A vision for wild salmon in the Lower Fraser

In March 2020, Raincoast published the report Toward a vision for salmon habitat in the Lower Fraser River. The report detailed the state of Lower Fraser salmon and their habitat, threats to this habitat, and the cultural, economic, ecological, and social values attached to these salmon. Since March, we have been advancing the report’s recommendations to foster collaboration. We are active on three fronts.

In the Fraser Estuary, we are pursuing collaborative opportunities to restore habitat with the Tsawwassen Nation, the Province of BC, Metro Vancouver, and Ducks Unlimited. We also continue to support the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance with the implementation of an Indigenous-led Fish Habitat Restoration Strategy for the entire Lower Fraser River.

Throughout 2020, we researched investments in conservation and restoration in the Lower Fraser to better understand the scale, scope, and rationale for millions of dollars of investment committed over the last ten years. In 2021, we plan to make recommendations for identifying sustainable funding options for salmon restoration.

Lastly, we have also worked to increase monitoring and research capacity, especially where this overlaps with Indigenous youth engagement. You can learn more in the Salish Sea Emerging Stewards update.