The Tsilhqot'in National Government has closed its steelhead fishery and relinquished its Aboriginal right to fish local steelhead due to a low return in the Chilcotin River last fall. The Chilcotin River steelhead population has declined by 80 per cent over the past three generations — only 58 steelhead returned to the river last year. Alphonse said the decision to close fisheries and ask members not to fish steelhead this year has been difficult, but necessary in order to preserve the steelhead population for future generations. PRESS RELEASE: Tsilhqot’in Nation Announces Full Closure of Steelhead Fisheries pic.twitter.com/U2q2Nj5NUV — @tsilhqotinMeanwhile, the chief said the Tsilhqot'in National Government is pressuring the B.C. "There are other things that we can be doing to strengthen the fish stocks," he said.

Source: CBC News March 25, 2018 09:00 UTC