44 



stocks. However, until recently, only limited discussion of the 

 conservation problems has been possible in view of Canada's (1) 

 demand that equity issues be resolved on its terms prior to any 

 agreement on 1994 PSC management regimes and (2) insistence that 

 it receive offsetting benefits for any Canadian reduction in 

 these fisheries. 



The uneven status of North Pacific salmon resources has also 

 complicated negotiations. Relatively healthy salmon stocks mix 

 during the fishing season with declining stocks. It is difficult 

 to conduct fisheries on healthy stocks without impacting 

 depressed stocks. The U.S. listing of salmon under the 

 Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a subset of this problem. The 

 level of Canada's interceptions of ESA-listed salmon species 

 directly affects the domestic U.S. fisheries management options 

 that can be considered in ESA consultations. 



The U.S. investment in the collection of the scientific 

 information needed to address these conservation and equity 

 issues is considerable. The foremost scientific needs for 

 management of Pacific salmon stocks are documentation of stock 

 contribution to fisheries. This information is especially 

 critical for stocks of chinook and coho salmon that are harvested 

 over broad areas by multiple fisheries in both the United States 

 and Canada. The contribution rate of stocks to various fisheries 

 and the timing and distribution of the stocks in fisheries" 



