The Stock Concept and its Application to British Columbia Salmon Fisheries

Abstract

The application of the stock concept to the management of British Columbia salmon fisheries is examined in an historical context. Early recognition of the distinctiveness of runs proceeding to different rivers led to the management principle that stocks should be harvested at a rate commensurate with their abundance level and their particular reproduction rate. Past and current work has been directed largely to applying this principle and included stock identification and estimates of abundance (catch and escapement) and of age composition. However, the application of the stock concept to management has been fraught with difficulties mainly because of the large number of stocks involved, the increasing catching power of the fishing fleet, and its displacement into fishing areas where stocks are mixed extensively. Some options for future management strategies are considered, but prospects for the maintenance of all but the most productive stocks seem dim.Key words: Pacific salmon, stock concept, management, fisheries, stock–recruitment relationship