A Tale of Two Fishes: A Comparison of Eulachon and Salmon Conservation and Management in the Skeena Watershed

Eulachon (Thaleicthys pacificus) and Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) are species of high cultural significance to North Coast - Skeena First Nations. Eulachon harvest in the late winter signifies the return of fresh food and is used for ceremonial purposes, while salmon (especially sockeye, Oncorhynchus nerka) represents a food staple and an important source of income and identity. While commercial salmon fisheries may have more direct economic benefits, eulachon also has a history of economy and trade in the Skeena watershed amongst First Nations.

In addition, eulachon and salmon both play valuable ecological roles in the Skeena watershed and estuary. Consequently, they are both vulnerable to the impacts of cumulative stressors from existing and proposed industrial activity in the region. First Nations are playing increasingly important roles in the conservation and management of both fish, while concurrently navigating through the deluge of proposed industrial development in the region.

This presentation will discuss the differences and similarities between eulachon and salmon in terms of their conservation and management, bringing experience and perspective from the North Coast-Skeena First Nations. It will consider what tools and processes may be beneficial to First Nations (and the fish) in the Skeena watershed, given the current challenges.