Salmon to return to numbers not seen in a century

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Good news for the B.C. fishing industry. The Pacific Salmon Commission reports this year will be the largest return of sockeye salmon to the Fraser River in almost one hundred years.

Salmon stock has been on the decline for years, but recent test catches are suggesting this year will see a heavy rebound. Nearly 25 million salmon are expected back this year, the most since 1913.

Steve Johanson with the Gulf Trollers Association says it's great news for business. "Everybody is dusting off the cobwebs. We haven't fished this much sockeye in years. It is important for people to realize that the fact fish are coming back this year is really excellent news and hopefully it is the start of many years to come where we see lots," he says.

But don't expect lower salmon prices. Johanson says he isn't anticipating a drop as he says the demand for salmon is always high.