A Look at the Upcoming 1998 Salmon Season....

Everyone has heard that BC salmon stocks are in trouble. But what does it mean to consumers, people who want to buy a salmon for the barbeque or to order it in a restaurant?

On June 19, 1998 Minister of Fisheries David Anderson announced the 1998 salmon management plan. The plan means that coho salmon will not be commercially available. It also means that fisheries for sockeye, chinook, pink, and chum salmon will be managed so that there will be zero mortality on threatened stocks of coho and minimal bycatch mortality on all other coho stocks.

Coho conservation will cause profound changes in where, when, and how fishermen fish in order to ensure selective, sustainable fisheries. The good news is that all BC wild salmon available commercially will be harvested according to strict regulations and close monitoring of catches. Consumers can rest assured that buying wild BC salmon this year is a responsible choice.

Like most local harvests, wild BC salmon is seasonal and available fresh during the summer months, mainly July to September.This year the season began with wild Springs from the West Coast of Vancouver Island in May, moving on to Sockeye in late June and continuing until late August. Value-priced pink and chum will also be available over the summer, with some chum again in October and November. While total harvests will be lower this year, world market conditions mean that there should be plently of fish available for local markets and retail prices are not likely to change significantly.

Wild salmons' superb taste comes from the rich ocean nutrients of the North Pacific . As well, its natural BC goodness offers a powerful protein package that's low in saturated fat and high on Omega-3 fatty acids. Exposed to the unpredictable influence of the natural elements, each species boasts a distinct character, unique flavour, flesh colour, texture and oil content. Wild BC salmon offers both the professional chef and the home cook good taste, eye appeal, and versatility - the perfect ingredient for the perfect meal.

So go wild and celebrate the seasonal harvest of wild BC salmon.

July,1998

©1997 BC Salmon Marketing Council
Last updated on July6, 1998

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