It’s news that many thought may be coming, but no one wanted to hear.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has issued a sweeping closure for the recreational salmon fishery across the entire Skeena River watershed effective immediately.
DFO has also shut down the recreational Chinook salmon fishery across the entire Nass River watershed.
Officials say there is no retention of Chinook salmon in all rivers draining into Pacific Fishery Management Areas 1 to 6 until further notice.
Fisheries and Oceans says there may be a later recreational opening for Pink and Coho salmon on the Skeena.
Earlier this year, DFO talked with stakeholders about the possibility of a sweeping closure due to concerns over expected record low salmon returns.
