Plenty of fish?
A recent report by a panel of marine experts, convened by the International Programme on the State of the Oceans, concluded that human activity has already caused a dramatic decline in ocean health and may soon lead to a globally significant extinction of marine species.1
The situation is not yet so dire in Canada's North Pacific waters, but while some fish populations are plentiful, others are at risk.
Some species of B.C.’s rockfish particularly low in numbers. Rockfish often grow and reproduce slowly, which makes them susceptible to overfishing. They also don't travel relatively far, which can make them particularly vulnerable to localized overfishing. In response to these concerns, 59 conservation areas have been established throughout the region in hopes of recovering populations of these magnificent fish.
Herring are significant food sources for marine fish, mammals, seabirds and people, but their populations are also in decline. Several sub-populations are low compared to historic numbers, and much of the herring fishery is now closed along most areas of Canada's North Pacific Coast.
Eulachon are a valuable food source for many animals because of their extremely high oil content. Eulachon has been a primary part of many First Nations cultures on Canada's North Pacific Coast since time immemorial. However, after significant delines in stocks the Fraser River population of eulachon has been designated as Endangered. Population declines in the Skeena and Nass River led to their designation as Threatened in 2011.2
The number of wild salmon in the world’s oceans has been declining for decades, and B.C. is no exception. While Canada's North Pacific salmon stocks are healthier than most, they are showing signs of stress. Some stocks have crashed - like the sockeye in Rivers Inlet - leaving less than 10 per cent of historic levels.
The health of salmon populations is affected by a wide variety of industrial activities, including mining, forestry, finfish aquaculture, coastal and land development, fishing, and climate change. Salmon stock declines world-wide underline the need for Canada's North Pacific waters to have a comprehensive management plan that considers the collective impacts of multiple industries.
Sources:
1 Alex Rogers and Dan Laffoley. (2011) International Earth system expert workshop on ocean stresses and impacts. Summary report. IPSO Oxford, 18 pp.
2 These designations are given by the Federal Government of Canada's Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
