Water Stewardship Information Sources
| Citation | Harvey, B and MacDuffee, M (eds.). 2002. Ghost Runs: The future of wild salmon on the north and central coasts of British Columbia. Raincoast Conservation Socieity. Victoria, BC. |
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| Organization | Raincoast Conservation Society |
| URL | http://www.raincoast.org/files/publications/reports/ghost-runs/ghostruns-1.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | There is growing concern in British Columbia’s coastal communities about declines in local salmon runs. This report was undertaken to examine this problem, especially in light of the ecological role that returning salmon play in the coastal ecosystem. The report also considers the effects of land and fisheries management on coastal salmon dynamics. The report does not address all the complex components of the salmon debate; however, it challenges some of the fundamental thinking that underlies salmon management. The study area covers the north and central coasts of BC. Within this region are many watersheds that are relatively free of habitat destruction and salmon enhancement projects, although heavy fisheries exploitation has occurred. These pristine river valleys contain some of the last runs of wild salmon in BC. As such, they represent a rare opportunity to improve our understanding of salmon within the coastal ecosystem and, ultimately, contribute to their survival. Our findings on the status of salmon reinforce other reports that have suggested declines in salmon abundance or identified information shortcomings (Wood 2001, Gresch et al. 2000, PFRCC 2000, Slaney et al. 1996, Walters 1995). In most rivers and streams on the north and central coasts, the status of salmon is simply unknown. In rivers and streams where reliable information does exist, the status of salmon is often alarming. Other key conclusions of this report include: • The current fisheries management model used on the north and central coasts is flawed and ignores the importance of salmon to wildlife and the ecosystem. • Mixed stock fisheries are devastating to small runs and to genetic diversity. • Enhancement and hatchery initiatives can cause loss of diversity and abundance of wild salmon. • Under existing standards, the presence and expansion of fish farms on the central and north coasts poses a threat to wild runs of salmon. • Existing forest practices and regulatory legislation are inadequate to protect salmon habitat. |
| Information Type | report |
| Regional Watershed | Central Coast |
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| Project status | complete |
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