Transitioning to selective fishing technologies for salmon can help endangered Steelhead populations, while allowing sustainable salmon harvesting opportunities for communities dependant on salmon for food and ceremonial purposes.
The Fish Trap – The need to transition to selective fishing practices for salmon has never been more apparent. Steelhead have been subjected to interception in salmon fisheries for decades. Given the low abundance of world-renowned Thompson and Skeena Steelhead, the need to find alternative methods to harvest salmon for all fisheries is highlighted by devastatingly low return numbers each year. The SSBC supports alternatives to conventional harvesting methods and has invested in selective fishing research and development for salmon fisheries directly impacting steelhead. We started documentation of this research in June 2021, the next phase of trap testing will hopefully continue in Fall 2023.
What is the Steelhead Society?
Formed in 1970 by a group of dedicated Steelhead anglers concerned about the state of wild steelhead stocks and the wild rivers of British Columbia, the Steelhead Society is a charitable non-profit river conservation organization. The Society has evolved to advocate for the health of all wild salmonids and wild rivers in British Columbia. Considered to be “one of the most important conservation organizations in North America”, the Steelhead Society primarily consists of members from across North America, but has members from around the world. Our members’ support, as well as private donations and monies raised through fundraising campaigns, funds advocacy actions and awareness in the public spectrum, and acts to encourage positive change in government and private enterprise.
What is the aim of the Steelhead Society?
The Steelhead Society’s mandate is to encourage the conservation and restoration of wild fish and the wild rivers they inhabit. To this end, the Steelhead Society has been able to form alliances and partnerships with First Nations; Federal and Provincial government agencies, politicians, forestry companies, grass roots organizations, media, and outdoor equipment manufacturers. These alliances encourage awareness of the sensitivity of watersheds and their inhabitants, with a unified goal of improving damaged habitats for the greater good of all involved parties.
Join the SSBC and raise your voice for wild Steelhead!