The evolution of recreational salmon fisheries in British Columbia

The recreational fishery for salmon plays an important role in the social and economic life of British Columbia. The five species of salmon, but particularly chinook and coho, are the primary drivers in activities that directly involve several hundred thousand British Columbians of all ages and backgrounds as well as visitors from other parts of the country and all over the world. Without effective conservation of salmon, and protection of both freshwater and ocean ecosystems, the opportunity to fish and the expectation of catch which drive the recreational fishery would cease to exist. The long term sustainability of both the fish and the fishery are inextricably linked.