Sometimes known as King Salmon, Quinnat, Saumon, Saumon Quinnat, Spring Salmon, Tyee

Transcription

1 CHINOOK SALMON BRITISH COLUMBIA Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Sometimes known as King Salmon, Quinnat, Saumon, Saumon Quinnat, Spring Salmon, Tyee SUMMARY Chinook Salmon, also known as King Salmon, are the largest of the Pacific Salmon species, reaching weights of approximately 132 pounds and becoming sexually mature around four years of age. Found throughout the North Pacific, Chinook Salmon complete large migrations of up to 1000 miles to return to their birth river, where they spawn and subsequently die. In British Columbia, Chinook Salmon have a low abundance overall but managers have a strong framework in place that allows them to monitor abundances both during and after the fishing season. Chinook Salmon are caught by trolls, purse seines and gillnets, fishing methods which cause little or no damage to the seafloor but seabirds and porpoises can be high in gillnets as bycatch. Chef Barton Seaver says King/Chinook Salmon is the fattiest and richest of all the wild salmon types. Its dark orange flesh has a rich and balanced flavor with a small flake. It s best done medium well. Criterion Points Final Score Color Life History Abundance Habitat Quality and Fishing Gear Impacts Management 2.00 Bycatch 1.25 Final Score 1.85 Color

2 LIFE HISTORY Core Points (only one selection allowed) If a value for intrinsic rate of increase ( r ) is known, assign the score below based on this value. If no r-value is available, assign the score below for the correct age at 50% maturity for females if specified, or for the correct value of growth rate ('k'). If no estimates of r, age at 50% maturity, or k are available, assign the score below based on maximum age Intrinsic rate of increase <0.05; OR age at 50% maturity >10 years; OR growth rate <0.15; OR maximum age >30 years Intrinsic rate of increase = ; OR age at 50% maturity = 5-10 years; OR a growth rate = ; OR maximum age = years Intrinsic rate of increase >0.16; OR age at 50% maturity = 1-5 years; OR growth rate >0.30; OR maximum age <11 years. Chinook Salmon reach sexual maturity between one to seven years of age, most often around four (DFO 2008a) and can live seven to eight years (AAFC 2010). Chinook Salmon are the largest of the Pacific salmon species and can grow to five feet in length and weigh over 60 kg (Morrow 1980; DFO 2008a). In the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, growth rates of mm/day have been recorded (Groot and Margolis 1991). The population doubling time ranges from 1.4 to 4.4 years (Fishbase 2010). Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) Species has special behaviors that make it especially vulnerable to fishing pressure (e.g., spawning aggregations; site fidelity; segregation by sex; migratory bottlenecks; unusual attraction to gear; etc.). Chinook Salmon, like all Pacific salmon species are anadromous, meaning they hatch in fresh water, spend part of their life in the ocean, return to fresh water to spawn and subsequently die (DFO 2008a; AAFC 2010). Chinook Salmon can travel up to 1,000 miles to return to their spawning grounds (AAFC 2010) and show site fidelity, meaning they return to the stream that they were born in. It is therefore possible to remove entire spawning groups (Dittman and Quinn 1996). In addition, because Chinook Salmon are anadromous, fisheries remove mature adults before they can spawn (Anonymous 2010) Species has a strategy for sexual development that makes it especially vulnerable to fishing pressure (e.g., age at 50% maturity >20 years; sequential hermaphrodites; extremely low fecundity). Chinook Salmon reach sexual maturity between one to seven years of age, most often around four (DFO 2008a) and lay 3,000 to 14,000 eggs during a spawning event (DFO

3 2008a). Chinook Salmon, like other Pacific salmon, do not feed during their migration home to spawn and therefore die shortly after spawning (DFO 2008a). There are two types of Chinook Salmon after hatching, ocean type, which spend only a few days or months in freshwater before migrating to the ocean, and stream-type that remain in freshwater for around a year before migrating to the ocean (Reimers 1973; Major et al. 1978; Healey 1983; Taylor 1990). Chinook Salmon have low fecundity and reproduce only once, but they compensate by producing very large eggs that they bury. Thus points were not subtracted Species has a small or restricted range (e.g., endemism; numerous evolutionarily significant units; restricted to one coastline; e.g., American lobster; striped bass; endemic reef fishes). Chinook Salmon are found from southern California to Alaska s Norton Sound in North America and from Kamchatka to Hokkaido in Asia (AAFC 2010). In British Columbia, Chinook Salmon are found from McIntyre Dam to the north basin of Osoyoos Lake and just north of the Washington State border (DFO 2008a). Spring Chinook Salmon appear to have a wider distribution than fall Chinook (Groos and Margolis 1991). Chinook Salmon have many evolutionary significant units (Anonymous 2010). This is a medium range, so no points were subtracted Species exhibits high natural population variability driven by broad-scale environmental change (e.g. El Nino; decadal oscillations). Combinations of climate change, overfishing and habitat destruction have been implicated in the large declines of Chinook Salmon since the early 1990 s (Noakes et al. 2000). There appears to be a correlation between increases in salmon production in 1977 with shifts in the climate and ecosystems of the North Pacific (Ebbesmeyer et al. 1991; Beamish and Bouillon 1993) and subsequent declines in production around 1990, when there was another change in the climate and ocean ecosystem in the North Pacific (Beamish et al. 1999). The effect of climate changes around 1990 had a very significant affect on Canadian Chinook Salmon populations (Beamish et al. 1995; 1997a,b). Climate change is thought to be the predominate factor affecting Chinook Salmon populations in some years, because of the widespread nature of the declines (Noakes et al. 2000). Climate change affects both the freshwater phase of Chinook Salmon s life as well as the oceanic phase, particularly with respect to marine survival rates and growth (Noakes et al. 2000) Species does not have special behaviors that increase ease or population consequences of capture OR has special behaviors that make it less vulnerable to fishing pressure (e.g., species is widely dispersed during spawning).

4 +0.25 Species has a strategy for sexual development that makes it especially resilient to fishing pressure (e.g., age at 50% maturity <1 year; extremely high fecundity) Species is distributed over a very wide range (e.g., throughout an entire hemisphere or ocean basin; e.g., swordfish; tuna; Patagonian toothfish) Species does not exhibit high natural population variability driven by broad-scale environmental change (e.g., El Nino; decadal oscillations) Points for Life History ABUNDANCE Core Points (only one selection allowed) Compared to natural or un-fished level, the species population is: 1.00 Low: Abundance or biomass is <75% of BMSY or similar proxy (e.g., spawning potential ratio). The total population of Chinook Salmon in Canadian waters is smaller than populations of Sockeye, Pink, Coho and Chum Salmon (AAFC 2010). Due to low abundance, commercial catches are limited and there is an aggressive rebuilding of the northern and southern populations in Canada (AAFC 2010). Abundances of Chinook Salmon vary between areas and rivers. Additionally, Chinook Salmon can migrate or run from the ocean to freshwater in each season, causing spring, summer, fall, and winter runs. These seasonal runs can occur within in a single river system and are given names like springupper and summer-middle to indicate the time and region in the river where the run is occurring. Chinook Salmon in West Vancouver Island are considered a stock of concern due to low survival rates in the ocean (=marine survival) and low numbers of spawning fish (DFO 2009a). Several populations of Fraser River and North Thompson River (Early springupper, lower and middle, Spring upper and middle and Summer upper and middle), Spring lower Thompson River (Spring lower), and Georgia Strait (Fall) Chinook Salmon are considered stocks of concern (DFO 2010a). The spawning size of the Okanagan population of Chinook Salmon may be as low as 50 adults per year and this population is considered Threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and extremely vulnerable (COSEWIC) (DFO 2008a; DFO 2009a). Marine survival of Spring and Summer Fraser Chinook has been variable over the years but returns are not expected to be low (DFO 2009b).

5 In the Fraser River the number of Chinook Salmon that actually spawn (also called escapements) have declined to very low levels (DFO 2009b). Lower Strait of Georgia Chinook returns continue to be at low levels and escapement estimates are well below the desired goal (DFO 2009b). The Klukshu River weir and escapement counts in 2007 were the lowest on record and were 38% and 39% respectively of the average (DFO 2008b). Fraser (Summer lower), Georgia Strait (Spring and Summer) and Alsek populations are considered low, while Stikine, Taku, Yukon, four Coastal Areas, Johnstone Strait, and West Coast Vancouver Island hatchery are considered to be between low and near target (DFO 2010A). Fraser (Fall lower natural), and hatchery, and Georgia Strait (Fall) are near target, Skeena, QCI, and Nass, are between near target and abundant and South Thompson (Late summer) are abundant (DFO 2010A). In contrast to the low abundance in the rivers mentioned above, Canadian catches of Chinook Salmon from the Stikine River were 14% above average in 2007 (DFO 2008c) and catches in the Taku River were 60% below average (DFO 2008d). Chinook Salmon populations in the Skeena River are healthy (DFO 2009a). Although a few populations of Chinook Salmon in British Columbia have medium to high abundance, the majority of Salmon populations are doing poorly, so a score of 1 was awarded Medium: Abundance or biomass is % of BMSY or similar proxy; OR population is approaching or recovering from an overfished condition; OR adequate information on abundance or biomass is not available High: Abundance or biomass is >125% of BMSY or similar proxy. Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) The population is declining over a generational time scale (as indicated by biomass estimates or standardized CPUE). Overall abundance of Chinook Salmon in British Columbia has been declining over recent years (DFO 2008a). For example, returns of Chinook Salmon to the Lower Strait of Georgia have been declining since the late 1990 s (DFO 2009b) Age, size or sex distribution is skewed relative to the natural condition (e.g., truncated size/age structure or anomalous sex distribution). Because female Chinook Salmon tend to reach sexual maturity at a later age/size than males, spawning runs are typically made up of larger females (DFO 2008a). We have not added or subtracted points because this appears to be the normal age structure of Chinook Salmon.

6 -0.25 Species is listed as "overfished" OR species is listed as "depleted", "endangered", or "threatened" by recognized national or international bodies. At least one population of Chinook Salmon in Okanagan River is considered Threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) (DFO 2009a) Current levels of abundance are likely to jeopardize the availability of food for other species or cause substantial change in the structure of the associated food web. The life cycle of Pacific Salmon, which includes migrations through different habitats in fresh and salt water, leads to them consuming a variety of prey species throughout their life (Beachman 1986). Juvenile Chinook Salmon feed on plankton and insects in freshwater and in the ocean feed on fish, squid and crustaceans (Prakash 1962; DFO 2008a). The diet of Chinook Salmon in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, British Columbia is primarily made up of fish (56%), with sand lance being the most commonly eaten fish (Beachman 1996). There appear to be regional differences in Chinook Salmon s diet with fish in the northern region consuming more herring and sand lance, while in the southern region rockfish and anchovies are more commonly eaten (Groot and Margolis 1991). Compared with other Pacific salmon species, Chinooks diets are the most dependent on fish (Groot and Margolis 1991). Some research suggests that Chinook Salmon feed most actively in the spring and summer (Groot and Margolis 1991). Research has shown a correlation between low Chinook Salmon abundances and low birth rates and high mortality rates of killer whales (DFO 2009a). Killer whales feed on Chinook Salmon in the spring and summer months in British Columbia (DFO 2009a). The availability of Chinook Salmon to killer whales has not been addressed in fishing plans, despite requests to do so by the conservation community and scientists (Anonymous 2010) The population is increasing over a generational time scale (as indicated by biomass estimates or standardized CPUE) Age, size or sex distribution is functionally normal Species is close to virgin biomass Current levels of abundance provide adequate food for other predators or are not known to affect the structure of the associated food web Points for Abundance

7 HABITAT QUALITY AND FISHING GEAR IMPACTS Core Points (only one selection allowed) Select the option that most accurately describes the effect of the fishing method upon the habitat that it affects 1.00 The fishing method causes great damage to physical and biogenic habitats (e.g., cyanide; blasting; bottom trawling; dredging) The fishing method does moderate damage to physical and biogenic habitats (e.g., bottom gillnets; traps and pots; bottom longlines) The fishing method does little damage to physical or biogenic habitats (e.g., hand picking; hand raking; hook and line; pelagic long lines; mid-water trawl or gillnet; purse seines). Purse seines, gill nets and troll fishing gears are used to catch Chinook Salmon in British Columbia (DFO 2009). The purse seine fishery was allocated 39% of the harvest, 34% was allocated to the gill net fishery and 27% to the troll fishery in 2009 (DFO 2009). The allocation percentages are determined based on pre-season estimates of expected harvests (DFO 2009). Gillnet fishermen tend to fish near coastal rivers and inlets targeting salmon as they return to spawn and open areas for the troll fishery vary from year to year and are dependent on what species are available to fish (DFO 2008e). The troll fishery tends to be selective for size (Hard et al. 2008), gillnets select for body shape and migration timing (Millar and Fryer 1999; Hamon et al. 2000; Fujimori and Tokai 2001) and purse seines are less size selective and capture fish from aggregations of Salmon (Pope et al. 1975; Ricker 1981). Morgan and Chuenpagdee (2003) suggested these fishing gears have a very low impact on bottom habitat. Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) Habitat for this species is so compromised from non-fishery impacts that the ability of the habitat to support this species is substantially reduced (e.g., dams; pollution; coastal development). Chinook Salmon are found in loose aggregations in areas with underwater structures like reefs, rocks, banks and depressions and during the spawning season take migratory routes close to land and remain in calm waters close to shore (DFO 2008a). Habitat used by Chinook Salmon can be compromised by humans through urban development, forestry and agriculture (DFO 2005a). It has been estimated that at least 83% of British Columbia s continental shelf is currently being used by humans (Ban and Alder 2006). Human activity negatively affects water quality and urban development in estuaries can negatively affect salmon during rearing and migration (DFO 2005a). For example, the Okanagan population of Chinook, which is considered Threatened, has been negatively

8 affected by dams placed along their spawning route and competition from non-native fish, among other things (DFO 2008a). However, management in British Columbia aims to regulate social and economic activities to curtail any negative impacts on fish habitat and has a goal of maintaining habitat and ecosystem integrity for the long-term health of Pacific salmon populations (DFO 2005a). For example, if an activity that will be harmful to habitat is allowed, habitat replacement will be made to net any losses (DFO 2005a). Salmon aquaculture has been identified as having a negative impact on wild populations of salmon. These negative impacts can include escaped farmed salmon competing with wild salmon for resources and transfer of disease and parasites to wild salmon (Windsor and Hutchinson 1990; Saunders 1991; Youngson et al. 1993; Webb et al. 1993). For example, a study in 1998 found a pathogen of pen-reared Chinook Salmon in oceancaught Pacific Salmon (all species) in British Columbia (Kent et al. 1998). In addition, farmed salmon tend to be less fit than wild populations and when they mate with wild populations, the genetic diversity is reduced (Fleming et al. 2000) leading to individuals with reduced reproductive potential. Sea lice, which are commonly associated with aquaculture facilities (Pike 1989; MacKinnon 1997), have been correlated with declines in wild salmon (Krkosek et al. 2005). The sea lice feed on the mucus, skin and blood of salmon and this can lead to death (Grimnes and Jakobsen 1996; Bjorn and Finstatd 1997). The large stockings of salmon in aquaculture facilities creates and ideal breeding ground for sea lice and subsequently the numbers of sea lice in the waters surrounding these facilities has been reported to be much greater (WWSS 2004). Aquaculture facilities can be located along wild salmon migration routes, allowing the sea lice to jump from the farmed to wild salmon (Krkosek et al. 2005). Some studies have shown higher than normal levels of sea lice up to 30 km from aquaculture facilities (Kroksek et al. 2005). However, there appears to be conflicting information as to whether sea lice from aquaculture facilities actually infect wild salmon (WWSS 2004; Brooks 2005; Krkosek 2006). Chinook Salmon appear to have a mid-range susceptibility to sea lice (Nagasawa et al. 1993) We have subtracted points because of the variety of ways salmon habitat can be negatively impacted and because the negative issues related to aquaculture and its impact on wild salmon are not fully understood with respect to wild Chinook Salmon Critical habitat areas (e.g., spawning areas) for this species are not protected by management using time/area closures, marine reserves, etc No efforts are being made to minimize damage from existing gear types OR new or modified gear is increasing habitat damage (e.g., fitting trawls with roller rigs or rockhopping gear; more robust gear for deep-sea fisheries) If gear impacts are substantial, resilience of affected habitats is very slow (e.g., deep water corals; rocky bottoms).

9 +0.25 Habitat for this species remains robust and viable and is capable of supporting this species Critical habitat areas (e.g., spawning areas) for this species are protected by management using time/area closures, marine reserves, etc. Purse seiners on the North Coast of British Columbia are not allowed to keep Chinook Salmon (DFO 2009a) and time/area closures are in effect to protect early-timed Fraser and Strait of Georgia Chinook Salmon (DFO 2009b). Directed fishing of Chinook Salmon is not allowed in the Lower Strait of Georgia (DFO 2009b) and additional closures can be put into place to protect weak populations of Chinook Salmon (DFO 2009a). For example, trolling was not allowed in certain areas of the Queen Charlotte Island during 2009 (DFO 2010b). There is also a network of marine conservation areas throughout Canada s marine waters including the Gwaii Haanas Archipelago National Park in British Columbia (BC) (DFO 2009a). There has been concern of the effectiveness and appropriateness of some of the time/area closures in protecting Chinook but we have elected to add points to account for the closures that are appropriately in place Gear innovations are being implemented over a majority of the fishing area to minimize damage from gear types OR no innovations necessary because gear effects are minimal. Gear innovations are not necessary because there is little impact to the habitat from gillnets, purse seines and/or trolling (Morgan and Chuenpagdee 2003) If gear impacts are substantial, resilience of affected habitats is fast (e.g., mud or sandy bottoms) OR gear effects are minimal Points for Habitat Quality and Fishing Gear Impacts

10 MANAGEMENT Core Points (only one selection allowed) Select the option that most accurately describes the current management of the fisheries of this species Regulations are ineffective (e.g., illegal fishing or overfishing is occurring) OR the fishery is unregulated (i.e., no control rules are in effect) Management measures are in place over a major portion over the species' range but implementation has not met conservation goals OR management measures are in place but have not been in place long enough to determine if they are likely to achieve conservation and sustainability goals. Canada participates in the Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST) with the United States, which was just ratified with new provisions in December of 2008 (DFO 2009a;c). Under the PST, co-operation in the management, research and enhancement of Pacific Salmon is undertaken by the United States and Canada and the PST states that measures implemented under this treaty must recover, maintain and protect salmon populations in both countries (DFO 2009a;c). Under the renewed PST the total allowable catch (TAC) of Chinook Salmon in the West Coast of Vancouver Island will be reduced by 30% and the TAC of South East Alaska will be reduced by 15% (DFO 2009a). Additional harvest reductions can be put into place under the PST if Chinook Salmon abundances go below a certain level (DFO 2009a). The Canadian DFO must also maintain a coded-wire tag and recapture program of Chinook Salmon and monitor all fishing related mortality (DFO 2009a;c). Salmon management in British Columbia is guided by several policy and operational initiatives including: Canada s Policy for Conservation of Wild Pacific Salmon (WSP), An Allocation Policy for Pacific Salmon (APPS), Pacific Fisheries Reform, A Policy for Selective Fishing, A Framework for Improved Decision Making in the Pacific Salmon Fishery, the Integrated Harvest Planning Committee (IHPC) and the Pacific Region Fishery Monitoring and Reporting Framework (DFO 2009a;c). The WSP outlines the importance of Pacific Wild Salmon, monitors habitat status and identifies strategies for their protection, preservation and rebuilding, (DFO 2009a;c), although this plan has not been fully implemented yet (Gardner 2009). The APPS guides the management and allocation of Pacific salmon between the First Nations, commercial fisherman and recreational fishermen (DFO 2009a;c). The Pacific Fisheries Reform identifies the Departments vision of a sustainable fishery, and the Policy for Selective Fishing identifies ways the fishery can reduce the catch of non-target species (DFO 2009). Individuals from First Nations, commercial and recreational fisherman and the Marine Conservation Caucus make up the IHPC and the Fishery Monitoring and Reporting Framework is a tool used during coast-wide consultations to identify possible improvements to the fishery monitoring and reporting systems (DFO 2009a;c).

11 Chinook Salmon in British Columbia are managed by the DFO s Salmon Integrated Fishery Management Plan, which is applied to all commercial, recreational and First Nations fisheries in the region (DFO 2009a;c). Fishery managers develop escapement targets (although fishing can be allowed on populations below escapement targets), exploitation ceilings and sector allocations during the pre-season and determine when the season should close, effort levels, and gear restrictions among other things during the season (DFO 2009a;c). Dockside monitoring is required in some areas like the western Dixon Entrance, but is largely lacking and the troll fishery has a mandatory hail-in/hailout provision for traceability (DFO 2009a;c). There are very low levels of observer coverage in Chinook Salmon fisheries. Fishing areas, subareas, opening patterns and length of the fishing season are adjusted based on in-season abundance estimates (DFO 2009a;c). Fishermen must have a salmon fishing license and are assigned a Fisher Identification Number (FIN) that allows managers to identify fish harvesters for data collection, fisheries management and enforcement and logbooks and phone-in programs are mandatory (DFO 2009a;c). Populations of Chinook Salmon in West Vancouver Island, Lower Georgia Strait, early-timed, and Spring and Summer Fraser Chinook populations are protected by harvest reductions under this plan (DFO 2009a). Aggregate Abundance Based Management is used to manage Chinook Salmon in the fisheries of Southeast Alaska, northern British Columbia and West Coast Vancouver Island, while the rest of the fisheries are managed under an Individual Stock Based Management system (DFO 2009a) Substantial management measures are in place over a large portion of the species range and have demonstrated success in achieving conservation and sustainability goals. Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) There is inadequate scientific monitoring of stock status, catch or fishing effort Management does not explicitly address fishery effects on habitat, food webs, and ecosystems This species is overfished and no recovery plan or an ineffective recovery plan is in place Management has failed to reduce excess capacity in this fishery or implements subsidies that result in excess capacity in this fishery There is adequate scientific monitoring, analysis and interpretation of stock status, catch and fishing effort. Chinook are managed under an abundance based framework that sets catch limits based on abundances of Chinook (DFO 2009a) but these limits can maintain high catch levels of populations of concern and there are no explicit escapement targets, in terms of management (Anonymous 2010). Managers use logbooks, phone-in programs and dock

12 side monitoring, which allows them to make in season adjustments to season length, quotas and to implement closures, but there is very low observer coverage (DFO 2009a;c). Coded wire tag data is used to determine how much fishing pressure Chinook Salmon are under and populations of Chinook Salmon caught by troll fisheries in the North Coast are monitored in season through DNA analysis (DFO 2009a). This data is valuable and useful to evaluate the fishery, but indicator populations are inappropriate for some stocks of concern (Anonymous 2010). We have not added points because although there are management plans in place, these plans have some limitations in terms of adequate management of Chinook Salmon Management explicitly and effectively addresses fishery effects on habitat, food webs, and ecosystems. There are management measures in place for habitat protection aimed at protecting wild salmon population, including ways of developing benchmarks for habitat assessment, monitoring and assessing habitat status and developing an integrated data system for watershed management (DFO 2005a) although not all of these policies are currently occurring (Gardner 2009). Ecosystem considerations, including the status of freshwater ecosystems, and marine survival and its link to ocean conditions, are incorporated into management plans but the impact of fishing on the ecosystem is not considered (DFO 2005a), so no points were added This species is overfished and there is a recovery plan (including benchmarks, timetables and methods to evaluate success) in place that is showing signs of success OR recovery plan is not needed. Canada currently has a rebuilding plan for the northern and southern populations of Chinook Salmon (AAFC 2010) but the effectiveness of this plan is not yet known. Canada uses hatcheries to increase freshwater survival, provide fishing opportunities and to address conservation issues of Chinook (and other species) Salmon (MacKinlay et al. 2010). The specific goals of the hatcheries are to restore depleted populations, reestablish extirpated populations, provide harvest opportunities and to mitigate habitat loss (MacKinley et al. 2010) Management has taken action to control excess capacity or reduce subsidies that result in excess capacity OR no measures are necessary because fishery is not overcapitalized Points for Management

13 BYCATCH Core Points (only one selection allowed) Select the option that most accurately describes the current level of bycatch and the consequences that result from fishing this species. The term, "bycatch" used in this document excludes incidental catch of a species for which an adequate management framework exists. The terms, "endangered, threatened, or protected," used in this document refer to species status that is determined by national legislation such as the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (or another nation's equivalent), the IUCN Red List, or a credible scientific body such as the American Fisheries Society Bycatch in this fishery is high (>100% of targeted landings), OR regularly includes a "threatened, endangered or protected species." Trolls are the most selective fishing gear used to catch Chinook Salmon, followed by purse seines and gillnets. The incidental take of migratory birds in Canadian fisheries is regulated by the Migratory Birds Convention Act of 1994 (DJC 2010) and the longline and gillnet fisheries are most affected by the regulations of this Act, mainly due to the fall congregations of birds overlapping with fishing activity (CSAB 2010). The main species of interest under this Act are rhinoceros auklet and the common murre (CSAB 2010). Although there is some indication that seabird encounters have declined over the years due to changes in the fishing boundaries away from bird areas (CSAB 2010), it has been estimated that up to 12,000 birds per year could be incidentally caught by gillnet fisheries (predominately salmon but also herring) in British Columbia (Smith and Morgan 2005). Smith and Morgan also state that salmon gillnet fisheries could be a significant source of mortality of marbled murrelets, which are legally protected in Canada. Other estimates of the incidental capture of sea birds in the British Columbia salmon gillnet fishery are ,636 common murres and 263-5,585 rhinoceros auklet s between 1995 to 2001 (Anonymous 2007). An estimated 81 porpoises per year are caught by the British Columbia salmon gillnet fishery and no interactions with the troll or purse seine fishery were observed during the time frame of the study (Anonymous 2007). Other fish species discarded by the troll, gillnet and purse seine fisheries include (in decreasing order) coho, chum, pink, steelhead and Chinook salmon (Anonymous 2007). However, these discards represent only 2% of the total amount landed in the gillnet and purse seine fisheries and 10% of the troll fishery (Anonymous 2007). Because of the high number of sea birds and porpoises that are accidentally caught in the salmon gillnet fishery in British Columbia, a score of 1 was chosen Bycatch in this fishery is moderate (10-99% of targeted landings) AND does not regularly include "threatened, endangered or protected species" OR level of bycatch is unknown.

14 3.00 Bycatch in this fishery is low (<10% of targeted landings) and does not regularly include "threatened, endangered or protected species." Points of Adjustment (multiple selections allowed) Bycatch in this fishery is a contributing factor to the decline of "threatened, endangered, or protected species" and no effective measures are being taken to reduce it. In British Columbia, rhinoceros auklet s are listed as yellow, indicating their populations are not at risk of extinction and common murres are listed as a red species, meaning the species is a candidate for Endangered or Threatened status (BC Conservation Data Center, 2010). Marbled Murrelets are listed as blue, meaning this is a species of special concern (BC Conservation Data Center, 2010). We have not subtracted points because the impact of salmon fishing on the common murre s overall status is not known Bycatch of targeted or non-targeted species (e.g., undersize individuals) in this fishery is high and no measures are being taken to reduce it Bycatch of this species (e.g., undersize individuals) in other fisheries is high OR bycatch of this species in other fisheries inhibits its recovery, and no measures are being taken to reduce it The continued removal of the bycatch species contributes to its decline Measures taken over a major portion of the species range have been shown to reduce bycatch of "threatened, endangered, or protected species" or bycatch rates are no longer deemed to affect the abundance of the "protected" bycatch species OR no measures needed because fishery is highly selective (e.g., harpoon; spear) There is bycatch of targeted (e.g., undersize individuals) or non-targeted species in this fishery and measures (e.g., gear modifications) have been implemented that have been shown to reduce bycatch over a large portion of the species range OR no measures are needed because fishery is highly selective (e.g., harpoon; spear). Fishing is only allowed during the daytime in the Nass Area and Tyee test fishery (Skeena River), in an effort to reduce coho salmon bycatch (DFO 2009). Brailing and sorting is required in the purse seine fishery to allow the release of Chinook and coho Salmon that are incidentally caught and in the western Dixon Entrance barbless hooks and revival boxes are required for all fisheries (DFO 2009). The Pacific Salmon Selective Fishing Program (PSSFP) was initiated in 1998 based on concerns over low coho stock returns in the South Thompson and Upper Skeena rivers (DFO 2005). This program resulted in the implementation of selective fishing technologies and gear standards for

15 salmon fishing (DFO 2005). In northern British Columbia, areas with high abundances of undersized Chinook Salmon are kept closed to troll fishing and barbless hooks and operating revival boxes are also required in this region for all fisheries (DFO 2009a). The majority of Chinook Salmon released after incidental capture by seine and troll gear are alive but those caught by gillnet tend to be dead upon release (DFO 2004). Observer data from 2003 indicated that only around 5% of the salmon catch consisted of incidental or non targeted salmon, including coho, Chinook, steelhead and Atlantic (DFO 2004). Some of these measures are poorly monitored and/or enforced (Anonymous 2010), but we have added points to account for their implementation Bycatch of this species in other fisheries is low OR bycatch of this species in other fisheries inhibits its recovery, but effective measures are being taken to reduce it over a large portion of the range The continued removal of the bycatch species in the targeted fishery has had or will likely have little or no impact on populations of the bycatch species OR there are no significant bycatch concerns because the fishery is highly selective (e.g., harpoon; spear) Points for Bycatch REFERENCES Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (2010). Fish and seafood fact sheets, Pacific Chinook salmon. Online: Accessed June 3, Anonymous How we fish: ecological impact analysis of Canadian fishing gears. Expert Workshop, October 12-13, 2007, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. 96 p. Anonymous Reviewer, Chinook Salmon Blue Ocean Institute Report. Ban, N. and Alder, J How wild is the ocean? Assessing the intensity of anthropogenic marine activities in British Columbia, Canada. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 18: BC Conservation Data Centre BC species and ecosystems explorer. BC Ministry of Environment. Victoria, BC. Online: (accessed June 11, 2010).

16 Beamish, R.J. and Bouillon, D.R Pacific salmon production trends in relation to climate. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 50: Beamish, R.J., Riddell, B.E., Neville, C.E.M., Thomson, B.L. and Zhang, Z Declines in Chinook salmon catches in the Strait of Georgia in relation to shifts in the marine environment. Fisheries Oceanography 4: Beamish, R.J., Mahnken, C. and Neville, C.M. 1997a. Hatchery and wild production of Pacific salmon in relation to large-scale, natural shifts in the productivity of the marine environment. ICES Journal of Marine Science 54: Beamish, R.J., Neville, C. and Cass, A.J. 1997b. Production of Fraser River sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in relation to decadal-scale changes in the climate and ocean. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 54: Beamish, R.J., Noakes, D.J., McFarlane, G.A., Klyashtorin, L, Ivanov, V.V. and Kurashov, V The regime concept and natural trends in the production of Pacific salmon. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 56: Bjorn, P.A. and Finstad, B The physiological effects of salmon lice infection on sea trout post smolts. Nord Journal of Freshwater Research 73: Brooks, K. The effects of water temperature, salinity, and currents on the survival and distribution of the infective copepodid stage of sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) originating on Atlantic salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago of British Columbia, Canada. Reviews in Fisheries Science 13: Commercial Salmon Advisory Board (southern) (CSAB) Post-season review-record of meeting, January 18, p. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) summary report: Southern BC salmon catch monitoring programs. Observer, logbook and First Nations catch reports. Prepared by the Stock Assessment, Catch Monitoring Group, B.C. 18 p. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Pacific salmon selective fishing program evaluation. Final Report for project number p. Online: Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). 2008a. Aquatic species at risk Chinook salmon (Okanagan population), updated. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Vancouver, BC. Online: Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). 2008b. Pacific Region Integrated Fisheries Management Plan: salmon Alsek/Tatshenshini River, B.C Fisheries and Oceans Canada, BC. 40 p.

17 Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). 2008c. Pacific Region Integrated Fisheries Management Plan for Stikine River, B.C. salmon, April 1, 2008 to March 31, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, BC. 58 p. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). 2008d. Pacific Region Integrated Fisheries Management Plan for Taku River, B.C. salmon, April 1, 2008 to March 31, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, BC. 52 p. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). 2008a. Pacific salmon fishing gears. Online: Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). 2009a. Pacific region Integrated Fisheries Management Plan: salmon northern B.C. June 1, 2009 May 31, Fisheries and Ocean Canada, Vancouver, BC. 137 p. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). 2009b. Pacific region Integrated Fisheries Management Plan: salmon southern B.C. June 1, 2009 May 31, Fisheries and Ocean Canada, Vancouver, BC. 219 p. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). 2010a salmon stock outlook. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Vancouver, BC. Accessed on May 27, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). 2010b post season review salmon North Coast areas 1-6 & Central Coast areas Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Vancouver, BC Department of Justice Canada (DJC) Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, current to May 14th, Online: Dittman, A.H. and Quinn, T.P Homing in Pacific salmon: mechanisms and ecology. Journal of Experimental Biology 199: Ebbesmeyer, C.C., Cayan, D.R., McLain, D.R., Nichols, F.H., Peterson, D.H., Redmond, K.T step in the Pacific climate: forty environmental changes between and , pp In: J.L. Betancourt and V.L. Tharp (eds), Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Pacific Climate (PACLIM) Workshop, April Edited by California Department of Water Resources Interagency Ecology Study Program Technical Report No. 26. Fishbase Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. Accessed June 21, Online: Gardner, J Knowledge integration in salmon conservation and sustainability planning, towards effective implementation of wild salmon policy strategy four. David Suzuki Foundation and Watershed Watch Salmon Society. 103 p.

18 Grimnes, A. and Jakobsen, P.J The physiological effects of salmon lice infection on postsmolt of Atlantic salmon. Journal of Fish Biology 48: Groot, C. and Margolis, L Pacific salmon life histories. UBC Press, Vancouver, BC. Healey, M.C Herring in the diets of Pacific salmon in Georgia Strait, British Columbia, p In: W.J. McNeil and D.C. Himsworth (eds), Salmon ecosystems of the North Pacific. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, Or. Healey, M.C Coastwide distribution and ocean migration patterns of stream and oceantype Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. Canadian Field-Naturalist 97: Kent, M.L., Traxler, G.S., Kieser, D., Richard, J., Dawe, S.C., Shaw, R.W, Prosperi-Porta, G., Ketcheson, J. and Evelyn, T.P.T Survey of salmonid pathogens in ocean-caught fishes in British Columbia, Canada. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 10: Krkosek, M., Lewis, M.A. and Volpe, J.P Transmission dynamics of parasitic sea lice from farm to wild salmon. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Biological Sciences 272: Krkosek, M., Lewis, M.A., Volpe, J.P. and Morton, A Fish farms and sea lice infestations of wild juvenile salmon in the Broughton Archipelago-a rebuttal to Brooks (2005). Reviews in Fisheries Science 14:1-11. MacKinaly, D., Lehman, S., Bateman, J. and Cook, R Pacific salmon hatcheries in British Columbia. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Vancouver, BC. 43 p. Major, R.L., Ito, J., Ito, S. and Godfrey, H Distribution and origin of Chinook salmon (Onchorhynchus tshawytscha) in offshore waters of the north Pacific Ocean. International North Pacific Fisheries Commission Bulletin 38. McKinnon, B.M Sea lice: a review. World Aquaculture 28:5-10. Morgan, L.E. and Chuenpagdee, R Shifting gears: addressing the collateral impacts of fishing methods in US waters. Pew Science Series, Washington, DC. Island Press. Morrow, J.W The freshwater fishes of Alaska. University of British Columbia Animal Ecology Library. 248 p. Nagasawa, K., Ishida, Y., Ogura, M., Tadokoro, K. and Hiramatsu, K The abundance and distribution of Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Copepoda:Caligidae) on six species of Pacific salmon in offshore waters of the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, p In: G.A. Boxshall and D. Defaye (eds), Ellis Horwood series in aquaculture and fisheries support: Pathogens of wild and farmed fished: Sea lice. Ellis Horwood, New York, NY. Noakes, D.J., Beamish, R.J. and Kent, M.L On the decline of Pacific salmon and speculative links to salmon farming in British Columbia. Aquaculture 183:

19 Pike, A.W Sea lice-major pathogens of farmed Atlantic salmon. Parasitology today 5: Prakash, A Seasonal changes in feeding of coho and Chinook (spring) salmon in Southern British Columbia waters. Fisheries Research Board of Canada 19: Reimers, P.E The length of residence of juvenile fall Chinook salmon in Sixes River, Oregon. Research Report of the Fish Commission of Oregon 4. Taylor, E.B Environmental correlates of life-history variation in juvenile Chinook salmon, Onchorhynchus tshawytscha. Journal of Fish Biology 37:1-17. Watershed Watch Salmon Society (WWSS) Sea lice and salmon: elevating the dialogue on the farmed-wild salmon story. Coquitlam, BC. 28 p. Webb, J.H, Youngson, A.F., Thompson, C.E., Hay, D.W., Donaghy, M.J and McLaren, I.S Spawning of escaped farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in western and northern Scottish rivers: egg deposition by females. Aquaculture and Fisheries Management 5: Windsor, M.L. and Hutchinson, P The potential interactions between salmon aquaculture and the wild stocks- a review. Fisheries Research 10: Youngson, A.F., Webb, J.H., Thompson, C.E. and Knox, D Spawning of escpaed farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): hybridization of females with brown trout (Salmo trutta). Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 50: