British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund: annual results summary (2024-2025) — year 6 report

Table of contents

• Acknowledgement
• About the program
• Executive summary
• Project spotlights
• Section 1: Program at a glance
• Section 2: Progress and performance
• Section 3: Outcomes for people, communities and partnerships
• Section 4: Outcomes for pacific salmon and their ecosystems
• Section 5: Advancements for aquatic research and sustainable fisheries
• Closing
• Recipient list

Acknowledgement

The British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) recognizes that the efforts of its funding recipients span numerous traditional territories of First Nations.

We honour the deep-rooted knowledge and stewardship that Indigenous Peoples bring to these lands. With heartfelt gratitude, we pay respect to those whose territories we work upon, live in, and serve.

About the program

The British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) supports the recovery of wild Pacific salmon and contributes to the modernization of the fish and seafood sector in British Columbia (B.C.). Over six years, the program has delivered measurable results through targeted investments across three pillars: Innovation, Infrastructure and Science Partnerships.

Jointly administered by the federal and provincial governments, BCSRIF is a high-impact contribution fund that reflects a coordinated approach to advancing shared priorities in salmon conservation, ecosystem health, and sector sustainability. Continued investments and collaborative governance position BCSRIF as a catalyst for Pacific salmon resilience and recovery, supporting long-term benefits for salmon populations and the communities and sectors that rely on them across B.C.

Program Overview

• 170 total ratified projects
• $257 million in contribution funds allocated
• 73 active projects in 2024-25, representing $128.4 million in ongoing funding to 2026

Since 2019, BCSRIF has approved 170 projects and committed $257 million in funding. These initiatives are led by Indigenous organizations, environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs), stewardship groups, academia, and industry partners working collaboratively to address Pacific salmon challenges across their lifecycle, from spawning to ocean migration. Through effective regional delivery and sustained partnerships, the program has allocated over 99% of available funds, maximizing public investments and strengthening the foundation for adaptive management and long term resilience.

Executive summary

In the second year of BCSRIF’s Phase 2, 73 active projects delivered real outcomes for people and communities, deepened partnerships, helped restore Pacific salmon and their ecosystems, and advanced aquatic research and sustainable fisheries, creating lasting impacts across British Columbia’s rural, remote, and coastal regions.

Indigenous-led (29 of 73; 40%) and regionally focused (34 of 73; 47%) projects represented the largest share of the portfolio, supporting approaches informed by local knowledge, ecosystem context, and community priorities. Academic and industry partners advanced applied science and technology, from urban laboratories to remote inlet sites, contributing to fisheries modernization and strengthening infrastructure to support resilience to climate and ecosystem change. This report presents Year 6 recipient-reported performance outcomes arising from these investments.

BCSRIF Year 6 project performance highlights

Capacity building:

• 230+ rural and remote jobs
• 1,000 people trained
• 1,346 total people paid, with Indigenous Peoples represented in 46% of the BCSRIF project workforce.

Partnerships:

• 588 organizations contributing expertise,
• and 51 projects integrating Indigenous Knowledge.

Science, innovation and technology:

• 31 publications
• 39 research studies
• 41 innovative products/processes adopted.

Pacific salmon recovery:

• 85% of projects advanced salmon recovery
• 63 projects focused on at-risk species.

Habitat restoration:

• 79 initiatives
• 27 engineered site designs
• 22 watershed recovery plans
• 372,794 m² habitat restored or reopened

As BCSRIF approaches its sunset in March 2026, Year 6 results demonstrate a program that has strengthened community capacity, advanced collaborative science and innovation, supported salmon recovery, and contributed to substantial habitat restoration across British Columbia.

Project spotlights

These BCSRIF project features and achievements from 2024-25 highlight tangible outcomes and showcase scalable solutions that can further strengthen salmon survival and support a more resilient future for B.C.’s environment and economy.

1. Advancing sediment solutions to restore the Fraser River

Ducks Unlimited Canada and partners Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Tsawwassen First Nation, and Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance, with BCSRIF’s $9.78 million investment since 2021, are rebuilding lost tidal marsh at Sturgeon Bank. By repurposing dredged sediment from maintenance of marine and trade routes, this climate-informed project is creating essential rearing habitat for juvenile salmon and strengthening natural flood protection for the City of Richmond.

With continued investment, project leads could expand sediment placement, maintain and adapt mounds as sea levels rise, and scale this model to suitable estuaries across B.C.

2. Investing in the science that strengthens Pacific salmon survival

With support from BCSRIF’s $9.71 million investment since 2020, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, working closely with the BC Conservation Foundation, several First Nation partners, academic institutions, and field research organizations, has expanded ecological monitoring and PIT tagging infrastructure from Goldstream to Campbell River on Vancouver Island.

The initiative has generated unprecedented data on Chinook and coho survival, migration timing, escapement, and predation pressures. To date, researchers have deployed more than 400,000 PIT tags, complemented by new genomic and pinniped monitoring tools that are reshaping regional understanding of salmon productivity.

With continued investment, the partnership could sustain critical monitoring infrastructure, advance ecological and predation research, and build long term datasets that directly support evidence based management of priority salmon populations.

3. Scaling innovation to strengthen climate resilient shellfish production

With $4.5 million in BCSRIF funding over six years, the B.C. Shellfish Growers Association is advancing a modern, climate ready shellfish sector in the Pacific Region. Through targeted industry capacity building and training, growers strengthened regulatory readiness and gained a competitive advantage in product traceability. These efforts culminated in the implementation of an innovative broodstock pilot program, which has produced approximately 30 million high performing oyster seed to date, demonstrating strong survival rates and climate resilient traits.

With continued investment, project leads could expand broodstock research, scale seed trials, strengthen licensing pathways, and address emerging risks such as disease, supporting the long term sustainability and resilience of B.C.’s shellfish aquaculture industry.

Together, these featured projects demonstrate how BCSRIF investments are driving meaningful restoration, innovation, and long-term resilience for salmon and communities across B.C.

For a complete list of BCSRIF-funded projects, please visit: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries-peches/initiatives/fish-fund-bc-fonds-peche-cb/projects-projets-eng.html.

Section 1: Program at a glance

Mandate and strategic alignment

BCSRIF supports coordinated action between two governments. By embedding regional co-governance and aligning investments with Pacific Region priorities, the program advances a comprehensive strategy for salmon recovery and modernization of the fish and seafood sector.

As a program under the National Fisheries Funds (2019–2024) and the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (2021–2026), BCSRIF puts these regional and national strategies into action, ensuring that shared priorities translate into measurable ecological, socio economic, and science advancements.

Program objectives, partnerships and impact

Through joint decision making by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and B.C.’s Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), alongside coordinated delivery by the Joint Operations Committee and regional DFO Secretariat, funding partners work closely with project recipients to accelerate restoration, innovation, and stewardship activities.

This collaborative approach streamlines intergovernmental initiatives, strengthens partnerships with First Nations, ENGOs, industry, stewardship groups, and academic researchers in order to support knowledge sharing, and co developed solutions for sustainable long term ecosystem recovery and socio economic resilience.

Funding approach and portfolio

BCSRIF advances DFO’s mandate for sustainable fisheries and supports B.C.’s WLRS priorities and mandate to restore estuaries, intertidal zones, and critical salmon habitat. Guided by these shared objectives, BCSRIF has enabled over $257 million in targeted contribution fund investments across the Pacific Region while demonstrating strong delivery performance.

• 170 projects delivered across major watersheds, rural and urban regions
• $257M invested in priority areas across the Pacific Region
• 100% of funds allocated to projects carrying out activities in and for B.C.
• 99% of allocated funds expended, supported by robust financial management
• 100% on-time performance for core service standards related to approvals and payments

These investments strengthen coordination across the sector, enhance local and regional stewardship capacity, and accelerate the uptake of new tools and practices to support program objectives for Pacific salmon.

Section 2: Progress and performance

Phase 2 Overview and year-in-review

In Phase 2, BCSRIF expansion achieved significant progress, with 73 projects advancing innovation, science partnerships, and infrastructure improvements. Of these, 62 directly support Pacific salmon, accounting for 85% of the active portfolio (Figure 2) and underscoring the program’s core commitment to salmon recovery.

Support for Pacific salmon (Phase 2)

62 projects

85% supporting Pacific salmon

$113.9M funds allocated to Pacific salmon projects

While Pacific salmon remain the cornerstone of BCSRIF investments, the program has also allocated $14.5 million to strategically support other species and ecosystem components critical to marine health and fisheries resilience.

Distribution (%) of BCSRIF funding, by species (2022-2025)

• 85% salmon
• 4% aquatic invasive species
• 4% pelagics
• 3% groundfish
• 3% kelp
• 1% shellfish

Across the portfolio, BCSRIF supports a diverse set of initiatives, expanding knowledge, modernizing fisheries tools and practices, and addressing ecosystem pressures.

Building on BCSRIF’s program performance and funding strategies, the following project features demonstrate how targeted investments are advancing program objectives across B.C.

Enhancing results for Pacific salmon

Closing critical data gaps to improve conservation strategies

Reliable data is essential for effective salmon management, yet significant monitoring gaps across B.C. watersheds make it difficult for resource managers, biologists, and partners to assess survival, migration timing, and mortality patterns of Pacific salmon.

To address these gaps, the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF), working with 10 Indigenous organizations, academic institutions, and field research groups, is leading this project to identify critical life stage bottlenecks for Chinook and coho salmon. In 2024–25, the project reported progress across several key activities, including:

• Implementing non-lethal genomic tools, installing PIT-tags, and conducting laboratory trials to identify genetic markers linked to survival stressors.
• Evaluating winter diets, habitat use, and pinniped predation to identify high mortality periods in the Strait of Georgia.
• Establishing PIT arrays in 12 river systems, improving DFO’s 2025 Coho Marine Forecast Bulletin with new population estimates.

These advancements inform management decisions on migration, escapement, stress responses, and survival. The project disseminated findings through peer-reviewed papers, workshops, and educational resources to support managers, biologists and partners.

Improvements for the fish and seafood sector

Advancing sustainability and competitiveness in shellfish aquaculture

B.C.'s shellfish aquaculture sector plays a vital role in supporting coastal communities yet faces growing pressures from climate change, ocean acidification, and increasing demands for market traceability. To strengthen the sector’s resilience and modernization, this industry-led project from B.C. Shellfish Growers Association aims to enhance the broodstock selection program, building from successes from their BCSRIF Phase 1 initiative. In 2024–25, the project reported measurable progress, including:

• Distributing 2.1 million oyster seed from selectively bred families to license-holders, achieving mortality rates under 5% and improved product quality.
• Conducting genetic laboratory trials, validating traits like climate resilience through analysis to assess the genetic correlation between growth, resistance to ocean acidification, as well as pathogen survival trials, led by academic partners and researchers.
• Strengthening industry readiness through grower training, enhanced traceability tools, and broodstock management development.

These advances support increased survival and marketability for B.C.’s shellfish aquaculture industry, supporting long term sector competitiveness, and strengthened climate resilience of B.C’s aquaculture sector.

Together, these project results show how strategic BCSRIF investments are accelerating innovation, strengthening sector resilience, and delivering meaningful outcomes for Pacific salmon and the fish and seafood industry.

Strategic investments across pillars

Building on a year of measurable progress for salmon and ecosystems, BCSRIF Phase 2 continues to deliver and distribute strategic investments across its three interconnected pillars:

Distribution (%) of BCSRIF funding, by pillar (Phase 2)

• Innovation (41%) - $58.03M
• Science partnerships (36%) - $35.97M
• Infrastructure (23%) - $34.44M

Resourceful restoration

Pioneering sediment solutions to revive Fraser River estuary salmon habitat

Sturgeon Bank in the Fraser River estuary has experienced extensive habitat loss due to human activities, including the degradation of more than 395 acres of tidal marsh, critical habitat for species like Pacific salmon.

The Sturgeon Bank Sediment Enhancement Pilot Project is addressing this decline by using dredged sediment to restore marsh habitat, strengthening ecosystem health, carbon storage, and flood resilience. This work is part of the BCSRIF-funded ReFRESH project, led by Ducks Unlimited Canada in collaboration with Raincoast Conservation Foundation, First Nations and collaborators.

Beyond environmental restoration and scientific advancement, the project’s innovative approach also supports climate resilience through natural flood protection for the City of Richmond.

Collaborative science

Partner‑driven science supporting B.C.’s forage fish and marine food web

Forage fish are crucial to B.C.'s marine ecosystem, yet major knowledge gaps remain regarding species spawning, rearing, and feeding.

Project Watershed brings together a coordinated science partnership with First Nations, academia, and citizen science groups to enhance habitat models and validate them through environmental DNA sampling, egg collection, and field surveys in the Salish Sea and west coast Vancouver Island.

The project’s results, openly shared across the forage fish network, will strengthen marine conservation efforts, support species at risk recovery, and guide long term protection of essential forage fish habitats.

Green solution for salmon

Rebuilding salmon highways in Clayoquot Sound

Pacific salmon are declining in Southern B.C., with Clayoquot Sound seeing up to 95% losses due to freshwater habitat degradation from forestry.

To combat this, Redd Fish Restoration Society, in collaboration with local First Nations, installed 11 engineered log jams in Tranquil Creek.

These structures enhance stream margins, provide shelter and feeding areas, deepen pools, and improve spawning habitats, ultimately supporting healthier salmon populations and aiding watershed recovery.

Together, these improvements support healthier salmon populations and contribute to the long-term watershed recovery.

Section 3: Outcomes for people, communities and partnerships

During 2024–25, BCSRIF projects delivered notable socio economic benefits alongside ecological outcomes, reflecting a year of high activity and strong community engagement. Investments supported workforce development, strengthened partnerships, and expanded employment and training opportunities across regions and communities in the province.

Equity, inclusion and reach

In Phase 2, project-reach and scale of influence was primarily regional (34%), followed by provincial (18%), community level (13%), and a smaller share extending internationally (7%) and nationally (1%).

Applying a Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) lens allows BCSRIF and other regional initiatives to identify who is participating in funded projects and where gaps in access may occur.

In 2024–25, recipient reported data showed broad representation across project teams:

• 14 Women: present in 71 of 73 projects
• Indigenous Peoples: present in 52 of 73 projects
• Youth: 35 projects (33%) involve students or youth participants
• Additional representation included minority groups (25), seniors (20), 2SLGBTQI+ participants (19), newcomers (11), people with diverse abilities (8), and veterans (3).

Tracking participation trends offer program level observations on how communities engage with contribution funding and help identify areas where future adjustments may support broader or more balanced and equitable participation. As reporting practices continue to evolve, there may also be opportunities to expand data collection to deepen understanding of roles, representation, and community level context of inclusion.

Partnerships and collaborative networks

BCSRIF Phase 2 projects continue to demonstrate strong, cross sector collaboration, with many initiatives leveraging diverse partnerships to increase impact and expand capacity. Recipient reported data from 2024–25 shows the scale of this engagement, with 588 partnerships including 256 Indigenous organizations involved in project delivery through knowledge, leadership, in-kind contributions, and capacity.

Partnerships remain fundamental to BCSRIF’s delivery approach, helping ensure that projects are informed by local and Indigenous knowledge, strengthened by specialized technical and scientific expertise, and positioned to achieve outcomes that extend beyond individual project mandates.

Sector-wide participation

A significant proportion of BCSRIF projects are Indigenous-led or co‑delivered by Indigenous partners. In Phase 2, the funding distribution again highlights the diversity of organizations engaged in project delivery, underscoring the program’s broad reach and sector-wide participation:

• Indigenous organizations: 40%
• Environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs): 21%
• Post-secondary institutions: 16%
• Industry: 11%
• Stewardship groups: 12%

Across the province, projects reflect collaborative action by combining technical expertise, community knowledge, and available resources to work toward common goals.

Socio-economic outcomes

Collaborative governance for salmon recovery

Integrating indigenous knowledge and science in the upper Columbia River

Dams have blocked salmon from returning to the upper Columbia River since the late 1930’s, resulting in ongoing ecological and cultural losses to the Syilx Okanagan, Secwépemc, and Ktunaxa Nations.

Bringing the Salmon Home: The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative is the Indigenous-led collaboration of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Ktunaxa Nation, Secwépemc Nation, Government of Canada, and Province of British Columbia. These five governments are working towards the collective goal of reintroducing salmon into the vast watershed that was once the headwaters origin of the greatest salmon runs in the world.

This initiative is assessing the feasibility of salmon reintroduction in the upper Columbia by weaving together Indigenous Knowledge and western science. Its scope extends beyond technical studies to include strengthening Indigenous connections to salmon culture, and transboundary relationships with U.S. Tribes and allies.

Ceremony, storytelling, and community engagement have brought together thousands of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, reinforcing a shared vision for salmon recovery and showing how partnerships transform collective hopes into coordinated action for future generations.

Employment, training and community engagement

BCSRIF investments continue to build capacity across British Columbia by supporting high-quality employment, expanding technical skills, and strengthening stewardship networks in both rural and urban communities.

In 2024–25, BCSRIF funded initiatives employed 1,346 individuals, bringing the cumulative total to over 5,800 people paid through BCSRIF project delivery since 2019. Nearly half of this year’s workforce (624 individuals; 47%) were Indigenous persons working directly on projects or through partner organizations. Recipients also reported 236 positions in rural or remote communities, providing essential capacity in areas where local employment opportunities are often limited.

Strengthening rural employment and indigenous leadership in ecosystem protection

Central Coast – mitigating the effects of the invasive European green crab

In Bella Bella, the Heiltsuk Tribal Council is leading efforts to address the ecological threat posed by invasive European green crab, which also has socio cultural implications for marine harvests and traditional food systems, central to Heiltsuk culture.

The project expands remote community employment and provides specialized training in ecological monitoring and invasive species management. This contributes to both economic stability and skill development, particularly in roles that support long term stewardship. The integration of Heiltsuk traditional knowledge with western science methods further reinforces cultural continuity while strengthening technical capacity.

Together, these efforts advance Indigenous led stewardship, support local socio economic well being, and build the community’s capacity to protect ecosystems and long-term biodiversity.

Training and skill development

BCSRIF projects delivered significant training and skill‑building opportunities during 2024–25. Training activities reached 1,000 participants, including 436 Indigenous Peoples, developing the workforce in B.C. with advanced technical and environmental stewardship skills. Volunteer engagement remained high, with 882 volunteers contributing their time and expertise to project activities across the province.

Advancing research and career pathways in environmental science

Identifying and mitigating hot spots of salmon exposure to toxic road runoff

Tire wear particles are an emerging contaminant of concern due to the formation of 6PPD quinone, a chemical linked to coho mortality and increasingly detected in urban waterways such as those in Greater Vancouver.

To address these risks, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Department of Engineering is collaborating with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, First Nations, municipalities, and environmental groups to advance research on tire derived contaminants and green infrastructure, with a strong focus on hands on training and knowledge transfer.

In 2024–25, the project:

• Trained Indigenous partners in sampling, monitoring, and interpreting contaminant impacts.
• Engaged youth and schools, such as through monitoring at Musqueam Creek, to spark interest in science and engineering.
• Supported fieldwork that generated new data on contaminant pathways and mitigation options.

By linking research, education, and field based stewardship, the project is building environmental literacy and strengthening the technical skills needed for future resource stewards and science professionals.

Community engagement and capacity building

BCSRIF‑supported initiatives continue to deepen community involvement and strengthen stewardship networks across British Columbia. Through education, volunteer participation, and collaborative local partnerships, projects help broaden public understanding of salmon ecosystems and foster communitybased environmental stewardship.

Skills for salmon stewardship

Building community, skills, and stewardship in an urban watershed

In Greater Victoria’s urban watershed, Peninsula Streams Society is enhancing community stewardship through hands on salmon habitat restoration and monitoring.

Municipalities, First Nations, academic institutions, and local volunteers work together to advance community based practices. Through participation, community members, university and K-12 students are gaining experience in PIT-tagging, smolt trapping, and assessing and restoring streamside habitats.

In addition to supporting the project objectives throughout the watersheds, these activities build environmental awareness, support pathways into conservation careers, and strengthen local stewardship capacity in an urban environment.

Across the province, BCSRIF projects are building the skills, knowledge, and experience required to sustain long term salmon recovery efforts. Through employment, technical training, and community based stewardship, these initiatives generate tangible socio economic benefits while empowering communities to protect and restore their local ecosystems.

Section 4: Outcomes for Pacific salmon and their ecosystems

In Year 6, BCSRIF projects produced clear ecological gains, restoring habitat, improving watershed function, and enhancing long term salmon resilience aligned with conservation priorities.

Key trends and highlights in 2024-25

Multi‑factor restoration: Projects enhanced stream channels, riparian areas, floodplains, and estuaries.

Advancements in fish passage: Barriers were removed or upgraded, reopening spawning and rearing habitats.

Support for watershed planning and design: Expanded recovery plans and site designs advanced integrated, long term ecosystem strategies.

Investments advanced restoration, fish passage improvements, watershed planning, and nature-based solutions, addressing key limiting factors for salmon across B.C. The following feature highlights a multifactor, low-tech approach to improving fish habitat.

Restoring connectivity through nature-based solutions

B.C. Wildlife Federation – 10,000 wetlands initiative

Many B.C. streams have lost the structural complexity needed to support salmon spawning and rearing. The 10,000 Wetlands Initiative demonstrates a low-tech response through the construction of beaver dam analogues (BDAs)— human-made structures designed to mimic the ecological functions of natural beaver dams.

In 2024-25, 70 BDAs were installed across six sites, producing immediate ecosystem benefits, including:

• Increased hydraulic complexity, reducing erosion and restoring connectivity.
• Improved resilience to flood, fire, and drought.

These cost effective structures are creating conditions that support salmon life-stages while laying the foundation for long-term habitat recovery.

Addressing fish habitat limiting factors

In 2024–25, 80% of projects reported addressing one or more key limiting factors in salmon recovery, targeting root causes of habitat decline to improve watershed function

Reported limiting factors addressed in 2024-25:

• Riverine/stream habitat loss: 26 Projects
• Estuarine/nearshore habitat loss: 16 Projects
• Floodplain connectivity loss: 22 Projects
• Fish passage loss: 20 Projects
• Riparian area impacts: 25 Projects

Increased responses across all factors compared to 2023-24 indicate ongoing progress. Multi-factor habitat assessments provide communities with insights for effective watershed planning, as shown in the project feature below.

Indigenous led watershed planning for salmon resilience

Identifying habitat constraints to guide watershed restoration

The Seymour Inlet, home to 27 watercourses that once supported vibrant salmon populations, has seen fish and fish passage loss without fulsome assessment due to colonial displacement from this remote area. Through this work, Gwa’sala ‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations (GNN) is advancing the Fully Integrated Salmon Habitat Restoration Project which aims to address the disconnection from traditional territory, knowledge, and ecological data through Indigenous-led stewardship and planning. In 2024–25, GNN guardians and biologists were deployed to gather drone imagery, field observations, and mapping data at priority sites. The assessments provide:

• Updates to historical habitat information.
• Opportunity to evaluate changes to salmon habitat and watercourse connectivity.
• Restoration and enhancement opportunities.

This remote project in Indigenous-led stewardship supports the development of a watershed recovery plan for the area and long-term salmon ecosystem resilience.

Restoring habitat and planning for long term recovery

This section summarizes the progress and outcomes of Phase 2 BCSRIF projects focused on fish and fish habitat restoration. In 2024–25, projects reported developing 22 watershed recovery plans, advancing 79 restoration initiatives, and preparing 27 engineered designs.

Recipient-reported outcomes showcase ongoing efforts to improve aquatic ecosystems, restore critical habitats, and support fish recovery in B.C.

Project-level results demonstrate how restoration actions enhance fish recovery and habitat function in key areas.

Habitat restored, performance measures and featured projects

Performance measures

• 22 Watershd recover plans
• 79 Fish habitat restoration sub-projects
• 27 Sites with engineered designs

Habitat restored

• Aquatic - 207,276m²
• Reparian - 165,518m²
• Total - 372,794m²

Featured projects

• Campbell River Estuary Renewal 5,920m² of eelgrass transplanted
• Clapperton Creek Barrier Removal 27,600m² spawning/rearing access restored

Restoring freshwater pathways

Removing barriers for Pacific salmon

Connectivity between spawning, rearing, and foraging habitats is essential for salmon survival, and in 2024–25 the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) & partners advanced major improvements through the Restoring Freshwater Connectivity for Pacific Salmon initiative, in continuation of a Phase 1 BCSRIF project.

A key achievement was the removal of a collapsed irrigation dam on Clapperton Creek, completed with the Lower Nicola Indian Band and partners, restoring year‑round access to 27,600 m² of spawning and rearing habitat for salmon.

Alongside this and other fish passage initiatives, project teams have also developed Watershed Connectivity Remediation Plans across B.C. and enhanced the BCFishPass modeling framework to more effectively prioritize barrier rehabilitation projects. These efforts will help ensure salmon can reach vital habitats, strengthening populations, and supporting the long-term health of B.C.’s watersheds in collaboration with First Nations, communities, and government partners.

Species at risk performance measures

Phase 2 projects continue to prioritize species listed by COSEWIC and B.C.’s Conservation Data Centre, helping conserve biodiversity within salmon-bearing watersheds, recognizing that the health of Pacific salmon as keystone species is inseparable from the overall integrity of their ecosystems.

Number of projects reporting a focus on key species at risk

• Southern B.C. Chinook: 32 projects
• Interior-Fraser coho: 12 projects
• Fraser sockeye: 11 projects
• Thompson-Chilcotin steelhead: 8 projects
• Other SAR listed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC): 18 projects
• Other species that are red or blue-listed by the B.C. Conservation Data Center (CDC): 6 projects

As the example below shows, project‑level work focused on Species at Risk is strengthening fish recovery and habitat function across B.C.

Restoring critical habitat for species at risk

Advancing local stewardship for long-term estuary revitalization

Decades of industrial activity degraded the Campbell River Estuary, a key nursery habitat for juvenile salmon. Greenways Land Trust and the Wei Wai Kum First Nation are leading a process based restoration effort to rebuild salt marsh and eelgrass ecosystems, and strengthen local stewardship.

Key achievements include:

• Elevation-lowering to prepare restoration areas
• 2,000 m² of eelgrass transplanted in 2023–24
• 3,920 m² of eelgrass transplanted in 2024–25

These actions restore critical rearing habitat for out migrating chum and Southern B.C. Chinook and build long term stewardship capacity across the Nation and regional partners.

The results reported in Section 4 of this report underscore the continued importance of sustained restoration efforts to secure resilient ecosystems for Pacific salmon in the years ahead.

Section 5: Advancements for aquatic research and sustainable fisheries

For aquatic research and sustainable fisheries

BCSRIF investments continue to advance applied research, scientific analysis, and technical innovation that support sustainable fisheries management, resilient commercial fisheries, and the long term health of Pacific salmon and aquatic ecosystems.

In 2024–25, BCSRIF projects enhanced data to support informed decision making, strengthen technological capacity, and integrate multiple knowledge systems, including Indigenous Knowledge, to address complex and changing environmental conditions.

Perfomance measures

• 39 Research or academic study projects
• 31 Publications or datasets
• 41 Innovative products
• 51 Projects incorporate Indigenous Knowledge

Featured projects

• The ?aayaaqa (Herring) Spawn Dynamics Project
  Integrating Indigenous knowledge and advanced science to support ecosystem‑based rebuilding of Pacific herring stocks.
• The Xá:y Syí:ts’emílep: Gill Bar Restoration and Management Plan project
  An Indigenous‑led project restoring and sustainably-managing the Fraser River’s Gill Bar through Two‑Eyed Seeing and community stewardship.

In 2024–25, salmon and fisheries projects achieved notable advancements:

• 39 projects focused on research and academic studies.
• 31 projects produced publications and datasets.
• 41 projects developed innovative tools.
• 51 projects integrated Indigenous Knowledge (IK).

These efforts enhance habitat assessments, population modeling, climate adaptation, fisheries management, and restoration planning, showcasing the broad impact of B.C.–based initiatives on scientific and industry communities beyond the province.

Innovation supporting sustainable fisheries

BCSRIF promoted innovation in restoration science and fisheries technologies by supporting projects that combine Indigenous Knowledge, Western science, and new technology, as shown by the featured project and outcomes for 2024-25.

Advancing fisheries management

Indigenous-informed models for herring management

Pacific Herring are central to Nuu chah nulth culture and coastal ecosystems. Led by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, this project is tackling the challenge of rebuilding Pacific Herring stocks by developing an ecosystem-based fisheries management approach.

It is the first project to address these topics with an aim of developing Indigenous management models and frameworks that could be implemented in real-world fisheries.

Reported outcomes in 2024-25:

• Advanced fine scale spatial and temporal modeling of stock structure and spawning behaviour.
• Incorporated life history traits (age, size) into productivity models.
• Added spawn on kelp fisheries to stock assessments.
• Began exploring in season and spatial management.

This innovative initiative demonstrates how Indigenous‑informed modeling is directly supporting real‑world fisheries decision‑making and long‑term resilience for B.C.’s fisheries sector.

Applied science for habitat and species recovery

Under BCSRIF, projects in 2024–25 focused on conserving and recovering wild Pacific salmon by generating habitat and species-use data, applying nature-based techniques, and enhancing community monitoring capacity, as demonstrated in the project feature below.

Indigenous leadership driving nature based restoration at Gill Bar

Alliances in nature-based restoration

The Xá:y Syí:ts’emílep: Gill Bar Restoration and Management Plan advances Indigenous led research and nature based restoration on the Fraser River, guided by ecosystem science, cultural teachings, and a Two Eyed Seeing approach. Key accomplishments include:

• Habitat and species-use inventories to inform long-term management.
• Removal of invasive plants and reestablishment of native species using low-impact, nature-mimicking methods.
• Community engagement, including 80+ youth and students, connected for mentorship in hands-on learning with elders, Guardians, knowledge holders, and subject-matter experts.

This work strengthens stewardship capacity and informs approaches for long term ecosystem protection and management at Gill Bar and beyond.

The 2024–25 science advancements reported by BCSRIF projects support a strengthened foundation for sustainable fisheries and ecosystem resilience in British Columbia.

Closing

The British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund exemplifies the impact of sustained, collaborative investment in advancing Pacific salmon recovery and modernizing B.C.’s fish and seafood industry.

In its sixth year, BCSRIF continues to deliver high impact outcomes as a federal–provincial initiative that brings together Indigenous, community, academic, and industry partners. In 2024–25, the fund expanded local skills and workforce capacity, strengthened partnerships, restored salmon habitat and watershed health, and supported new technologies and innovative practices that modernize the sector.

Pacific salmon remain central to British Columbia’s ecosystems, economies, and cultures, supporting biodiversity, food systems, and deep cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples and communities. From a targeted funding program, BCSRIF has grown into a catalyst for collaboration, demonstrating the lasting value of coordinated investment in this shared resource that matters deeply to British Columbians.

Recognition

The British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund acknowledges the contributions of the many teams and individuals who worked tirelessly on delivery of projects mentioned within.

Recipient list

Phase 2 project recipients, with active projects in 2024-25:

A Rocha Canada

A-Tlegay Fisheries Society

British Columbia Conservation Foundation

British Columbia Shellfish Grower's Association

Canadian Wildlife Federation

Coastal Restoration Society

Comox Valley Project Watershed Society

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Ecofish Research Ltd.

Gitanyow Fisheries Authority

Great Bear Initiative Society

Greenways Land Trust

Gwa’sala ‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations

Halalt First Nation

Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department

Huu-ay-aht First Nations

Investment Agriculture Foundation British Columbia

Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nation

Kitsumkalum Indian Band

Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Applied Genomics Centre

Lax Kw’alaams Business Development LP.

Lheidli T’enneh First Nation

Lil’wat First Nation

Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance Society

MakeWay Charitable Society

Nanwakolas Council Society

Nature Trust of British Columbia (NTBC)

NEWSS

Nootka Sound Watershed Society

North Pacific Marine Science Organization

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council

Office of the Wet’suwet’en

Okanagan Nation Alliance

Pacheedaht First Nation

Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Peninsula Streams Society

Redd Fish Restoration Society

Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians Association

Salmon Coast Field Station Society

SCBC Stewardship Centre for BC

Scw’exmx Tribal Council

SeaChange

Secretariat of the Haida Nation

Secwepemc Fisheries Commission

Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences

Skeena Fisheries Commission

Skeetchestn Indian Band

Skw’lax te Secwépemcuclew

Sport Fishing Institute of BC

Squamish River Watershed Society

St'át'imc Government Services (SGS)

Stó:lo Service Agency

The B.C. Wildlife Federation

Tsawwassen First Nation

University of British Columbia Okanagan, Department of Biology

University of British Columbia, Department of Civil Engineering

University of British Columbia, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences

University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology

University of British Columbia, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries

University of Northern British Columbia, Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

University of Victoria, Department of Biology

University of Victoria, Department of Geography

West Coast Kelp Ltd.

Wild Canadian Sablefish Ltd.

Xwemalhkwu (Homalco) First Nation

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