The urgent call by W̱SÁNEĆ Hereditary Chiefs for a moratorium on commercial herring fishing in the Salish Sea has sparked widespread media attention. News outlets across British Columbia, and even nationally, are highlighting this critical plea to protect herring stocks, a keystone species essential to marine ecosystems and Indigenous lifeways.
Here’s a roundup of the significant coverage so far:
Local and Regional Support
The Times Colonist delved into the W̱SÁNEĆ Chiefs’ statement, emphasizing the ecological crisis linked to declining herring populations. The article highlighted the Chiefs’ call for federal action to safeguard this essential resource.
As the top story, CHEK News covered both sides of the debate but leaned heavily on the Chiefs’ environmental concerns. This coverage helped frame the moratorium as an urgent step toward protecting biodiversity in the region.
A Black Press Media article distributed to every household on Vancouver Island brought this issue to the forefront of local conversations. Its expansive reach helps ensure that communities are informed about the need for immediate action.
This outlet featured a deeply supportive story, underscoring the cultural and environmental importance of herring while amplifying the Chiefs’ concerns about overfishing and its impact on marine ecosystems.
Black Press papers, including Vic News and Alberni Valley News, featured the story in their regional feeds. This coverage extended the reach of the message up-island and across various communities, helping to amplify local engagement.
National Recognition
The Narwhal published a thoughtful and respectful piece, using the real names of those involved and highlighting the cultural and ecological stakes of this issue.
In a detailed and balanced article, ally Rochelle Baker explored both sides of the issue but dedicated significant space to the Chiefs’ arguments and the environmental rationale for the moratorium.
Reporter Spencer Sacht-Lund’s article appeared in both Indiginews and The Regional, reaching diverse audiences with a focus on the cultural knowledge driving the Chiefs’ advocacy.
Sourced from CHEK News, this coverage offered a concise summary of the Chiefs’ call, ensuring broader accessibility for readers nationwide.
Why This Matters
Herring are central to the health of the Salish Sea, serving as a critical food source for species such as salmon, seabirds, and marine mammals. Indigenous communities, whose cultural and ecological practices are deeply tied to the sea, are taking a stand to ensure the survival of this vital species.
This growing media attention is a testament to the importance of this issue and the strength of the W̱SÁNEĆ Chiefs’ leadership in advocating for sustainable fisheries.
What You Can Do
The Herring Conservation and Restoration Society (HCRS) is at the forefront of protecting and restoring herring populations in the Salish Sea. By donating, you can directly contribute to efforts that safeguard this essential species and the ecosystems and communities that rely on it.
Your support helps:
• Advocate for policy changes, such as the herring moratorium.
• Fund critical scientific research on herring populations.
• Restore habitats vital to the survival of herring and other marine life.
Donate today to make a difference:




Photos by Alex Harris / Herring Conservation and Restoration Society
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