Ottawa and B.C. putting up $106.5M to help recover salmon stocks
Published 3:55 pm Thursday, August 20, 2026
B.C. is teaming up with the federal government to provide $106.5 million over the next five years to aid in the conservation of wild Pacific salmon and boost the local fishing industry.
Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced the funding at the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture annual meeting, held in Victoria this year on Aug. 19 and 20.
B.C.’s provincial government will be contributing $42.58 million to the joint effort, with Ottawa providing the remainder.
The intent is for this new joint fund to build on the success of the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, which was launched in 2019.
That original effort focused on fisheries innovation, new technology and infrastructure development and the creation of scientific partnerships.
The new fund adds market diversification as a goal because of recent trade threats from the United States.
Randene Neill, B.C.’s water, land and resource stewardship minister, said the old fund paid for more than 170 projects created to help in the recovery of salmon stocks. This will remain a prime objective.
“Salmon and watershed restoration remain a key priority for B.C., and this new funding will continue to ensure this,” she said.