The Pacific Salmon Treaty

In March, 1985 the United States and Canada agreed to cooperate in the management, research and enhancement of Pacific salmon stocks of mutual concern by ratifying the Pacific Salmon Treaty.

The arrangements and institutions established in 1985 proved effective in the early years of the Treaty but became outmoded after 1992 when the original fishing arrangements expired.

From 1992 to 1998, Canada and the United States were not able to reach agreement on comprehensive, coast-wide fisheries arrangements. In 1999 government-to-government negotiations culminated in the successful renewal of long-term fishing arrangements under the Pacific Salmon Treaty.

Since that time, the Parties have negotiated and implemented new fishing regimes on agreed schedules. In 2009, a new agreement for the conservation and harvest sharing of salmon outside the Fraser and Yukon systems went into effect for 10 years. On May 3, 2019, the Parties implemented a new 10-year agreement for these fisheries that is now in force through 2028. The Fraser River chapter was renewed effective January 1, 2020 through 2028.  All treaty provisions currently in effect are posted below. For more information on Yukon River fisheries, please visit: https://www.psc.org/about-us/structure/panels/yukon-river/.