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Initiative to update the Salmon Allocation Policy

We are collaborating with First Nations, stakeholders and the Province of British Columbia to review and update the 1999 Pacific Salmon Allocation Policy (SAP). The Salmon Allocation Policy Review is a key initiative that supports the goals and objectives of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative.

There have been significant changes since the Policy was first adopted in 1999, including increased conservation requirements for stocks of concern, changes to fisheries management, as well as new treaties and reconciliation agreements with First Nations. Further, within the 2018 B.C. Supreme Court Ahousaht decision, the application of the Policy was found to be an unjustified infringement of five Nuu-chah-nulth Nations’ (Ahousaht, Ehattesaht, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, and Tla-o-qui-aht) Aboriginal rights to fish and sell fish insofar as the SAP allowed priority to the recreational fishery over the Five Nations’ right-based sale fishery for Chinook and Coho salmon. The process to review the Policy is one element of the response to this finding.

Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative

In 2021, the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) was announced. The strategy aims to stem the steep decline of many Pacific salmon populations and to protect and rebuild stocks where possible by implementing a series of immediate and long-term solutions that focus on four key areas: conservation and stewardship; salmon enhancement; harvest transformation and integration and collaboration.

The Salmon Allocation Policy Review is a key initiative under the harvest transformation pillar, and will align with and support the broader goals and objectives of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative.

Who we are engaging

We are using a phased approach to developing an updated policy in B.C. that involve a high degree of collaboration with First Nations, the recreational and commercial fishing sectors, and the Province of B.C.

How we are engaging

The Terms of Reference outline the entire Arc of Work for the Salmon Allocation Policy Review and shows the phases of the review and key milestones. The Terms of Reference also include work flow diagrams showing key steps in each phase of the review. See the Related material section for links to the Terms of Reference and these diagrams.

How to provide input and engage

As outlined in the Terms of Reference, we are using a variety of different methods to engage First Nations and key recreational and commercial fishing organizations throughout the review.

The First Nations-DFO Committee, Multi-Party Working Group (MWG) and Technical Working Group provide a method for engagement and policy discussions. Broader consultations with First Nations and stakeholders will occur at key points in each phase of the review process. Please see the Terms of Reference for a fuller description of all of the structures for engagement in the review.

We support all participants coming together through the process to build an understanding of different perspectives and expand on areas of common interest in developing recommendations for the Minister.

If you have views to share or are interested in learning more about the review, please contact us at the email address below.

Contact us

Email: DFO.SAP_Review_BC-PAS_Revue_BC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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