Marine Animals

Wild Salmon Pacific Treaty Welfare

Pacific salmon management under international agreements affects the welfare of individual fish through fishing pressure, habitat access, and population viability.

Key Facts

Pacific Salmon Treaty between the US and Canada coordinates salmon management across the Pacific Northwest
Disagreements over interception quotas periodically cause overharvesting of vulnerable stocks
Snake River salmon must travel over 900 miles and pass multiple dams to reach spawning grounds
Snake River sockeye salmon are listed as endangered with populations critically low

Welfare Considerations

Salmon blocked from spawning habitat by dams, overharvested by fishing fleets, and struggling through warming waters experience cumulative welfare challenges throughout their life cycle. The exhausting dam passage required of Snake River salmon before any opportunity to spawn represents a profound welfare burden. Treaty reform that prioritizes endangered salmon populations protects both individual welfare and conservation.

What You Can Do

Support Snake River dam removal advocacy to improve salmon passage
Advocate for Pacific Salmon Treaty reform prioritizing endangered populations
Reduce consumption of endangered Pacific salmon stocks
Support organizations working on Pacific salmon habitat and fisheries management