Rebuilding Hucuktlis Lake Sockeye

For generations, małik (salmon) have supported Uchucklesaht food systems, culture, and connection to land and water.

In recent years, however, sockeye returns to the Hucuktlis watershed have fallen to historically low levels.

Now, through the Hucuktlis Lake Sockeye Assessment and Rebuilding Program, UTG is exploring long-term solutions to help rebuild the population.

Supported through a $101,000 grant from the Indigenous Stewardship Fund, the project includes lake fertilization assessments, expanded DNA sampling, fisheries monitoring, and underwater ROV spawning surveys.

Lake fertilization assessments will help determine whether increasing nutrients could improve food availability for juvenile sockeye. Expanded DNA sampling will support more responsive fisheries management. ROV surveys will help staff better observe and count returning sockeye in areas that are difficult to assess through snorkel surveys alone.

Together, the work aims to improve monitoring, reduce unintended harvest, and strengthen long-term recovery conditions for future generations.

As hišukʷ c̓awaak reminds us, healthy salmon, healthy waters, food security, culture, and future generations are all connected.

Story contributed by Nathan Bendriem, Lands & Resources Technician at UTG
Edited by Rippon Madtha