A New Approach to Tracking the Next Generation of Salmon in the Kispiox Watershed
Adult salmon are currently counted using an enumeration fence on Stephens Creek, but little is known about young salmon (smolts) leaving the creek towards the ocean. This key data gap makes it difficult to track survival, predict future runs or understand how changing water conditions affect salmon in headwater systems. Strengthening knowledge at this life stage is essential for supporting recovery of salmon populations in the Kispiox watershed.
Drone-derived Orthophotography of Stephen’s Adult Weir. (Photo Credit: Gitksan / Gitksan Watershed Authorities)
Advancing a New Use of Existing Infrastructure
To address this gap, Gitksan Nation received multi-year funding from the Indigenous Stewardship Fund (ISF) to lead an innovative monitoring program. The project transforms an existing adult salmon fence into a hybrid young salmon monitoring station that combines AI-assisted camera technology with manual validation to ensure accurate counts.
The transformation includes:
- Adapting the existing fence with finer mesh to retain young salmon as they move downstream;
- Repositioning cameras and installing additional viewing systems to improve monitoring;
- Adding a funnel-shaped entry to guide young salmon through the system for counting;
- Connecting the system to a holding box (live box in the diagram below) for manual validation and basic measurements.
Stephens Creek smolt camera weir and monitoring setup. (Photo Credit: Gitksan / Gitksan Watershed Authorities)
Closing Data Gaps, Supporting Long-Term Stewardship
By implementing this new system, the Gitksan Watershed Authorities will collect critical information on the number of young salmon moving downstream, the timing of their migration, their overall condition and how they respond to climate-related pressures. This work will strengthen monitoring capacity and support long-term fisheries management, restoration planning and climate resilience across Gitksan Territory.
The Indigenous Stewardship Fund (ISF) works in close partnership with the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC), which serves as a frontline organization for collaboration with First Nations across British Columbia. FNFC leads relationship-building and engagement with more than 200 First Nations across the province, listening to and identifying Nations’ interests, priorities and perspectives. ISF complements this work by serving as the funding mechanism that helps turn those relationships and priorities into action. Together, FNFC and ISF ensure that the leadership, needs and priorities of BC First Nations are met with flexible and accessible resources that support Indigenous-led stewardship, habitat protection and long-term environmental resilience.
