Wild Atlantic salmon are facing increasingly difficult challenges. A number of populations are at risk and few are meeting even minimum target levels of abundance. Rebuilding efforts are constrained by low marine survival.
Habitat damage continues to erode the productive potential of the resource.
Non-selective harvesting practices both in our oceans and in our rivers have jeopardized the future of weaker populations. Mr. Taylor's call for federal investment coincides with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' release on March 15 of a discussion paper on wild Pacific Salmon Policy. The policy provides an explicit framework to conserve genetic diversity of wild Pacific salmon and protect their habitat, while recognizing the importance of the sustainable use of the resource. The primary goal of the policy is consistent with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, to ensure the long-term viability of Pacific salmon populations in their natural habitat for all life stages. We need this collaborative approach in eastern Canada.