Pink Salmon Action Plan

• Statement on DFO Aquaculture Science (10/24/06)
• Annual Pink salmon escapement estimates and sea lice counts
• Sustainable Aquaculture Research

About the Action Plan

• Program Objectives
• Research Methodology
• Findings-To-Date

In 2002, concern was expressed that a low return of adult pink salmon to the Broughton area was the result of infestation by sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) of juvenile pink salmon during out-migration from the Broughton Archipelago in the spring of 2001.

In January 2003, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced new initiatives designed to assess and protect the health of the wild pink salmon resource in the Broughton Archipelago. The department, in collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, began coordinating monitoring and research activities to further protect wild salmon and monitor sea lice infections.

The department developed a five-part comprehensive Action Plan to address potential risks to wild pink salmon stocks. The Action Plan includes:

• a freshwater monitoring program,
• a marine monitoring program,
• an active salmon farm management approach,
• a long-term research plan, and
• a public-consultation/dialogue process.

In addition, DFO scientists are currently preparing an extensive review of existing data on adult pink salmon abundance. They are also conducting research that examines the potential impact of sea lice on juvenile wild salmon, including any direct mortality of juvenile pink and chum salmon that results from sea lice infections.