Understanding shifts in angler effort and steelhead abundance in British Columbia’s recreational fishery

British Columbia (BC) supports world-renowned recreational fisheries for steelhead, which are prized by national and international anglers. In recent decades, the prosperity of these fisheries has been challenged by widespread declines in many of the stocks in southern BC, many of which are of conservation concern. While there is no commercial fishery for this species, data collected annually from anglers provides important information about steelhead status. However, it is unclear whether this recreational data accurately reflects trends in wild populations. Using over 60 years of recreational catch and effort data, we aim to investigate the relationship between the number of wild steelhead, and patterns of reported steelhead catch. Understanding how accurately this recreational dataset represents trends in wild steelhead is a key component of the effective management of this imperiled species.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jonathan Moore

Student:

Partner:

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: