Fishing
A sustainable fishery gives back to the community and stewards the land, water, and fish. It helps the health of the ecosystems and enables fish populations to thrive and be sustainably harvested for generations to come. Under the Yukon Territory Fishery Regulations (C.R.C., c.854), domestic (recreational, subsistence, and sport) and commercial fisheries can operate within the Region. Historically, the only commercial fisheries in the Region have focused on salmon. However, recreational fisheries target various species such as salmon, grayling, and pike.
Fisheries have a deep history within the Region. In particular, salmon fishing was a cornerstone of Dawson City’s economy, with commercial fishers working on the Yukon River, and the Hän Fisheries processing facility, owned by Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, providing jobs in Dawson City. The decline in salmon has led to closures of recreational, commercial, and subsistence salmon fisheries in the Region, and in 1997, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in closed the processing facility. Recreational fishing of species other than salmon continues in the Region.
The future of recreational, commercial, and subsistence salmon fisheries in the Region relies on the full recovery of salmon stocks. Sustainable commercial harvest of other species will require careful monitoring, management, and coordination of activities to ensure stocks remain healthy for future generations. Directions for all values and economic activities should be read alongside the Stewardship Directions for Fishing because of the interconnections between values and activities.
Key Planning Issues
- There are currently no commercial fisheries in the Region, and in the past only salmon were harvested commercially.
- Conflicts may arise when subsistence and other domestic fisheries occur in close proximity.
- Commercial fisheries may struggle to remain economically viable, because there are no processing facilities in the Region.
Stewardship Directions
- Treat fish and their habitat with respect.
- Fishers should take measures to minimize the risk of introducing invasive species into the Region.
Governance Recommendations
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Better integrate Traditional Knowledge into fisheries planning and management.
Knowledge Gaps
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The extent to which invasive monitoring techniques contribute to unaccounted mortality and affect populations is unknown. Research non-invasive monitoring techniques.
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The feasibility of stock restoration to restore salmon populations within the Region is currently unknown. Research this possibility.
