Atlantic Salmon Watch Program

Please report all captures of Atlantic salmon to the toll-free ASWP Reporting Number 1-800-811-6010.

What is the Atlantic Salmon Watch Program?

The Atlantic Salmon Watch Program (ASWP) is a cooperative research program operated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada with funding from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. The purpose of the program is to study the abundance, distribution and biology of Atlantic salmon in British Columbia and its adjacent waters. The ASWP monitors commercial and sport catches and observations of Atlantic salmon throughout British Columbia, Alaska and Washington in co-operation with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The program relies on fishers, fish processors, government field staff and hatchery workers to report observations of Atlantic salmon.

How do you distinguish Atlantic salmon from Pacific salmon?

The key distinguishing feature of Atlantic salmon is black spots on the gill cover.

What should I do if I catch an Atlantic salmon?

Keep the fish and report the capture by calling the ASWP toll-free reporting line at 1-800-811-6010. You will be asked where and when you caught the fish and if you wish to donate the fish for research purposes. Donation is not mandatory but it does provide valuable samples for our scientific study. For donation, the whole fish, including entrails, should be frozen or kept on ice. ASWP staff will arrange for transport of the fish carcass.

The ASWP publishes an annual report of its findings in the Manuscript Report Series of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The program strives to provide an accurate and unbiased accounting of Atlantic salmon in British Columbia and its adjacent waters.

For further information please contact:

Andy Thomson
Tel: 1-800-811-6010
FAX: (250) 756-7053
aswp@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca