Improving CWT sampling and submission adequacy through better understanding of barriers and improved web presence

The Coded-wire tag (CWT) program is essential for estimating stock composition and fishery exploitation for Coho and Chinook salmon stocks. One of the on-going challenges with the CWT program is the return of salmon heads required to produce precise estimates of stock composition in different fisheries. Inadequate sampling rates and recovery of CWT significantly compromise the viability of indicator stock studies. As part of on-going efforts to improve the recovery of salmon heads, the Monitoring and Compliance Panel (M&C Panel) has been working with harvesters and regulators (DFO, First Nations (FN), and recreational and commercial fishers) to develop novel approaches to improve salmon-head recovery in FN and recreational fisheries.