The Honourable Joanne Thompson, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
200 Kent Street, Station 15N100
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Subject: Urgent Need for Modernized Management to Protect Skeena River Wild Steelhead

Dear Minister Thompson,

I am writing to you today as a concerned citizen and advocate for the future of wild steelhead in the Skeena River watershed. The recent decision by your department (DFO) to extend the commercial gillnet fishery beyond the critical July 31st conservation deadline is alarming and highlights systemic issues in the management of this world-renowned watershed.

This decision, based on a "math blunder" from the Tyee test fishery, prioritized commercial sockeye opportunities at the direct expense of migrating wild steelhead and other at-risk salmon populations. This action sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the trust of all who rely on a healthy, abundant river.

As the Minister of Fisheries, you have an opportunity to modernize the approach to fisheries management in the Skeena. I urge you to implement the following changes:

  1. Enforce a "Hard Stop" Date: Commit to a non-negotiable "hard stop" of July 31st for all commercial gillnet fisheries in the Skeena River approach waters to protect vulnerable, co-migrating wild steelhead.[

  2. End the Tyee Test Fishery: The Tyee test fishery is an outdated, indiscriminate, and lethal method of assessing fish abundance. With modern technologies available, such as advanced sonar and AI-powered camera systems, there is no justification for a "test" fishery that kills the very species we are trying to protect.

  3. Transition to Selective Fishing Gear: Mandate a transition away from indiscriminate gillnets to proven, selective fishing methods that allow for the safe release of non-target species like steelhead.

The future of the Skeena's wild steelhead depends on moving beyond outdated practices and embracing conservation-focused, science-based solutions. Your leadership is urgently needed to ensure these iconic fish are protected for future generations.

Thank you for your time and for your consideration of this critical issue. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

[your name will go here]