Fishery Notice

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is seeking assistance in identifying and 
reporting Atlantic salmon in British Columbia (B.C.) waters, following the 
escape of Atlantic salmon from an aquaculture facility in Washington State, 
August, 2017. 

DFO's Atlantic Salmon Watch Program has received more than 100 reports of 
Atlantic salmon caught in BC waters since this event.  These reports are from 
locations as far apart as the Eve River on Northern Vancouver Island to Tofino 
on West coast Vancouver Island, as well as in the lower Fraser River.

DFO requests all First Nations, commercial and sport fishers, or those 
conducting stock assessment activities, to report sightings to the Atlantic 
Salmon Watch Program.  Please record the location and method of capture and for 
captured fish, please retain, at least the head and stomach of any Atlantic 
salmon, photograph the fish and send the photo of the fish by email.  Whole 
fish would be appreciated.  DFO will arrange for the transportation of any 
samples, which will then be tested to confirm species and origin if possible, 
and to determine if they have been feeding. 

Tips for identifying Atlantic salmon available are on our website.  The key 
distinguishing feature of Atlantic salmon is large black spots on the gill 
cover.  At the time of the escape, the fish weighed about 4.5kg (10lbs) but 
could weigh significantly more if they are still alive now.  Encounters with 
Atlantic salmon at any life stage should be reported.  

There is a very low likelihood of Atlantic salmon establishing in Pacific 
waters based on numerous failed attempts to introduce Atlantic salmon to this 
coast in the past.  Since 1991, the Atlantic Salmon Watch Program has found no 
evidence of established Atlantic salmon populations in BC.  Nevertheless, it 
remains important to be vigilant and ensure establishment does not occur.  Your 
reports will help in identifying priority areas for survey for the Atlantic 
Salmon Watch Program and may contribute to the regulatory environment of 
Aquaculture in BC. DFO shares information about all reported sightings on our 
website. Thank you for your help in monitoring B.C. waters.
	

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Atlantic Salmon Watch Program 
Toll free: 1-800-811-6010 		
Email: aswp@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/aquaculture/aswp/index-eng.html  

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0749
Sent August 9, 2018 at 1138

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Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on February 17, 2026 at 1024