New State of Salmon Report from BC
Original Article by Pacific Salmon Foundation
Two-thirds of Pacific salmon populations in British Columbia and the Yukon are below their long-term average, finds a new State of Salmon report from the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF).
PSF’s State of Salmon report shows that salmon conservation remains a critical issue, with widespread declines over many decades compounded by the growing effects of climate change.
“Salmon are complex. The State of Salmon report helps to unpack that complexity by looking across all 10 major salmon-bearing regions in B.C. and the Yukon,” says Katrina Connors, a Senior Director with PSF. “The overall pattern is clear – the majority of salmon populations are in long-term decline. But there is also reason for hope, with some species increasing in some regions. It’s these wins that we need to celebrate, while turning our attention to those that need our support.”
Initially launched by PSF in 2024, the State of Salmon Report has been updated in 2025 with new data to provide improved findings and more robust analyses.
The report reveals that some species have increased in abundance, especially in southern regions. For example, Chinook salmon are 236 per cent above their long-term averages in the East Vancouver Island and Mainland Inlets, and 45 per cent above average in the Fraser.
Sockeye are also showing promise in some areas. In the Skeena, sockeye spawners are 29 per cent above their long-term average, with recent strong returns following years of limited fishing opportunities. Columbia sockeye, which faced near extinction less than three decades ago, are 187 per cent above their long-term average, making an astounding comeback. Just last year, more than 150,000 sockeye made it to spawn in the Canadian portion of the Columbia – one of the best years in recent decades.
Yet with two-thirds of salmon populations below their long-term averages, the data underscores persistent declines over many decades.
“Recent gains for some salmon species show that salmon can rebound when conditions are right,” says Connors. “But a few good runs in recent years don’t outweigh decades of decline. We can’t afford to lose sight of the urgency to prioritize salmon conservation and recovery.”