Stock Assessment and Research

We conduct year-round activities from the air, water, and ground to support the protection and recovery of all Tŝilhqot’in salmon stocks. This powerful technical basis directly supports priority setting and Leadership decision making.

Our expanding stock assessment, monitoring, and research programs have resulted in one of the richest fisheries data sets in British Columbia.

Image Gallery

Chilko sockeye spring smolt enumeration - smolt fence and sonar
Chilko sockeye spring smolt enumeration - smolt fence and sonar
Chilko Chinook smolt release - coded wire tag program
Chilko Chinook smolt release - coded wire tag program
Chinook mark and recapture
Chinook mark and recapture
Chinook, sockeye, coho and steelhead aerial assessment
Chinook, sockeye, coho and steelhead aerial assessment
Sonar assessment for sockeye, Chinook, coho and steelhead in critical nursery areas
Sonar assessment for sockeye, Chinook, coho and steelhead in critical nursery areas
Non-retention test fishery
Non-retention test fishery
Chilko sockeye dead pitch and biophysical sampling
Chilko sockeye dead pitch and biophysical sampling
Steelhead genetics research
Steelhead genetics research
Juvenile coho research
Juvenile coho research

Understanding the entire salmon story

A primary focus for TNG Fisheries is to understand the entire salmon story – that is, the salmon’s entire journey from the ocean to their spawning grounds. 

Collecting information at different stages of the salmon life cycle is a critical component of our work. This information helps us understand:

  • the annual strength and health of Tŝilhqot’in salmon populations (can change over time);
  • impacts on these populations that occur outside the Territory
  • predictions of health and challenges for the next generation of salmon
  • the distinct life histories, needs, and challenges of Tŝilhqot’in salmon populations (e.g. – Tŝilhqot’in sockeye are 4 distinct populations!)
  • Usage and health of critical fish habitat (can change over time).