Independent research led by the Babine River Foundation documents the economic value of wild Skeena steelhead and the threats they face at sea.
A new independent study led by the Babine River Foundation shows that recreational steelhead angling in the Skeena watershed contributes approximately $33 million in annual economic output, $16 million in GDP, and 291 full-time equivalent jobs across British Columbia. Guided angling accounts for roughly 80 percent of that contribution, and every steelhead caught and released by a guided angler generates roughly $3,500 in economic output.
Most of that value stays in Northern British Columbia. The fishery generates approximately $23 million in regional economic output and supports 231 jobs in the North Coast-Nechako region, benefiting guides, lodges, restaurants, accommodations, retailers, transportation providers, and other local businesses.
Fall steelhead water in British Columbia's Skeena country · Photo by Christie Fitzpatrick
Photo Credit: Christie Fitzpatrick
The study also examines the ocean-based pressures affecting Skeena steelhead. Commercial fisheries in Southeast Alaska and Canadian waters were estimated to have intercepted approximately 3,900 Skeena steelhead in 2023 and 10,800 in 2024. The report also identifies a concerning pattern between exceptionally high odd-year pink salmon abundance and lower odd-year Skeena steelhead returns.
As TCA President and fisheries scientist John McMillan said in the press release:
"That pattern does not prove that pink salmon are the sole cause of reduced steelhead survival, but it is a warning. The potential effects of industrial-scale pink salmon ocean ranching require independent scientific evaluation and serious international attention."
Fall steelhead water in British Columbia's Skeena country · Photo by Christie Fitzpatrick
This report gives us something we have not had before: hard economic evidence that a thriving, catch and release wild steelhead fishery delivers exceptional economic value while having minimal biological impact, a ratio that industrial activities threatening steelhead simply cannot match.
We are proud to have contributed to this report alongside Native Fish Society, Upper Skeena Angling Guides Association, and Tourism Smithers. The independent research was conducted by Big River Analytics.
Thank you for supporting wild steelhead and the communities that depend on them.
The Conservation Angler