Prioritizing conservation actions for Pacific salmon in Canada

• DOI: 10.1101/2020.02.03.931691
• Publication Date: 2020-02-04T21:35:23Z
• Authors: Jessica C. Walsh; Katrina Connors; Eric Hertz; Laura Kehoe; Tara G. Martin; Brendan Connors; Michael J. Bradford; Cameron Freshwater; Alejandro Frid; Jessica Halverson; Jonathan W. Moore; Michael H.H. Price; John D. Reynolds
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; Ecology; 13. Climate action; 14. Life underwater; 16. Peace & justice; 2303 Ecology; 01 natural sciences; 333

Abstract Current investment in conservation is insufficient to adequately protect and recover all ecosystems species. The challenge of allocating limited funds acute for Pacific salmon ( Oncorhynchus spp.) Canada, which lack a strategic approach ensure that resources are spent on actions would cost-effectively diminished populations. We applied the Priority Threat Management framework prioritize strategies most likely maximize number thriving populations Central Coast British Columbia, Canada. These included 79 genetically, ecologically spatially distinct population groups called Conservation Units (CUs) five This region has high biodiversity spans territories four First Nations: Heiltsuk, Nuxalk, Kitasoo/Xai’xais Wuikinuxv. Using structured expert elicitation Indigenous other experts, we quantified estimated benefits, costs feasibility implementing 10 strategies. Under business-as-usual scenario (i.e., no additional investments or management), experts predicted only one CUs have >50% chance achieving status within 20 years. Limiting future industrial development, was safeguard from declines, identified as cost-effective strategy. Investment three strategies: 1) removal artificial barriers fish migration, 2) watershed protection, 3) stream restoration – at 11.3M CAD per year result nearly half (34 79) having >60% meeting objective. If were implemented, probability 78 CUs, an annual cost 17.3M CAD. However, even with implementation strategies, sockeye unlikely achieve higher targets reaching Policy implications : illustrate how can incorporate perspectives expertise peoples evaluate based their cost, benefit feasibility. Timely outlined this assessment could help