating an integrated strategic planning pilot for the Barkley Sound/Alberni Inlet area.
•  DFO will test indicators for the CUs, habitat and ecosystem in the pilot.
•  The Department is identifying planning units for future planning projects.
•  DFO is working with First Nations and stakeholders to develop an integrated, collaborative planning process.

 Next Steps

• DFO is informing communities and the broader public of the goal of the Wild Salmon Policy to ensure healthy, diverse and abundant wild salmon populations for future generations.
•  The Department is engaging First Nations, partners and stakeholders to work together on implementation of the Wild Salmon Policy.

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback on WSP, please contact Lisa Wilson at 604-666-3657 or email to: wsp@dfo-mpo.gc.ca