Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission’s Post

Today our Fisheries and Seafood Science Lead, Samantha Renshaw is speaking on a panel at the Pacific Salmon Foundation BC Salmon Recovery & Resilience Conference in Vancouver alongside Scott Hinch, Amy Wakelin, Sonia Strobel, and Jeff Grout. The panel will focus on how we can transform Pacific salmon fisheries to become more selective and sustainable for the future. In 2024, B.C. salmon was a key focus for Ocean Wise. We launched the Salmon Advisory Panel and developed a new assessment process to identify 15 sustainable BC salmon options. We’re honoured to contribute to such meaningful conversations as we work together to protect this vital resource. Learn more about our B.C. salmon work here: https://lnkd.in/gGre_Xpt

This week, I attended the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s inaugural Salmon Recovery & Resilience Conference. I was honoured to present my work in creating recommendations for sustainable BC salmon fisheries and our path forward towards more equitable assessments for small-scale fisheries at Ocean Wise — over two days of learning and connecting with others, these are my key takeaways: 1️⃣ Threats to wild salmon are growing, and changing quickly in the face of climate change and resource extractions from watersheds. Tackling these challenges will require all hands on deck. The collaborative spirit at this event was really inspiring—how can we continue building these bridges? 2️⃣ Continued monitoring is essential to track salmon health, but we need to balance the goals of restoring ecosystems to their “original” state with adaptive strategies that will be critical where restoration isn’t possible, while still ensuring basic needs for communities that depend on salmon. 3️⃣ Salmon conservation must centre First Nations leadership—Indigenous Knowledge is essential to long-term success. We must also create space in the conservation world for youth to participate in decision making and have their voices heard. I left feeling both challenged and hopeful. What role can each of us play in shaping resilient ecosystems and communities for pacific salmon?

“Back 50 years ago, at this time of the year, every fishing community was the busiest place in the world. You had boats starting up an hour or so before daylight and people going to bed at midnight six days a week. And today, you know you don't see that, except when fish are plentiful.” - Barry Darby, retired sixth generation fisher, Changing Course. Capelin are an important food source for local communities, but they’re also vital food for other fish like Atlantic cod, halibut and salmon. If we want to see rebuilt fisheries in our lifetime, we need to rethink how we manage fish at the bottom of the food chain. If we give capelin the chance, they can rebuild. Learn more and take action at Oceana.ca/ProtectCapelin.

🐟 A study, led by Mark Hamilton @ University of Leicester, highlights the vital role of coral reef health in providing nutrient-rich fish, essential for communities with food insecurity challenges. Understanding these dynamics not only supports sustainable fisheries management but also promotes healthier diets and nutrition security. Learn more about how coral reef conditions impact local livelihoods and food systems: https://lnkd.in/d_hf3eGW

Drought and warm water threaten salmon in B.C. rivers, streams and hatcheries. Hatcheries need cool, fresh water to operate and produce healthy fish that support conservation, rebuilding, stock assessment and fisheries. That’s why we’re working hard to mitigate the risk of extended dry weather conditions to our hatchery facilities. Supported by Canada’s Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative, we’re protecting our hatcheries against drought by improving water intakes and groundwater supplies, improving the efficiency of water use, and deploying backup aeration and oxygenation systems. We’re also adjusting our activities, techniques and timing to reduce heat related stress on fish. These are just some of the steps we’re taking to support salmon during extreme environmental events. Learn more: https://ow.ly/Cu4150SP3o0

Recently, NOAA Fisheries published an independent assessment of the Alaska seafood industry's current economic and social conditions. The Alaska seafood industry represents an important way of life. It gives many Alaskans a sense of place, community, identity, and food security. However, the recent changes outlined in the report have caused significant decreases in Alaska state, town, and community revenue, threatening the sustainability of Alaska’s fisheries-dependent communities and their way of life. https://bit.ly/49pestG #Alaska #NOAA #Seafood #Economy

Follow this for some great insights to the Pollock industry.

Small-scale fisherfolk play a critical role in our ecosystems and food security, yet they are often overlooked in development plans. It’s time to rethink how we engage with these communities. Read our latest explainer about the untapped potential of small-scale fisheries and how development can truly benefit them. 👉 https://lnkd.in/gZ6D3fRz

South Australia's marine scalefish fishery has undergone a significant transformation from an open-access to a quota-based system, resulting in improved livelihoods for fishers and a healthier fish stock.     This positive change is a direct result of the collaborative work between fishers and scientists at the South Australian Research and Development Institute.     By testing new mesh sizes and fishing methods, they have successfully reduced bycatch and taken crucial steps to restore fish populations to a blossoming state. Take a deep dive into commercial wild catch: https://lnkd.in/gEhGE8y2