Discover the diversity of the Yukon’s fish species, keep up to date on the latest research, and learn how Yukon First Nations and our partners are working together to ensure healthy ecosystems and aquatic resources through traditional ecological knowledge and western science.
Our Mandate
The Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee (YSSC) is created under Chapter 16 of the UFA. Specifically, section 16.7.17 establishes the YSSC as a Sub-Committee of the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board and is the “main instrument of Salmon management in the Yukon”.
The Umbrella Final Agreement (UFA) is a landmark framework agreement signed in 1993 that laid the foundation for the negotiation and implementation of comprehensive land claim settlements between the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon, and Yukon First Nations. It sets out the overarching principles, rights, and responsibilities that guide the negotiation and execution of individual Yukon First Nations Final Agreements.
Building on the UFA, the Yukon First Nations Final Agreements are legally binding treaties between individual Yukon First Nations, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Yukon. These agreements outline specific rights and benefits unique to each First Nation while adhering to the principles established in the UFA.
Our Mission
The goal of the Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee is to preserve salmon stocks in the Yukon Territory in order to maintain this vital part of the Yukon ecosystem, economy and lifestyle. The Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee meets throughout the year to study, discuss and make recommendations considering vital salmon stocks in the Yukon.
In order to achieve its mission the Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee may make recommendations to affected Ministers and Yukon First Nations on:
- Managing salmon and their habitats;
- When and what type of salmon harvesting management plans should be created;
- How salmon should be allocated (both in amount and by area);
- The need for, and details of agreements between jurisdictions about Yukon salmon resources;
- Management measures that ensure the basic needs of a Yukon First Nation are met.
We also aim to gather feedback from councils and the public on all matters related to salmon.
Members of the YSSC form the majority of the Canadian representatives of the Yukon River Panel, which is the body formed by the Governments of Canada and the United States to implement the Yukon River Salmon Agreement.
Our Ongoing Efforts
The Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee (YSSC) is a dedicated body focused on the conservation and sustainable management of salmon stocks in the Yukon River watershed. Operating under the Umbrella Final Agreement, the YSSC serves as an advisory and planning organization, working with a number of governments and organizations on restoration and enhancement projects, research, and outreach.
Our Strategic Plan
In 2017, the YSSC started on the development of a strategic plan with a two-day workshop involving the Parties of the YFNFA. Past YSSC members were interviewed to highlight successes and challenges. These meetings resulted in the creation of a long list of items that were concentrated into one strategic objective and seven strategic activities to guide the YSSC over the next five years (2020 to 2025). The strategic plan will be continually evaluated and updated.
Yukon River Panel Pre-Season Meetings
The Yukon River Panel 2025 Pre-Season Meeting will take place in-person in Dawson City, YT between Monday, April 7 and Thursday, April 10, 2025. More information and the detailed agenda will be posted to the Yukon River Panel’s website in advance of the meeting date.
The meetings will discuss Pre-season run outlooks and escapement projects, Restoration & Enhancement (R&E) fund proposals, and research and educational presentations.
A live stream of the panel meetings can be found here: Yukon River Panel - YouTube
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Reach Out!
If you have any questions, please contact us at ex.dir@yssc.ca or submit a contact form.
Newsletter
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