Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) has been called a “cultural keystone species” for many of coastal British Columbia’s (BC) First nations, rivaled only by salmon in terms of its importance [[1]] [[2]]. As you are likely aware, this importance stems from the timeliness of eulachon’s seasonal migration to their native streams and rivers. Historically, your ancestors were often near starvation at the end of winter and relied on the arrival of eulachon, which run much like salmon, in late winter to early spring [[3]]. In this way, eulachon was welcomed each year as a saviour to your ancestors. In fact, in the coastal Ts’msyen language Sm’algyax, which is now considered in danger of extinction, eulachon is called ha'limootk or “salvation fish” [3] [[4]]. Other notable First Nations uses and attributes of eulachon are noted below:

·  Eulachon oil is used to preserve berries and as a condiment [5]

·  Eulachon is also known as “candlefish” because when dried it will burn as a candle [5]

·  “Grease trails” connecting interior BC to coastal BC First Nations were established primarily as trade routes because of eulachon’s valued oils [3] [[5]]

Since the 1940s, eulachon catches and use among Ts’msyen have decreased due to modernization and the degradation of culture and cultural practices [2]. In addition, eulachon population numbers have fallen considerably, which explains at least part of its cultural declination. The suspected reason for eulachon population decline, however, is likely the result of a number of factors and includes: 1) climate change impacts on ocean and freshwater habitat, 2) by-catch from offshore shrimp trawlers, 3) changes in downstream flow due to dams and upstream water management and 4) increased predation [1].

As it stands, eulachon stocks are managed federally and are directed by the Fisheries Act, which includes broad policies for “adopting an ecosystem based approach to fisheries management” [[6]]. However, since 1996, there have been zero commercial eulachon fisheries in coastal BC, and none has ever operated in Ts’msyen territory or on the Skeena River [3]. While there are policies to prevent, for example, by-catch from offshore shrimp trawling, the lack of management strategy is largely because eulachon is not a commercially harvested fish or what is called a “target species” [6]. Essentially, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans does not view eulachon as a resource, therefore sees no obligation to manage its stocks. Thus, eulachon needs the support and input of its primary resource user: the Ts’msyen people.

Given the multiple stressors and their cumulative effects on Skeena River eulachon numbers, it is clear the Fisheries Act and other related government policy is not effective on its own. Therefore, I advise you, the Ts’msyen people, to acknowledge eulachon in the North Coast-Skeena First Nations Stewardship Society (NCSFNS) marine use planning and fisheries programs. The NCSFNS is appropriately positioned within the community to effectively tackle eulachon restoration and management. That is to say, the NCSFNS’ and its various partners have the potential to collaborate, thus tapping into greater resources, a broader skill base, and aligning with a diverse set of values. I conclude by suggesting, in my humble scientific opinion, that any hopes of restoring eulachon population must include: 1) Restoration of riparian areas of the Skeena River and of connected spawning streams, 2) flow mitigation and management to replicate seasonal variation and timing, and above all, 3) empower locally invested peoples, such as the yourselves, that have the ability to apply their stewardship efforts in a place-based and cultural context. These goals are ambitious, however, will ensure the most comprehensive approach for increasing the resilience of not only eulachon, but for the health and benefit of marine and freshwater ecosystems as well as revive cultural connections with this important fish species.

[1] Gustafson, R., Ford, M., Adams, P., Drake, J., Emmett, R., Fresh, K., . . . Wilson, M. (2012). Conservation status of eulachon in the california current. Fish and fisheries, 13, 121-138.

[2] Senkowsky, S. (2007). A feast to commemorate - and mourn - the eulachon. BioScience, 57(8), 720.

[3] Mitchell, D., & Donald, L. (2001). Sharing resources on teh North Pacific coast of North America: The case of the eulachon fishery. Anthropologica, 43(1), 19-35

[4] Ts’msyen Sm’algyax Authority. (2012). Sm’algyax living legacy talking dictionary. Retrieved January 14, 2014, from Ts’msyen Sm’algyax Authority: http://web.unbc.ca/~smalgyax/

[5] Sutherland, R. (2001). The oolichan fishery of Northern British Columbia. Journal of the British Columbia historical federation, 34(3), 8-13

[6] Department of Fisheries and Oceans. (2011/2012). Integrated fisheries managment plan: eulachon. Retrieved January 14, 2013, from Department of fisheries and oceans: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/343256.pdf