When given the opportunity, salmon can rebound. On Vancouver Island, Cowichan River Chinook returns have recently reached record highs after falling to just 500 natural spawners in 2009. In B.C.’s Interior, Indigenous-led efforts have helped Columbia sockeye make a remarkable comeback after nearly going extinct less than three decades ago. Where salmon are recovering, a common thread emerges: coordinated plans, sustained investment, and partners working together on the ground. 

The Pacific Salmon Foundation is taking action. We are developing and advancing recovery plans that pinpoint the factors impacting salmon in high-priority watersheds, and we are supporting the people working to recover salmon in their local rivers. We aren’t going it alone: PSF partners with a network of First Nations and community leaders across B.C. and the Yukon.

Through targeted funding, we help First Nations and community stewards improve habitat and rebuild salmon runs. When emergencies strike, like low water or landslides that cut off migration, we fast-track funding so crews can respond quickly. Through our Game Changer funding, we also help advance large-scale projects to restore vital salmon rivers and nearshore habitats.

Recovery is a long-term effort. Guided by science and local knowledge, we’re working with partners to give more salmon populations the opportunity they need to rebound.