Pink
Salmon Action Plan
In 2002, concern was expressed that a
low return of adult pink salmon to the Broughton
area was the result of infestation by sea lice (Lepeophtheirus
salmonis) of juvenile pink salmon during
out-migration from the Broughton Archipelago in the
spring of 2001.
In January 2003, Fisheries and Oceans
Canada announced
new
initiatives designed to assess and protect the
health of the wild pink salmon resource in the
Broughton Archipelago. The department, in
collaboration with the Province of British Columbia,
began
coordinating monitoring and research
activities to further protect wild salmon and
monitor sea lice infections. (Broughton
Archipelago Sea Lice Action Plan - Provincial Site).
The department developed a five-part
comprehensive Action Plan to address
potential risks to wild pink salmon stocks. The
Action Plan includes:
-
a freshwater
monitoring program,
-
a marine
monitoring program,
-
an active
salmon farm management approach,
-
a long-term
research plan, and
-
a
public-consultation/dialogue process.
In
addition, DFO scientists are currently preparing an
extensive review of existing data on adult pink
salmon abundance. They are also conducting research
that examines the potential impact of sea lice on
juvenile wild salmon, including any direct mortality
of juvenile pink and chum salmon that results from
sea lice infections.
