BC Salmon Marketing Council

Media FAQ

Wild BC Salmon is a crucial part of British Columbia's ecosystem, economy, and cultural heritage. This FAQ document is designed to provide media representatives with essential information about Wild BC Salmon, addressing common questions and concerns.

Q: What are Wild BC Salmon?

A: Wild BC Salmon refers to the five species of salmon that are native to the rivers and coastal waters of British Columbia. 

Q: What species of Wild BC Salmon are there?

Five species of Pacific salmon are harvested in the coastal waters of British Columbia:

  1. Chinook Salmon (Spring, King Salmon): The largest and fattiest of the Pacific salmon species, prized for its rich flavour and firm texture. 

  2. Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon): Known for its vibrant orange flesh and balanced flavour, it is perfect for grilling, baking, or poaching. 

  3. Keta Salmon (Chum Salmon): Another smaller species with a deeper pink flesh, often used in fish cakes, canned salmon, or smoked products.

  4. Pink Salmon (Humpback Salmon): The smallest and most abundant Pacific salmon, with a milder flavour and softer texture, excellent for salads or light dishes. 

  5. Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon): Characterized by its deep red flesh, sockeye is a versatile fish ideal for canning, smoking, or baking. 

Q: What is the life cycle of Wild BC Salmon?

A: Wild BC salmon begin their lives in freshwater streams, rivers, or lakes, migrate to the ocean to mature, and return to their birthplace to spawn. This cycle ensures that each stock is genetically adapted to its environment, supporting biodiversity and ecological balance​.

Q: Where are Wild BC Salmon found?

A: Wild BC salmon inhabit the North Pacific Ocean, Bering Strait, southwestern Beaufort Sea, and numerous rivers and streams in BC and Yukon, including the Skeena, Nass, and Fraser rivers​.

Q: How is Wild BC Salmon caught?

A:

  1. Trolling: Uses hooks and lines with lures. Trolling accounts for about 25% of the commercial harvest.

  2. Gillnetting: Involves nets that catch salmon by their gills. This method is also responsible for about 25% of the commercial harvest.

  3. Seining: Uses large nets to encircle and trap the fish. Seining accounts for about 50% of the commercial harvest​

Q: What makes Wild BC Salmon unique?

A: 

  1. Wild:

    1. Born and raised in natural habitats, migrating between BC's rivers and the Pacific Ocean.

    2. The natural life cycle contributes to distinctive flavour and texture​ (BC Salmon )​.

  2. Quality:

    1. Rich, firm flesh and flavour due to natural diet and environment​.

    Sustainably Caught:

    1. Fisheries operate under strict management measures and certifications.

    2. Environmentally responsible practices support the long-term health of salmon populations and ecosystems​.

  3. Canadian:

    1. Product of Canada, specifically the pristine waters of British Columbia.

    2. Reflects the natural bounty and high standards of Canadian seafood production​

Q: Why is Wild BC Salmon important?

A: Wild Salmon Day was established in 2019 in British Columbia and celebrated on June 1st. The day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of wild salmon. Wild BC Salmon are vital for several reasons:

  1. Ecological Impact: They play a key role in nutrient cycling in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

  2. Economic Value: The commercial and recreational fishing industries depend heavily on healthy salmon populations. (Supporting BC fishing families on all parts of the coast)

  3. Cultural Significance: Salmon are integral to the traditions and lifestyles of Indigenous communities in BC.

Q: What threats do Wild BC Salmon face?

A: Wild BC Salmon face several threats, including:

  1. Habitat Destruction: Logging, mining, and urban development can destroy vital spawning and rearing habitats.

  2. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and altered river flows impact salmon survival rates.

  3. Overfishing: Fishing can deplete salmon populations. There is a government mandate to support and rebuild vulnerable stocks.

  4. Pollution: Agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and plastic pollution degrade water quality.

Q: How can I tell if salmon is wild-caught?

A: Look for labels that specifically say "Wild Caught" or "Wild BC Salmon." You can also ask your fishmonger about the origin of the salmon.

Q: What is the best way to cook Wild BC Salmon?

A: Wild BC Salmon's versatility allows for a variety of cooking methods. Popular options include grilling, baking, pan-frying, poaching, smoking, and curing. The best method depends on the specific species and desired outcome.

Q: Where can I buy Wild BC Salmon?

A: Wild BC Salmon is available at most major grocery stores and seafood markets across Canada and the United States. You can also find it at online retailers specializing in sustainable seafood.

  1. Local fish markets

  2. Grocery stores

  3. Online retailers

  4. Directly from fishers and community-supported fisheries Check your local commercial dock markets

Q: What conservation efforts are in place to protect Wild BC Salmon?

A: Various initiatives aim to protect and restore Wild BC Salmon populations: There is a government mandate to support and rebuild vulnerable stocks.                                                                                                        

  1. Habitat Restoration: Projects to restore and protect rivers and streams.

  2. Fisheries Management: Regulations to control fishing practices and protect salmon during critical life stages.

  3. Climate Action: Efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.

  4. Pollution Control: Policies to reduce pollutants entering aquatic ecosystems.

  5. Research and Monitoring: Ongoing studies to understand salmon ecology and inform conservation strategies.

Q: How can the public help protect Wild BC Salmon?

A: The public can contribute by:

  1. Supporting sustainable seafood choices: Choosing sustainably caught or farmed seafood.

  2. Reducing carbon footprint: Helping to mitigate climate change.

  3. Participating in local conservation efforts: Volunteering for habitat restoration projects.

  4. Advocating for protective policies: Supporting legislation that protects wild salmon habitats.

Q: What regulations are in place for fishing Wild BC  Salmon?

A: Fishing regulations vary by species, region, and time of year. These include:

  1. Licensing requirements

  2. Seasonal restriction

  3. Catch limits

  4. Gear restrictions

  5. Protected areas

Q: How is the quality of Wild BC Salmon maintained?

A: Wild BC salmon are often bled, cleaned, and partially processed on fishing boats to ensure freshness. Techniques like icing and quick freezing are used to maintain top quality until the salmon reaches the market​.

For more detailed information on wild BC salmon, including recipes and purchasing tips, visit the BC Salmon Marketing Council's official website at https://www.bcsalmon.ca/

This project is supported by the BC Government’s Buy BC Partnership Program; delivered by MNP LLP with funding from the Government of British Columbia.