Many members have asked for a clear explanation of the current review of the Salmon Allocation Policy (SAP) and what it could mean for fisheries in British Columbia. The information below is a concise overview of the key issues under discussion as DFO reviews the policy.
Why the SAP Is Being Reviewed
The federal government is reviewing the 1999 Salmon Allocation Policy to reflect modern fisheries management, conservation priorities, and legal developments related to Indigenous fishing rights.
The review follows the 2018 BC Supreme Court decision involving the Ahousaht First Nation and other Nuu-chah-nulth Nations, which found that aspects of the recreational priority in the SAP infringed on certain First Nations’ right-based fisheries.
The goal of the review is to update how salmon are shared among First Nations, commercial, and recreational fisheries while maintaining conservation and sustainable salmon populations.
Key Principles Being Reviewed
Conservation – Conservation remains the top priority. Updates being discussed emphasize rebuilding healthy and diverse salmon populations and improving ecosystem resilience, aligned with policies, such as the Wild Salmon Policy.
First Nations Rights – The review aims to better reflect constitutionally protected fishing rights, including food, social and ceremonial fisheries (under Sec 35 of the constitution), treaty rights, and recognized right-based commercial fisheries.
Public Access and “Common Property” – Salmon are federally managed by DFO, and access is granted through licenses rather than ownership of the resource. Some First Nations have proposed removing the term “common property”. Most recreational fishing representatives support retaining it as a principle supporting public access.
Recreational and Commercial Allocation – Under the current SAP – Recreational fisheries have priority for Chinook and Coho over commercial fisheries, while the commercial fisheries have priority for Sockeye, Pink, and Chum.
One of the main debates in the review is whether recreational priority for Chinook and Coho should remain, or be modified. Some proposals also suggest limits or caps based on abundance, while recreational representatives are advocating to maintain the current structure.
Bycatch and Total Mortality – Proposed updates may include clearer guidance on accounting for total mortality, including bycatch and incidental catch across all fisheries.
Implementation Ideas Under Discussion
Participants in the review have also discussed:
- Improved monitoring and reporting across all fisheries.
- Recognition of enhancement programs such as hatcheries.
- More localized management approaches in some regions.
- A framework to evaluate and update the policy over time.
Where There Is Agreement
There is broad agreement from all representatives that:
- Conservation must remain the first priority.
- First Nations’ right-based fisheries follow Conservation in priority.
- The Fisheries Minister has authority to regulate fisheries and access.
- Greater transparency and monitoring are needed across all sectors.
Key Issues Still Being Debated
Several important questions remain unresolved:
- Whether recreational priority for Chinook and Coho should change.
- Whether “common property” language should remain in the policy.
- How bycatch and incidental mortality should be addressed.
- Whether allocations should be determined coast-wide or more locally.
What Happens Next?
DFO will continue reviewing feedback from consultations and advisory groups through early 2026. Recommendations will then be provided to the Minister, including areas where consensus was reached and where differences remain.
What can SVIAC members do?
Send letters and email to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans – Joanne Thompson, and your Member of Parliament. Let them know how the impact of their decision will affect you, your family, your culture, your community, and your business.
SVIAC will continue to keep members informed as the process moves forward and as potential impacts to the public fishery become clearer.