By Canadian Press

B.C. First Nation to develop salmon hatchery with Fisheries Department

Dec 11, 2024 | 10:08 AM

VANCOUVER — The Tsilhqot’in National Government in British Columbia says it has formed a “historic partnership” with the federal Fisheries Department to develop a permanent salmon conservation hatchery in its territory.

It says the hatchery will be managed by the nation, which is host to three salmon-bearing watersheds: the Chilcotin, the Chilko, and the Taseko rivers.

The First Nation says the recovery of fish stocks has been a “long-standing nation-wide priority” and a larger, permanent hatchery will help bring back wild stocks, while supporting traditional fishing practices.

It says its lands are home to spawning and nursery grounds for a sockeye run, noting that the salmon have faced significant challenges resulting in low returns.

Joe Alphonse, Tsilhqot’in National Government’s tribal chair, says in a news release that a landslide this summer that blocked the Chilcotin River stopped his people from harvesting fish.

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He says the nation is hopeful the hatchery will help rebuild vulnerable salmon populations.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2024.

The Canadian Press