Ottawa Spending $50M to Build Three B.C. Salmon Hatcheries
The projects will raise more than 1 million juvenile Chinook and sockeye salmon a year, with First Nations partners involved in management.
- On Tuesday, Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced over $50 million in contracts to build three salmon hatcheries across British Columbia, targeting recovery of declining wild Pacific salmon populations.
- Officials launched the initiative to combat significant declines in Chinook and sockeye populations driven by climate change, habitat loss, and fishing pressures affecting Fraser and Skeena watersheds.
- Funding includes $38 million for the Upper Fraser River Salmon Conservation Hatchery in Prince George, plus two $7.5 million contracts for facilities near Hanceville and along the Skeena River.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada will own the Upper Fraser facility while sharing operations with the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation; the Gitanyow and Tłilhqot'in nations will operate the other two hatcheries.
- Construction will continue through 2027, creating up to 100 construction jobs and 10 to 15 permanent positions per site; officials caution measurable adult salmon returns typically require four years.
21 Articles
21 Articles
New hatcheries will see up to 1 million more salmon raised and released into Fraser and Skeena Rivers annually
"Salmon are not simply a resource," Lheidli T'enneh Chief Dolleen Logan said at the announcement held in Prince George Tuesday. "Salmon are relatives. They are a part of our culture, our identity, our laws, our responsibilities."
The Toronto Star
Ottawa spending $50M to build three B.C. salmon hatcheries
PRINCE GEORGE - The federal government has announced more than $50 million in contracts for the construction of three separate hatcheries in British Columbia aimed at salmon conservation.
Minister Thompson to announce investments in three salmon hatchery projects in B.C.
Prince George, B.C. - The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries and hosted by Chief Dolleen Logan, on behalf of Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, will announce funding for three new Pacific salmon conservation hatcheries in British Columbia. Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 Time: 9:15 a.m. PT All media representatives, including
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 65% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
