| Citation |
Cleveland, M.C.; Cox-Rogers, S.; Rabnett, K. (2006) Kitwanga Sockeye salmon recovery plan (KSRP) – A plan to preserve genetic diversity and rebuild an important race of sockeye salmon – draft, may 2006, Gitanyow Fisheries Authority, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Skeena Fisheries Commission. |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
The Kitwanga River is biologically rich, supporting populations of all six species of salmon found in North America, as well as various species of resident salmonids and coarse fish. A species of significant importance in the Kitwanga River is sockeye salmon. Historically, Kitwanga sockeye numbered in the tens of thousands, and were actively fished for sustenance purposes by the Gitanyow and the Gitwangak who inhabited the watershed. However, drastic declines in stock abundance were observed in the 1960’s and today the stock is no longer fished for Food, Social or Ceremonial purposes because of conservation concerns. Kitwanga sockeye are an evolutionary significant unit as defined by Waples (1995) and therefore an important fisheries management unit. This suggests that Kitwanga sockeye have developed specific life history adaptations and timing regimes that are genetically unique and there is little possibility that neighbouring sockeye populations could replace Kitwanga sockeye naturally, given the extremely limited gene flow and the degree of local adaptation. The Kitwanga sockeye stock is currently at a depressed level and at risk of collapse. The collapse of Kitwanga sockeye could lead to extinction, which should be considered irreversible. The reasons for the stock decline are not completely understood, however it is believed that over-exploitation in the commercial fishery and habitat deterioration in Gitanyow Lake are the main contributors to the stock collapse. Fishery re-constructions for the last 40 years show average exploitation rates on Kitwanga sockeye of over 50%, reaching highs of over 65% in some years. Furthermore, the Kitwanga Watershed was heavily logged beginning in the 1960’s and it is believed that both spawning and rearing areas have been negatively impacted by road building and harvesting activities. In response to the conservation concern for Kitwanga sockeye, the Gitanyow Fisheries Authority (GFA) in co-operation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the Skeena Fisheries Commission and the Province of BC have initiated a rebuilding plan to restore Kitwanga sockeye while retaining the genetic endowment of the stock. The plan identifies potential limiting factors to production and recommends recovery actions. It is anticipated that the plan will begin implementation in 2006 with funding from the Pacific Salmon Commission – Northern Boundary Fund. Projects that will receive priority for 2006/07 will include: The collection and culture of Kitwanga sockeye brood in a hatchery setting in order to release 100,000 fry into Gitanyow Lake in the spring of 2007. If successful this will allow for a production boost in excess of 85% from the egg to fry stage, helping to increase adult recruitment in 2010 and 2011. Pilot restoration programs of known Kitwanga sockeye Lakeshore spawning areas. This project will consist of small scale restoration initiatives to clean sediment infiltrated spawning grounds, the removal of macrophytes and the addition of superior quality gravel. As in other years, the Kitwanga sockeye smolt output during the spring of 2006 will be assessed, and the escapement of adults during the summer and fall of 2006 will be counted. |
