Saturday August 29, 2009, 3:30 am
The number of sockeye returning from the ocean to the Fraser River this year is one of the lowest in the past 50 and follows two years of dangerously low returns. In fact, we have witnessed decades of decline for diverse sockeye populations from the Fraser Watershed, some of which are now on the brink of extinction.

Many salmon runs besides Fraser sockeye are also endangered, while others have disappeared altogether. As populations decline, so does genetic diversity. This diversity allows salmon to adapt to the challenges they face and keeps the populations strong and healthy.

The total disappearance of Pacific salmon would be devastating not just for First Nations and families that depend on the fish for food, but for all who consider salmon a healthy and tasty food source and who rely on the money salmon fishing brings to the economy. Salmon are also essential to the healthy functioning of ecosystems. They bring nutrients from the oceans to the rivers and forests and are a valuable food source for whales, bears, birds, and other wildlife.

The Fraser sockeye fishery is one of Canada’s most valuable, accounting for close to 50 per cent of the economic value of all salmon caught in B.C. Their extremely low returns have been called a mystery because finding one simple cause or solution is difficult. However, even though we can’t always link an exact cause to every salmon population decline, we do know the major threats, and that gives us hope that we can change things for the better.

Sockeye have been heavily fished over the years, their spawning habitat in rivers and lakes is being destroyed, their survival is threatened by warming oceans and rivers due to climate change, and they are vulnerable to sea lice and diseases from open-net salmon farms.

Saturday August 29, 2009, 11:20 am
Thank you Karen. Well, the article points out very clearly what needs to be done. The important step now? DO IT! Hope they get a move on!

Saturday August 29, 2009, 12:30 pm
I agree with Michelle, What are they waiting for?
Thanks Karen

Wednesday September 2, 2009, 11:39 am
Karen well you know i think that you coverd all the bases,i have lived in the Fraser river area four 40 year's and i can say that from that time to now the change that i have seen has been has been so drammatic,it is hard to say what has caused such a decline there are so meny vareables,but i can make a pritty good guess and i an sure that you can to,i some how don't feel that bad for the impact that it will have on the human population what realy bother's me is the impact that the wildlife community will feel the rippel afect will be devistating i pray that will not happen ,i do not know what else to do!