The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs called on Monday for both levels of government - BC and Canada's federal authorities - to take immediate action on the severe impacts of Alaskan interceptions on non-Alaskan-origin salmon.

The Union also urged the governments of the United States, Canada, Alaska, and British Columbia to work together through multilateral cooperation to fully ascertain the impacts of Alaskan interceptions on non-Alaskan-origin salmon populations and to account for all catches and discards.

UBCIC noted that in 2023 alone, Alaskan Fishers killed more than three million B.C. salmon.

The Pacific Salmon Treaty, established in 1985, provides little protection against Alaskan interception of Canadian salmon, the Union said, adding that Canadian salmon stock has declined "hugely" since the signing of the treaty.

"Alaska now has the only major interception fisheries in place that target salmon and steelhead returning to Canadian waters," the UBCIC said.

Union president, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, said salmon are "such a critical component of life for First Nations in BC".

"We have sacrificed to maintain our limited stock in this province. It is frustrating to see the number of salmon unable to return to our waters due to fishing in Alaska," he said.

"The UBCIC Chiefs Council calls on all levels of government in this province and in Alaska to take this issue seriously. They must reduce interception fishing to levels that support conservation and the rebuilding of our depleted salmon populations."

By Resolution 2024-26, the UBCIC Chiefs Council acknowledged the serious impacts of Alaskan interceptions on non-Alaskan-origin salmon and called for the use of all available diplomatic and economic tools to prevent Alaska from further over-harvesting of Pacific salmon originating from BC traditional territorial lands and waters.