Salmon Symposium 2017 - Turning the Tide

In November 2017, Fish & Game hosted a landmark two-day symposium in Ashburton to address growing concerns over the declining wild Chinook salmon fishery in the South Island. 

Chinook salmon—also known as Quinnat, King, or simply sea-run salmon—have long been a prized sportfish in regions such as the West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, and Marlborough. By 2017, however, alarm bells were ringing. Anglers and experts alike were noticing troubling declines in returning fish numbers, prompting urgent calls for action. 

The symposium brought together anglers, scientists, stakeholders, and Fish & Game representatives to explore potential causes and discuss solutions. While many theories had been floated—ranging from habitat loss to ocean conditions—no single cause had been clearly identified. The goal of the symposium was to pool knowledge, share experiences, and lay the groundwork for a united response to the fishery’s challenges. 

Organised jointly by the Central South Island and North Canterbury Fish & Game regions, the event was designed to give anglers a platform to contribute their firsthand insights. Their local knowledge and long-term observations were seen as critical pieces of the puzzle. 

Held at the Hotel Ashburton on the weekend of November 11–12, the 2017 Wild Salmon Symposium marked an important moment of collective effort and commitment to safeguarding the future of wild salmon in the South Island.