Upper Fraser Chinook Salmon Recovery

A Collaborative Plan to Restore Upper Fraser Chinook

Chinook salmon in the upper and middle Fraser River have dropped to critically low levels.

In 2023, the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) and Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFFCA) began developing an evidence-based recovery plan for Upper Fraser Spring 5-2 Chinook – a unique group of salmon that spawns in the upper and middle Fraser watershed and holds both cultural and ecological importance. Data assessments from both PSF and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have classified these salmon as having ‘poor’ biological status.  

Through this long-term, collaborative recovery planning process, we aim to:  

• Assess the current state of Upper Fraser Chinook  

• Determine the factors causing their decline 

• Identify actions that can help recover their population numbers 

To date, we’ve found that increased competition from hatchery-origin pink and chum salmon in the ocean, reduced marine prey availability, predation in marine and estuarine environments, and high water temperatures and low water levels in freshwater life stages are negatively impacting Upper Fraser Chinook. 

Our recovery plan will synthesize these marine and freshwater threats and outline a way forward. We will identify and prioritize recovery actions based on their potential to create measurable recovery impact.  

The final report will be released later in 2026. 

Support for this project was provided by the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) – a joint program from the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia.