Salmon Economy
Skeena River salmon and steelhead generate over $110 million a year for the local economy, which closely rivals the forest industry in importance as the region’s economic driver.
Historically, First Nations harvested salmon for food, social and ceremonial purposes, taking advantage of the vast runs making their way to the tributaries of the Skeena each year. This fishery enabled one of the most advanced and culturally rich, non-agricultural societies in the world to evolve. The traditional First Nations fishery used a variety of in-river technologies which were effective and selective in nature. Salmon stocks were typically harvested and processed in close proximity to their spawning grounds with weirs, traps, dip nets and beach seines. First nations still harvest salmon throughout the watershed and coastal communities using a mix of traditional techniques in-river and modern net and troll techniques at sea.
The modern day marine commercial fishery began with the opening of the first cannery in 1877 at the mouth of the Skeena River. Large fleets of small gill net boats effectively harvested salmon in the river mouth until the 1930’s when powered vessel technology allowed the fishery to move out into the nearby ocean. Since then a large gill net fleet of between 200 and 1500 boats has targeted the Skeena river sockeye, pink and chinook salmon in the approach waters. In the 1950’s a marine seine fishery was introduced which also targets returning sockeye and pink salmon. With these advances in technology many Skeena salmon stocks began to decline and in the late 1960’s the Pinkut and Fulton spawning channels were built to boost production of commercially valuable sockeye. This increased production maintained a vibrant commercial fishery until the 1990’s when conservation concerns for coho and other smaller Skeena salmon populations resulted in reduced opportunities for the commercial sector. At this time farm salmon production was expanding worldwide, driving down prices for wild fish.
Despite declining stocks and prices, commercial fishing continues to generate significant employment in the regions coastal communities. Fish caught by the Skeena fleet also generates hundreds of jobs in the region’s fish processing industry, which turns whole fish into a variety of wild salmon products for export.
The Skeena Watershed also provides important recreation and aesthetic values for the public and the tourism sector. The streams and rivers attract anglers for a variety of species throughout the year, and it is this diversity that draws an international sport fishery in the Skeena and provides an important recreation opportunity for local residents. The Skeena river’s sport fishery has been growing since the 1970’s providing economic benefits throughout the watershed. A large charter boat fleet also targets salmon in the waters off of Prince Rupert. Combined these fisheries harvest significant numbers of chinook and coho salmon, providing significant employment and economic benefits to the region.